"Hahahaha..." Pei Ye laughed, only then realizing the warmth and tenderness he had inadvertently let slip into his words. His face grew a little hot. "That's not what I meant-tell me the news first. Does Seven Flood Dragon Cave have anyone with one eye?"
"The one-eyed man in Seven Flood Dragon Cave? Isn't that Meng Chuyuan, the [Three-Armed Flood Dragon]?" Zhang Dingyun rolled his eyes. "How does that count as news? You couldn't find a second person in this entire hall who doesn't know that."
"What's his cultivation?" Pei Ye, that singular exception, asked humbly.
"Master of Eagle Ravine Cave, the first of the Seven Flood Dragons' caves. A renowned veteran of eighth growth, someone who ranks in Bowang Jianghu's top five no matter how you count them," Zhang Dingyun said. "He still hasn't found a disciple he's satisfied with. Why not try a different approach?"
But at those words, Pei Ye no longer looked as though he was joking. His expression grew slightly grave. "I've heard White Bamboo Pavilion has two seniors, [Green-Purple Bamboo]. How do they compare?"
"...Hard to say. You'd have to see them fight to know who's stronger." Zhang Dingyun frowned. "But generally... everyone still thinks Meng Chuyuan has the edge."
"...All right. Got it."
"Enough of that. I swiped some fine tea from Moon-Catching Tower this morning. Want to try it together?"
"No." Pei Ye flexed his shoulders and elbows, then held his sword upright. "I'm going to practice the Sword Dao. Go enjoy the lovely autumn weather yourself."
"...All right."
It was no excuse. Pei Ye really did practice his swordsmanship.
This was how he filled the time while waiting. Of course, he was not wholly absorbed, for the boy's mind was still occupied with the information he had received today.
Relying on