The stone chamber was silent as the grave.
Cheng Shilu lay submerged in the pool, utterly motionless. Wisps of steam drifted over the water, and his bronze skin had turned a damp red, as though he had been soaking in boiling water.
Thud, thud, thud...
Footsteps and knocking sounded outside.
"Master? Master? Something's happened..."
Splash-
Anger appeared on Cheng Shilu's face. He flipped upright, swiftly put on his robes, and went into the study outside the stone chamber, cursing.
"What are you wailing about in the middle of the night? Did your father die?"
"Master, someone from the Red Flower House is here. Ye Silang."
?!
Cheng Shilu's angry expression froze. He rubbed his bald head.
"What's he doing at Iron Buddha Ridge? The Embrace Origin Gate is in Guangji. Is he planning to put me under the knife?"
"I don't know! Ye Silang is waiting in the main hall. Please hurry over, Master..."
The Red Flower House was a mighty establishment in the martial world, far larger than Iron Buddha Ridge. At most, Iron Buddha Ridge could compare to one of its individual branches.
But the Red Flower House was too scattered. Cheng Shilu had the Imperial Court behind him and powerful connections. Here in Yunzhou, beneath the emperor's feet, he was not particularly afraid of the Red Flower House.
Unable to fathom his visitor's intentions, Cheng Shilu thought for a moment, picked up his long-handled bronze hammer, and went outside. He handed it to the steward, then headed for the manor's main hall.
The silvery moonlight fell like frost over the elegantly landscaped manor.
Outside the spacious main hall stood a dozen or so Iron Buddha Ridge disciples, holding torches. Their expressions were somewhat tense, but none dared act rashly. They silently awaited their sect master's arrival.
No