After a while, the five elders following behind caught up as well. The elder surnamed Yang, who led them, bowed to Ke Meili and apologized. "Sect Leader, our cultivation was insufficient, and we arrived late. Please forgive us. Thankfully, Ling'er is safe."
"You're not to blame! We owe Elder Li a great deal this time. Otherwise, Ling'er and the others would have been in danger. Come and meet Li Dalong. Elder Li will be a Guest Elder of our sect from now on." Ke Meili solemnly introduced Li Dalong to the elders.
The elders all cupped their hands in greeting to Li Dalong.
Elder Yang smiled at Li Dalong and said, "Elder Li, it is truly our sect's good fortune that you were able to save Ling'er and the others."
Li Dalong replied modestly, "You flatter me, Elder. I simply happened to be there and did what I could. I am honored that the Sect Leader holds me in such regard and that I can contribute to the sect."
Another elder, named Wang, smiled and said, "Elder Li, we greatly admire your strength and courage. We believe that with you in our sect, we will certainly grow stronger."
Li Dalong nodded and said gratefully, "You elders praise me too highly. I will certainly do my best and contribute what I can to the sect's growth."
"All right, let's stop exchanging courtesies here. Lest a long night bring more troubled dreams, we should leave first and talk once we return to the sect." Seeing them exchanging pleasantries, Ke Meili interrupted their conversation.
"As you command, Sect Leader!" Seeing that the Sect Leader had spoken, they answered in unison.
During this interval, Lin Wan'er also finished clearing the battlefield. As for the two male disciples who had detonated themselves, she recovered only