An azure streak of light passed through the clouds, sweeping past one suspended peak after another.
At last, it landed before the enormous stone gateway.
Hundreds of years ago, when he had still been Wang Tong, he had visited this place.
Xu Xuan withdrew his flight light, his azure robes fluttering slightly as he set foot on solid ground.
The Azure Wood Sect's entrance was still abundant with spiritual energy.
Clouds and mist wreathed it, waterfalls streamed like white silk, and immortal cranes cried clearly. The scenery remained unchanged.
Yet Xu Xuan could vaguely sense something.
Beneath this seemingly peaceful air of an immortal sanctuary, an inexplicable tension faintly lurked.
The disciples coming and going still observed proper etiquette, just as before.
But when their gazes crossed, they lacked some of the composure that disciples of an immortal sect ought to possess.
In its place was a faint trace of calculation.
"It seems the Azure Wood Sect hasn't gained much of an advantage in its struggle against the Profound Sword Gate."
Over the years, Xu Xuan had stayed far from the heart of the battlefield, cultivating quietly.
Only upon returning to the Azure Wood Sect did he discover how greatly everything had changed from hundreds of years ago.
Suppressing the odd feeling in his heart, Xu Xuan followed his memories to the Steward Hall.
His status was now beyond the ordinary.
The disciple on duty inside saw him enter.
He froze briefly, then immediately turned solemn and respectfully stepped forward.
He swiftly completed the handover procedures for Xu Xuan.
The sect contribution points for thirty years of guard duty were transferred to his identity jade token.
The amount was considerable, enough to exchange for several rare pills or superior cultivation methods.
Xu Xuan placed little value on these things.
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