The next day, Yunling County.
At noon, atop Yunling Mountain outside the county town, Nangong Ye stood in a black dress and Veil Hat, the Sword Case upright beside her, studying a valley below.
Flanking her were Zhang Guan, the superintendent of Purple Emblem Mountain, and Li Jing of the Academy.
Zhang Guan was Nangong Ye's senior brother. He normally handled Purple Emblem Mountain's internal affairs, and his cultivation was slightly lower than hers.
Li Jing needed no introduction: the vice principal of Danyang Academy who had been forced to sell himself into service, a veteran sword master of Dan Prefecture.
At that moment, Li Jing stood beneath a tree with his hands behind his back, holding his Worn Sword, the Brocade Flood Dragon, looking somewhat puzzled.
"Even if the person coming really is a half-step transcendent-grade expert, Sect Leader Nangong could slaughter them with all her Immortal Artifacts. Why call this old man here to lend a hand?"
As Purple Emblem Mountain's deputy sect leader, Zhang Guan knew that their sect leader's strength could not keep up with her intentions, and replied:
"I was the one who wanted an opportunity to hone my skills, but I might not be a match for them alone, so I invited you to assist me, Elder Li. When the time comes, the two of us can handle the fighting, while the sect leader oversees things from the rear."
As an overworked, underpaid vice principal at the Academy, Li Jing had little time to travel around fighting. Zhang Guan's explanation actually tempted him a little.
"Daoist Zhang, your skills excel at dealing with ghost cultivators. If we encounter a half-step transcendent-grade body cultivator, this old man will take the lead. Hmm... I shall do my utmost. Unless death is certain, Sect Leader Nangong need