He had been glum the entire way. If this went on, when would he ever have a chance to inquire about Xing Yun and the others? Still, nothing was absolute. Perhaps a chance would turn up through some fortunate coincidence. Comforting himself with this thought, Mu Bai led the group to Orchid Fragrance Valley.
True to its name, the valley was planted throughout with fragrant orchids. Its disciples were all women, each like a secluded orchid untouched by worldly dust, elegant in bearing and courteous in manner. For Mu Bai, this was his first visit, but for Xuan Jingnian, whose identity he had assumed, it was a return to familiar ground.
"We respectfully welcome the envoys of the superior sect!"
Mu Bai and the others arrived aboard a Kun Disk unique to the Kunling Sect. Light shimmered over it as it drew on the earth's power for Flight through the Sky. Before it had even come to a steady halt, a richly dressed noblewoman led a group of young women from the valley to welcome them with bows.
Xuan Jingnian did not recognize this woman either, so Mu Bai simply stepped off the Kun Disk, the thirteen junior brothers and sisters behind him hurrying to follow.
"I have heard that Envoy Xuan possesses extraordinary youthful charms. Now that I have seen you today, I only wish I were a hundred years younger, so I might have the good fortune to attend to you..."
The woman was stately and splendidly dressed, her eyes rippling with affection. Several of the hot-blooded young male disciples watched her, their minds leaping like monkeys and their thoughts galloping like horses.
Mu Bai raised an eyebrow with a cold smile, flicked open his folding fan, and strode forward. The woman glanced back meaningfully, and the dozens