The night was deep. Suddenly, the cries of apes rang out among the cliffs, then fell silent a moment later, as though something had startled them.
Gu Qing and the youth surnamed Yuan came out of the cave abode. They were startled to see the figure approaching along the mountain path, especially Gu Qing.
The man wore a blue cloth sword robe that looked like ink in the darkness, yet gave no impression of being dirty. It was exceedingly clean.
What was Guo Nanshan doing on Divine End Peak in the dead of night? Had he refused to accept being injured during the day and come to make trouble?
Gu Qing had served as Guo Nanshan's Sword Attendant for many years. Now, meeting his former master on Divine End Peak, he could not help looking somewhat awkward. He bowed with clasped hands without speaking.
Jing Jiu sat in the bamboo chair, paying him no attention, much less rising.
In terms of seniority, he was Guo Nanshan's martial uncle, so this was perfectly normal.
But Guo Nanshan was the sect master's foremost disciple and held a special position. Whichever peak he visited, its Peak Master would grant him a seat. When had he ever been treated like this?
He showed no reaction, however, and sat down on a large rock beside the cliff on his own.
The youth surnamed Yuan glanced nervously at Gu Qing, asking with his eyes whether they should make tea for their guest.
Gu Qing remained where he was, unmoving.
A moment earlier, at the sight of Guo Nanshan, he had instinctively prepared to go to the cliffside and make tea.
He had grown accustomed to doing such things back on Twofold Forgetting Peak.
He knew that Guo Nanshan liked cheap jasmine tea best, but preferred a