Four black dots slowly took shape in the sky. They were the four travelers from the Northern Lands.
Yan Baiyi and Yin Qingsi led the way, with Yan Ziyi and Yin Zhilong following slowly behind.
Yan Baiyi spoke in a low voice. "We are the Yan brother and sister and the Yin sister and brother, from the Yanmen Great Banner of the Northern Lands and Northwest Qinmen Mohe. We happened to be traveling through and were astonished by your swordsmanship, fellow Daoist, so we came to meet you. We merely wished to make your acquaintance and had no other intentions."
Hou Niao's heart stirred. He had long heard of these two great sects of the Northern Lands, both among the foremost powers of the great nations on the Brocade Continent. Naturally, he had no wish to make enemies in passing for no reason.
"A paltry trick, hardly worthy of an expert's discerning eye. Hou Niao and Fang Yazi of Shanmen greet you, fellow Daoists."
After they exchanged a few pleasantries, Yan Baiyi explained, "I came uninvited, and these words may run too deep for so slight an acquaintance. This concerns your Daoist heritage, and I should not speculate without grounds. But some words stick like a fishbone in my throat, and I cannot help asking. With no other recourse, I venture to speak."
Hou Niao waved a hand. "Please go ahead. I will answer what I should. What I should not say, you will not learn by asking. Please understand."
Yan Baiyi smiled. "As it should be. Here is the matter: there is a Shi Clan Golden Bloodline in the Northern Grasslands. Have you heard of them, fellow Daoist?"
Hou Niao understood at once. "I have. I see what you mean. But what I must tell you is that, while