Wu Weijiang walked over with his two dao companions. Given his status, it would have been one thing if he had not run into Hou Niao, but pretending not to see him now would have been beneath his dignity. The Prince's Manor thought little of a shipload of goods on the Lizhi Sea, but the debt of gratitude left him deeply uncomfortable.
With his temperament, he would rather have lost that shipload of goods than owed this particular man such a favor. It was not that he adored the Dugu Sisters so much; it was simply his nature. According to the investigation into the sisters before they became his dao companions, the two of them had been rather interested in Hou Niao.
He disliked that feeling.
He strode forward with his head held high, radiating authority. Such an imposing presence needed cultivating; it was the natural outward expression of having long stood above others.
"Wu Weijiang. Thank you, junior brother, for your righteous assistance on the Lizhi Sea. I have been occupied with cultivation lately and did not know you had come to the Jade Capital. Please forgive any lapse in courtesy."
Hou Niao returned his greeting. "There is no need to stand on ceremony, senior brother. It was merely something I did in passing. As you know, I was on assignment in the Lizhi Sea."
Wu Weijiang studied him closely. He did not consider this man a rival. His competitors were the other True Disciples; this man's standing was still far below that level.
The Prince's Manor naturally knew that Hou Niao had come to the capital to report on his duties. Such news could not be concealed from them. Their failure to come and thank him was simply one of a great lineage's political maneuvers.
If he had