"Go meet them, understand them, conquer them!"
Xiao True Person spoke each word distinctly. "Jinxiu's history needs to be made by the people of Jinxiu. That is what I require of you. As for what ultimately happens to the Anhe Daoist Sect, that is unimportant!"
Hou Niao stayed at Anhe Palace as a nominal Anhe disciple, even though everyone knew he was not one.
The cultivators of Northern Anhe regarded him warmly, while those of Southern Anhe regarded him with complicated feelings, fearing his identity yet hating his stance.
They were as distinct as the Jing and Wei rivers, divided by a chasm.
He had no interest in engineering a chance encounter. It was too false. They were all little foxes; there was no point in playing those hollow games. Once he learned where these Upper Realm Visitors were staying, he went straight there.
Anshen Hall ranked among the principal halls even within Anhe Palace. Primarily used for meditation and repose, it was where Anhe Daoists contemplated in silence. Since these envoys from the Upper Realm arrived, it had been set aside as one of their residences. It was a thoroughly proper location, befitting the Taiqing Sect's position as leader of the assembled sects.
Hou Niao could not be bothered to announce himself or request admission. He simply barged in. Deep within the great hall, a Daoist was practicing breathing exercises. He ignored Hou Niao and only opened his eyes after completing a cycle.
"When will your Sword Lineage truly learn etiquette? Do not enter without permission, do not listen without invitation, do not look upon what is improper... Is that so difficult? Harder than learning the sword?"
Hou Niao surveyed the hall's furnishings, casually taking an ornament from the wall to toy with as he replied offhandedly,
"Very difficult!