A fine job, razing clans and seizing fortunes; supplicating the Heavenly Book to ask the hour of death

Xu Yan had just entered the hall and was about to step forward to report when Sui Liushu waved a hand and said:

"Don't spoil the mood! Come, come, sit down and have a drink with your master! This is Body-Burning Wine that Brother Yang specially had someone buy from Dangyin Ridge!

Back when I was there, I used to take a couple of swigs whenever I pleased. It really put some fire in me!"

Brother Yang?

Xu Yan's eyelid twitched. Had Yang Xun not been sitting right beside them, he would truly have grabbed his master and demanded an answer.

You're raising Dao Ginseng here!

Why does it look as though you're about to become sworn brothers?

Xu Yan gave two light coughs and stepped forward.

"Master, something has happened down the mountain..."

The smile on Sui Liushu's face stiffened slightly, and he set down his chopsticks.

"There are no outsiders here. Speak plainly. How many years has Brother Yang worked diligently for the Qianji Sect? He's a loyal old hand!"

Xu Yan secretly gritted his teeth, utterly baffled. Had his master lost his mind?

Could Yang Xun have instead used Ding Fire to stir his hidden thoughts?

"I can't hold my liquor, so I won't disturb you any longer. Elder Sui, Senior Brother Xu, please take your time."

Yang Xun chuckled and started to rise and take his leave, only for Sui Liushu to reach out and press him back down.

"It's fine, it's fine, Brother Yang. We're just getting into the swing of things. Don't let this good-for-nothing disciple of mine interrupt us."

Helpless, and knowing his master's temperament, Xu Yan could only cup his hands and say:

"According to intelligence submitted by the Lower Courtyard, several Clans near Lujiang have been getting restless. They've colluded with