Three months later, in southern Chen Prefecture.
Guanzhao Prefecture lay near the border between the Qi Kingdom and the Chu Kingdom.
Two groups of cultivators stood on a barren hill outside the city. One had come out of the city, while the other was about to enter.
All wore the Daoist robes of Dongyuan Sect disciples. A chill wind swept through the barren hills, setting their sleeves fluttering.
The leader of the departing group cupped his hands and bowed. "Elder Yu, thank you for your efforts on the journey."
The cultivator addressed as Elder Yu wore a solemn expression, commanding respect without anger, his hands clasped behind his back.
Hearing this, he nodded and said:
"Elder Yang and our fellow disciples have been stationed here for half a year. You are the ones who have had it hard."
Though both groups consisted of Dongyuan Sect disciples, they included men and women, young and old, from both the inner and outer sects.
Most of the departing disciples looked pleased.
Those behind Elder Yu, however, were in no mood for idle conversation. Every one of them remained silent, quietly listening to the two elders exchange greetings.
One disciple had delicate features and wore an inner sect disciple's robes, with a long, dark-blue case strapped to his back.
Unlike the listless cultivators around him with their eyes lowered, his expression was calm, a hint of sharpness lurking in his eyes.
From the barren hill, he gazed toward Changping Commandery City not far away.
The youth was none other than Song Yan.
The sect had issued a summons some days earlier. As a disciple who had recently reached the late Qi Refining stage, he had naturally joined this contingent assigned to garrison Changping.
Although both group leaders were elders, the elder leading those