Under Song Yan's burning gaze, embarrassment and helplessness surfaced on Shao Sichao's face, and his eyes grew somewhat evasive.
"Haha, Senior Brother Song, well..."
He laughed awkwardly. "It's a long story, and there are things that aren't convenient to discuss."
"Enough about me. Look at you-you've transformed into a True Disciple of Jun Mountain!"
"Ah, speaking of which, I haven't even had time to pay my respects, yet you came looking for me first, Senior Brother Song. How discourteous of me."
"How have our fellow disciples in the Dongyuan Sect been lately?"
Shao Sichao had clearly decided to deflect Song Yan's questions, showing no intention of telling him anything.
"Back in the Dongyuan Sect, it was reasonable enough for you to call me senior brother. With your current cultivation, I'm afraid it's no longer appropriate," Song Yan said, shaking his head slightly.
Although Shao Sichao had revealed little of his presence, the Void-Viewing Sword Eye's observations and judgment made it easy to deduce that he was now a Golden Core middle-stage cultivator.
Shao Sichao waved his hands repeatedly. "I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare."
"So you didn't die at the hands of the Demonic Path back then, but encountered another opportunity and joined the Pill Sect?" Song Yan still felt there was something suspicious about this man. Shao Sichao's bitter smile deepened as he answered vaguely, "A fortunate coincidence. Just a fortunate coincidence."
"Senior Brother Song, everything in the past is just clouds passing before our eyes. I'm now True Person Xinglin of the Pill Sect. My former identity... is best left unmentioned."
"We knew each other once, and our old friendship remains. If you ever need pills, just come find me at the Pill Sect."
He cupped his hands, adopting a humble stance. His words were sincere, yet watertight.