One day, outside a side hall in the Luo River Goddess Palace.
Someone came flying hurriedly through the clouds. A sharp-eyed duty disciple promptly went to greet him.
"Elder Yuan, the honored guest you mentioned is already waiting in the hall."
The newcomer was Yuan Sidu, a Nascent Soul elder of the Luo River Goddess Palace who held considerable standing there.
He merely nodded at this, never slowing his steps as he headed straight toward the side hall.
A young man was already seated inside, leaning casually against the back of his chair with one hand resting on the armrest. Though a guest, he looked perfectly at ease.
Two Daoists stood in attendance behind him, one on either side.
Both kept their eyes lowered, their faces expressionless, like two clay statues.
By the time Yuan Sidu stepped over the threshold, a smile had appeared on his face.
"Your Highness, what brings you to the Eastern Sea in person?"
He approached as he spoke, his tone just warm enough without becoming obsequious.
This young man was none other than the Sixteenth Prince, Li Lin.
He smiled faintly. "The Eastern Sea has been quite lively these past few years. I came out for a stroll to clear my head."
Yuan Sidu exchanged polite greetings as he took his seat.
An attendant disciple had already served Spirit Tea. Wisps of steam rose, forming a thin veil of white mist between the two.
Li Lin took several Jade Slips from his sleeve, arranged them on the small wooden tray before him, then gently pushed it toward Yuan Sidu.
"Elder Yuan, you certainly put considerable thought into finding these Jade Slips for me."
"Unfortunately," Li Lin said, "most of these leads overlap with what the Gongsu Clan already knows."
"Heh, if the Luo River Goddess