Immediately afterward.
A thin old man with snowy hair and beard strode into the room.
He wore the robes of the Golden Virtue Institute's head and still held a cultivation manual he had yet to put away.
He first glanced at Zhou Yan, then turned his gaze to Ye Li and bowed courteously.
"I am Chen Shouyi, head of the Golden Virtue Institute."
"Greetings, esteemed immortals of the Supreme Clarity Palace."
An apologetic look crossed the old man's face.
"I was explaining a cultivation method to my students in the classroom just now."
"When I heard you had arrived, I hurried over immediately."
"I was delayed briefly on the way. Please forgive me, my lord."
"It's all right," Ye Li replied politely.
"Teaching comes first."
Chen Shouyi's smile deepened slightly. "Thank you for your understanding, Palace Heir."
"I have already had refreshments prepared. Since you have traveled so far, why not rest here a while?"
"Once the banquet is over, I can show you around the institute."
"No need."
Ye Li pushed away the teacup offered to him and refused outright.
"I only came to ask two questions."
"Once I have my answers, I'll leave."
The smile on Chen Shouyi's face stiffened briefly before returning to normal. He exhaled.
"Since you are busy with official duties, Palace Heir, we shall do as you wish."
As he spoke, he turned to the two students accompanying him.
"All of you, leave."
"No one is to approach this place without my permission."
"Yes."
The students bowed and left one after another.
The Mansion Gate closed behind them.
Chen Shouyi looked back at Ye Li and asked of his own accord.
"My lord, have you come to investigate the Alliance Association cultivators who disappeared a few days ago?"
"That's only part of it."
Ye