The Interception Sect disciples had no way of knowing what was happening in the Exposition Sect and the Western Sect.
Duobao's attention, meanwhile, was fixed entirely on Liu Mang and Yun Xiao.
Ever since he learned that Yun Xiao had become a Quasi-Saint, Duobao had been under immense pressure. As a direct disciple, he had fallen behind an Outer Disciple in cultivation.
For a while, he had even felt that every Interception Sect disciple who looked at him did so with mockery and contempt.
Even casual laughter between his junior brothers and sisters sounded like ridicule to him. They could be chatting about nothing in particular, and he would still wonder if they were talking about him behind his back.
Fortunately, Liu Mang had noticed something was wrong early on. No one knew what the two had discussed, but Duobao had returned looking relieved. If anything, the look he gave Liu Mang was full of sympathy.
Duobao walked over to Yun Xiao and Liu Mang and greeted them sincerely.
"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Liu Mang, Junior Sister Yun Xiao."
Liu Mang smiled. "Congratulations on becoming a Quasi-Saint, Fellow Daoist Duobao!"
"I'm the one who should thank you, Fellow Daoist Liu Mang. Without the plans you made for us, who knows how many years of bitter cultivation it would have taken me to reach the Quasi-Saint realm?"
"Especially..."
Duobao stopped halfway, suddenly remembering Yun Xiao was right beside them. He hurriedly changed course. "Anyway, thank you. That's what I'm trying to say."
"Ah, the feeling's mutual."
Yun Xiao stared at them, utterly baffled. She had no idea what the two were talking around.
"Eldest Senior Brother, what shady business did you and Liu Mang get up to behind my back?"
Yun Xiao narrowed her eyes, a dangerous glint in them. "I'm warning