"Senior, are you going to meet the sect leader?" A glint flashed past Feng Zhi's eyes, evident relief within them. He nodded his head vigorously. "All right! The sect leader is in the main palace discussing matters with the elders, senior please follow me."
"Senior Si..." Zan Zichen hesitated.
"Don't worry, it'll be fine!" She tapped her chest in confidence, knowing that everyone here had an ability had reassured her. "The situation has to be resolved. If they aren't reasonable, I'll be sure to bring you out. I'm sure no situation can be worse than this."
He clenched his teeth and his hands formed into first, but after a short while, he nodded. "All right! I believe you, senior."
He was a sincere kid in the end.
Yao Si followed the disciple that was thoroughly burnt, heading behind the stone wall.
After she entered, she realized there was a long stretch of staircase that led to the skies, so high it was impossible to see its end. She couldn't gauge the distance.
Are we… going to climb this? Will it kill me...
She didn't have a choice. After a deep breath, she took a step. Suddenly, a bright light shone from beneath her, and the scene in front of her changed. The next moment, she was on a balcony, the surroundings covered with clouds, a large palace ahead.
It was a teleporting staircase! She recalled the drawing at the dispatch area after she had registered and breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, she hadn't been brought to the wrong place this time.
"Senior, please!" Geng Zhi pointed to the palace ahead. "The sect leader is inside"
They entered together. Before Yao Si could push the door, it opened automatically.
"Who came without prior notice?" an infuriated voice asked. "Don't you know I'm discussing matters with Grand Elder?"
"Master!" Geng Zhi ran forward hurriedly, kneeling onto the ground with a greeting. "A senior wishes to meet you, it's for… Zan Zichen's matter."
"Zan Zichen!" The elder turned over in shock. "That traitor is still alive?"
Yao Si realized that there were a total of six people in the room, five of them seated with only the man in blue standing. He was the one who was asking the question.
The sect leader first glance at Zan Zichen, hatred flashing past his face, then turned back to Geng Zhi. "Who wanted to see me?"
"Me!" Yao Si walked out from the group, entering the hall. The moment she came in, the four of the originally seated five bolted up with the last one being a little slower. He turned to take a look at her, and his face suddenly paled.
"Who are you?" the sect leader asked rudely.
Just as Yao Si was about to reply, the elder that had stood up last and seemed to be about forty to fifty years old said, "I know her!" Taking large steps forward, he broke into wide smiles. "Hello, hello, hello..."
This uncle… who are you?
"Grand elder, she..."
"This is a valuable friend. After so many years, I almost couldn't recognize her."
"... A valuable friend." The sect leader's expression took a complete change, turning respectful.
Yao Si was confused, but that uncle continued, "Old friend, you're finally here. I had received the notice and waited for a long time, but you took such a long while. I'm glad you're safe. Dear friend, do you want some tea? And what should I call you now?"
Old friend?
"I'm Si Yao."
Such a confusing friendliness… Wait, I know! This must be the staff at the service centre! Did they recognize my customer status?
But this isn't the time for that!