Chapter 1065: Sumian (II)
Led by Changxi, they flew into the mountain. The great formation had already been lifted, and was rippling with clear light. At the forefront stood a tall young man, clad in simple white robes. He had a faint glow emanating from his Daoist crown. His features were deep-set and were distinctly different from the cultivators of the South.
"Greetings to Daoist Master Changxi and Daoist Master Zhaojing." He bowed, performing a full courtesy, and said, "This humble Daoist welcomes the two Daoist Masters! My elder has awaited you for quite some time."
"It has been a long time, Qiuxin, and your cultivation has advanced again!" Changxi chuckled warmly. His tone even carried the affection of one toward a younger member of his own family. He landed at the Daoist temple and made his way toward the main hall.
The main hall appeared plain and unadorned from the outside, but its colors were rich yet subdued inside. Incense smoke curled faintly through the air as Li Ximing swept his gaze across the chamber, noting a white cloth upon which was painted a Daoist figure riding a donkey with its face left blank.
"Daoist Friend Changxi! It has been a long time!"
A middle-aged Daoist came out from the hall. His face was somewhat square, and his attire simple and unremarkable. This was naturally Daoist Master Sumian, the head of Xuanmiao Temple.
He offered a bow, then looked closely at Changxi's face. Clearly possessing some skill in reading qi, his expression changed as he asked, "Daoist Friend, what has happened to you... why do you look in such poor condition?"
It was clear Sumian and Changxi were old acquaintances. Both were cultivators of Earth Virtue, and seeing one of his own kind in decline filled Sumian with sorrow.
Changxi returned the courtesy and explained, "A few years ago, some trouble arose at Jingyi Mountain. Daoist Master Xuan Yi requested my aid. I suffered a minor injury there, and afterward encountered a shift in the spiritual aura. As a result, my appearance has grown unsightly."
Li Ximing observed carefully. When Daoist Master Xuan Yi was mentioned, Sumian's brows furrowed slightly, though he said nothing further.