Pei Ye did not listen to what the woman was saying. He turned to look around, seeing that the members of Qi Jiao and Bai Zhu had also taken their seats. Unlike Cui Yu, who was hiding her sadness under cheerful chatter, the atmosphere around Qi Jiao was so somber it was practically visible. Trace of troubles, confusion, ferocity, and numbness were apparent on their faces. They couldn't conceal it.
On the other hand, the atmosphere on Bai Zhu's side seemed normal. Some disciples looked at Cui Yu and Qi Jiao, whispering speculations—they were unaware that their own sect was also involved in the recent events.
Looking towards the literary scholars, Fang Jidao was also seated. Zhang Dingyun, next to him, had apparently given up persuading him and was sipping his tea with annoyance.
Moving his gaze forward, a familiar figure caught Pei Ye's eye.