"Huh? Elder Yuu and Liu Mei aren't around?"
"And you're telling me that Grand Elder Lily went to the Tharz Kingdom for urgent business?"
"Yes, Senior Brother," replied a chubby outer sect disciple, scratching his head and looking a little overwhelmed by the questions.
Shan Yifeng blinked.
Then blinked again.
And then… the corners of his mouth twitched upward.
Wait a second.
The main roadblocks— Elder Yuu, Liu Mei, Elder Lily—all mysteriously gone?
His eyes gleamed.
The heavens had smiled upon him.
He placed a firm hand on the disciple's round shoulder with a pat that made the poor boy wobble slightly.
"Good job," Shan Yifeng said solemnly. "As a reward… I'll double your training quota starting tomorrow."
"HAH?!"
"And I'll increase your spirit apple rations."
"YES, SENIOR! THANK YOU!" The boy bowed so quickly his forehead nearly kissed the ground.