His steps were steady, his aura as deep as the sea, and he carried the sharpness of a hidden ancient sword, making Shen Yunhao and the others realize that he was a true powerhouse!
However, Shen Yunhao was quite dissatisfied with the other party's use of the term "little girls".
Can't you see there are three big men standing here?
Upon seeing the old man, the Sword Pavilion disciples nearby immediately bowed respectfully, their expressions filled with utmost reverence: "Elder Hong!"
Elder Hong waved his hand, his gaze falling directly on Ning Yuyao, a warm smile appearing on his face: "This... is Ning Yuyao, the junior disciple under Palace Master Nie?"
Ning Yuyao nodded slightly, removed the thin veil from her face, her expression somewhat cold and aloof, her voice clear and crisp: "Junior Ning Yuyao greets Elder Hong!"
"You're too kind! Your master and I are old friends. Qing Shuang has already told me to take good care of you..."
Elder Hong's gaze lingered on Ning Yuyao's face for a moment, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. He then looked at Guan Yingying and smiled, "This must be Junior Nephew Guan. It's been so many years, and you've grown up so much!"
Guan Yingying smiled and clasped her hands in greeting, "Greetings, Elder Hong! We are truly flattered that you would personally receive us this time..."
"You little rascal, you're still as good with words as ever..."
Elder Hong smiled and turned to look at Shen Yunhao, Ma Tianyu, and Pang Shunan. "I remember that Guanghan Palace should not recruit male disciples. And who are these gentlemen?"
"This is my husband, Shen Yunhao."
Ning Yuyao immediately stepped forward to introduce herself, her voice calm, yet a hint of surprise flashed in Elder Hong's eyes.
Shen Yunhao bowed respectfully with clasped hands, saying, "Junior Shen Yunhao greets Elder Hong."
The old man carefully examined Shen Yunhao for a few moments, then exclaimed in amazement, "I thought Junior Nephew Ning was already an exceptional person, but it turns out her husband is no less formidable. To have such cultivation at such a young age, no wonder Qing Shuang was willing to let him go..."
"..."
Um, you might not believe it if I told you.
When the two got married, Shen Yunhao was still a notorious good-for-nothing in Linyuan City, which infuriated Nie Qingshuang...
"Elder, you flatter me. I was only fortunate; I am still no match for Yao'er!"
"Alright, just listen to my praise, don't do something so ridiculous..." Guan Yingying rolled her eyes at him, then turned and added, "As for these two, they are good friends we met along the way, Ma Tianyu and Pang Shunan."
Elder Hong clearly didn't pay much attention to the two of them, simply nodding and saying, "Both are promising young talents, not bad, not bad. Please come with me..."
Elder Hong led the group towards a quieter inner passage, smiling as he whispered to Ning Yuyao, "Junior Nephew Ning, why didn't Qing Shuang come in person? I was hoping to catch up with her and learn a thing or two from her this time..."
Shen Yunhao raised an eyebrow upon hearing this.
To be able to "learn from" Nie Qingshuang, one must at least be at the Void Realm, right?
Such a powerful figure actually came to greet us personally?
Could it be...?
He squinted and secretly glanced at the old man, then shook his head.
Impossible, impossible, the two look too far apart in age...
On the other side, Ning Yuyao respectfully replied, "My master is currently dealing with an important matter in the palace and cannot leave for the time being. However, my master once said that she would personally go to Wanren City once the matter is settled."
Elder Hong nodded, stroked his beard and smiled, "She's always like this. Then I'll wait for her arrival in Wanren City."
He paused for a moment, then said, "I presume both Junior Nephew Ning and Junior Nephew Guan will register for this Swordsmanship Tournament?"
"Exactly!"
Elder Hong's gaze naturally turned to Shen Yunhao. Even if he wasn't a disciple of Guanghan Palace, with Shen Yunhao's cultivation level, he should be able to participate.
Shen Yunhao quickly waved his hand, revealing a perfectly timed "ashamed" smile: "Elder Hong, you flatter me. This junior is of dull talent and has shallow swordsmanship. I came here mainly to cheer on Yao'er and broaden my horizons. I will not embarrass myself on stage."
He doesn't like to be in the limelight, so there was really no need for him to attend this meeting.
Elder Hong smiled knowingly, but did not insist. He simply nodded and said, "Young friend Shen is too modest. Participation is the most important thing. Observing and learning is also a way of cultivation."
As they spoke, the group passed through several corridors and arrived at a relatively secluded courtyard.
Elder Hong stopped and took out a black token with an ancient design, shaped like a small sword, and handed it to Ning Yuyao: "Junior Nephew Ning, you have come from afar and must need to rest. This is the pass token for Qiuye Manor. The manor is quiet and elegant, and full of spiritual energy. You can stay there for the time being."
"Autumn Leaf Manor?" Guan Yingying quickly smiled upon hearing this. "Elder Hong, this is far too extravagant! I've heard that Autumn Leaf Manor only hosts..."
“This time it’s different!” Elder Hong interrupted with a smile, “This time, the Pavilion Master has set a rule that anyone listed in the Records of Heroes can stay…”
"Besides, Qing Shuang specifically instructed me to take good care of my two nephews. These are just places to stay, nothing special!"
Of the group, only Guan Yingying is on the list of those over forty in the Chronicles of the Wind and Clouds. However, judging from her current age, this year is her last year on the list. Next year, she will be "dropped" from the list because she is over forty!
Ning Yuyao took the token, which felt slightly cool to the touch. The token was engraved with a graceful "Autumn" character. She bowed slightly and said, "Thank you, Elder Hong. I also thank my master for his concern on my behalf."
"No need for formalities. The token contains a map of the manor and the method to open the restrictions. You may go on your own. If you need anything, you can present this token in the outer hall or at the manor manager's office."
Elder Hong gave a few more instructions on the rules of the manor and the follow-up matters of reporting the sword tournament, and then turned and left.
Guided by the token, the group quickly left the outer hall and boarded a special beast-drawn carriage driven by Sword Pavilion disciples. They traveled along a relatively quiet road in the city for about fifteen minutes before finally stopping in front of a huge manor built against the mountain in the northwest corner of Wanren City.
Unlike the sharp, sword-shaped buildings in the city, Qiuye Manor gives people a sense of contrasting paradise.
The gate of the villa is made of dark ancient wood, simple and heavy. Above the gate hangs a plaque of the same ancient wood, on which the two characters "Autumn Leaves" are carved in a flamboyant style.
The road in front of the gate is paved with clean stone slabs, and tall maple trees with leaves that are beginning to turn red, as well as ginkgo trees with golden leaves, are planted on both sides.
The fact that such an elegant place exists within the steel forest of Wanren City is indeed strange and inexplicable.
Pushing open the wooden door, one is greeted by a vast, natural garden full of the charm of late autumn. Pavilions and towers, forests ablaze with color, undulating hills, and picturesque houses create a striking contrast with the ubiquitous coldness of the city.
"Damn it, I've been here several times. I never thought that one day I, Ma Tianyu, would be able to stay at Qiuye Manor. Brother Shen, you really are my lucky star!"
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