The newcomers were from the Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion.
The woman speaking was an old acquaintance of Nan Liangyu, the chief senior sister of the Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion, Zhuo Tingqin.
However, at this moment, even this senior sister could only stand honestly at the back, not daring to overstep in the slightest.
All because of the presence of the woman standing at the forefront.
She held a duster in her hand, appearing to be around forty years old.
It was the Pavilion Master of the Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion, Shangguan Jianmei!
Though Shangguan Jianmei was not young, she was remarkably well-preserved, especially her pair of eyes, which were as clear and bright as autumn water, displaying an extraordinary cultivation level.
"Pavilion Master Shangguan!" Nan Liangyu hurriedly paid respects.
Shangguan Jianmei nodded slightly, her gaze, however, drifted towards He Nandou and Zhao Ya sitting at the table.
Particularly when she looked at Zhao Ya, there was a trace of probing curiosity in Shangguan Jianmei’s eyes.
Zhao Ya naturally noticed her gaze but remained unfazed, looking up to meet her eyes calmly, even slightly nodding his head.
Shangguan Jianmei was slightly taken aback by this.
Considering her cultivation realm, usually when a martial artist faced her, they would not dare breathe heavily, let alone speak.
Yet this young man was so composed and fearless.
The key was that she couldn’t gauge his depth, only feeling that besides his handsome appearance, he seemed unremarkable at first glance. However, a closer look would reveal his extraordinariness.
Especially those eyes, truly like unfathomable deep pools, capturing the soul.
He certainly wasn’t an ordinary person; it was no wonder he had made such a name for himself at such a young age.
At this moment, He Nandou let out a laugh.
"Junior Sister Shangguan, do I need to make introductions?"
Shangguan Jianmei steadied her mind, then lightly smiled and shook her head.
"No need, Temple Master Zhao is young and accomplished, famous across the world. Although we haven’t met before, his eminent bearing is unmistakable."
Don’t be fooled by Shangguan Jianmei’s cold exterior; anyone who can lead a sect beyond the world is extremely shrewd.
From the moment the message was received, even though it wasn’t explicitly stated, Shangguan Jianmei had guessed Celestial One Pavilion’s intentions.
It was clear they wanted to lend Azure Dragon Temple a helping hand.
At the time, Shangguan Jianmei was a bit puzzled.
She had vaguely heard about the recent actions of Azure Dragon Temple, especially Zhao Ya’s act of killing the Dean of the Dragon Elephant Institute, Wu Weili, which had caused quite a stir beyond the world.
Even the reclusive Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion had heard about it.
But Shangguan Jianmei didn’t think Celestial One Pavilion would lend assistance for this reason alone.
With the heritage and strength of Celestial One Pavilion, even Azure Dragon Temple at its peak was only on par with them.
Not to mention Azure Dragon Temple, having gone through many trials, was at its weakest.
Not until she arrived at Celestial One Pavilion and personally saw Zhao Ya did Shangguan Jianmei gain some insight.
This young man was far more formidable than the rumors suggested.
And much more formidable indeed.
No wonder He Nandou valued him so highly.
So she subtly complimented Zhao Ya.
To this, Zhao Ya simply smiled.
"Pavilion Master Shangguan is too kind."
"Hahaha, come sit, Junior Sister Shangguan, we’re discussing a very important matter. You’ve come at just the right time."
With that, He Nandou pulled out the Azure Dragon Order from his bosom and handed it to Shangguan Jianmei.
After reading it, Shangguan Jianmei’s expression changed slightly.
Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion had always stayed out of worldly affairs, so although she had heard of some recent happenings, she was unaware of the information on the Azure Dragon Order.
"An event of such magnitude has occurred at Wuyang Sea?"
"Indeed." Zhao Ya nodded, then detailed the events occurring at Wuyang Sea.
After listening, Shangguan Jianmei finally understood why He Nandou was so eager to summon her.
Without hesitation, she decisively said, "Since this matter concerns the safety of everyone beyond the world, my Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion will naturally not shirk this responsibility and is willing to fully support this grand endeavor."
"Good!" He Nandou exclaimed in praise.
"Junior Sister Shangguan truly lives up to being a heroic woman, her decisions are truly straightforward."
Zhao Ya also expressed his gratitude.
Though Purple Swallow Forest Pavilion was ranked lower among the Thirteen Sects beyond the world and excelled mostly in auxiliary lightweight body techniques, it was nonetheless an ancient sect with a long heritage.
With the support of Celestial One Pavilion added, this time’s goal was already more than halfway achieved.
The trio then discussed the arrangements for gathering on the first day of November in detail.
Nan Liangyu stood quietly to one side, listening, filled with emotion.
Back at the mountain-opening ceremony, he was undoubtedly the foremost among the younger generation.
In just a few years, he had been surpassed to the point where he couldn’t even see Zhao Ya’s shadow.
Just like now.
Zhao Ya conversed with his master and the sect leaders, whereas he could only stand by obediently.
The disparity between them had grown beyond measure.
Zhuo Tingqin also felt similarly.
This wasn’t her first time at Celestial One Pavilion.
Yet, this time had left the deepest impression.
Originally, she came with her master, partly to see what had happened at Celestial One Pavilion, partly to check in on her long-unseen senior brother, Nan Liangyu.
Unexpectedly, she witnessed such a scene.
Thinking of this, she glanced over at Nan Liangyu, who also happened to look at her.
Their eyes met, and Nan Liangyu revealed a self-deprecating smile, then shrugged slightly.