"Has the array in our Chengtian Sect gone wrong?" Yan Rui asked curiously.
"It seems like the array at the back mountain is malfunctioning," Xu Zihai replied.
"Doesn’t our sect have anyone who can fix it?" Yan Rui asked again. Chengtian Sect is the largest sect in the cultivation world; why invite outsiders to help with repairs?
"This person seems to be a friend of your parents, with unique insights regarding arrays. In this field, he’s a master and probably one of the top experts today. However, he cares little for fame and has lived in seclusion for years. Inviting him definitely means the sect can’t solve it alone and needs his assistance," Xu Zihai explained.
"A friend of my parents? How come I don’t know about this? When did they meet?" Yan Rui asked, puzzled.
"You weren’t born yet," Xu Zihai said. Yan Rui just turned fourteen this year, which is exceptionally young in the cultivation world.
"Oh," Yan Rui responded, then looked curiously at Elder Li.
"Hey, the Second Elder and his wife have arrived," Xu Zihai suddenly remarked.
Yan Rui turned her head happily, about to run forward.
But Elder Li also saw the Second Elder couple, and laughed heartily, "Why so courteous? Why come to greet me personally?"
The Second Elder and his wife originally moved quickly to reach Yan Rui’s side but froze slightly upon seeing ten or so people behind her and hearing Elder Li’s words.
They never expected Elder Li to have arrived. Estimating the time, Elder Li was supposed to arrive the day after tomorrow.
"Ahaha, Elder Li, you’re here. Just in time, just in time; my daughter’s benefactor is also here. Let’s greet them together," the Second Elder quickly reacted, rushed to Elder Li’s side, grabbed his arm, and walked to Yan Rui’s side with a smile, "Daughter, is this lady the Tian girl you mentioned?"
Elder Li was pulled over, completely confused. He knows Yan Rui, the beloved daughter of an old friend, whom he hasn’t met yet. But his daughter’s benefactor, how does it relate to him, and why should he greet her?
"Miss Tian, thank you so much for taking care of my daughter. She’s a bit mischievous and has troubled you," the Second Elder said, followed by his wife, who quickly stepped forward and bowed.
"Thank you, Miss Tian. We are very grateful. Please come inside; we’ve already prepared a feast," Yan Rui’s mother said with a broad smile.
Elder Li scratched his head, "Why does it feel like you’re not here to welcome me? You’re actually here to welcome this young lady?"
The Second Elder wanted to facepalm. His old friend is great, but just too straightforward.
Honest people...
"Still, since she is the benefactor of my niece, many thanks to the young lady for taking care of my niece," Elder Li still offered a cupped fist salute to Tianmiao, considering the Second Elder.
"It’s nothing," Tianmiao smiled, without saying more and didn’t return the salute after the Second Elder couple and Elder Li paid their respects.
"Let’s go inside, quickly," the Second Elder, familiar with his old friend’s character, worried he might say something inappropriate. For now, Elder Li isn’t speaking up, but there’s fear he might think Tianmiao is young and impetuous, lacking manners; if only thinking this, then fine. But an honest person like him would say it outright. Imagining the consequences of him saying it, the Second Elder felt chilled. Sure enough, Elder Li already frowned slightly, wanting to speak.
"Alright, inside, let’s talk inside," Yan Rui’s mother urged quickly.
The Second Elder pulled Elder Li to walk inside.