The cultivation session had been deeper than any Grim had experienced before.
Hours had passed in what felt like minutes as he circulated mana through his channels, feeling the power of Húxiān's realm enhancing every breath he took.
When he finally opened his eyes, the spirit who had been watching him was still sitting directly in front of him.
"Impressive focus," the spirit said. "Most mortals find the ambient energy here overwhelming at first."
Grim studied the figure before him. The spirit appeared to be a man in his thirties, with sharp features.
He was crouched with his arms resting on his thighs.
His robes were simple but well-made, and there was something about his posture that was different from most people.
"You've been watching me for hours," Grim observed. "Should I be concerned?"
"That depends," the spirit replied with a slight smile. "Are you the type who dislikes scrutiny?"
