On the morning of the ninth, numerous disciples had already gathered in the sect plaza.
Xiao Chen sized up the surrounding disciples. He was seeing many of them for the first time.
Even more people were sizing him up in return, their eyes filled with intense curiosity.
Elder Liu of the Spirit Medicine Garden had arrived early, so everyone remained silent, waiting quietly.
At 7:15 AM, another, unfamiliar elder appeared. "My apologies, Junior Brother Liu. I'm a little late."
Elder Liu smiled. "I just arrived myself."
He then addressed the crowd. "Some of you new disciples may not have met Elder Fu, so allow me to make an introduction."
"Elder Fu is one of the sect's Honored Guest Elders. His mastery of Sword Techniques is sublime, and he has few rivals among those of the same cultivation level."
"Elder Fu will be leading our expedition to the Flame Pool Secret Realm."
Xiao Chen and the other disciples cupped their hands in salute. "Greetings, Elder Fu!"
