Chapter One Hundred Fourteen: Welcoming Guests

"The Master of Thunder Peak? Could it be the Immortal Leihua?" A flicker of surprise crossed the eyes of the elder surnamed Rong.

"It is indeed Immortal Leihua," Elder Xiao replied.

"There is no need for such formality. The name of Immortal Leihua is renowned even within our Haofeng Dynasty. Since he is a peak master, and I have arrived at your esteemed sect, it is only right that I pay him a personal visit. Since Young Master Su is his disciple, why not let him lead us on a tour of Thunder Peak?" The elder's gaze shifted slightly as he smiled.

"Su Ye, since the Honorable Rong wishes to visit Thunder Peak, you shall guide these guests around," Elder Xiao said with a wry smile. Although the elder had phrased it as a request, he had clearly already made up his mind. Whether Elder Xiao was willing or not, he could not stop him. Since that was the case, he had no choice but to follow the elder's wishes, hoping they were merely curious about the power of thunder and harbored no malicious intent.

"Very well. This is my junior sister, who is also of Thunder Peak. The two of us shall serve as guides to show you around," Su Ye said, gesturing toward Ji Mo.

"This young girl is also a disciple of Immortal Leihua? May I ask her name?" The elder turned his gaze toward Ji Mo, and after appraising her, a strange light suddenly flashed in his eyes.

"Returning to the Honorable Rong, my name is Ji Mo, a junior disciple of Immortal Leihua of Thunder Peak." Seeing she had been named, Ji Mo stepped forward with calm composure, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Heh, Immortal Leihua, Immortal Leihua... I find myself increasingly curious about you. To be able to take on two such outstanding disciples at once is truly enviable," the elder laughed. Upon hearing this, the Tenth Prince, who had previously paid little attention to Ji Mo, and Prince Yun, the peerless prince of the Yunhai Dynasty, both instinctively turned their gazes toward her.

"The Honorable Rong is too kind. Although I am fortunate enough to be under the tutelage of my Master, I am by nature lazy and unmotivated. I have given my Master much cause for concern and am truly inferior to my senior brothers and sisters, undeserving of such praise," Ji Mo replied coolly.

"Haha! 'Lazy and unmotivated,' indeed. Pray, lead the way to Thunder Peak," the elder laughed again.

Su Ye and Ji Mo said no more and led the way into the mountain gates. The elder followed, while the cold, black-clad youth trailed behind him like a shadow, silent save for the occasional gaze of scorching battle intent directed at Su Ye.

"Apart from our distinguished guests from the Haofeng Dynasty, is there anyone else who wishes to visit Thunder Peak?" Having agreed to the elder's request, Su Ye turned his attention to Prince Yun and his party.

"No, we have been to the Moon-Gazing Sect before and are no strangers to its major peaks. Young Master Su, you may simply take these distinguished guests," Prince Yun replied, waving his hand quickly. He dared not show any arrogance toward a genius like Su Ye, who had emerged victorious from the Bloody Purgatory.

"In that case, Elder Xiao, my junior sister and I will take these guests to Thunder Peak," Su Ye said, turning to the elder.

"Go on. Treat our guests well and do not be impolite," Elder Xiao instructed. Su Ye nodded, and together with Ji Mo, led the elder and his entourage toward Thunder Peak.

"Prince Yun, do you have any idea what the purpose of the Haofeng Dynasty's sudden visit to our sect is?" Once the group of five had departed, Elder Xiao finally found the opportunity to ask the peerless prince of the Yunhai Dynasty.

"Elder Xiao, that is a question I would like answered myself. They came uninvited; I had just prepared to set out when they arrived on my doorstep. Given their status and strength, I was no match for them. Helpless, I had to bring them along," Prince Yun replied with a bitter expression.

Elder Xiao fell into a troubled silence, his brow furrowing deeper. He did not doubt Prince Yun’s explanation. From the prince's perspective, he feared the Haofeng Dynasty's presence at the Moon-Gazing Sect even more; the Yunhai Dynasty had been spared the ravages of war for years precisely because of the sect's existence. If any accident befell the Moon-Gazing Sect, or if it were forced to bow to the Haofeng Dynasty, it would be a catastrophe for the Yunhai Dynasty.

Yet, in the face of absolute power, some things would not change regardless of his personal will. Whether the Haofeng Dynasty’s arrival was a blessing or a curse, no one knew; they could only take it one step at a time.

The news of the Haofeng Dynasty’s arrival and their demand to see the Master of Thunder Peak, Lei Wei, was quickly transmitted to the sect's high command. The event shocked all five peak masters, and even the reclusive Grand Elder of Spirit Sword Peak—the only Soul Transformation cultivator in the Moon-Gazing Sect—was stirred.

However, as the guests had yet to show any hostile behavior, the sect members could only remain on guard. As soon as Su Ye and Ji Mo arrived at the territory of Thunder Peak with the elder, his three disciples, and the Tenth Prince, they saw Lei Wei and the five elders waiting to greet them. From a distance, Lei Wei cupped his hands and called out, "Honored envoys from the Imperial Dynasty, I, Lei Wei, on behalf of everyone at Thunder Peak, extend our sincerest welcome."

"Heh, greetings, Immortal Leihua. We have come uninvited; strictly speaking, the fault lies with us," the elder replied with a laugh, his eyes fixed on Lei Wei.

"You are too kind, Honorable Rong. Guests of your stature are rarely seen. Your presence is our supreme honor. Our peak is humble and cannot compare to your sect; would you prefer to be seated at our main hall, or shall we take a tour of the surroundings first?" Lei Wei asked with practiced humility.

Ji Mo watched on with amazement. This was the first time she had seen her Master dealing with the outside world; he seemed incredibly seasoned and composed, likely having handled such occasions many times before.

The elder looked Lei Wei up and down, then smiled slightly. "Our presumptuous visit to Thunder Peak is primarily because I have long heard of your esteemed name and wished to pay my respects. Since the Immortal has received us in person, we shall naturally trouble you at your palace."

"You are too kind. How could my meager cultivation be worthy of your attention? Please, this way." Lei Wei gave a hearty laugh and gestured forward. The elder said no more and followed Lei Wei toward the main peak of Thunder Peak.