Chapter 349: Welcoming

“Ah, we’ve finally arrived…” Looking at the towering peaks in the distance, Gu Zexuan couldn’t help but cheer. He gave his rhinodrake steed a powerful slap and charged ahead.

They were still several dozens li away from the Divine Sword Sect’s mountain gate. Even so, they could clearly see the lofty thirty-six peaks within the sect.

Among the snowy white land, the thirty-six peaks of the Divine Sword Sect pierced through the heavenly blue dome of like thirty-six sharp swords with unparalleled grandeur.

Smiles emerged on many faces within the party.

The road split into two not far up ahead. Although they were in the same direction, one led to Divine Sword Sword Sect while the other was the road home for the Four Seas Escort Agency party. It was time for everyone to part ways and the group stopped at the fork.

“Brother Yan, if it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t have been able to make it back in one piece even if we did survive the catastrophe on that fateful day. I will keep things short: we’ve been indebted to you during our journey. If Brother Yan is willing, you may call me big brother from now on. Just give the Four Seas Escort Agency a call at any time if you need assistance. We definitely won’t bat an eyelid at even the most severe trials!” Wang Hui announced loudly. As soon as his voice fell, everyone in the party cheered in agreement.

“I, Gong Dequan, have never been this impressed by anyone. After our time together, I am impressed by you, Brother Yan!” Gong Dequan gave Yan Liqiang a thumbs-up.

“With Brother Yan’s capability, I’m sure you’ll have boundless prospects in the Divine Sword Sect. Please take care of us when the time comes!” Huang Sheng said with a smile.

Yan Liqiang cupped his fist to everyone around him on his rhinodrake steed. “During the journey, we were able to overcome countless obstacles and make it back here thanks to everyone’s rich experience and considerations. I am sure we will meet again someday. Until then, please take care of yourselves!”

“Brother Yan, Brother Gu, and Brother Zhao, take care of yourselves too…!” The people from Four Seas Escort Agency cupped their fists toward Yan Liqiang as well.

Sensing a pair of glistening eyes on him, Yan Liqiang smiled. “Take care of yourself too, Lady Yu!”

“I will. Take care of yourself too, Young Lord!”

The group parted ways after bidding each other farewell. The Four Seas Escort Agency took the other road at the side along with Yu Qing. After they had gone far enough, Yu Qing couldn’t stop herself from turning back to look at Yan Liqiang.

Yan Liqiang waved and watched them until they vanished from his sight after turning around the ridge. Only then did he shake his reins and speed in the direction of the sect with Gu Zexuan and Zhao Huipeng. The cavalry continued escorting the three of them back to the sect.

“Uh, why are all of them following us, Leader?” When Zhao Huipeng noticed no one from the cavalry of a hundred men left with the Four Seas Escort Agency party, he couldn’t help but curiously whisper his question to Yan Liqiang.

Yan Liqiang blinked. “Well, there are fewer of us and we are weaker, so of course we require protection!”

Zhao Huipeng scratched his head. “Oh, I see!”

“Don’t tell me you really believe that, Huipeng.” Gu Zexuan couldn’t help but speak up.

“Ah, is there some other reason?” Zhao Huipeng asked in confusion.

Gu Zexuan cast a glance at Yan Liqiang. Instead of revealing the fact, he only gave him a vague response. “You’ll know why when we reach the Divine Sword Sect…”

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Yan Liqiang smiled and didn’t say anything else. Zhao Huipeng still couldn’t wrap his head around it, but Yan Liqiang knew Gu Zexuan had already made a guess. Ever since they arrived at the border checkpoint in Lai Province yesterday, Yan Liqiang had already determined why the Divine Sword Sect was so interested in them. It would seem like the news he sent back from Feng Provincial City was beginning to show its effect. The important figures in the sect probably knew his name by now and wished to meet him in order to personally get more insight regarding the situation in the Imperial Capital.

This wasn’t some fortune or sheer luck. It was an opportunity that Yan Liqiang seized through his own skills and capabilities. He wasn’t nervous about it at all.

Yan Liqiang’s guess was correct. In just less than half an hour, they saw another group of cavalrymen on rhinodrake steeds rushing toward them. There were seven of them. One was dressed in a blue robe while the other six were wearing purple swordsman attire. One could tell they were disciples of the Divine Sword Sect with a single glance. Yan Liqiang even recognized the man in the blue robe. He was none other than Steward Xue who guided Yan Liqiang up the mountain when he first joined the sect.

“Neiiiighhhh…!” When both parties were ten meters apart, Steward Xue reined in and stopped their steeds. Since the other party was blocking their path, Yan Liqiang’s party naturally stopped too.

“Yan Liqiang…” Steward Xue’s gaze fell on Yan Liqiang’s face as there was a glint in his eyes.

“Greetings, Steward Xue!” Yan Liqiang bowed to Steward Xue. Gu Zexuan and Zhao Huipeng followed suit.

Steward Xue swept his glance across the cavalry that escorted Yan Liqiang back, then took out a token from his chest. “Under the Sect Lord’s orders, I am here to escort Yan Liqiang’s party back to the Divine Sword Sect. You all may return to Su’an City from here!”

Seeing Steward Xue’s token and the fact that Yan Liqiang also knew him personally, the escort cavalry turned their steeds around and returned to where they came from after verifying other party’s identity. Steward Xue then led Yan Liqiang and the other two directly back to the Divine Sword Sect.

Steward Xue was a man of few words. He just continued urging his rhinodrake steed forward without saying much along the way. They weren’t that far from the sect. In the midst of the thundering iron hooves, the party returned to the Divine Sword Sect once again in just less than half an hour.

Looking at the familiar mountain gate and the swordsmen guards outside, Yan Liqiang felt rather emotional in his heart.

Everyone dismounted at the bottom of the stairs at the mountain gate. Steward Xue cast a glance at Gu Zexuan and Zhao Huipeng as soon as he dismounted and ordered a few swordsmen in purple attire, “Escort these two to report back at the Commandment Courtyard first!”

“Steward Xue, Gu Zexuan, and Zhao Huipeng did not do anything wrong. Why do they have to go to the Commandment Courtyard?” Yan Liqiang immediately questioned him before the other two could even speak.

“You all went through a lot during your escort mission. They are not going to the Commandment Courtyard to be punished. The people there will inform them about what information may or may not be divulged. It’s a reminder for them just in case they unknowingly make any mistakes. Aside from them, one of the stewards from the Commandment Courtyard is already waiting at the Four Seas Escort Agency. Those escorts and footmen who returned with you will also be briefed,” Steward Xue responded calmly. “As for you, you shall come with me!”

“Oh, I see!” Yan Liqiang nodded to Gu Zexuan and Zhao Huipeng. Both of them then followed the swordsmen back to the Commandment Courtyard.

After they left, Yan Liqiang followed Steward Xue inside the mountain gate.

Beyond the sect’s mountain gate, snow that had piled up on the road had been cleared. Disciples in gray clothes could occasionally be seen sweeping away the snow. Some of them would stop and bow to Steward Xue when they saw him, and threw some curious glances at Yan Liqiang who was walking alongside Steward Xue.

Currently, Yan Liqiang’s reputation in the Divine Sword Sect was not that well-known, so not many knew people knew him. In addition, he had never shown his face around the sect for the past few months. Therefore, most of the disciples in the sect didn’t recognize him at all.

“Steward Xue, where are we going?” Yan Liqiang asked while walking.

“Tiankui Peak!” Steward Xue uttered the two words, then looked at Yan Liqiang with an astonished expression. “The Sect Lord and elders are currently waiting for you there!”

“Huh…?!” Yan Liqiang was shocked. Although he had made some mental preparations, he still didn’t think his return would startle so many people.

“The Sect Lord and elders only received news that you all arrived in Lai Province yesterday. They estimated that you’d be back around noon, so all of them gathered on Tiankui Peak because they wish to speak to you in person. You don’t have to be nervous…”

Yan Liqiang took a deep breath, knowing that his chance had come…