Chen Qing and Li Baichuan returned to the rear courtyard of the Cyan Wood Institute.
Li Baichuan glanced at him, his tone level. "You took your sweet time coming back. It seems you've made quite a haul this time."
Chen Qing clasped his hands and replied, "You jest, Master Li. I was delayed this time mainly because I took a palm strike from an Earth Element Sect Elder from a distance. I was shaken up a bit and had to regulate my breathing on the journey back, so I was cautious. Moreover, I heard the Demon Sect stronghold at West Sun Mountain was evacuated ahead of schedule. The leak is suspicious, and I was worried..."
He said no more, but his meaning was clear—he was implying that there might be a spy within the Four Sects Alliance.
Li Baichuan scoffed. "And what about getting the True Treasure Pearl? Were you afraid you'd be targeted the moment you returned, so you decided to hide away and study it thoroughly before showing your face?"
