Rising Lake Manor.

The small pavilion near the lake.

When Qin Yu approached, there was a keening cry. Two masses of flames, one large and one small, approached at astonishing speed.

Before they arrived, the temperature in the air rapidly rose.

Qin Yu paused and smiled. These two fire phoenixes had sensed their master’s aura and had appeared to welcome them.

After arriving at Qin Yu’s side they rapidly shrank. Then they landed on his shoulder, chirping in joy and happiness.

Numerous secret disciples had excited expressions. They knelt in place, “We greet teacher.”

Qin Yu raised his hands and traced the feathers of the two fire phoenixes. With the current intensity of his body, he no longer feared this temperature. He nodded and said, “Stand up.”

He swept his eyes over the crowd. “I haven’t been here recently. Has everything been alright?”

A disciple walked forward. “Reporting to teacher,...