Several servants nearby were about to speak, but
The Divine Feather Sect had been in seclusion for so long, and the outside world had been speculating whether the sect's strength had waned. It was hardly surprising that Ling Yun Sect had gotten some ideas.
After all, a sect of Ling Yun Sect's caliber had no choice but to find a patron if it wanted to continue surviving in the Dragon Ruins Domain.
The Divine Feather Sect had been in seclusion for so long that its strength was now incomparably greater than before. It was time to show some teeth. As the sect master of the Divine Feather Sect, Nie Li naturally had to put on a certain posture.
"This visit to the Divine Feather Sect, I come with a request," Ling Kong said, cupping his fists toward Nie Li in a slight bow.
"Oh? I wonder what brings the Young Sect Master here?" Nie Li asked with a smile.
"The thing is," Ling Kong said, clasping his fists again, "the last time I visited the Divine Feather Sect, I happened to catch a glimpse of a young lady. After I returned, I found myself thinking of her day and night, unable to forget her. This time I've come to the Divine Feather Sect to propose a marriage alliance."
"Oh? And which young lady has so captivated the Young Sect Master's heart?" Nie Li said with a mild smile.
Nie Li couldn't help but let out an amused chuckle at Lu Piao's words.
Ling Kong, who hadn't heard Lu Piao's muttering, cupped his fists and said, "Sect Master Nie, the one I wish to propose to is
At these words, Lu Piao let out a cold snort. "A toad lusting after swan meat! How dare you covet Miss Long! Why don't you take a look at yourself in a mirror — do you even measure up?" Although Long Yuyin had remained unmarried to this day, her relationship with Nie Li was there for all to see. Rumors had long circulated that Long Yuyin was already Nie Li's woman. Trying to steal his brother's woman was practically asking for death.
Upon hearing Lu Piao's words, Ling Kong's expression darkened slightly. He cupped his fists toward Nie Li and said, "Sect Master Nie, I don't know who this person is, but how dare he be so insolent here!"
Nie Li regarded Ling Kong calmly and said with a mild smile, "He's my brother. His name is Lu Piao."
"Sect Master Nie, as your brother, his manners are rather lacking!" Ling Kong said in a deep voice, visibly displeased.
"Young Sect Master, had we known the Divine Feather Sect was now in the hands of people like this, we would never have come. Ling Yun Sect might as well sever ties with the Divine Feather Sect entirely!" one of the servants beside him said furiously. In the past, whenever they visited the Divine Feather Sect, they had been treated with great courtesy. How had they ever encountered anything like this?
Ling Kong extended a hand to stop the servants. "You speak out of turn. Step back!"
"Yes!" The servant bowed and withdrew, though the look of indignation hadn't entirely left his face.
Lu Piao let out a cold laugh. How could he not see that Ling Kong was merely putting on an act? The hypocrisy was almost impressive.
Ling Kong turned to Nie Li and said, "Ling Yun Sect has always been a subsidiary of the Divine Feather Sect, and we've kept to our proper place. This time we've come to visit, only to discover the sect master has changed. It seems Sect Master Nie is not exactly friendly toward our Ling Yun Sect!"
Hearing this, Nie Li smiled faintly and said, "Young Sect Master Ling, you flatter yourself. Treating others with generosity has always been a proud tradition of our Divine Feather Sect. As the Young Sect Master of Ling Yun Sect, you seem to have forgotten your own etiquette upon arriving at our gates. Meeting the sect master of the parent sect and failing to perform the kowtow — is it the Divine Feather Sect that's unfriendly, or is it Ling Yun Sect that's rude?"
"This..." Ling Kong's expression turned slightly awkward.
Indeed, upon meeting the sect master of the Divine Feather Sect, one was supposed to perform the kowtow. In the past, when the Tianyun Divine Lord had been in charge, kowtowing hadn't been a problem. But now the sect master of the Divine Feather Sect was Nie Li — younger than him, no less. How could he bring himself to kneel?