Deep within the Holy Blood Sect, inside a secluded cave residence.
The room was empty and sparsely furnished.
Two men sat facing each other at a stone table, playing a game of Go.
One had a head of white hair and a white beard, but his skin was as smooth and delicate as a young man's. A deep indentation marked his forehead.
The other, a middle-aged man, wore a blood-red robe adorned with ancient, simple patterns.
His long hair and short beard both had a faint red sheen, and his eyes were as crimson as blood. It was a strange, intimidating sight.
"It should be starting over there..." The red-eyed, middle-aged man picked up a black stone, considered his move, and placed it on the board. "I must thank you, Xiaochen, for spreading the news that exploring the Relics would be thrilling but safe."
His voice had a strange, metallic clang, as if metal was striking metal, or as if Sword Qi was slashing through the air.
