"This is where Master Yan resides...?"
Lin Dong stood outside a courtyard that looked rather ordinary, somewhat stunned as he gazed at the residence devoid of any luxury. For a moment, he was lost in thought, finding it hard to believe this was the famed residence of Master Yan.
"Hooo!"
Beside Lin Dong, Xiao Yan let out a low growl. This time out, Lin Dong had brought him along. Although his size drew some attention, it was still tolerable. After all, in Flame City, there were quite a few strong individuals who could command beast companions, so people were merely surprised by the majestic presence of Lin Dong's Fire Python Tiger rather than causing the expected commotion.
Lin Dong patted Xiao Yan's head to calm him down, then approached the courtyard and respectfully greeted the two guards eyeing him cautiously: "Please inform Master Yan that Lin Dong seeks an audience."
Upon hearing Lin Dong announce his name, the two guards gave him a somewhat startled look, clearly having heard of the name buzzing around Flame City recently. One of them nodded, retreated into the courtyard, and after a while reappeared, politely saying: "Master Yan invites you; please follow me."
Lin Dong nodded, leading Xiao Yan into the courtyard. As they entered, Lin Dong realized how vast the inner area was, lush with green bamboo and permeated with a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.
Moreover, within this expansive courtyard, there were quite a number of people. What shocked Lin Dong even more was that all of these people were actually Rune Masters!
"What exactly is this place?"
As Lin Dong was perplexed and confused, the guard leading the way suddenly stopped in front of a bamboo house and gestured invitingly.
"Please come in!"
After collecting his thoughts, Lin Dong thanked the guard with a nod and gently pushed the door open. Inside the bamboo house, there was serene quietness. An elder dressed in gray-white robes sat cross-legged with his eyes closed, deep in meditation.
Upon entering the bamboo house, Lin Dong immediately sensed subtle threads of spirit energy spreading like a spider web throughout every corner of the room. He knew these belonged to Master Yan, and thus, even though the latter's eyes were closed, every single move of Lin Dong was being vividly imprinted into Master Yan’s mind.