In a split second, they recalled the room number engraved on the key, swiftly finding their designated room.
Huang Quan opened the door, revealing a room illuminated by incense with open windows for fresh air. The atmosphere was inviting, lacking any sense of stuffiness.
Nangong Mian checked his room briefly before joining Huang Quan.
“Third brother,” Huang Quan greeted him, inquiring, “Have the deans been in touch?”
“Almost,” Nangong Mian replied. Walking up to Huang Quan, he added, “Quanquan, don’t let them see your communication stone.”
Huang Quan blinked. “Is third brother concerned that they’ll realize I have spiritual power?”
To activate the communication stone, spiritual power was required. While the outside world recognized Huang Quan’s newfound strength, they remained unaware of her possession of spiritual power. Nangong Mian wanted to avoid any revelation.
“Yeah,” Nangong Mian affirmed. “If they discover your spiritual power, they’ll undoubtedly inquire about its nature.”
“It’s not a problem,” Huang Quan remarked. “Let them find out if they do.”
She wasn’t afraid of exposure.
“But Quanquan, your power is unique,” Nangong Mian expressed concern. “What if you’re exposed, and they see it?”
“Third brother, there’s no need to worry about this.” Huang Quan gestured, conjuring light green spots in her hand. “Guess the spiritual root type of these spots, third brother.”
“Wood type,” Nangong Mian identified.
“Yes,” Huang Quan affirmed. “I can simply tell them I have a wood-type spiritual root.”
She wasn’t afraid of people learning about it, but Nangong Mian was concerned. To reassure him, she could claim to possess wood spiritual power.
“But people with high cultivation might not be easily fooled.”
“That’s true.”
Nangong Mian conceded, “Is Quanquan always this confident? Well, she’s stronger than him and knows what she’s doing. I trust she can handle it well.”
“Try not to be exposed,” Nangong Mian advised, and then fell into a thoughtful silence.
Huang Quan nodded, signifying her understanding.
They lingered in the room for a while until Nangong Mian’s communication stone flickered.
Glancing at the name on the screen, Nangong Mian looked at Huang Quan. “It’s the dean. They should be here. I’ll go down to pick them up, and you stay in the room.”
“I’ll come with you,” Huang Quan insisted. “I have nothing to do anyway.”
“Okay,” Nangong Mian agreed, and they descended the stairs together.
Reaching the lobby, they found the dean and others checking names with the waiter.
Spotting Nangong Mian and Huang Quan, the dean waved and greeted, “Since Nangong Boy didn’t answer the call, I figured you must have arrived. We’re in the Imperial Capital, so we should come here quickly. Did you come early for a stroll?” Ming Zhao asked, eyeing Nangong Mian.
Nangong Mian shook his head. “No, I’m using this time to focus on practice.”
Ming Zhao frowned, advising, “Don’t be too hasty with your cultivation.”
Nangong Mian nodded. “I understand.”
The dean turned to Huang Quan. “Have you explored the city?”
“Yes,” Huang Quan replied. “The Imperial Capital is larger than the national capital, and the elixir shops and medicinal material stores here offer better products. There’s a lot to see, which is enjoyable.”
The dean smiled and asked, “Considering how much you like it, would you want to stay in the Imperial Capital?”
Nangong Mian’s expression grew serious. “Dean, what do you mean by that?”
