504: Chapter 504 Why did Xiao Nianyin send you here?

Shen Ao froze for a moment, the light in his eyes dimming slightly.

He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but upon seeing the calm, water-like gaze of Leng Ningshuang, he swallowed the words back.

He was silent for a moment, then nodded, forcing a smile: "No problem. Come with me, I will take you."

He turned and walked away, but stopped after two steps, looking back at Leng Ningshuang with a silly smile, "You come with me."

Leng Ningshuang glanced at the Grand Elder, who nodded slightly.

The two followed behind Shen Ao and walked into the mountain gate of the Tianyan Sect.

Passing through the light curtain, the view before them suddenly opened up.

Inside the mountain gate of the Tianyan Sect, there was an atmosphere of immortality.

Pavilions and towers were built along the mountain, arranged in a staggered and orderly fashion, with upturned eaves and carved beams and painted pillars; spiritual springs and waterfalls were visible everywhere, with the sound of gurgling water and swirling mist; exotic flowers and rare herbs covered the mountains, their fragrance hitting the senses, with colorful butterflies dancing.

In the distance, the mountain peaks were shrouded in clouds and mist, and several magnificent palaces could be vaguely seen, shimmering with golden light, with a grand Aura.

Among the mountains, cranes flew, deer wandered, Disciples sparred with sword techniques in the Martial Arts Arena, and old men played chess under pine trees.

Everything appeared so tranquil, so peaceful.

Leng Ningshuang had no heart to appreciate this scenery, merely following Shen Ao in silence.

Her gaze was fixed forward, her steps steady, neither fast nor slow.

Shen Ao walked in front of her, occasionally looking back at her, with a silly smile on his face, wanting to speak but hesitating.

His hand lifted several times, then lowered, as if hesitating whether to speak.

"Ningshuang," he finally couldn't help but speak, his voice somewhat low, "Are... are you alright lately? I heard that the Hehuan Sect had an incident, and I was so anxious I wanted to go help you, but my mother wouldn't let me go.

She said this is a matter for your Hehuan Sect, and outsiders shouldn't interfere. I... I..."

His voice grew lower and lower, until finally, it was almost inaudible.

Leng Ningshuang interrupted him: "Young Master Shen, I am very well. Thank you for your concern."

Shen Ao opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but swallowed it back.

He walked silently in front, his footsteps much heavier than before.

His back looked somewhat lonely, as if pressed down by something, unable to straighten up.

The Grand Elder followed behind, looking at Shen Ao's back, sighing inwardly.

This young man is indeed sincere towards Leng Ningshuang.

But what use is sincerity? With the Hehuan Sect in its current state, how could Leng Ningshuang have the heart to think about these things? He shook his head and caught up with their pace.

Shen Ao led them through several halls and corridors, arriving in front of a magnificent Main Hall.

On the door of the hall hung a plaque with the three large characters "Sect Master Hall" written on it, the brushstrokes sharp and the Aura imposing.

Two gatekeeping Disciples stood in front of the hall, and upon seeing Shen Ao, they hurriedly bowed.

"Senior Brother."

Shen Ao nodded, turned to Leng Ningshuang and said: "My mother is inside, wait a moment, I will go in and announce you."

He pushed the door open and went in, coming out again shortly after, the smile on his face even brighter than before, "My mother invites you in."

Leng Ningshuang took a deep breath and stepped into the Main Hall.

The Main Hall was wide and deep, with four giant stone pillars supporting the towering dome, and the pillars were carved with battle scenes of ancient sages.

The interior of the hall was bright, with several eternal lamps hanging from the dome, illuminating the entire hall as if it were daylight.

The floor was paved with smooth bluestone, engraved with cloud patterns, and there was not a sound when stepping on it.

The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, solemn and grave, making one dare not breathe loudly.

On the throne in the center of the Main Hall sat a middle-aged woman.

She looked to be in her forties, with a dignified and beautiful face, her features bearing some resemblance to Shen Ao.

She wore a purple Daoist robe, a golden crown on her head, and a white jade belt around her waist, looking graceful and luxurious, imposing without anger.

Her Aura was unfathomable, and she was at least an expert at the Tribulation Transcendence Stage.

She was the Sect Master of the Tianyan Sect, Shen Biyun.

Leng Ningshuang stepped forward and bowed: "Leng Ningshuang of the Hehuan Sect pays respects to Sect Master Shen."

The Grand Elder also stepped forward and bowed: "Grand Elder of the Hehuan Sect pays respects to Sect Master Shen."

Shen Biyun's gaze swept over the two, finally landing on Leng Ningshuang, a hint of appreciation flashing in her eyes.

She examined Leng Ningshuang, from top to bottom, from face to feet, as if appraising a piece of exquisite porcelain.

"You are Leng Ningshuang? The one under Xiao Nianyin known as the current number one Disciple of the Hehuan Sect, Leng Ningshuang?"

Her voice was very soft.

Leng Ningshuang was neither humble nor arrogant: "Those are just empty names given by fellow Disciples, this Junior does not dare accept them."

Shen Biyun smiled, but no emotion could be discerned from that smile.

She waved her hand, signaling the two to sit.

"Xiao Nianyin sent you here?"

She asked.

The Grand Elder stepped forward and cupped his hands: "Sect Master Shen, Sect Leader Xiao sent us here, hoping that you might, for the sake of your old friendship, take in the Disciples of our Hehuan Sect, allowing them to temporarily reside in your sect to avoid calamity."

Shen Biyun did not answer immediately, but glanced at Shen Ao.

"Ao'er, you go out first. I have something to say to them."

Shen Ao hesitated for a moment, looked at Leng Ningshuang, then at Shen Biyun, and finally nodded, turned, and walked out.

He walked very slowly, as if something was dragging his feet.

The hall door closed behind him with a dull thud.

Only Shen Biyun, Leng Ningshuang, and the Grand Elder remained in the hall.