22 Meng Zhao (1/2)

She finally realized who this man was. It was the regulations elder that tested her! The old man then smiled and took off his disguise, revealing his original face.

”What gave it away?” he asked, he realized that she had recognized him.

”It was the way you drank your tea, I recognized it from the first time we met.”

”Discovered by a mannerism, either you have sharp eyes or I'm getting worse at this,” said the elder.

”Come with me.”

He left the room, leading her down a corridor before entering an extremely large office, where he promptly went behind his desk and sat down.

”Please, sit”, he said.

Ming Yue took a seat, looking around. The office was quite large but it was quite plain. There were windows revealing the city.

”You must be wondering about why I'm here or why I'm even talking to you. But before that, let me introduce myself. I am Meng Zhao, a high elder of the Jade Dragon Pavilion. Being a regulations elder and an appraiser are just hobbies of mine. I enjoy seeing the next generation and examining items. You can refer to me as Grandpa Meng” he said.

”I see...” she said.

She really didn't have anything to say. There was no connection between the two and she wasn't sure how to respond.

Seeing her confusion, he explained his reason for being here.

”The truth is, I knew your father. He was a member of the pavilion, he mostly did quests for herb collection, but he was one of our top medicine suppliers. He has worked as a doctor on multiple group missions. Many of us, including me would've died if not for him. When his wife had died, he retired from this and went to live in a remote village with you. He came across the Parting Sun Blade there and brought it to us. However, we wanted him to keep it to protect himself. It was a shame that he died. The moment we heard news of the attack, many people rushed out but who would've known that by the time we arrived, the village had been burned to ashes” he said.

His expression full of sadness as he recounted the details.

”I was sure that you had also died, but then you appeared out of nowhere, asking to become a pavilion member. I wanted to see if you were really his daughter and I recognized the sword on your back. It is good to know that at least you were safe.”

After talking, Meng Zhao looked at Ming Yue and smiled.