Days later, as the Taiqing disciples arrived at the city of Taiwu, they found a number of nominal Taiqing disciples stationed there glancing at them in surprise.1

"Seniors, thank goodness you were able to make it back! Considering you were all gone for the better half of a year, the sect has sent investigators to Taiwu," one nominal disciple reported.1

"Oh?" Xiao Nanfeng replied curiously.1

"By the third month of your departure, we reported your lack of contact to the sect. Perhaps because an elder was leading your party, the sect didn't take action until just a few days ago, when a stork from the sect bore word stating that an elder would be coming by sea with a group of disciples in tow, here to investigate your disappearance. We would be responsible for meeting them here—but all of you came back before their arrival!"1

"Which elder?" Xiao Nanfeng asked.1

"Elder Zhao Yuanjiao."1

"Zhao Yuanjiao? Isn't he a senior...2