Long Ming was still lounging lazily on the spectator platform when Old Lu approached again, this time with a more formal bow.
He gave the old guard a small nod and asked casually, "Greetings, Fellow Daoist. So tell me, what does the Azure Scale Clan want from me?"
Old Lu's eyes widened slightly. The surprise was clear on his face. "You… already know our identity?"
Long Ming just smiled mysteriously, the corner of his lips curling in that familiar half-teasing way. "Just a guess."
He didn't bother explaining further. Instead, he scooped up Bing Luo Luo in one arm like she weighed nothing. The little girl giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck without hesitation.
"Uncle Long, where are we going now?" she asked, eyes sparkling with curiosity.
"Somewhere interesting, probably," Long Ming replied, ruffling her hair as he followed Old Lu.
