“The leader is waiting for you in the council hall.”

The captain’s voice remained calm, but the wariness in his tone was noticeably less. “He said that you should go directly there after you return.”

Lan Yuan nodded without saying anything more.

The group passed through the coral stone gate and walked along the street toward the white palace in the city center.

The aquatic cultivators along the way cast their gazes, but this time, the scrutiny and wariness in their eyes had lessened considerably, replaced by curiosity and friendliness.

Some people even nodded to Lan Yuan, their gazes lingering on Chen Ping for a moment before turning away and revealing a kind smile.

Chen Ping knew that the news had already spread.