Huaisang nodded as he pulled away, giving Jiang Cheng a slight bow and a playful smile that seemed to belie it. "Thank you, Sect Leader Jiang. I look forward to dinner."

He slipped into the guest quarters, glancing back once over his shoulder with a smile before disappearing.

Changing into relatively informal robes--a mere three layers of soft gray silk--Huaisang fussed over his appearance for a few minutes, but there was simply nothing else to do. His braids were tight and perfect, and he could not yet risk any flamboyance or informality.

A polite guest and respectable sect leader, Huaisang emerged from his chambers looking slightly softer but still the lofty Sect Leader of Qinghe.