"Luo Bai."
Suddenly, a voice came from the sky above the bridge.
As Zhang Luo Bai and the old Daoist looked up together, they saw a sword cultivator in elegant white robes standing on a flying sword, with one hand behind his back. He exuded an air of scholarly refinement and ethereal presence, like a banished immortal. Lin Zhao, at this moment, was indeed different from ordinary players. It wasn't intentional; his transcendent aura was a natural emanation that he himself had never noticed.
Lin Zhao had descended the mountain to personally pick up Zhang Luo Bai because he was worried the brat might cause trouble at the academy after just becoming a Sword Cultivator of the First Realm. He had already prepared himself to apologize to Gu Lingyu and a group of young scholars on behalf of his disciple. However, instead of seeing Zhang Luo Bai causing trouble, he saw an old Daoist in gray robes ascending the mountain. He looked unfamiliar.
"Master!"
Zhang Luo Bai cupped his fists in a proper salute and smiled, "You came to pick me up in person?"
"Mm."
Lin Zhao descended gracefully, his flying sword Hong Ye transforming into a streak of fiery red light and returning to Ling Xu. After glancing at Tong Yu, Zhang Luo Bai, and Zhuang Yirong, Lin Zhao's gaze finally settled on the old Daoist. He couldn't discern the man's depth, only that his appearance was somewhat unusual. The old Daoist leaned on a walking staff, a green gourd hung from his waist, and his straw sandals were nearly worn out, clearly indicating a long journey. Lin Zhao had also overheard the old Daoist's conversation with Zhang Luo Bai. Using his heart to perceive people, he didn't sense any ill intentions.
"Esteemed Senior."
Lin Zhao cupped his fists respectfully and said, "You must have recently arrived at Xue Yu Tian Chi, correct?"
"Yes."
The old Daoist smiled, "I've traveled a long way to earn a living and only just arrived at Xue Yu Tian Chi today. By chance, I met your disciple, young friend Zhang Luo Bai, and we hit it off."
As he spoke, the old Daoist's stomach rumbled loudly. He laughed awkwardly, "Ah, my stomach is truly uncooperative. To last the whole day on just a salted duck egg is simply not sustainable."
"Since that is the case,"
Lin Zhao maintained his gentle and humble demeanor, smiling, "Senior is Luo Bai's friend, so why not accompany us back to the Mountain Peak Villa? A few meals are well within our means at the Mountain Peak Villa."
"Ah?!"
The old Daoist's eyes lit up. "Thank you, thank you!"
"I am Lin Zhao, may I know the esteemed senior's name?"
"My surname is Wang. Friends in the martial world call me Old Daoist Wang, or Daoist Wang."
"Very well, Senior, please lead the way."
...
Mountain Peak Villa, Natural Abode.
Dong Cang was nearly finished preparing the meal. With guests arriving, even though the old Daoist appeared to be just a wandering charlatan who lived by deception, Lin Zhao didn't mind. After all, a wandering charlatan who could "argue" with Zhang Luo Bai likely had a good heart. At least, in Old Daoist Wang's eyes, Lin Zhao detected no trace of greed, which was enough.
He personally went to the lotus pond, retrieved a large white fish from the fish preserve, and began to simmer a pot of white fish soup for the extra meal. While the soup was brewing, he glanced over and saw Ni Zhi and Huang Tingyu appear in the kitchen. Ni Zhi immediately conjured a small world of sword dao and asked, "Sir, what are your thoughts?"
"Can you discern this Old Daoist Wang's cultivation foundation?" Lin Zhao asked while seasoning.
"We cannot,"
Huang Tingyu shook his head. "He appears no different from an ordinary person, not even a cultivator of the First Realm. I observe his steps are very light, and his soles are covered in blisters. He must have endured great hardship on the long journey to Xue Yu Tian Chi."
Ni Zhi nodded, "Indeed, I also cannot discern his foundation. Sir, do you suspect something?"
"Not necessarily,"
Lin Zhao replied, "Better to be safe than sorry... after all, we have a large family here at the Mountain Peak Villa."
"Mm,"
Ni Zhi smiled and nodded. "Sir, rest assured, while the old Daoist stays at the Mountain Peak Villa for a few days, Elder Huang and I will guard it day and night. Coupled with Tang Guangjun, who guards the gate and can arrive in an instant, three Twelfth Realm sword cultivators should be sufficient to keep him in check. Even if he is a Thirteenth Realm Grand Cultivator in disguise, we won't be at a disadvantage on Xue Yu Tian Chi."
"Good, that's good,"
Lin Zhao smiled. "But don't be too overt. That Daoist senior seems like a good person. Let's not chill his heart."
"Yes, Sir."
In the living room of the Natural Abode, Old Daoist Wang sipped the white tea from Xue Yu Tian Chi, served by Tong Yu, and smiled. "As expected of Qin Suihan's disciple, he truly lives up to the reputation of being gentle, humble, and considerate. Moreover, he is meticulous in his actions, leaving no room for error, and has shown me immense respect. Very good, very good~~~"
...
Before dinner was served, a figure arrived from the southeast. A Twelfth Realm old sword immortal, with a noticeably aged appearance, it was the old sword immortal Han Fang, who was stationed at the Fusang Great Wall. Han Fang landed in front of the Natural Abode and headed straight for the kitchen, also conjuring a small world of sword dao.
"Sword Immortal Han? A rare visitor..."
Lin Zhao smiled. "What brings you to Xue Yu Tian Chi today? Has Miss Lin also come?"
"No."
Han Fang's expression was grave. "The City Lord has likely met with misfortune."
"Ah!?"
Lin Zhao frowned. "What happened?"
"Not long ago, the City Lord visited Xue Yu Tian Chi and then pursued the Thirteenth Realm sword cultivator Qin Hong into the Ghost Realm," Han Fang gritted his teeth. "Late last night, the City Lord's aura in the Ghost Realm suddenly vanished without a trace, as if she had disappeared from this world. Therefore, we suspect the City Lord has met with an accident."
"..."
Ni Zhi knitted her brows. "Such a thing has happened. When I sensed Lin Wanhua's aura disappear yesterday, I thought she was in seclusion in the Sword Pavilion, holding her breath. How could this be... She, a dignified Thirteenth Realm Sword Immortal, with profound cultivation, it's impossible for anyone to subdue her in an instant."
"I agree,"
Han Fang said resentfully. "I went to the Ghost Realm this morning. After capturing a local deity on a mountain and interrogating him, he said the last time he saw our City Lord was a distant glimpse of a sword light shooting into the sky, and then she vanished from the face of the earth."
"How could this be..."
Lin Zhao's heart felt uneasy, and he frowned. "Miss Lin, she..."
"Sir, don't rush,"
Ni Zhi said softly. "You know Lin Wanhua's combat strength. Ordinary people can't do anything to her. I believe there must be another explanation, and she may not have truly met with misfortune."
"I know,"
Lin Zhao nodded, but his heart was still in turmoil.
Afterward, Han Fang took his leave.
...
Various home-style dishes and white fish soup were served. Huang Tingyu, Ni Zhi, and Zhang Luo Bai dined with the old Daoist. Lin Zhao, with an apologetic bow to the old Daoist, said, "A very important friend has encountered some trouble, and I must go to the Ghost Realm. I will not be able to dine with you, Senior. Please forgive me."
Old Daoist Wang nodded and smiled, "Mountain Lord, please attend to your urgent matters. Do not mind me."
Saying this, the old Daoist began to feast heartily. A steamed bun disappeared in two or three bites in his hand. A plate of stir-fried wild boar with chili vanished in over a dozen chopsticks. He even lifted the soup bowl and slurped the white fish soup directly into his mouth. As for the apricot blossom wine brought out by Dong Cang, he drank it pot after pot, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Even Huang Tingyu had to admit his inferiority.
After eating his fill, the old Daoist sat in a recliner, belched, and enjoyed the cool evening breeze.
A voice emanated from his sleeve. "Senior, you can eat this too?"
"Why wouldn't I be able to eat?"
Old Daoist Wang leisurely chuckled in his heart, "I heard in the Upper Realm that the Mountain Peak Villa has a righteous and upright reputation. Now it seems to be true. They treat even a poor Daoist like me so well, the rumors are not false. Also, Lin Wanhua, you don't need to hold any grudges. There's no need. I have my reasons for not telling Lin Zhao the truth. As for you, Lin Zhao is so worried about you, I would be very happy if I were you."
"I..."
Lin Wanhua hesitated for a moment. "Then should I thank you?"
"No need for thanks,"
The old Daoist picked his teeth and smiled. "I know you are not convinced. The reason you were captured by my Sleeve Universe was simply because you had no defenses against me initially. You thought that I, a dignified Fourteenth Realm human, shouldn't be helping the Northern Four Clans."
"So?"
Lin Wanhua's pretty face was clouded with frost. "Have you truly lost your conscience and are helping the Ghost Realm? As long as Qin Hong is not dead, the sword immortal seedlings of the human realm will never have peace. Is it wrong for me to kill Qin Hong?"
"It is not wrong,"
The old Daoist said with a smile. "But it was wrong for you to appear in the Ghost Realm. It would have interfered with my entire plan. In short, wait. I will release you, but not now."
"Hmph!"
Lin Wanhua chuckled. "I hope that when you release me, Senior is still alive, and I can give you a solid sword strike."
"Tsk, tsk, I said you are too sharp!"
Old Daoist Wang smiled meaningfully. "Compared to Lin Zhao, your state of mind and cultivation are indeed a bit lacking, Lin Wanhua. If it were Lin Zhao in my sleeve, he would likely have a different set of words and plans. At least he wouldn't be so aggressive in his speech."
"..."
Lin Wanhua's delicate eyebrows furrowed, and she fell silent. What he said did hold some truth.
...
As night fell, a gentle breeze rustled, and the autumn moon shone boundlessly.
Old Daoist Wang leaned on his walking staff, wandering about. Seeing Chu Yu, a Tian Yuan Realm cultivator practicing martial arts on a bluestone, the old Daoist smiled. "Miss Chu Yu, your appearance is extraordinary and your bearing is magnificent. How about I read your fortune?"
"No need, thank you, Senior."
Chu Yu had no intention of engaging with this charlatan.
The old Daoist slowly shook his head and walked over to Ni Zhi. "Miss Ni Zhi, I hear you are a remarkable sword immortal from the mountains. I see a black aura between your eyebrows. I fear you may have some recent misfortune. If you trust this poor Daoist, I am willing to feel your bones for free. I guarantee you will turn misfortune into fortune. What do you say?"
"No need, Senior, please respect yourself." Ni Zhi wished she could strike him with her sword.
"Alas..."
The old Daoist shook his head. These women on the mountain are too wary. Am I that kind of person?
His gaze fell upon Dong Cang, who was wiping a table with a basin of water. He narrowed his eyes and smiled. "Miss Dong Cang, the meal today was exquisite. It wouldn't be right for this old Daoist to eat your food without showing any appreciation. Seeing your pale complexion and rapid breathing, you seem unwell. How about... this old Daoist takes a look at your face? I have some understanding of women's ailments and medicine. Perhaps I can help you balance things?"
Dong Cang trembled all over, a sense of despair washing over her.
Am I finally up next?