The gray-robed monk stopped a few dozen feet in front of Li Yan. He pressed his palms together, his body leaning slightly forward in a respectful posture. The words he spoke, however, came as a great shock to Li Yan.
Fortunately, it was in Li Yan's nature to remain composed. Although his heart leaped in surprise, his face remained a placid mask.
Li Yan was confident that with his aura concealed, even a Late-stage Nascent Soul cultivator might not be able to see through him. Yet, this person had discerned his strength with a single sentence.
The moment he had noticed the gray-robed monk, Li Yan had been observing him. He was more than ninety percent certain that the monk was a Golden Core realm cultivator, yet the monk had addressed him as "Senior" right from the start.
How could he not be astonished?
Furthermore, Li Yan clearly did not recognize the gray-robed monk, yet the man knew his surname. The way he walked straight towards him showed no sign that he had mistaken him for someone else.
This was Li Yan's first time on the Wind God Continent ; it wasn't like the Forsaken Continent , where many people now knew him. Therefore, after leaving Jiaoming Province, he had reverted to his original appearance and was no longer in the guise of a burly man.
'Could he be a Spirit Transformation cultivator? But why would he call himself 'junior'?'
Li Yan's thoughts raced. The gray-robed monk, seeing Li Yan merely staring at him without answering, spoke again with a smile.
"It seems you are indeed Senior Li. Senior, there is no need to be surprised. This junior monk has been ordered by my Martial Uncle to come and invite you for a discussion!"
"Your Martial Uncle? Who is he?"
Li Yan's expression had returned to calm.
"This junior monk's Martial Uncle is Chan Master Xuji, an elder of Shamen Temple, and one of the two Nascent Soul cultivators currently overseeing this market!" the gray-robed monk replied respectfully, his gaze serene.
A flicker of doubt passed through the depths of Li Yan's eyes. He had read about the name Shamen Temple in records; it was a rather powerful monastery among the forces of the Wind God Continent .
The one inviting him was the Nascent Soul monk from Shamen Temple who was overseeing this place? Li Yan glanced at the gray-robed monk.
"Oh? I do not know him. If there is some matter, have him come find me and speak directly!"
Li Yan's expression was as placid as an ancient well. He would not casually go to the turf of a Nascent Soul cultivator. Although he was confident in his divine abilities, if he were to go to a location designated by another Nascent Soul cultivator without cause, and the other party had ill intentions, he was not certain he could walk out unscathed.
Especially since the other party could see through his cultivation at a glance. Li Yan had no idea what else they might know about him.
Such a monk either cultivated the "Heavenly Eye Power" or possessed some secret art or a privacy-invading magical treasure that he was unaware of.
In just that brief moment, Li Yan's mind raced. He still felt it was more likely that this Chan Master Xuji cultivated some kind of divine ability that pried into others' privacy. With a Nascent Soul cultivator of his level arriving at the market with his cultivation hidden, it was possible that the other party had sent someone to invite him, or perhaps to investigate.
'Could it be that red light at the archway? But he doesn't come himself and instead sends a little monk. Does he really think he's a Living Buddha that everyone must go and worship!'
But what Li Yan couldn't figure out was how the other party knew his surname.
His face remained impassive, but a decision had already been made in his heart. He planned to stay for a short while longer before summoning the two demons and leaving. Although Li Yan wasn't afraid of the other party, since his tracks had been discovered, he knew the man would be watching him from the shadows. He had other matters to attend to, so it was best to leave sooner rather than later.
"This is what my Martial Uncle asked me to give to you, Senior. You will understand once you see it!"
Hearing his words, the gray-robed monk showed only a slight look of surprise. He didn't recognize Li Yan either; his Martial Uncle had simply said that after giving this item to the person, he would come with him. He was surprised because his Martial Uncle's name was quite renowned in the cultivation world . Moreover, the Shamen Temple was a powerful force on the Wind God Continent , an entity that many other powers would actively seek to build relations with. And Shamen Temple might not even deign to notice them. So, he thought that by simply announcing these names, the other party, even if a Nascent Soul cultivator, would have to show some deference. He hadn't expected the man to refuse outright.
Only then did he believe what his Martial Uncle had said, and he immediately took out a Jade Slip .
Seeing the Jade Slip being offered, Li Yan did not immediately reach out to take it. He was also curious about the person who had invited him, but out of his usual caution, he would naturally not rush into a risky situation.
Li Yan's Divine Sense probed the Jade Slip in the gray-robed monk's hand directly. A voice immediately sounded from within. After hearing the voice and its content, Li Yan's perpetually calm expression showed a brief, obvious stupor.
There was only a single sentence in the Jade Slip. After his moment of shock, Li Yan beckoned with his hand, and the Jade Slip flew from the monk's hand into his. He casually put it away. When he looked up at the gray-robed monk again, a faint voice came from his mouth.
"Lead the way!"
In a secluded corner of the market, there was a vast, dense forest with thick shade. Compared to the rest of the market, this place felt like another world. The occasional chirping of birds made it seem even more elegantly quiet and profound...
Li Yan followed behind the gray-robed monk, walking at an unhurried pace. But at this moment, his heart was not as calm as his expression suggested; waves were still crashing within.
He had never expected to meet this person here. It was completely beyond his expectations.
The stone path in the forest twisted and turned. Along the way, one could occasionally see a small stream gurgling and winding through the woods. Sunlight dappled through the leaves, casting mottled shadows on them. It wasn't hot at all; instead, it had a tranquil feeling of a winding path leading to a secluded place.
After walking for about two or three li along the stone path and turning a few more corners, the corner of a wooden house with a projecting eave came into Li Yan's view. The sound of wind chimes hanging from the eave tinkled clearly in the breeze. As he continued forward, a courtyard of red walls and green tiles unfolded before his eyes like a painted scroll...
Soon, the gray-robed monk led Li Yan to the small gate of the courtyard. It was clear that not many people came and went here; patches of green moss had appeared on the few steps leading to the gate.
Just as the gray-robed monk and Li Yan stepped onto the stairs, the small courtyard gate creaked open on its own.
The gray-robed monk immediately stopped to the side of the gate, pressed his palms together, and bowed slightly towards the courtyard.
"Martial Uncle, Senior Li has arrived!"
"Thank you for your trouble, Martial Nephew. You may leave now!"
A deep voice came from within the courtyard, tinged with a sense of world-weariness.
"You are too kind, Martial Uncle!"
The gray-robed monk made a gesture of invitation towards Li Yan with one hand, and then his figure gradually faded away like a phantom.
When Li Yan stepped into the courtyard, he saw several neat houses with walls covered in green climbing plants. At this moment, in front of one of the houses, a gray-robed monk in his thirties stood with his palms pressed together, smiling at him.
Although this man also wore a gray monk's robe, his aura was vastly different from the previous monk. He exuded a feeling like a gentle spring breeze, as if standing before him was a sacred land of peace.
Looking at the face that was so different from before, yet held a hint of familiarity, a smile also appeared on Li Yan's face.
"After so many years, to see a friend in this place is truly a great surprise!"
"Amitabha. A good karmic connection has come to my door. This old monk is also surprised. It was just a routine check of cultivators entering the market, yet I saw a long-unseen, familiar face. It is truly a joyous occasion!"
Hearing the voice, no longer old and weary, Li Yan felt as if a lifetime had passed.
"Should I call you Great Master Xuji, Fellow Daoist Zhuo, or perhaps Fellow Daoist Sang?" Li Yan said as he walked towards the middle-aged monk.
"It is but a title. Fellow Daoist Li may call me whatever you wish! As you said, after so many years, my joy is boundless. Shall we speak inside?"
The middle-aged monk turned slightly to the side, revealing the main hall door behind him. Inside, incense was burning and tea was brewing, with wisps of green smoke curling in the air.
Li Yan did not stand on ceremony. With a hearty laugh, he stepped towards the house.
"Hahaha... Then I shall impose on Fellow Daoist Zhuo!"
The Jade Slip from before had contained only one sentence.
"Since we parted from the Huchen Family, does Fellow Daoist Li still remember this Zhuo?"
The monk before him was none other than Zhuo Lingfeng, with whom Li Yan had shared a certain friendship back then. It was just that now, not only had he converted to Buddhism, but his appearance was also much younger. He no longer had the aged face of the past.
Inside the room, sandalwood incense curled, its fragrance soothing the heart.
On either side of a small table, Li Yan and Zhuo Lingfeng sat opposite each other.
"Fellow Daoist Li, please try this tea first. This is my temple's unique 'Void-Nature Tea.' Although it cannot improve our cultivation, it can calm the spirit and quiet the mind, clearing away restlessness and turbidity!"
As he spoke, Zhuo Lingfeng raised a hand, gesturing towards the teacup in front of Li Yan.
The tea in the cup was a pale white color, and a delicate fragrance shot straight into his Sea of Consciousness . Although Li Yan hadn't taken a sip, he could already feel a cool sensation sweep through his Sea of Consciousness , a feeling that was extremely comfortable.
Li Yan noticed that Zhuo Lingfeng had consistently avoided calling him "Benefactor," addressing him in a very casual manner. This point might seem trivial, but Li Yan understood that the other party still saw him as the person from back then and did not want to deliberately spoil the relationship between them.
Li Yan followed his suggestion and lifted the teacup, taking a sip without any apparent guard. He then closed his eyes.
Zhuo Lingfeng watched all this with a smile, until Li Yan suddenly opened his eyes, a clear light shining within them.
"Good tea!"
"This tea can only be harvested in small quantities once every sixty-year cycle. If Fellow Daoist Li likes it, this old monk can gift you a small bag. It can help calm the spirit and quiet the mind during your leisure time!"
"Oh, a grand gift upon our first meeting. How should I repay this?"
"Hehehe, this is no heavenly material or earthly treasure ; it simply takes a long time to grow. It is rare that Fellow Daoist Li enjoys it. How can it be called a grand gift!"
As Zhuo Lingfeng spoke, he flipped his palm, and an exquisite small bag appeared on the table, which he gently pushed over.
Although Li Yan spoke politely, seeing the exquisite small bag arrive before him, he also smiled, and with a flick of his sleeve, he put it away.
Then he raised an eyebrow and looked carefully at the smiling Zhuo Lingfeng again, a strange look in his eyes.
"I flatter myself that my aura-concealing technique is passable. How did Fellow Daoist Zhuo see through my cultivation? Could it be due to the red light at the archway?"
After carefully observing Zhuo Lingfeng, he found that his cultivation seemed to be at the peak of the Initial-stage Nascent Soul , a minor realm lower than his own. Hearing his question, Zhuo Lingfeng shook his head.
"This old monk did not see through your true cultivation, Fellow Daoist. Even now, you still appear to be at the Initial-stage Golden Core . This aura-concealing technique of yours is truly formidable! Moreover, the red light at the entrance archway is only to check for transformed Wind Beasts entering and has no other malicious intent. Otherwise, prying into others' cultivation would only provoke public outrage."
Li Yan listened quietly, not interrupting.
"The reason this old monk could 'see' your cultivation, Fellow Daoist, was... because I guessed!"
"Guessed...?"
This, Li Yan found a little hard to believe.
"What is so difficult about it? It seems Fellow Daoist has overlooked one point. This is the Wind God Continent!"
Seeing Li Yan's puzzled face, Zhuo Lingfeng simply said this one sentence. When Li Yan heard it, his expression froze for a moment, and then he slapped his forehead.
"Right, right, right! I completely forgot that there are people here who can recognize me. I really overthought it!"
Only then did Li Yan realize. He had thought that no one on the Wind God Continent recognized him besides Gong Chenying, yet here he had run into Zhuo Lingfeng.
From the other's perspective, he must have crossed realms to get here. In that case, among the three people who entered the market, at least one had to be a Nascent Soul cultivator. And the way the three of them had behaved when entering the archway clearly showed that he was the leader. With a one-in-three chance, what was so impossible about guessing it was him?
"Fellow Daoist Li, I hope you won't take offense. I was only performing a routine check on the cultivators entering. There is another Nascent Soul overseeing this market, and we take turns observing the cultivators who enter. I didn't expect to see you, Fellow Daoist, by such a coincidence. Your appearance remains unchanged, and I thought that such a coincidence would be impossible in this world, so I boldly made a guess and sent someone over!"
Zhuo Lingfeng briefly explained the process, which served as an explanation. He did not press Li Yan about his true cultivation realm.
Once Li Yan knew the other party hadn't seen through his cultivation, he also felt much more at ease. Otherwise, he would really have to consider whether to walk around in disguise in the future.
"I wonder how Fellow Daoist Zhuo arrived here, and why..." Li Yan pointed to the monk's robe on Zhuo Lingfeng. He had many questions in his heart and couldn't help but ask, but he quickly added, "Oh, it's just that I was surprised to meet you here, Fellow Daoist. If it is inconvenient for you to answer, then let's drop it!"
"Fellow Daoist Li, you worry too much. There is nothing that cannot be said. I invited you over to ask you some things as well. I'm afraid I will have to trouble you in a moment."
Zhuo Lingfeng pressed his palms together and then began to recount his story directly.
"That year, after you and I parted ways from the Huchen Family, in order not to arouse the Huchen Ancestor's killing intent, I went to the valley where I once lived and stayed there for a while. Later, when I came out to purchase some cultivation resources, I found that the entire cultivation world was in chaos. I heard that the Demon Clan had invaded the South Sea and had soundly defeated the Supreme Mystery Teachings , even taking their home base. The Four Great Sects ordered all cultivators at Foundation Establishment and above to resist the Demon Clan. At that time, I was just a Foundation Establishment Rogue Cultivator . My life had been one of misfortune, and my cultivation was barely enough for self-preservation. When I was in the market, if I hadn't been quick-witted, I would have been forcibly conscripted. After escaping, I thought, 'why should I risk my life in such a matter?' I felt that the small valley was no longer a safe place, so I developed the idea of fleeing far away. After some thought, I finally chose a perilous land. It was called the 'Land of the Setting Sun.' I believe Fellow Daoist Li has probably heard of it as well."
At this point, Zhuo Lingfeng paused and smiled at Li Yan.
Li Yan, of course, knew where the "Land of the Setting Sun " was. It was one of the two great perilous lands in the desert, as famous as the "Flying Sand Grotto-Caves ."
Back then, to escape Ancestor Redfire's pursuit, he had plunged headfirst into the "Flying Sand Grotto-Caves" and had nearly died there. From this, one could imagine how dangerous the similarly named "Land of the Setting Sun" was. And at that time, Zhuo Lingfeng only had Foundation Establishment strength. To choose to enter the "Land of the Setting Sun" to avoid calamity, he had truly risked it all.
However, from this point, one could also see how helpless and pitiful low-level rogue cultivators were in the war against the Demon Clan invasion. At the same time, Li Yan understood Zhuo Lingfeng's choice back then very well. In that war against the Demon Clan, rogue cultivators had the highest death toll. The main reason was that their cultivation methods were average, their magical treasures were average, which led to their combat power being average. Once they encountered ferocious demonic cultivators and foreign cultivators , they were naturally the first to die!