C14 The Invitation from Mao Mountain

A prodigious talent had laid to rest in this place, unknown yet deeply revered in my heart.

Yang Xiu rose to his feet.

After completing the task, Lin Yi's eyes brimmed with scorn. "Young man, it's commendable that you possess a sense of reverence—it's quite rare. But you must understand that this is a world ruled by the powerful. If I so desire, it will remain mine."

A mischievous grin spread across Yang Xiu's face. "Is that so? We shall see!"

With that, he sat down cross-legged, brought his hands together in prayer, and recited a cryptic verse. At the utterance of those words, the inscription on the monument flashed with a golden light.

Lin Yi's eyes bulged in shock, bloodshot and wild, his face contorting with rage. "You brat, I'll kill you! You've ruined my most precious treasure."

Unfazed, Yang Xiu replied, "I merely liberated the warrior within my heart. By what right do you stop me? Laughable."

Yang Xiu then stood and retracted the demon.

With a few swift movements, he effortlessly broke through the surrounding barriers.

In that moment, Wang Cheng gasped in amazement, "His power... he's reached Blood Soldier Level 1. Heavens, he's actually a Blood Soldier Level 1!"

This was the fruit of Yang Xiu's labor in Ghost City over the past month, which had given him the courage to emerge.

Just then, the benevolent old man Yang Xiu had encountered before reappeared. "Young man, wouldn't you like to have a word with me?"

Yang Xiu paused, recognizing the old man's influence when he had persuaded Lin Yi to spare him.

"I have no objections," Yang Xiu said, "but first and foremost, I must ensure my own survival. And, please, watch over the monument I've erected." His face conveyed a knowing look.

The compassionate old man gestured dismissively. "There's no need to flee; I've got you covered."

At the old man's assurance, a hush fell over the crowd. Lin Yi bowed his head, his eyes seething with venomous resentment and defiance.

Lee Qingyuan and Wang Cheng were utterly astounded, unable to articulate their surprise. He had openly vowed to protect him—unbelievable!

In the next instant, the kind-eyed elder grasped Yang Xiu's arm and soared into the heavens, leaving behind a crowd struck dumb with astonishment.

In the Mao Mountain Sect, as soon as the elder had seated Yang Xiu, a maidservant promptly brought over a pot of clear tea. The room's decor was modest yet conveyed a sense of grandeur and elegance.

Chapter Sixteen: The Peculiar Girl

Just then, a girl about eleven or twelve years old burst in. "Grandpa, you're back! Is this the unparalleled genius you spoke of?" she asked, her large eyes blinking endearingly.

Yang Xiu couldn't help but smile at the charming young girl.

"Yes, my dear! But Grandpa has some important matters to discuss right now. You go on back, and I'll come spend time with you later," the old man said gently.

The girl nodded and bounced away, leaving under her grandfather's affectionate watch.

At that moment, Lin Yi arrived with Lee Qingyuan, his tone harsh. "Sect Master Senior Brother, I propose we lock him up in the dungeon immediately and force him to surrender the Yin Meridian."

Yang Xiu's brow creased, then smoothed out. "Ah, Sect Master Lin. But it seems your junior brother here might not respect you enough! I'm curious if you can truly keep me safe."

Lin Yi's eyes flashed dangerously at Yang Xiu's words. "Sect Master Senior Brother, don't let this youngster sow discord. The priority is to recover the Yin Meridian."

Sect Master Lin Zhengyang simply gestured dismissively. "Enough, you've been through a lot lately. I'll take care of this matter myself. Go rest."

Yang Xiu's frown lingered, but he remained silent.

Lin Yi shot Yang Xiu a resentful look before departing with reluctance.

"It looks like you've had some troubled times lately. Is there anything I can assist you with?" Yang Xiu inquired, sipping his tea with a serene demeanor.

Lin Zhengyang nodded, his expression one of admiration. "My young friend, you are indeed perceptive. Just by observing, you've grasped my predicament. Surely, you're destined to soar above the Nine Heavens one day."

Yang Xiu remained silent, simply continuing to sip his tea. He knew that if he was to offer his help, he needed to be in a position of advantage. He wasn't interested in getting involved in anything that didn't benefit him.

Lin Zhengyang then shifted the conversation. "But I'm curious, how did you come to your conclusions? I'd like to hear your thoughts."

Yang Xiu raised an eyebrow. "You're the Sect Master of the Mao Mountain Sect, yet your junior brother here shows no respect. Plus, considering the fierce battle we had, it's clear he doesn't take your commands seriously. I'm left wondering what exactly has transpired at Mao Mountain during my time in Ghost City."

Before Yang Xiu ventured into Ghost City, Lin Yi held Lin Zhengyang in the highest regard, a sentiment that has since changed dramatically. If Yang Xiu, a man who has lived two lifetimes, couldn't deduce that, he would have no future to speak of.

"Very impressive, my young friend, your timing is spot-on," Lin Zhengyang said, his face alight with excitement.

After a confidential discussion that lasted half an hour, Yang Xiu settled into a quaint courtyard on Mao Mountain, personally arranged by Lin Zhengyang.

"Wow, this little courtyard is not only convenient, but it's also incredibly peaceful—a truly rare find," Yang Xiu observed, speaking to himself.

At that moment, the adorable little girl he had previously encountered slipped in.

"Who are you? Why would my grandfather let you stay in his courtyard?" she asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

"My name is Yang Xiu. And who might you be? This area is off-limits. How did you manage to get in?" Yang Xiu, typically reserved, found himself surprisingly inclined to make conversation.

"I'm Aying," the girl replied, scrunching her nose as if displeased with Yang Xiu, her arms folded as she deliberately avoided his gaze, yet occasionally sneaking peeks at him.

"Here, I have a little something I found in Ghost City. How about I give it to you as a welcome gift?" Yang Xiu offered, presenting a trinket he had discovered.

Aying's face lit up with delight as she eagerly accepted it, fiddling with the gift. Trying to maintain her composure, she said, "That's more like it."

Just then, Lee Qingyuan appeared at the doorway. "Lee Qingyuan is here to summon Yang Xiu for an audience with the great elder of the Mao Mountain Sect."

With a simple gesture, Yang Xiu opened the door. "The little lady here will show me the way. Please inform the Sect Master that we will arrive shortly."

Lee Qingyuan gave Yang Xiu and Aying a curious look. "Understood, I shall take my leave."

Yang Xiu didn't dwell on the exchange, but Aying seemed uncomfortable. "Do I have to go?" she asked.

"Don't worry, I've got your back. There's no need to be scared. After all, you're just showing the way. What could possibly go wrong?" Yang Xiu reassured Aying, while internally pondering the girl's situation.

Why would the Mao Mountain Sect keep a girl around who seemed to serve no purpose? Aying appeared to lack any cultivation skills or special talents, according to all the information Yang Xiu had collected.