The heavy rain still poured down, raindrops striking the pool and sending ripples spreading outward as Lin Chan quietly pondered beneath the surface.
His cultivation was enough to let him hold his breath underwater for quite some time.
The icy pool water happened to calm him down, allowing him to think things through carefully.
He had originally believed that, given the bearing and magnanimity of a Core Formation True Person, True Person Xuan Ji would not stoop to targeting a Qi Cultivation junior like him.
Now, it seemed that nothing in this world was impossible.
As for his master, True Person Xuan Chen, Lin Chan could not yet judge him, nor did he know how much his master knew about this matter.
But Lin Chan had begun to grow wary as well.
Still, he had to return to Shu Mountain.
Out here, the chances of an accident were simply too high. It was safer to remain within Shu Mountain.
After all, within Shu Mountain, True Person Xuan Ji would have far greater misgivings if he wanted to resort to underhanded means.
After thinking for a while, Lin Chan understood that if he could escape now, he had to return to Shu Mountain as quickly as possible.
In the end, my strength is still too weak. I cannot control even half of my own fate.
Lin Chan opened his eyes and swam toward the surface.
Just then, an enormous shadow swam toward him as well and pulled him ashore.
"Sir! If you wanted to come out, you only needed to call Old Cui. I would have immediately come up to carry you."
Old Green Monkey said.
"Old Cui, thank you."
Lin Chan said this neither warmly nor coldly, then headed toward the tree hollow where Xu Chang was.
Old Green Monkey looked at Lin Chan's retreating back, then glanced in the direction of the Water Curtain Cave.
Thinking of how much the Four Eyes Tiger Demon valued Lin Chan, he hurried after him and did his best to shield Lin Chan from the rain.
When they returned to the tree hollow, Xu Chang said:
"Junior Brother, you're back. What did that Four Eyes tiger... Tiger King say?"
Xu Chang had nearly blurted out "Tiger Demon," but remembering that it would be disrespectful toward the Four Eyes Tiger Demon, he hastily changed his words.
"I spoke with it about what had happened over the past year or two. It has turned over a new leaf and is cultivating diligently."
Lin Chan said casually.
After all, they were still on someone else's territory. This was not the time to speak ill of them.
"Did Junior Brother tell the Tiger Demon what Master and the others meant?"
Xu Chang asked again.
"Of course. It said it was willing to maintain friendly relations with Shu Mountain as well."
Lin Chan did not lay out the grudge in plain terms.
The Four Eyes Tiger Demon clearly could not possibly be friendly with Shu Mountain, but that was karma created by True Person Xuan Ji. Lin Chan had no intention of involving himself.
He only wanted to settle this matter as quickly as possible, return to Shu Mountain, and cultivate properly.
With his current weak strength, he was like a chess piece, his life as fragile as duckweed, unable to control even half of it himself.
That feeling was awful.
Only sufficiently great strength could make Lin Chan feel at ease.
"Then the task Master assigned us can be considered complete."
Xu Chang revealed a smile.
"Senior Brother, the rain has already eased somewhat. Let's leave now!"
Lin Chan gave Xu Chang a meaningful look.
"Very well. But although the dark clouds have thinned considerably, they are still gathered overhead. Use the Thousand Mile Travel Talisman, and I'll fly by sword. Let's first leave this patch of cloud cover."
Xu Chang nodded.
After bidding farewell to Old Cui, Lin Chan held Little Li in his arms, slapped a Thousand Mile Travel Talisman onto each foot, and traveled through the rain.
After walking for one shichen and covering several hundred li, they left the area thick with dark clouds. Xu Chang took out the Floating Cloud Boat and carried Lin Chan into the skies, traveling above the clouds.
"Junior Brother, your stamina is quite good."
Even with the Thousand Mile Travel Talismans, being able to run several hundred li in one breath at no slow speed meant that Lin Chan's own stamina was exceptionally good.
"Senior Brother, I practiced martial arts, so my endurance is probably a bit stronger!"
Lin Chan said with a smile.
"Senior Brother, are we still going to Green Reed Market?"
Looking at the boundless sea of clouds, Lin Chan asked.
"We'll go rest for a while."
Xu Chang said with a smile.
He had previously promised Dugu Ye that he would return and tell him the outcome, so naturally he could not easily break his word.
"I'll listen to Senior Brother."
Although Lin Chan wanted to return as quickly as possible, he did not object, lest Xu Chang notice anything unusual about him.
In less than one shichen, the Floating Cloud Boat landed near Green Reed Market.
Since they had been gone for less than a day in total, the market guards still remembered them. They notified Dugu Ye while welcoming the two into the market.
While aboard the Floating Cloud Boat earlier, Lin Chan had used Inner Qi to dry himself. Furthermore, his Daoist robe possessed a slight rain-repelling effect, so he was quite clean and presented no improper appearance.
It was still the same quiet chamber, where the three met.
"Brother Xu, Little Brother Lin, you resolved it so quickly?"
Upon seeing them, Dugu Ye asked.
"My Junior Brother had a discussion with the Four Eyes Tiger Demon, and then we left. After all, humans and demons walk different paths, so it was inconvenient to stay long."
Xu Chang replied.
"Indeed, indeed."
Dugu Ye nodded repeatedly, then cautiously asked:
"Then, Brother Xu, Little Brother Lin, do you know what the Four Eyes Tiger Demon might do in the future?"
"That, I do not know. My Junior Brother did have a private, lengthy conversation with the Tiger Demon, though. He knows the matter clearly."
Xu Chang looked at Lin Chan, signaling that he could tell Dugu Ye some information.
"The Four Eyes Tiger Demon has no plans for action. It merely wishes to find a secluded place and cultivate in peace. Senior Dugu may rest assured."
Lin Chan's eyes shifted, and he came up with an explanation.
That was what he said, but whether Four Eyes would truly act that way was beyond Lin Chan's knowledge.
He could only say that, given Four Eyes's current state, there was a high chance it would not stir up trouble.
"Then I am relieved."
Dugu Ye let out a breath.
Only if a powerful neighbor kept the peace could they remain safe and go smoothly on their way.
"Brother Dugu, we brothers still have matters to attend to within the sect. We will depart at once and shall not linger here any longer. Take care."
After chatting idly for a few moments, Xu Chang bade farewell and left without resting further.
Compared with this place, Shu Mountain was still safer.
"Wait, I have already had someone prepare a meal. Why not eat before you leave?"
Dugu Ye hurriedly said, like a simple, hospitable farmer.
"No, Brother Dugu. We have already eaten. This would be too much trouble."
Xu Chang waved his hand, rose to his feet, and headed outside.
Lin Chan followed after him.
"Wait! Brother Xu, Little Brother Lin, after some time, my Dugu Family will be holding a small Auction. There will be quite a few fine items. Would the two of you be interested in honoring us with a look and appraising how many Talisman Coins these treasures might be worth? Then I can better assess them and set their prices."
Dugu Ye stopped Xu Chang and said.
Every so often, Green Reed Market held Auctions to attract powerful Rogue Cultivators and draw crowds to the market.
"What fine treasures has Brother Dugu collected? Are you looking to resell them to us?"
Hearing Dugu Ye's words, Xu Chang guessed that he had some good items and became interested.
"Brother Xu, what treasures they are, you will know once you take a look. If Brother Xu likes them, name a friendly price, and I will give them to Brother Xu and Little Brother Lin."
Dugu Ye kept them in suspense.
"Junior Brother, shall we take a look?"
Xu Chang looked toward Lin Chan.
"I'll ride on Senior Brother's coattails and broaden my horizons. I have never seen an auction gathering before."
Lin Chan glanced at the two of them and said with a faint smile.
Before you continue