Better to Go Home

The rain was still falling heavily, droplets striking the pool and stirring ripples across its surface. Lin Chan pondered quietly beneath the water.

His cultivation was enough to let him hold his breath underwater for quite some time.

The icy pool water helped him cool down and think carefully.

He had originally believed that, given the status and magnanimity of a Core Formation True Person, True Person Xuan Ji wouldn't bother targeting a mere Qi Cultivation junior like him.

Now it seemed nothing in this world was impossible.

As for his master, True Person Xuan Chen, Lin Chan couldn't yet judge him or know how much he knew about this matter.

But Lin Chan was starting to grow wary.

Still, he had to return to Shu Mountain.

Outside, the odds of an accident were too high; it was safer to be on Shu Mountain.

After all, within Shu Mountain, True Person Xuan Ji would have far more concerns if he tried anything.

After thinking for a while, Lin Chan understood that since he could escape now, he had to get back to Shu Mountain as quickly as possible.

'In the end, my strength is too low now—nothing goes as I wish.'

Lin Chan opened his eyes and swam toward the surface.

At that moment, a large shadow swam toward him and pulled him ashore.

"Young master! If you wanted to come out, you just had to call Old Cui, and I'd have lifted you up right away."

Old Cui the monkey said.

"Old Cui, thank you."

Lin Chan replied flatly, then headed toward the tree hollow where Xu Chang was.

Old Cui the monkey looked at Lin Chan's back, then toward the Water Curtain Cave.

Remembering how much the Si Mu Tiger Demon valued Lin Chan, he followed and tried to shield Lin Chan from the rain.

Back in the tree hollow, Xu Chang said:

"Junior brother, you're back. What did that Si Mu Tiger... Tiger King say?"

Xu Chang almost blurted out "tiger demon," but thought better of it, since that wasn't respectful.

"I talked with it about what's happened over the past year or two. It's turned over a new leaf and is training hard."

Lin Chan said casually.

After all, they were still on someone else's turf—not the time to badmouth them.

"Did you tell the tiger demon about Master's intentions?"

Xu Chang asked again.

"Of course I did. It said it's willing to be friendly with Shu Mountain."

Lin Chan didn't lay out the grievances.

The Si Mu Tiger Demon clearly couldn't be friendly with Shu Mountain, but that was karma set in motion by True Person Xuan Ji, and Lin Chan didn't plan to get involved.

He just wanted to wrap this up quickly and return to Shu Mountain to cultivate properly.

With his current weak strength, he was like a chess piece, living a life as fragile as duckweed, with no control over anything.

That feeling was terrible.

Only enough strength could put Lin Chan at ease.

"Then the task Master gave us is done."

Xu Chang smiled.

"Senior brother, the rain's let up a bit. Let's leave now!"

Lin Chan gave Xu Chang a meaningful look.

"Alright, but although the dark clouds have thinned, they're still gathered. You use the Thousand Mile Travel Talisman, and I'll fly my sword. Let's get out of this cloud zone first."

Xu Chang nodded.

After saying goodbye to Old Cui, Lin Chan hugged Little Li, slapped a Thousand Mile Travel Talisman on each foot, and set off through the rain.

After an hour, covering several hundred li, they left the area dense with dark clouds. Xu Chang brought out the Floating Cloud Boat and flew with Lin Chan into the sky, weaving through the clouds.

"Junior brother, you've got good stamina."

Even with the Thousand Mile Travel Talisman, being able to run several hundred li in one go at no slow speed meant Lin Chan's physical endurance was impressive.

"Senior brother, I practiced martial arts, so my stamina's a bit better."

Lin Chan said with a smile.

"Senior brother, are we still going to Green Reed Market?"

Looking at the endless clouds, Lin Chan asked.

"Let's rest there."

Xu Chang said with a smile.

He had promised Dugu Ye earlier that he would update him on the situation, so naturally he couldn't break his word.

"I'll follow Senior Brother's lead."

Lin Chan wanted to hurry back, but to avoid raising suspicion, he didn't object.

In less than an hour, the Floating Cloud Boat landed near Green Reed Market.

Since their round trip took less than a day, the market guards still remembered them. They notified Dugu Ye while welcoming the two inside.

Back on the Floating Cloud Boat, Lin Chan had used Inner Qi to dry himself off, and his robe had some rain-repelling properties, so he was perfectly clean and presentable.

They met in the same quiet room as before.

"Brother Xu, little brother Lin, you resolved things so quickly?"

Dugu Ye asked upon seeing them.

"My junior brother had a chat with the Si Mu Tiger Demon, and then we left. After all, humans and demons walk different paths—no need to linger."

Xu Chang replied.

"True, true."

Dugu Ye nodded repeatedly, then cautiously asked:

"So, Brother Xu, little brother Lin, do you know what the Si Mu Tiger Demon plans to do next?"

"That, I wouldn't know. But my junior brother had a long talk with the tiger demon alone—he knows the details clearly."

Xu Chang looked at Lin Chan, signaling him to share some information with Dugu Ye.

"The Si Mu Tiger Demon has no plans. It just wants to find a quiet place to cultivate in peace. Senior Dugu can rest assured."

Lin Chan's eyes flickered as he came up with an answer.

He said this, but whether the tiger demon would actually do so, Lin Chan had no way of knowing.

At best, given the tiger demon's current state, it was highly unlikely to stir up trouble.

"Then I can relax."

Dugu Ye let out a sigh of relief.

A peaceful powerful neighbor meant safety and smooth sailing for them.

"Brother Dugu, my brothers and I have matters to attend to back at the sect. We'll set off now and won't impose on you any longer. Take care."

After a few more pleasantries, Xu Chang took his leave without resting.

Compared to here, Shu Mountain was safer.

"Wait! I've already ordered a meal prepared—eat before you go!"

Dugu Ye hurriedly said, like a simple, hospitable farmer.

"No need, Brother Dugu. We've already eaten once. This is too much trouble."

Xu Chang waved his hand, stood up, and headed for the door.

Lin Chan followed.

"Wait! Brother Xu, little brother Lin, in a little while, the Dugu Family will be hosting a small Auction. There will be plenty of good items. Would you two be interested in stopping by for a look? Help me appraise how many Talisman Coins these treasures are worth, so I can set a fair price."

Dugu Ye stopped Xu Chang and said.

Green Reed Market held auctions from time to time to attract powerful Wandering Cultivators and boost the market's popularity.

"What good treasures has Brother Dugu gathered? Looking to sell them to us?"

Xu Chang perked up at Dugu Ye's words, intrigued by the prospect of something valuable.

"Brother Xu, come take a look and you'll see. If you like something, I'll give you a friend's price—consider it a gift to you and little brother Lin."

Dugu Ye played coy.

"Junior Brother, want to take a look?"

Xu Chang turned to Lin Chan.

"I'll bask in Senior Brother's glory and broaden my horizons. I've never seen an Auction before."

Lin Chan glanced at the two of them and said with a faint smile.