After passing through several villages, towns, and mountain peaks, a deep, secluded valley came into view. This place was called Dusk Valley, and it was also the Bai family's territory.
Chen Sanshi still chose not to reveal his true identity. He had even deliberately refrained from rushing straight to the Bai family, worried that they might figure it out.
One must not harbor the intent to harm others, but one must always guard against others.
When he was still two li away from Dusk Valley, two men responsible for guarding the mountain gate came forward to question him.
"Brother, what business brings you here?"
"Oh."
Chen Sanshi answered truthfully, "I am a wandering independent cultivator from the wilderness. While passing through this area, I noticed your clan's notice. I happen to be a Grade 2 alchemist, so I came to see whether we might be fated to cooperate."
"So that's how it is."
The young man's tone immediately softened. Introducing himself, he said, "My name is Bai Ange. I am one of the Bai family's juniors. Come with me—I'll take you to meet the family head and the elders!"
"Thank you for your trouble."
Chen Sanshi nodded slightly and followed him into the valley.
Within the valley, the Bai family differed somewhat from what he had imagined. Unlike the Li family, which was rigidly disciplined, this place had the lively warmth of the mortal world.
Along the way, he saw many children playing, elderly people playing chess beneath the shade of trees, and young women whispering private chamber secrets into one another's ears. In the distance, groups of men trained in the Spirit Vein, while patrollers greeted fellow clansmen returning with spiritual beast carcasses slung over their shoulders.
According to the information Chen Sanshi had obtained, the Bai family had