Disturbance (Part 1)

Ling Qing hurriedly turned around and saw a middle-aged man in brownish-yellow clothes walking toward them from less than a hundred meters away.

Ling Qing was greatly alarmed. He had kept his Mental Power released the entire time. At his current level of Mental Power, it was enough to rival a Soul Elder-ranked soul master. Even a Spirit King could not come within two hundred meters of him without being noticed. Yet now, someone had appeared behind him without any warning. That meant this man named Liu Lin was far stronger than a Soul Elder.

But since the other party had shown no hostility, Ling Qing could not act rashly either. After all, not everyone was a bad person, though it was still necessary to remain on guard.

Liu Lin walked up to them. What puzzled Ling Qing was that there was not the slightest fluctuation of Soul Power coming from Liu Lin. He seemed exactly like an ordinary person. Either Liu Lin truly was an ordinary person, or he was strong enough to completely conceal his strength in front of Ling Qing.

Ling Qing smiled and warmly greeted Liu Hu's father. "Hello, Uncle Liu."

Liu Lin also revealed the simple, honest smile of a farmer. "Hello."

Seeing Liu Lin's guileless, harmless expression and hearing his exceptionally kind tone, Ling Qing's guard lowered slightly. If Liu Lin truly meant him harm, he would have already acted.

"Dad, this little brother is called Ling Qing. He's a student at Nuoding Academy," Liu Hu said, his words filled with undisguised envy.

Nuoding Academy was not far from Stone Forest Village, and it was quite well-known there. Some villagers had even sent their children to study at Nuoding Academy.

"So you're a student of Nuoding Academy. But if I remember correctly, Nuoding Academy isn't on break right now. May I ask what brings you to Tumbled Stone Village, little friend Ling Qing?"

Liu Lin kept that honest smile on his face as he spoke.

"Dad, he's heading to Kus City. He happened to pass by here, saw the scenery of this Tumbled Stone Forest, and stopped specially to take a look. Isn't that right, Ling Qing?" Liu Hu answered before Ling Qing could.

Ling Qing nodded. "That's right. Our academy's dean sent me to Kus City to deliver a letter."

Combined with the clothes he wore, he was actually sending Liu Lin a message: I have people behind me. If you want to make a move against me, think carefully about the consequences.

A sharp glint flashed through Liu Lin's eyes, though it was so well concealed that even Ling Qing failed to notice it. "I see."

"Alright, Dad. Let's head back," Liu Hu said, cupping his hands toward Ling Qing. "Sorry, Ling Qing. My dad and I will be heading back first."

Ling Qing waved a hand. "It's fine. Go on back."

Liu Lin looked at him. "Little brother Ling Qing, why not come back with us? It's almost noon, and you've been traveling all this time. I imagine you haven't eaten yet. Kus City is still quite a distance away, so why not come to our home for a meal before continuing on your way?"

Clearly, Liu Lin had another intention behind those words: come to my house for a meal, then leave quickly. Don't stay in Tumbled Stone Forest any longer.

The moment he said this, Ling Qing confirmed his suspicions. Tumbled Stone Forest indeed held a secret, and Liu Lin definitely knew about it. More obviously, Liu Lin did not want Ling Qing to have any contact with the forest. It seemed that even his own son, Liu Hu, did not know its secret.

Ling Qing had no idea how strong Liu Lin was, so he did not dare act rashly. If he continued to stay here, Liu Lin might very well drive him away directly.

Looking at Liu Lin's foolishly honest smile, Ling Qing muttered inwardly, I can only look for another opportunity.

"That won't be necessary. I'd be troubling you too much," Ling Qing said politely.

Liu Lin waved his large hand. "How would it be trouble? It's only one more person, one more pair of chopsticks. Huzi, hurry up and take little brother Ling Qing home."

The coercive undertone in those words was strong.

"Hm?"

Liu Hu froze for a moment, unable to understand what was going on. Since when had his father become so hospitable? But he quickly came to his senses.

"Ling Qing, our home is this way."

A few minutes later, Ling Qing arrived at Liu Hu's home.

Liu Lin's home was an ordinary rural cottage, with nothing special about it.

Liu Hu was just about to head into the kitchen to cook when Liu Lin stopped him.

"Huzi, take little brother Ling Qing inside to sit. I'll make the meal for you."

"Alright." Liu Hu turned around and said proudly to Ling Qing, "Ling Qing, let me tell you, my dad's cooking is amazing. In all of Stone Forest Village, he's the best cook. Even the chefs at restaurants in the city can't make food as delicious as my dad's."

"Really? Then I'm in for a treat today," Ling Qing said with a smile.

Liu Lin chuckled. "Little brother Ling Qing lives in the city and is used to city food. I only hope you won't dislike our humble farm fare."

"How could I? I just hope Uncle Liu won't mind that I eat a lot."

"Hahaha, good. Go wait inside. The food will be ready soon."

"Alright."

Once Ling Qing sat down inside, his eyes continuously swept over the various objects in the room. He hoped to find some useful clues among them and gain more valuable information.

Liu Hu took a cup from the table, fetched a kettle from elsewhere, and poured Ling Qing a cup of water.

"Sorry, Ling Qing. The house is such a mess," Liu Hu said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.

Indeed, Liu Lin's home was extremely cluttered, with all sorts of things placed haphazardly about. For instance, Ling Qing had actually spotted a sock beneath the table. Near the doorway, he found a scythe, with its blade facing outward. He was even beginning to wonder whether his martial soul being a scythe was why he had avoided accidentally being cut by it.

All in all, Liu Lin's home was exceptionally messy. This reflected one thing: Liu Lin was an unrestrained, free-spirited person who did not fuss over minor details. If he were the sort with obsessive compulsions, meticulous in every respect, his home would have been kept neat and orderly.

This point was crucial.

"By the way, Brother Huzi, why haven't I seen Auntie?" Ling Qing asked.

At those words, Liu Hu's gaze dimmed unconsciously. With a bitter smile, he said, "My mother passed away when I was very young."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring it up," Ling Qing apologized, though he truly had another purpose in asking that question.

"It's alright. It's been many years already."