"Old Man Zhang!"
Gu Sheng bowed to the old man. Elders deserved respect to begin with, and Old Man Zhang had spent many years traveling about despite his advanced age, all to find a few source blocks to deal with bandits and keep this region safe.
Although he had long since transcended the mortal realm, Gu Sheng had never forgotten how weak he had once been. A peaceful environment existed because someone was shouldering the burdens and moving forward. He had always respected people like that.
"Oh my, Immortal, you mustn't! You really mustn't!"
Old Man Zhang still possessed some of the foundation passed down through his ancestors. At a glance, he could tell that Gu Sheng and Dragon Maiden were extraordinary. How could he accept a bow from Gu Sheng?
"I took the liberty of coming here, Old Man Zhang. I suppose I've disturbed your peace..."
Under Dragon Maiden's incredulous gaze, Gu Sheng had made such a gesture, yet he had no intention of explaining himself. He merely approached Old Man Zhang and began chatting and laughing with him.
"If I'm not mistaken, the three of you should be from the Jade Pool Holy Land!"
In Old Man Zhang's home courtyard, the old man personally brewed tea for them. He then sat across from Gu Sheng and spoke with a broad smile.
Gu Sheng smiled and drained his tea. He then took the initiative to lift the teapot and refill both his and Old Man Zhang's cups. "You've mistaken us, Fifth Elder. We didn't come from the Jade Pool Holy Land. We came because we knew of your ancestors' illustrious reputation."
"If you've come for source arts, Young Brother Gu, my branch has actually been in decline for a very long time."
The old man sighed deeply, filled with