After parting ways with Niu Yuanshan, Han Shuangjiang and Chu Huai Xu continued toward the Bamboo House.
Along the way, Big Ice Block noticed that Dead Fox seemed preoccupied, frequently drifting off.
He still couldn't claim the [Faction Mission] from the [Organization], but he couldn't figure out why.
He felt he ought to take the matter seriously, and a seed of concern took root in his heart.
Overall, though, Chu Huai Xu felt no sense of belonging to the so-called [Organization].
He hadn't been brainwashed.
Besides, he'd once heard someone say, "If your loyalty isn't absolute, then you're absolutely disloyal."
So what did someone like Chu Huai Xu count as, as far as the [Organization] was concerned?
He wasn't merely less than absolutely loyal.
On the contrary, after spending so much time in the Dao Sect, he'd grown somewhat accustomed to it.
Besides, he seemed to have become deeply bound to the Dao Ancestor.
He'd also acquired a Sword Sheath and a Medicine Cauldron, and mastered the Dao Canon.
He couldn't say he felt a strong sense of belonging to the Dao Sect.
But at least, this was where his home was.
The autumn wind rustled, carrying a chill.
Walking side by side, Chu Huai Xu and Han Shuangjiang soon returned to the Bamboo House.
After saying goodbye, they each went back to their rooms.
Another day passed, and Little Xu still hadn't come home.
Chu Huai Xu was growing unused to it. The house felt less lively than before.
"Big Ice Block lives next door."
"And she was never much of a talker."
Back in his bedroom, Chu Huai Xu sat down on the meditation cushion.
He laid the Sword Sheath across his legs, then took the Spirit Pills he'd finished refining out of the Black Bead.
"Tsk! I've