"You too." Lin Taichu tied the medicine pouch around his waist, took one last look at the devastated Sect Master Hall, then turned and strode out. The setting sun cast his shadow long behind him, carrying both determination and hope for the future.
After leaving the main peak, Lin Taichu did not linger and headed straight to the Pill Hall to retrieve his belongings.
He did not touch the high-grade medicinal herbs in the medicine vault's secret chamber. He only took the ancient books Elder Su had given him and several of his own Dharma Artifacts. He knew that he would have to walk the road ahead alone; carrying too much would only become a burden.
When he descended the mountain overnight, Lin Taichu deliberately avoided Azure Cloud Sect's main routes and chose the treacherous mountain paths instead.
He did not dare let down his guard in the slightest. Although Bai Xuan was dead, the Enforcement Hall still had many of his loyal followers, and the Myriad Treasures Merchant Guild's spies were scattered throughout the mountains and wilderness. One careless move could expose his trail.
After traveling for three straight days, Lin Taichu arrived at Black Stone Town on the edge of Azure Cloud Sect's territory.
The town was far more desolate than during his previous visit. Pedestrians were sparse on the streets, many shops had shut their doors, and only a few pharmacies and inns remained open, their hanging signs swaying in the wind.
He entered the inn where he had stayed before. The proprietor froze for a moment upon seeing him, then hurried forward with a warm smile. "Will you be staying the night or dining, sir?"
"One upper room, and prepare some dry rations as well." Lin Taichu lowered his voice and placed a Spirit Stone on