"There are still matters in the city. I can't be away for too long."
Elder Chen nodded.
"All right, then I won't keep you. Su Yao will send you back tomorrow. Oh, right, Mr. Lin, there's something I have to remind you about."
"What is it?"
"Among the people who came today, a few have set their sights on you."
"Set their sights on me?"
"That's right. Ever since you mentioned the Trading Holy Land yesterday, they've had their eyes on you. That Wang Hai, Elder Li from the Profound Heaven Sect, and a few Rogue Cultivator leaders too. I could tell from the look in their eyes—they want to scoop up some benefits from you."
Lin Taichu said nothing.
Elder Chen continued, "These people are all old foxes in the Southern Region. On the surface, they're polite and courteous, but behind the scenes, they've got more tricks than you can count. After you return to the Southern Region, be careful. Don't fall into their trap."
"I understand."
"If you need help, just say the word. The Qingyang Sect may not be some great benefactor, but if a partner we're working with gets bullied, we won't just stand by and watch."
"Thank you, Elder Chen."
"No need to thank me. Go on back."
Lin Taichu walked out of the hall. The sky was already dark. He returned to the guest room, pushed the door open, went in, sat down on a chair, and poured himself a cup of tea. The tea was cold, but he paid it no mind and took a sip.
Early the next morning, Lin Taichu rose at dawn.
When he pushed open the door, the sky was only just beginning to brighten. There was no one in the plaza. Only a few birds had landed on