Ye Hongyu relayed what she knew after hearing the old man's answer.
"Perhaps. He has not appeared for a long time. Whether he is alive or dead, who could know? Many people from Liu Family Village left, and never returned."
The old man continued smoking his pipe, his voice hoarse. Every day, he saw people leave, and once they were gone, no one ever came back.
Ye Hongyu looked at the old man before her. His expression had not changed from beginning to end.
"He died at Mountain God Temple. I was the one who took him there."
Ye Hongyu continued, telling the old man where Liu Da had died.
"Is that so? Good, then. Perhaps he was able to wash away his sins before he died."
Upon hearing the words "Mountain God Temple," the old man finally changed before Ye Hongyu. His expression grew somewhat complicated. He let out a long sigh, the pipe ember flickering, and for the first time, he did not take another puff in front of her.
"Mountain God Temple is very desolate now. It is obvious that no one has gone there for a long time."
"I understand. Now that the bandits are dealt with, it is time for us to offer sacrifices there once more."
After hearing Ye Hongyu's words, the old man became agitated.
Afterward, the room sank into a long-lost silence. Some time later, the old man began smoking his pipe again before Ye Hongyu, but this time, he choked on the smoke.
"Miss, this old man will take his leave first. Someone still needs to guard the entrance. Once everything is ready for tonight's celebration, someone will come to invite you and your master."
After choking, the old man stood up and bid Ye Hongyu farewell, trembling as he did