The low houses stood in neat rows. Countless vines sprang into being and swiftly climbed the eaves like flowing water, covering the entire village.
The blood moon spread across the sky. People came and went through the streets and alleys, immortals and mortals mingling in a busy yet orderly bustle.
Pei Ling's Spiritual Sense swept across the entire village in an instant, but he detected no trace of "Kongmeng." The chess piece corresponding to "Kongmeng," however, was clearly inside this village...
As he pondered this, the old man in hemp robes had already led him into a secluded courtyard.
The houses in this courtyard stood a little taller than those outside, and seemed to be sheltered in the center of the village.
Striding into the main hall, the old man in hemp robes ordered someone to bring Spirit Nectar for their guest, then welcomed Pei Ling. "Fellow Daoist, please sit!"
Pei Ling gathered his robe and sat down. He quickly surveyed his surroundings, pausing briefly on the Crystal Mirror hanging in the hall before turning his gaze to the old man in hemp robes nearby.
The old man stroked his long beard. "This old man is Feng Mai, and I have the honor of serving as this village's chief."
"May I ask your name, fellow Daoist?"
Before he had finished speaking, a Human Mahayana set a coarse pottery bowl down beside Pei Ling.
Pei Ling glanced at it. The water in the bowl was crystal clear, with a wisp of rich green slowly spreading through it. Lively spiritual energy danced within. He nodded. "I am Pei Ling, a junior. I hope the seniors here will forgive me for imposing on your village."
"My companion, 'Kongmeng,' and I have ways to contact each other."
"However, since entering the village, I haven't