Xu Bai Reaches Third Rank

"You know?" Xu Bai turned to look around when he heard Ye Zi speak.

There are too many people around, so it's not appropriate to talk about these things. Therefore, he pulled Ye Zi to a secluded place and then asked her the reason.

This was a secluded alley, deserted and quiet. At this moment, there were only the two of them and a Fourth-Rank Puppet.

Ye Zi looked around before revealing her thoughts. "Young Master, as I mentioned before, there are Demon Warlock in this world, but besides Demon Warlock, there is another type that is completely the opposite..."

In the dimly lit alley, Ye Zi's voice gradually rang out, and as Ye Zi explained, Xu Bai gradually understood the meaning.

He had already encountered the Demon Warlock in the previous place. The so-called Demon Warlock was someone who colluded with the demon race and obtained special abilities from them.

This kind of profession is extremely shameful, rejected by all other professions, and is like a rat in the street, hated by everyone.

These Demon Warlock have a very strict hierarchical system, with demons being superiors and humans being inferiors; one could say that humans serve the demon race.

This industry was hit hard not long after it emerged, and those who managed to escape went on to create another industry based on it.

—The Demon Master.

While both involve collusion with the demon race, the so-called demon master operates on a completely different level, reversing the hierarchy and placing humans above demons.

They no longer borrow any power from the demon race, but purely enslave them, making them their pets, and their fighting style is to use the demon race for attack and defense.

One type is similar to a beast tamer, who is relatively weak, while the other type completely integrates with the demon race, strengthens their physical body, and engages in pure combat.

It is precisely because of this that this profession has gradually gained recognition.

The reason this profession is recognized is quite simple: the inversion of the superior-subordinate relationship is sometimes just that funny.

If you are enslaved by Demon Warlock, then you should fight and kill them; if you enslave the demon race, then that is barely acceptable.

Originally, after being accepted, it could have developed slowly, but an anomaly occurred later, which brought the industry to a complete standstill, and now it can only eke out a living in the shadows.

To enslave the demon race, you need to provide them with plenty of fresh blood and food; otherwise, if you don't feed the horses, how can they run? And the blood and food, however, comes from humans.

If they don't give it to them, the demon race will gradually decline, causing those who enslave the demon race to also gradually decline.

It was precisely for this reason that the profession of demon master was ultimately not recognized, and they eventually became pariahs, living in constant fear.

"Young master, after these people died, their internal organs were completely gone, and they were completely clean. I suspect they were eaten alive." Ye Zi said, "The demon race likes to eat human internal organs; this has been the case since ancient times."

Xu Bai stroked his chin and went through Ye Zi's words from beginning to end.

Even if it was the sorcerer who did it, it doesn't seem to have anything to do with him. After all, why would those who wanted to assassinate him kill ordinary people for no reason? "Such a big thing has happened, the Bureau of Surveillance will definitely send people. I'll see then," Xu Bai said after thinking for a moment.

He decided to wait and see. Ultimately, this matter was to be handled by the Bureau of Surveillance, not his responsibility. He would first get his hands on the progress bar. If subsequent investigations revealed a connection to the assassination attempt, that would be the time for him to take action.

Thinking of this, Xu Bai took Ye Zi and headed back to the Ye Family.

After returning to the Ye Family, Xu Bai stayed inside for the next few days without going out. Meals were delivered to him, and he lived a carefree life.

In his spare time, besides his usual entertainment activities, he spent his time grinding the Nameless Saber Scripture. After several days of non-stop grinding, he finally finished grinding the new version of the Nameless Saber Scripture.

"Call someone over to tidy up, and then don't let them bother me." Xu Bai wiped his mouth and put his chopsticks aside.

"Yes, young master." Ye Zi nodded, called over two maids, and asked them to tidy up the place. Then she went forward to close the door and sat down next to Xu Bai.

Xu Bai stared intently at the Nameless Saber Scripture. After watching it for a while longer, the last bit of progress finally reached perfection.

Inside the room, a pale blue mist appeared in mid-air. After it appeared, the mist gradually gathered in mid-air and formed a line of text.

[You studied the Nameless Saber Scripture and comprehended the Armor-Breaking Twenty-Four Mental Method -Piercing Techniques.]

Xu Bai: "?"

This is the second time a mental cultivation technique has appeared. He rubbed his hands together excitedly, waiting for the smoke to merge.

Soon, the pale blue smoke disappeared quickly, then reappeared, coalescing into new text.

[Mergeable options found, currently in progress.]

[The Armor-Breaking Twenty-Four Mental Method + The Inverted Purple Firmament Gale Wind Yin Yang Break = The Inverted Purple Firmament Gale Wind Yin Yang Break.]

[Merger successful.]

Xu Bai: "..."

He really wants to say, "Little Gold, you've changed. You've become so casual. Why don't you even change your name anymore?"

At least change the name! You've merged with someone and you haven't even changed the name. It makes me think you're just giving up.

Of course, after thinking about it carefully, Xu Bai realized that it was normal not to change the name. The name he changed before was also suitable for the fusion of the Nameless Saber Scripture's mental cultivation method, so it was reasonable not to change it now.

Thinking this, the light blue text disappeared, and then the latest panel appeared.

[Name: Xu Bai]

[Realm Level: Third Rank Loose Cultivator]

[Chess Saber Five Styles (Tier 7): Max Level.]

[Inverted Purple Firmament Gale Wind Yin Yang Break (Tier 7): Max Level.]

[Returning Wind Flowing Snow (Tier 5): Max Level.]

[Movement Breaking Three Turns (Tier 5): Max Level.]

[Cosmic Shift (Tier 4): Max Level]

[Vajra Heart Demon Body (Tier 4); Max Level.]

[Strengthening Kidney Gathering Art (Tier 5): Max Level.]

[Hundred Poisons True Explanation (Tier 3): Max Level.]

[Ingenious Craft Puppet Technique (Tier 6): Max Level.]

[Undying Body (Fragment) (Tier 5): Max Level.]

[Comprehension: Max level.]

A series of messages flashed through his mind, and then Xu Bai felt his whole body filled with power.

The True Yuan Power within his body was much greater than before, and most importantly, he could vaguely sense that the True Yuan Power was about to burst out of his body.

However, before his True Yuan Power could break through his body, there was still an obstacle blocking him, preventing him from breaking through.

Rank 3!

He has now reached the third rank, which is a huge change, but he is still far from the second rank, after all, he has not yet completed the new progress bar.

The second rank is a huge watershed, and he is currently facing a slight obstacle, probably because he has not yet entered the second rank.

"What a pity." Xu Bai shook his head, thinking to himself, "If only I could level up to the second rank in a flash."

He actually carried a sense of regret, and if others knew, they would definitely beat their chests in despair.

He has already reached the third rank in less than a year since he entered this circle, but that's not the most important thing.

Reaching the third rank is still possible for some exceptional geniuses, but his current combat strength is so great that he can even touch the first rank, which is a bit outrageous.

With his Saber Intent and all sorts of maxed-out abilities, even an ordinary first-rank fighter might lose to him.

Anyway, he estimated that the second-ranked official was now in his hands and could be easily manipulated.

As for the third rank...

Sorry, I'll take as many as you bring in.

Actually, it was mainly his Saber Intent that gave his swordsmanship a substantial boost.

"I'll continue with the Nameless Saber Scripture." Xu Bai thought for a moment, then took out another book and continued working on it.

There are only fifteen books left. We must hurry and grind as many as we can. What if we can grind out another manual? Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Ye Zi watched Xu Bai continue reading without making a sound to disturb him. She took out an incense burner from a small cabinet next to her and lit some precious sandalwood incense.

Then, she rested her chin on her slender, fair hand and stared intently at Xu Bai, unable to look away...

They lived harmoniously on one side, while on the other, the Ye Family Head sat in a chair, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Several days have passed, and during these days, she has been thinking about the deal Xu Bai mentioned.

Xu Bai's assessment of her was entirely correct; she didn't seem like a family head at all, but rather a shrewd businesswoman.

Since Xu Bai proposed the deal, the Ye Family Head had actually agreed, but she wanted a little more.

We can't just give it away for free, can we?

She was caught in a dilemma: if she asked for too much, she was afraid of upsetting the other party; if she asked for too little, she would feel cheated.

In short, they wanted to make money without offending anyone.

"Hiss..." Ye Family Head took a deep breath, rubbed his still charming face with his hand, and finally made up his mind.

"Someone come here."

As soon as she called out those two words, two maids came in from outside the door and stood respectfully to her side.

"Please invite Lord Xu to the reception room; I have important matters to discuss with you."

The two maids nodded and were about to leave to tell Xu Bai about it, but before they could even walk out, they were stopped by someone.

Ye Yu stopped the maid and said, "Master, this is a matter of great importance. Please think it over carefully before you act."

The Ye Family Head was slightly taken aback. He waved away the two maids and then looked at Ye Yu with a look of great interest.

Ye Yu kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with the Ye Family Head.

"How did you know what Xu Bai wanted?" the Ye Family Head asked.

Although Ye Yu Ye Yu didn't explain it very clearly just now, it was clear from her words that she seemed to know about her deal with Xu Bai.

Ye Yu gritted her teeth and said, "I overheard it by accident."

"An accident?" Ye Family Head said with amusement, "Your 'accident' really was an accident."

Ye Yu trembled slightly and quickly knelt down. "Patriarch, this is an unprecedented event in the family. Are we really going to hand over the family's cultivation techniques? This will make people look down on us."

She spoke these words with such passion and fervor, as if she were earnestly considering the well-being of her family.

The Ye Family Head crossed his arms, making his curvaceous figure particularly noticeable.

She stood up, slowly walked to Ye Yu, and said, "I know what you're thinking, but now that Ye Zi has completed her mission, there's nothing for you to do anymore. Besides, you were the one who gave up before."

Ye Yu shuddered again and didn't say anything more.

The Ye Family Head continued, "I don't care how you fight in your family, but once you leave the Ye Family, you are not allowed to offend her again. That is the rule of the Ye Family. Tomorrow, the second young master of the Kong Family will come. That is your final destination."

"But the cultivation technique..." Ye Yu asked timidly.

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by the Ye Family Head.

"You want revenge, you don't want them to get what they want," the Ye Family Head said slowly. "But you must understand, I am the head of this family, and I see further than you do."

As the head of the family, Ye Family Head is naturally very capable to have built the Ye Family from the bottom to this point.

Just as Xu Bai commented on her, she is a businesswoman, so she naturally knows what is good and what is bad.

If she were to change her mind simply because of one member, then she would have wasted her time as the head of the family, and the Ye Family would not be as prosperous as it is today.

"Let's go," said the Ye Family Head. "The second young master of the Kong Family will also be here tomorrow. You should go with him and not get involved in these matters."

Ye Yu opened her mouth, but in the end, she didn't say another word and turned to leave.

After Ye Yu left, the Ye Family Head walked towards the door...

It was already late when Xu Bai finished his dinner and received a message from his maid.

"Lord Xu, the master said he's waiting for you in the reception room." The maid bowed her head, respectfully informed him, and then quickly left.

Upon hearing this, Xu Bai's eyes lit up, and he turned to exchange a glance with Ye Zi.

Judging from this, the other party has already made up their mind.

"Let's go." Xu Bai said simply and walked towards the reception room.

Before long, he led Ye Zi to the reception room, where the Ye Family Head had been waiting for a long time, and hot tea had been served.

Xu Bai sat down, raised his hand, picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then looked at Ye Family Head, smiling, "It seems Ye Family Head has already made up his mind."

The Ye Family Head nodded.

Having made her decision, she didn't hesitate. She took a book from her bosom and handed it to Xu Bai.

"This is the Ye Family's cultivation technique, Yin Fiber Tune. If one cultivates it to perfection, one can enter the second rank."

"Can it reach the second rank?" Xu Bai looked at the book in his hand, where a progress bar appeared.

But after examining it closely, he found that the progress bar wasn't growing particularly slowly.

If it were a book that could directly reach the second rank, it would never be this fast.

"It is indeed worthy of being ranked second rank, but that is just my public statement." The Ye Family Head said helplessly, "Lord Xu, since you are doing business with me, I also have the integrity to do business. I will not lie to you about this matter."

Xu Bai put Yin Fiber Tune aside without saying a word, took another sip of tea, and waited for the Ye Family Head to continue.

Since it was stated that one could not enter the second rank, but it was previously claimed that it was possible, there must be something going on here.

However, the fact that they were able to honestly say it is still acceptable.

If someone unfamiliar with the field were here, they certainly wouldn't be able to tell whether someone could reach the second rank, but Xu Bai could tell at a glance.

The Ye Family Head certainly didn't know that Xu Bai could see through it; he could have easily kept quiet about it and elevated the deal to a higher level.

But she finally said it, and Xu Bai temporarily labeled her as honest.

After saying this, Ye Family Head paused slightly and continued, "If one can comprehend its mysteries, one can at most reach the fourth rank. In other words, even if Ye Zi takes it and his strength increases by leaps and bounds, he will only reach the fourth rank and then be done with it. There is a reason for this, because this cultivation technique is only the first volume."

Volume 1?

Xu Bai stroked his chin and asked, "Where is the second volume?"

Since there is an upper part, there must also be a lower part, which is similar to the difference between thick and thin, large and small.

I thought they would ask for details about the second volume, but to my surprise, the Ye Family Head said something completely opposite.

"There is no second volume." The Ye Family Head said with a wry smile, "It was destroyed during a special incident."

Xu Bai picked up the book again, flipped through it once more, and said, "Although I admire Ye Family Head Ye's integrity, if it's only at the fourth rank, it might be greatly diminished."

Honesty is honesty, and business is business. We can't lose money, can we? The Ye Family Head gritted his teeth, stood up with a whoosh, and said, "Lord Xu, I don't want anything. I'll give you this cultivation manual for free, but you only need to agree to one condition."

"Oh?" Xu Bai said, "Tell me about it."

I don't want anything, but I have one condition.

It seems like a very profitable business, but Xu Bai actually understands that the kind of business that requires nothing is actually the most expensive.

The saying "what's free is the most expensive" is most common in games.

Xu Bai used to play games frequently, and he got scammed for a long time by playing free games.

Therefore, he knew that things that are free are not necessarily cheap.

The Ye Family Head took a deep breath and said, "If Lord Xu wants to recover, there is only one way. The Imperial Palace's treasury contains a large number of similar cultivation techniques. As long as you find a suitable fourth-grade book and fuse it with it, you will be able to achieve the effects of a second-grade technique."

Xu Bai laughed and said, "Is Ye Family Head lying to me? If these two books together can reach the second rank, then all the books in this world can be merged."

Two books combined into one book? It's not that simple.

The Ye Family Head said, "I dare not lie to Lord Xu. Yin Fiber Tune is first and foremost a piece of music. If Ye Zi can enter the Imperial Palace treasury, as long as it involves the same type of music, it is not impossible to combine them into a new piece of music."

"Not yet?" Xu Bai twirled the teacup in his hand and said, "In other words, there is a possibility of failure, and I cannot guarantee success."

"This is what I need," said Ye Family Head. "If it succeeds, please give me the fused melody, Lord Xu. If it fails, I will not charge any extra fees."

Having said that, she had explained everything clearly, including what was needed for the deal.

Xu Bai looked at the Ye Family Head with great interest, already understanding what the Ye Family Head was thinking.

For a family to prosper, besides its members, the most fundamental element is its cultivation techniques. She wanted to take back a second-grade cultivation technique.

"Ye Family Head, it seems your ambitions are quite large," Xu Bai said with a smile.

The Ye Family Head took a deep breath and did not hide his thoughts, saying frankly, "If this continues, with my current development, I will always be subject to others. If I am not strong, I can never rely on others. Lord Xu, this matter is not a loss for you. You can not only let Ye Zi obtain a second-grade cultivation technique, but also gain the eternal friendship of my Ye Family."

Xu Bai released the teacup and said, "Didn't you ever think about what if I didn't give it to you?"

"Since the Sheng County, Lord Xu has never broken his word. As long as it's a business deal you agree to, he will keep his promise. I believe that. Wu Hua from Vajra Temple told me about Lord Xu's character." The Ye Family Head said very seriously.

Xu Bai had just put the tea to his lips when he heard this and asked, "Wu Hua, he came here?"

Since their parting at Sheng County, it had been a long time since Xu Bai had seen Wu Hua and Liu Xu, so hearing about them now truly surprised him.

I had previously learned that Wu Hua was engaged in some kind of "Mortal Cultivation of the Heart," visiting Spring Rain Pavilion every day. Now it seems, could Wu Hua have some connection with the Ye Family? "Yes," said the Ye Family Head, "Lord Wu Hua came to the Ye Family wanting to undergo the Mortal Cultivation of the Heart, so I gathered a dozen or so members to prepare one for him, but I didn't expect..."

At this point, the Ye Family Head paused slightly, looking helpless. "He talked about Buddhism with these girls all night, and after leaving, he directly entered the fourth rank. He is indeed a genius of Vajra Temple. I am no match for him."

Upon hearing this, Xu Bai nearly spat out his tea.

So this is what it means to refine one's heart in the mortal world? I talked about Buddhism with a bunch of girls all night, and only Wu Hua could pull it off.

Isn't this the same as opening an e-sports room to play games and leaving the girls aside? But this guy has already reached the fourth rank, which is quite fast.

Thinking of this, Xu Bai couldn't help but feel a little sentimental.

I've only reached the third rank so far; my progress is still too slow.

If others knew about his idea, they would be so frustrated they'd vomit blood.

What does it mean to make progress too slow?

Xu Bai, how long have you been in this circle? And you look like a third-rank official now, but you can even touch a first-rank official, and second-rank officials would have to avoid you.

Needless to say, those of the third and fourth ranks are no match for us; we can take on as many as they come.

Is this what you call slow progress?

Of course, Xu Bai only thought these words to himself. If he were to actually say them out loud, a lot of people would probably gossip about him behind his back.

Poke it hard, like that.

"Lord Xu, what's your decision?" The Ye Family Head had already gone this far, it was time to give an answer.

She has said everything she needed to say and is willing to hand over her cultivation techniques.

Xu Bai stroked his chin and said, "I agree to this."

Integration?

No problem.

The key is that he needs to find a root first.

Right now, the most important thing is to make up for my shortcomings.

Fourth rank it is.

Xu Bai felt that his vision had become increasingly broad, and that a fourth-rank official could even be accompanied by the word "ba".

"On behalf of the entire Ye Family, I thank Lord Xu." The Ye Family Head bowed slightly, showing utmost respect.

Xu Bai handed the book to Ye Zi, and after Ye Zi carefully put it away, he changed the subject. "I've heard that there have been several murders in Wind Chime Prefecture recently. I wonder what the Ye Family Head thinks?"

This matter had been lingering in his mind. Although Ye Zi knew quite a few people and had explained it to him, he still wanted to ask more questions.

"A murder case?" The Ye Family Head was slightly taken aback, then understood what was being said and said, "It's probably a demon master. In a few days, the Bureau of Surveillance will definitely send people to investigate."

What she said was exactly the same as what Ye Zi said; there was no difference.

Xu Bai finished the rest of the hot tea, then stood up and said, "In that case, I'll take my leave now."

He didn't get what he wanted, nor did he linger. He now really wants to go back and finish this book, Yin Fiber Tune.

After all, it's a cultivation technique related to the soul and spirit, so he needs to hurry up and make up for this weakness.

"Then I won't see Lord Xu off," said the Ye Family Head.

Xu Bai nodded and left with Ye Zi.

After leaving, he returned to his room and continued working on the book in his hands, the murder case occasionally replaying in his mind.

He replaced the Nameless Saber Scripture the Yin Fiber Tune and was slowly catching up on the progress.

This trip to Wind Chime Prefecture was like a clay ox sinking into the sea, without any waves or disturbances. Those who wanted to assassinate him did not act strangely at all, and there was not even a whisper of it.

But Xu Bai knew in his heart that the other party was also slowly gathering strength, and once it was fully unleashed, it would be even stronger than before, just like ocean waves, one wave higher than the next.

"Take your time. The later you arrive, the more composed I'll become," Xu Bai thought, continuing to work on the book in his hands.

Ye Zi found some fruit from somewhere, peeled it, and fed it to Xu Bai from time to time.

The pleasant days are slowly passing by.

Meanwhile, in a luxurious room, Ye Yu was staring at the oil lamp in front of him, lost in thought.

"I actually let her beat me to it." Ye Yu muttered to herself, her blank stare making her look somewhat dejected.

She was not convinced.

The one who's unhappy is Ye Zi who beat her to it.

She knew very well that this was because she had given up voluntarily, but sometimes, when a person thinks they are always right, they will think that the other person is always wrong.

Ye Yu is in this situation right now.

The things she said to the Ye Family Head earlier were also to make things difficult for Ye Zi. After all, this kind of precedent was too outrageous, and even she had never enjoyed such a right.

She didn't have any, so how could she let Ye Zi have any? But to her surprise, the Ye Family Head completely ignored her.

The more this happened, the more frustrated she felt.

"Why? How dare she?"

"Xu Bai should have been mine, why did you take him away from me?"

"You shameless woman! You shameless woman!"

Ye Yu cursed under her breath again and again, and the more she cursed, the colder her eyes became.

But she also knew very well that she only dared to curse when no one was around. If she were standing in front of Ye Zi, she wouldn't dare to say a word, or even express her dissatisfaction.

That's the difference.

Ye Zi followed Xu Bai, and thus their identities were no longer the same.

"You all deserve to die! I curse you, may you not make it to the Upper Capital alive!" Ye Yu cursed again.

But the more she did this, the more frustrated she felt.

Especially thinking about today, when several family members looked at her like she was an idiot, even though they didn't show it very obviously, she could feel it, which made her feel even worse.

The fire in my heart was burning, growing stronger and stronger, but I had no way to vent it.

Just then, in a corner unnoticed by anyone, a wisp of black energy was swirling around.

The black mist gradually transformed into a blurry human figure, which quickly became clear, revealing itself to be an ordinary man dressed in black.

The man had an ordinary appearance; the most obvious feature was his very square face.

A square face is usually associated with righteousness, but on a man's face, it can give off a slightly sinister vibe.

Besides this feature, the man had a black and white snake wrapped around his waist.

Ye Yu had already realized what was happening after the man in black appeared.

"Who!" Ye Yu turned his head, and when he saw the man in black, he subconsciously stretched out his hands, wanting to use the Ye Family's unique skill.

But before he could even use it, he heard the man in black speak.

Do you want your dreams to come true?

That one sentence was enough to make Ye Yu stop what she was doing.

"What do you mean?" Ye Yu was slightly taken aback.

"What do you think I mean? I mean, do you want to take Ye Zi's place?" The man in black spoke very slowly, but to Ye Yu, it was a thunderous statement.

Ye Yu looked at the black-clad man's waist, and when he saw the black and white snake, he said, "You're a demon master. Did you commit the recent murders in the city?"

"That's right, I have no choice. My baby wants to eat, and if I don't give him food, I'll die." The man in black shrugged, saying nonchalantly, "Don't talk to me about this. Let's talk about something serious, shall we?"

"Can you help me?"

For some reason, Ye Yu suddenly felt dizzy, and then subconsciously asked this question.

"If you're willing, then that's fine, isn't it?" the man in black laughed.

Ye Yu continued, "How can you help me?"

The man in black shook his head. "The specifics will have to wait a while. Right now, I'm just seeing if you're willing. Since you're willing, I'll be leaving."

After saying this, the man in black turned into smoke and disappeared from the room.

He came quickly and left quickly; the whole process happened very fast, as if the man in black had only come to see Ye Yu's attitude.

Ye Yu stared blankly at the spot where the man in black had disappeared.

She remained in that position for a long time, and no one knew what she was thinking.

The next day.

Xu Bai got out of bed as usual, enjoyed Ye Zi dressing him, and then Ye Zi played a tune for him. After eating some breakfast, he prepared to continue with the Yin Fiber Tune.

The Yin Fiber Tune technique, being a fourth-grade technique, is not particularly slow, but it's not particularly fast either.

However, with nothing to do now, Xu Bai had some free time.

The progress bar kept moving until noon, when Xu Bai stood up and stretched his body.

Outside the door, the maidservant came in as usual, delivered lunch, and then hurriedly left.

With Ye Zi's help, Xu Bai ate lunch and then prepared to continue working on the progress bar in his hand.

Ye Zi also sat obediently to the side.

Every time Xu Bai worked on the progress bar, she would prop her fair chin up with her hand, tilt her head back, and look at Xu Bai with an extremely fascinated gaze, as if she would never get tired of looking at him like that.

Ye Zi will watch over Xu Bai for as long as he needs to.

If Xu Bai moves his shoulder even slightly, Ye Zi Xu Bai will stand up and massage it for him.

In response, Xu Bai said that although it was extremely corrupt, it was really enjoyable.

They maintained this rhythm until the afternoon, when Xu Bai suddenly put down the book in his hand.

He heard a lot of footsteps in the courtyard, as if someone had come in.

The footsteps were heading outside, clearly indicating they were going to greet someone.

"Let's go take a look." Xu Bai stretched his neck and walked outside.