The gate was pushed open a crack.
First came a saber tip, then Chen Lin's head.
He looked left and right. Only after confirming that there was nothing unusual in the empty alley outside did he breathe a little easier.
Just then.
Gray Donkey leaped through the gate. "Rest assured, my lord! With this general here, I shall never let you fall into danger!"
Chen Lin glanced at him.
"If you want to be a loyal general protecting his lord, lead the charge. Don't hide behind your master and make me scout ahead. Enough of the act. Keep your voice down, and don't draw trouble here."
After giving him a scolding, Chen Lin stepped outside as well and looked back.
He froze.
Above the gate of the courtyard hung a plaque bearing four large characters.
Kaiyuan Chen Residence!
"What?"
Chen Lin was bewildered and uncertain.
This certainly wasn't a coincidence. There might be other Chen residences, but "Kaiyuan Chen Residence" was far too specific. It referred to him.
But what did it mean?
Was this a residence assigned to him, or did it have something to do with a task?
"Hee-haw!"
Gray Donkey brayed softly.
Then, looking as though he shared in the honor, he said, "Master, your might is unmatched! Even the Heavenly Dao of the third trial wants to curry favor with you, assigning you a house and all. At least it knows what's good for it. We can go easier on it when we beat it up later..."
Chen Lin smacked the donkey's mouth with the flat of his saber.
"Acting up again, are you? Spout any more nonsense, and I'll skin you and boil your hide into donkey-hide gelatin!"
"Hee-haw!"
Gray Donkey shut his mouth resentfully.
Chen Lin decided this wouldn't do. This fellow's mouth was