On the distant road, Xu San could just make out a figure.
But honestly, he could not be sure.
This place had been abandoned for several years. No sect protected it, and the authorities were hardly going to repair somewhere that had suffered a Sinister Object incident. The road was full of potholes, and the trees on either side had grown out over it.
...Should I say something or not...?
His hesitation lasted less than three seconds. In the end, Xu San could not overcome his conscience and awkwardly changed the subject.
"Master Su, Master Su! Look how hot it's getting. Nobody's coming right now anyway, so watching the road a little longer or a little less won't make much difference. How about... we find somewhere shady and take a little break?"
The loafer gave Xu San a look.
"...Since when did you grow a brain? Whatever, I'm tired of standing too. Might as well catch my breath... Go fetch me some water from the river..."
"Right away!"
Xu San silently wiped away a cold sweat.
The loafer had suffered an illness some years ago, and his eyesight was not very good. As long as that fellow did not do something stupid and come this way, he ought to be able to escape...
Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva above, I haven't sold my conscience for a little food and a wife... Just as Xu San was praying, a voice suddenly reached him.
"Excuse me, elder..."
—Elder? Who's he calling that?
Xu San did not react at first, but then his eyes widened.
—Damn it, how did this fellow get here so fast? Is he in a hurry to be reincarnated?
He whipped his head around and saw an exceptionally innocent face.
As for his age... he was probably only in his twenties. He