Leaving the Market, Interception

The next morning.

Xu Yuan was stabilizing his cultivation within the quiet chamber when he suddenly heard movement outside the residence's warding restrictions.

"Netherbright Sect's Le Quan has come to pay a visit, Fellow Daoist."

A chilly voice rang out from outside. Xu Yuan opened his eyes within the quiet chamber. "Since Fellow Daoist Le Quan is the master of this place, why speak of paying a visit? Come in."

After replying, Xu Yuan directly opened the restrictions. A cultivator entered shortly afterward, dressed exactly like the Lin Lin whom Xu Yuan had once slain in Soul-Swaying Valley.

The man spoke like some gloomy ghost, though a trace of a smile rested on his pale face.

"Last night, Fellow Daoist acted righteously and slew two evil cultivators who had come here to cause trouble, removing a great scourge from Ghost Wail Market. Le Quan offers his thanks."

"You're too courteous, Fellow Daoist."

Xu Yuan answered blandly. He saw that a gray-robed deacon had accompanied the man, though the deacon said nothing and merely stood at the side.

"Just two rats broke into my home. I killed them in passing. It wasn't worth Fellow Daoist making a special trip to thank me."

Le Quan did not answer for a moment. Looking at Xu Yuan, he suddenly asked, "May I ask whether Fellow Daoist has a master or lineage? Or perhaps a family background?"

"Thank you for your concern, Fellow Daoist Le Quan. I am alone in this world."

His tone remained one that kept strangers at arm's length. By now, Xu Yuan had figured out Le Quan's intentions. The two factions within the Netherbright Sect were at odds, and this man wanted to recruit him as cannon fodder?

Sure enough, the cold smile on the fellow's face grew broader the next