The old man's expression was filled with panic.
After all, Lin You had vanished for thousands of years without the slightest news. Now that she had suddenly appeared, how could this little old gatekeeper not be excited?
"What? You're not welcoming my return?"
Lin You crossed her arms over her chest, pretending to be angry, and the old man hurriedly began explaining himself.
"Miss, what are you saying? Your return to Nine Nether Land is practically a blessing for all of Nine Nether Land. My king's—"
The sleazy little old man suddenly realized that he seemed to have said too much.
After a brief pause, he immediately changed his words.
"Miss, you've returned. My king will surely be overjoyed. Miss, I'll report this to my king right away and let him know you've returned."
After saying that, the old man lowered his head and began drawing a formation at his feet.
Lin You was very familiar with the runes the old man had written. Wasn't this a formation used to transmit information?
"Stop."
Lin You grabbed the old man's right hand.
"I want my return to be a surprise for Father. So, you understand."
The moment Lin You finished speaking, the little old man immediately began apologizing.
"Hehe, I understand, Miss. This lowly one failed to consider things properly. I'll open the gate for you right away. Please hurry back. My king will certainly be ecstatic to see you return."
With that, the little old man put on a fawning smile and rubbed his palms together. Thick purple smoke rose from his hands.
Then, the little old man pulled back his right palm and struck the space before him.
The purple mist swiftly spread, embedding itself into the Void before them before finally Appearing in the shape of a door.