"Pfft, hahaha-"
Xuan Zi had just swallowed his last mouthful of fish when those earth-shattering words sent him bursting into laughter.
His grease-shiny face was brimming with the mischievous delight of a spectator enjoying the show.
At his age, what storms and towering waves had the old man not weathered?
But this was his first taste of such unabashed gossip between youngsters.
Xuan Zi felt that today's trip to the Star Dou Great Forest had been well worth it. Not only had he enjoyed some exquisitely delicious grilled fish, even his life now felt clearer and more complete.
Young people these days really knew how to get adventurous.
He wiped his beard with the greasy back of his hand, lifted the wine gourd at his waist, pulled out the stopper, and tipped his head back for a great gulp of strong liquor.
"All right, all right. This old man won't stick his nose into you youngsters' business."
Xuan Zi smacked his lips, his figure already beginning to turn insubstantial.
"Kid, Huo Yuhao, since you're here, I'll leave finding soul beasts for these two girls to you."
"This old man has something important to take care of. I'll be off first!"
Before his words had faded, his entire body turned into a murky gale that howled into the sky and vanished without a trace in the blink of an eye.
Watching the old man make his swift getaway-
"..."
Wang Dong and Xiao Xiao exchanged a glance. Neither had any intention of asking him to stay.
To them, the old man was filthy and a nuisance, and he always reeked of foul-smelling liquor. Having him leave of his own accord was practically a gift from heaven.
Huo Yuhao, however, remained where he stood, narrowing his icy-blue eyes slightly.
The moment the