I understood!

"Jingle bells~"

The moment the portal to the small space was opened, a melodious bell sound reached Xiao Lin's ears.

Then, in Xiao Lin's view, an old man dressed in Ordinary hemp clothes, leaning on a cane that looked like it was woven from medicinal herbs, slowly walked out from the portal that opened in the small space.

His cane was adorned with numerous jade vases, which jingled and clanged as they swayed.

Furthermore, Xiao Lin also sensed an extremely pure and rich life force emanating from the other party!

Logically speaking, an old man with white hair and beard should be blessed with good health, let alone a strong sense of life, and it would be a miracle if he didn't look old and frail!

Yet, this incongruous situation was indeed unfolding in the old man before us.

"The Life Spirit Flame... then he really is the Old Man Shennong!"

As Xiao Lin thought this to himself, a look of joy appeared on his face.

"Hahaha, I've long heard of Palace Master Lin Xiao! But the rumors seem to differ somewhat from who you are in person!"

The Old Man Shennong leaned on his cane with one hand, stroked his beard with the other, looked Xiao Lin up and down, and laughed as he spoke.

If he remembered correctly, the rumor was that Lin Xiao, the Palace Master of the Myriad Formation Spirit Palace, was Intermediate Half-Saint, or at most High-Level Half-Saint!

He might even still have injuries that are not yet fully healed!

But what the hell is he seeing now?

Someone whose Dou Qi cultivation and soul realm are no less than his own!

Old Man Shennong, really wanted to ask at this moment, when did the rumors become so unreliable?

He remembered that these messages seemed to have come from the Soul Hall...

Has the Soul Hall's operational capabilities become that poor?

Old Man Shennong, couldn't help but wonder.

In short, it can be said that countless questions flashed through Old Man Shennong's mind the moment he saw Xiao Lin!

He didn't sense any malice from Xiao Lin, otherwise he wouldn't have bothered meeting Xiao Lin.

You must understand, the Soul Hall is currently hunting down Alchemists everywhere, and he is one of the top Alchemists on the Dou Qi Continent. How could he not feel panicked?

Although he wasn't afraid of the Soul Hall, he was afraid of the Soul Hall Hun Clan behind it!

As independent practitioners, they have the freedom that independent practitioners have.

However, this means that if danger arises, you may have to face it all alone.

Therefore, Old Man Shennong's principle of conduct has always been to be kind to others and not offend anyone!

When Xiao Lin arrived, after confirming that he meant no harm, he naturally revealed a smiling face.

After all, he couldn't find any other reason for someone to specifically seek him out besides alchemy!

As for Xiao Lin's strength, which was far beyond what was rumored, although it greatly surprised Old Man Shennong, he didn't bother to find out the truth.

Therefore, he had only sighed.

"You flatter me, sir. I did this merely to guard against some petty thieves; I had no other intentions."

Xiao Lin also had a smile on his face.

As for who he meant by "petty scoundrels," Old Man Shennong, must have been able to tell.

After all, is there any force in Central Plains more capable of causing trouble than the Soul Hall and the Soul Hall Hun Clan it?

"It seems that Palace Master Lin Xiao is a man of great foresight!"

Old Man Shennong, also gave a knowing look.

In fact, as a rogue cultivator, he was also afraid of the Hun Clan!

Otherwise, why would he have chosen to live in seclusion in the Shennong Mountain Range?

It's simply because the Yao Clan's Medicine Realm is right next door. If the Hun Clan wanted to attack him, couldn't they immediately seek help from the Yao Clan?

However, Old Man Shennong, probably never dreamed that the Hun Clan would even dare to covet the Yao Clan.

Of course, that's a story for another time.

At this moment, there seemed to be a tacit understanding between Xiao Lin and the Old Man Shennong.

"Then, Palace Master Lin Xiao, if you don't mind, please stay at my residence for a while. That way, I can show you some hospitality and serve you a cup or two of tea."

Old Man Shennong, who found Xiao Lin somewhat agreeable and with the intention of befriending a Dou Sheng Expert, extended an invitation to him.

"Then I'll have to trouble you, sir."

Immediately, Xiao Lin responded in kind.

Immediately afterwards, Xiao Lin followed the Old Man Shennong and stepped into the small space that the old man had created.

As time and space shifted, Xiao Lin found himself in another place.

The small space that Old Man Shennong created wasn't very large, since it was only for him to live in.

However, this place is nestled against the mountains and beside the water, surrounded by all sorts of medicinal herbs, making it essentially a medicinal garden.

Beside this medicinal herb garden stands a thatched hut, with an old locust tree outside, under which is a stone table and several handcrafted wooden stools.

It can be said that the scenes here perfectly match Xiao Lin's impression of a reclusive old man!

"Hehe, my humble abode is simple and unadorned; I hope Palace Master Lin Xiao will not mind."

From the moment we met, the smile on Old Man Shennong's face never left!

"What are you saying, sir? I'm extremely envious of your idyllic life in the countryside! If it weren't for so many things I can't let go of, I would have moved here to be your neighbor!"

This was not Xiao Lin's deliberate flattery; in fact, he genuinely admired the mindset of the Old Man Shennong.

However, his family and business empire were vast, with clans, sects, and enemies, making it impossible for him to relax!

Once the threat from the Hun Clan is gone, he can finally settle down and enjoy a peaceful, idyllic life amidst nature.

"Haha, Palace Master Lin Xiao is too kind. But if that day ever comes, I will certainly welcome you with open arms!"

The Old Man Shennong spoke with a mixture of politeness and sincerity.

"That's a deal!"

Xiao Lin was the same!

Immediately, the two looked at each other and smiled.

"Then, let this old man brew a pot of tea for Palace Master Lin Xiao."

As he spoke, the Old Man Shennong began to make movements with his hands.

"Then I'll have to savor the old gentleman's cooking!"

Xiao Lin's eyes lit up, and he immediately became expectant.

After all, he is a connoisseur of tea.

Old Man Shennong was clearly a master of this art, so Xiao Lin was naturally very much looking forward to it!

Then, Xiao Lin waited quietly.

As for Old Man Shennong, he began the process of brewing tea.

The Old Man Shennong took out the teapot and teacups, and then began a series of tea-making processes, including scalding the pot, placing the tea leaves, and warming the cups.

During this time, Old Man Shennong acted just like an ordinary Ordinary, without even using his Dou Qi!

Watching all this, a thoughtful look flashed in Xiao Lin's eyes.

An hour later, when the Old Man Shennong poured the brewed tea into the teacup in front of Xiao Lin, a delicate fragrance wafted into his nostrils.

"Try it!"

The Old Man Shennong gestured to Xiao Lin, inviting him to join in.

To be honest, Old Man Shennong felt that Xiao Lin was very professional!

His tea ceremony skills were even more proficient than his own!

When Xiao Lin brews tea, he often uses his Dou Qi to boil the tea in order to save time.

It seems there's practically no one who's done it all manually from start to finish, without using any supernatural abilities.

Therefore, at this moment, when the Old Man Shennong looked over with a smile, he also raised his teacup with anticipation.

The steam rising from the teacup was visible to Xiao Lin. The tea inside was crystal clear, with a few tea leaves settled at the bottom.

Then, Xiao Lin took a small sip.

Suddenly, a bittersweet sensation spread through Xiao Lin's mouth.

Xiao Lin unconsciously closed his eyes as well.

He was savoring that moment.

Seeing Xiao Lin's actions, the Old Man Shennong knew that he had finally met a kindred spirit!

From Xiao Lin's tea-tasting gestures, he could tell that the other party was also an expert in this art.

This made the smile on his face even wider.

After about half a cup of tea's time, Xiao Lin slowly opened his tightly closed eyes.

"Life is truly like tea, and tea is like life!"

Xiao Lin couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Haha, Palace Master Lin Xiao, you have a great understanding!"

The moment Old Man Shennong finished speaking, Xiao Lin's aura suddenly surged.

He sensed an opportunity for a breakthrough!

He understood!