The female Daoist ignored Xie Chen's teasing, narrowed her eyes, and craned her head forward to study him closely.
Although the people around them had no idea what was going on, the words "founding patriarch" carried so much weight that no one dared make a sound. They held their breath and focused on that incomparably beautiful face, which could only manage an awkward smile.
They wanted to spot some clue, too.
An uneasy tension settled over the scene.
Even the livestream comments slowed down.
The fans kept speculating to themselves.
No way, no way. Was another secret identity about to be exposed?!
Compared to Professor Smith, this one sounded even more badass!
The founding patriarch!
Just as an eerie silence descended on everyone, someone suddenly roared from behind, "You blockhead!"
"Ow!" The female Daoist clutched her head. "Senior Brother, why do you keep whacking me on the head?!"
"That youngster's so young! How could he possibly be the founding patriarch?!"
Everyone turned at once and saw a slightly older male Daoist standing behind her, with thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a pronounced regional accent.
The production coordinator rushed over enthusiastically as soon as he appeared. "Daoist Feng Qing, I'm the coordinator from the production team who contacted you!"
Feng Qing nodded. "I know. Master sent me to take you up the mountain."
Then he pulled his junior sister over again. "Remember, don't go around calling random people our founding patriarch!"
"I understand, Senior Brother." The female Daoist lowered her head meekly, but immediately glanced back again. "But he really does look like him. Though he is a bit too young."
The two fellow disciples walked ahead on their own.
Everyone else followed closely.
The staff helped Xie Ran up, and he spat out the black soil in his mouth with