Discovery, Part Two

There were still many straw stalks protruding from the edges of the roof. It was a standard gabled roof, with grayish-white stone walls piled beneath it.

"Visitors, halt."

A cool male voice suddenly came from within the stone house.

Lin Xin, carrying four swords on his back, walked at the very front. Hearing the voice, he stopped slowly when he was still more than ten steps from the stone house.

The subordinates around him spread out in a fan shape, gradually encircling the stone house.

"I am Lin Xin. I heard there was an extraordinary person living long at Yin Mountain Lake, and out of curiosity, I came to pay a visit. Please forgive any disturbance," Lin Xin called aloud, narrowing his eyes.

The stone house fell silent for a moment. Only after quite some time did a voice emerge.

"So, you are the new guardian... You Qi Refiners absorb the essence of heaven and earth with morning clouds and evening rosy skies. Why have you come running to my place with nothing better to do?" The man's voice sounded somewhat aged; he was likely at least fifty.

"I merely came to pay a visit and get acquainted with a neighbor. Since you do not wish to be disturbed, senior, this junior shall take his leave."

Lin Xin's heart tightened. The other party had recognized his identity at once, which clearly meant he had secluded himself here for a long time. He was also very likely an expert whose cultivation far surpassed his own. Lin Xin immediately prepared to withdraw.

"Wait."

The person inside the stone house suddenly spoke again.

"Since you are a guardian, your cultivation is too weak. Calamities may come one after another in the near future."

Buzz...

The stone door slowly opened a crack. A black