True Inheritors of the Three Teachings, a Dimensional Fragment! (Monthly Votes, Please!)

Li Xiang did not immediately respond to Lin Xuanshu's greeting. Instead, his nose twitched slightly as he distinguished the scent.

"Daoist... Xuan Shu?!"

Only after confirming that this was not Shopkeeper Sun in disguise did Li Xiang put on a warm smile and step forward with his hands clasped.

"Daoist Xuan Shu, why didn't you let me know you were coming? I could have prepared a proper welcome."

Lin Xuanshu's azure Daoist robe fluttered gently in the wind, while the tassel on the sword at his back remained motionless.

He looked at Li Xiang with clear, gentle eyes and waved a hand. "Your thoughtfulness is enough, Fellow Daoist Li. Why bother with such worldly formalities?"

Despite his words, Lin Xuanshu did not look away. His gaze remained fixed on Li Xiang, and a trace of astonishment flashed through his previously tranquil eyes.

Boundless Celestial Venerable, what was he seeing?

How many days had it been since they parted in Riverside?

The Li Xiang before him had a deep, restrained aura, and his skin faintly gleamed like jade—a sign of an exceptionally solid martial foundation establishment.

He had shed his old flesh and bones; he deserved to be seen in a new light.

But that alone was not enough to astonish an outstanding disciple of Maoshan.

What truly moved him was the elusive presence surrounding Li Xiang, transcending the mortal world, tranquil and effortless, yet containing heaven and earth within. A faint pure radiance shone in his upper elixir field, and celestial notes seemed to linger within his crimson palace.

Was this Daoist destiny?

Lin Xuanshu wondered inwardly. This was certainly not a bearing an ordinary martial cultivator could possess. Could Fellow Daoist Li have grasped the true meaning of Daoism without a teacher amid his struggles between life and death?