Han Li led Naruto, the two women, and Wan Xiaoshan toward a strange spot in the mountains he had asked about earlier.
As they walked, he asked, "What are you all hoping to see in Tai Nan Valley?"
"So much! At the gathering in the valley, I want to see the magic arts and secret techniques of other families and schools. I'd also like to trade for a few things I fancy."
Wan Xiaoshan grinned, his eyes bright with anticipation. He went on:
"I've never been out on my own before. My family's treating this trip as a chance for me to gain some experience."
Naruto almost laughed at how guileless Wan Xiaoshan was. He was lucky neither Naruto nor Han Li meant him harm.
Otherwise, he might have lost his head already.
Naruto had no idea what Wan Xiaoshan's family was thinking, letting him travel alone so readily.
Han Li smiled too. Wan Xiaoshan seemed sincere, and even after learning Naruto was a Rogue Cultivator, he had shown no prejudice. Han Li gradually relaxed.
Still, he asked cautiously, "What exactly is the Tai Nan Gathering?"
"Huh? Brother Han, are you a Rogue Cultivator who's only just come down from the mountains too?" Wan Xiaoshan asked in surprise.
"Yes. I didn't mean to deceive you earlier. I've only recently entered the Cultivation World, so I had a few concerns."
Han Li patted Wan Xiaoshan's shoulder apologetically, then looked at Naruto.
Naruto saw his expression and waved a hand with a carefree smile.
"I had the same concerns myself. But I felt we hit it off as soon as we met, Brother Han, so I decided to be honest with you."
As he spoke, his eyes and smile grew earnest.
"I'd like to be friends with you, Brother Han. We're both