"This place is so remote, yet it filled up in an instant—and most of them are from sects..."
Looking at the dark mass of people before them, Li Qinzhi and Li Fangjie exchanged a glance. Both saw surprise and delight in the other's eyes!
They were descendants of collateral branches of aristocratic clans, making a living in Chang'an. How could they not know what this scene meant?
"Old ginger really is the spiciest!" Li Fangjie's eyes shone. "I wondered why our venerable ancestor could sit so calmly in the courtyard and pay no mind to anything else. Turns out he had a plan all along. He must have sent people around to smooth things over. Now that the connections are in place, all these families have come to mend the pen after the sheep are lost!"
"Exactly. We were frogs at the bottom of a well, making wild guesses and inviting ridicule!" Li Qinzhi nodded. "But whatever the reason, it's not for us to ask. What matters is taking good care of the ancestor inside! Hurry—we can't let this turn chaotic."
"Right, right!"
The two strode forward, announced who they were, and quickly made their way through the crowd. All along the way, people greeted them and asked for an introduction to Daoist Southern Darkness.
"Everyone, please wait and hear me out."
Once he reached the gate, Li Qinzhi raised his voice. "My great-uncle is an Outsider and prefers peace and quiet. Please keep the noise down. If you truly wish to visit, give us your names and affiliations. We'll consult him and then get back to you."
At that, everyone looked at one another, momentarily at a loss for words. Then the clamor rose again.
"Very well! Please remember the Noon Gate!"
"Remember the Heavenly Longevity Way!"
"I am