After arriving in Sui Shan County, Pan Long did not head straight for the Ren Family. He first found an inn, ate a meal, took a bath, and changed into fresh clothes.
While he was at it, he asked what day it was.
He had spent so long cultivating in the mountains that he only remembered the year. He could tell roughly what season it was, but as for the month and day, he truly had no idea.
Only after asking did he learn that it was the seventeenth day of the fourth month, in the seventeenth year of Di Renchen's reign.
By his reckoning, he was already nineteen.
"Ever since I left home at sixteen, three years have gone by in the blink of an eye!"
After a moment's reflection, Pan Long went to the Ren Residence.
Uncle Chen was still guarding the gate. Three years seemed to have had little effect on the old man. When he saw Pan Long, he could not help smiling.
"Young Master Long, you're taller and stronger than the last time I saw you. More of a man!" he said happily.
Pan Long smiled too. "You haven't aged a bit, Uncle Chen. I'd say your cultivation has gone well, and you're about to enter the True Person Realm, aren't you?"
"If only it were that easy. The Lesser Clarity Secret Canon may let one advance by leaps and bounds, but I still have to take it one step at a time. I was injured when I was young, and it damaged my foundations. Even Senior Ren can't say whether I'll repair them before my vitality runs dry, let alone break through the Mystic Gate and force open the Twelvefold Tower."
"But I'm sure you will!"
"Then I'll take your good wishes."
They talked