The next day, Li Xiaoya left the cave abode with Lingyu and headed down the mountain. After following a shaded path out of the cave abode, they reached the main road leading to the gates. Along the way, the Gu Household cultivators cast sidelong looks at the strange pairing of a hulking, diamond-hard man and a little girl. They seemed to know who Li Xiaoya was, however, and said nothing-at least not to his face.
"Ah! Isn't this Senior Liu?" a familiar voice suddenly called out to Li Xiaoya. Old Man Gu was there with several young cultivator disciples, apparently on his way somewhere.
"Oh, Steward Gu!" Li Xiaoya turned and answered mildly.
"Hehe! Senior Liu, after such a long period of seclusion, your divine abilities must have grown tremendously! Congratulations, Senior! Have you been comfortable during your six months with our Gu Household?" Old Man Gu spoke with a smile blooming like a flower. With his cultivation, how could he possibly gauge the depth of Li Xiaoya's strength? It was mostly flattery.
"Haha! Thanks to your Gu Household's cave abode, they certainly have!" Li Xiaoya laughed as he walked, as though it really were true.
"Hehe! Congratulations indeed, Senior! By the way, Senior Liu, your lease expires in another six months. Would you like to renew it?" Old Man Gu seized the opportunity to ask.
"Haha! No hurry, no hurry!" Li Xiaoya replied with a laugh.
"Oh! Isn't this Lingyu? You've already reached middle true cultivation?" Old Man Gu was about to say more when he suddenly noticed Lingyu behind Li Xiaoya. After taking a look at her, he exclaimed in surprise.
"Hmph!" Lingyu curled her lips and snorted through her little nose, refusing to acknowledge him and leaving him rather embarrassed.
"Ahem! Steward Gu, I have something to