"Immortal master! An immortal master! Everyone, come quick! Zhao Gouzi brought an immortal master back! We're saved!"
In front of the somewhat weathered village entrance, a man who looked much like Zhao Gouzi-just as dark-skinned and short, but considerably older-dropped his hoe and raced into the village in jubilation.
Chen Baiqing silently withdrew her half-outstretched hand as well.
Seeing the joy in the middle-aged man's eyes, Chen Baiqing more or less knew what he was about to say.
The exact situation in this village was still unknown. If possible, Chen Baiqing would have preferred to slip in unnoticed first and see whether she could hook any fish.
But... never mind.
Li Hu carefully held the horse's reins, looking toward Chen Baiqing ahead as he asked quietly:
"Immortal master... shall we enter the village first?"
Chen Baiqing nodded lightly and guided her horse into the village.
Once she entered, however, there was no scene of people lining the road to welcome her as she had imagined.
It was not entirely right to say there was no welcome. As the shouts spread, quite a few villagers gathered around, cheering in celebration and offering profuse thanks.
At first, Chen Baiqing could still respond with a slight nod, but soon her gaze went straight to the best-built house in the village.
Beneath its eaves stood a young man dressed in brocade with ornate embroidery, a longsword at his waist. He looked toward her with an easy gaze and a welcoming smile.
A young woman stood beside him, dressed just as lavishly, with a longsword at her waist as well, though its scabbard alone gave it a more delicate appearance.
The young woman's gaze was mostly curious as she studied Chen Baiqing.
These two were undoubtedly cultivators.
The young woman's cultivation was not high, only