Mingshi Yin was a little confused. He did not understand why he was punished. He had done everything he was told to do in recent days, and he did it dedicatedly. He had defended the mountain, fought the enemies, and even flattered his master. He thought he had performed excellently.
However, he did not dare to disobey his masterâs order, so he bowed and said, âI deserve to be punished.â After that, he turned and started toward the Cave of Reflection like an obedient child.
Why did Lu Zhou punish him? It was because he saw Mingshi Yinâs loyalty fluctuate. The fluctuation was not great, and his loyalty still maintained at around seventy. However, as long as it was not above eighty, there was a chance that he would betray him.
Little Yuanâer looked puzzled, so she picked up the letter and read it. After reading it, she scratched her head as if she did not understand the contents and said, âThis is not a trap? Fifth Senior Sister was forced because some people want to vent their anger?â
Lu Zhou did not answer her but said coolly, âCome with me to the holy altar.â
When she heard that they were going out, Little Yuanâer blinked her big eyes excitedly and said, âMaster, MasterâŠAre we really going out?â
âWhatâs there to be excited about?â Lu Zhou walked outside and looked at the sky. It was already midday, and the weather was good. They should be able to reach Yu Province before sunset.
He needed to arrive in the city of Runan in advance to make some preparations. Without a peak-form experience card, he would have to use his brains if he wished to bring back Zhao Yue.
He glanced at Little Yuanâerâs clothes, which was an attire she wore to gather information at the station. Thankfully, it was not too attractive.
âMaster, do we need to tell Senior Brothers?â Little Yuanâer asked.
âNo need.â
It was pointless to tell them. Golden Court Mountain would be safe under the protection of the shield, and the few disciples he left behind were clever enough to protect themselves.
Suddenly, he thought of his new mount Bi An and decided that it was time to see it. He had gotten to know Whitzard pretty well, but he had not tried Bi An yet. So, he waved his hand.
Soon, a strange power appeared in the bright blue sky.
âWhitzard?â Little Yuanâer looked suspiciously at the sky. As soon as she sensed the power, she knew it was a legendary mount.
In this wide world, there were many unknown places that humans could not explore. These places were infested with terrible creatures, but very few of them could be captured and used as mounts.
Before very long, a mighty-looking figure flew over. It appeared like a tiger and was emanating a menacing aura.
ROAR!
Little Yuanâer took a step back in fear. Standing beside Lu Zhou, she muttered, âWhyâŠwhy does Whitzard look different now?â
Whitzard was somewhat similar to an antelope while Bi An looked more like a tiger: one was gentle and the other fierce. She was not wrong.
The mount landed and crouched, putting away its fierce look. It was showing its loyalty to its master.
Lu Zhou was a little surprised as well. This Bi An was clearly an aggressive creature. He wondered how strong it was and what level of cultivators it could rival.
âLetâs go!â he gestured.
Little Yuanâer approached with tiny and slow steps as she said, âMaster, can I not ride it? It looks scary!â
âNot as scary as you.â
ââŠâ
âDonât be afraid!â
Lu Zhou walked over. Sure enough, the mount lowered its body so much that its stomach touched the ground. At the sight of that, Little Yuanâer summoned her courage and approached it while giving it a good look.
ROAR!
Suddenly, Bi An let out a deep, powerful roar. However, instead of stepping back with fear, Little Yuanâer jumped on its back.
âMasterâŠit scares meâŠâ
Lu Zhou casually waved his hand. At the gesture, Bi An leaped into the sky and disappeared into the distant horizon in the blink of an eye.
To Lu Zhouâs surprise, Bi An was as fast as Whitzard. However, the difference between them was stark. Bi An was fierce and aggressive but not as clever as humans. As for how strong it was, it remained to be tested. Whitzard, on the other hand, was calm and peaceful, and it was comfortable to fly with it. It was unknown at the moment what other abilities the antelope-like mount had.
Half a day later, Bi An slowly descended somewhere near the city of Runan. When she saw no one around them, Little Yuanâer chuckled and said, âI know what Master wantsâŠWe need to avoid drawing attention.â
Lu Zhou nodded and said, âRunan is not far away from Divine Capital, where cultivators in the world gather, including almighty experts. We need to stay low.â
âI understand, Master.â Little Yuanâer blinked her big eyes and said, âMaster, are we going to Divine Capital after this?â
Lu Zhou knocked her head and stroked his beard, âNo.â
âOh!â
After entering the city, Little Yuanâer could hardly contain her excited mood. Fortunately, Lu Zhou had repeatedly told her to not resort to force, so nothing bad happened along the way.
âGrandpa, thereâs an inn up ahead. Shall we find a room to stay?â
âAlright.â
Just as they came to the innâs door, a group of cultivators flew past in the sky. Common people in the streets all looked up and let out shocked cries. Lu Zhou looked up as well and saw cultivators clad all in black surrounding a huge flying chariot.
âThatâs the flying chariot of an evil sect! Look, the banner belongs to Fiend TempleâŠâ
âDonât worry, disputes of the cultivation world will not affect common people.â
âWhen can I become a mighty cultivator and own a flying chariot like this?â
Little Yuanâer listened to the chatter around them disapprovingly and muttered, âWhatâs the big deal? My Grandpa has a goat as his mount.â
A middle-aged man next to them heard that and said amusingly, âLittle girl, is your goat strong enough to carry you?â
âHmph! It can not only carry me, but also fly out of Great Yan in just half a day!â Little Yuanâer said.
âYou go on with your boasting!â
âYou donât believe me?â Little Yuanâer frowned.
The man said casually, âDo you think I will believe you, little girl?â
âI think you willâŠâ As she said that, she flexed her wrists and cracked her fingers.
The streets calmed down after the chariot flew past in the sky. Right now, Lu Zhou was a little puzzled. He did not expect that a mighty figure like this would come to Runan as well. Could Fiend Temple be holding a grudge against him because of what happened to Zuo Xinchan?
Judging from the number of cultivators and the size of the chariot, the person inside should be at least a Nascent Divinity Tribulation expert. Who would that be, if not the chief of Fiend Temple?
âWell, itâs pointless to think about that now,â Lu Zhou thought to himself. Then, he turned around and called out, âYuanâer!â
âComing, Grandpa!â Little Yuanâer ran over while flexing her fists. âHehe! Grandpa, let me help youâŠâ
She ran directly into the inn and said to the innkeeper, âHey, give me the best room you have!â
The innkeeper said politely, âIâm sorry, my respected guest, the inn is full. As the grand ceremony of the holy altar is about to be held, we have had too many guests recently. I hope you can forgive meâŠâ
âYou have no more room?â Little Yuanâer scratched her head doubtfully.
âIâm sorry! You may want to find accommodation elsewhere.â
âFine!â
Little Yuanâer was about to turn and leave when a faint gust of energy blew into the inn, spreading out into all directions before retreating. It all happened in a flash.
The innkeeper, Little Yuanâer, and Lu Zhou, who just came into the inn, looked toward the source. A man with two exquisite swords in his arms walked inside with a solemn look on his face.
At the sight of him, the innkeeper said excitedly, âA Divine Court cultivatorâŠMyâŠMy lord?â
The manâs eyes were slightly closed, and there was a noble pride on his calm face. In a soft voice, he said, âInnkeeper, I will stay here.â
âWelcome, my lord! Itâs my honor to serve you! I have only two heaven-grade rooms now, I hope my lord doesnât mind!â The innkeeperâs voice was so loud that it could be heard even outside the inn.
The man said faintly, âI want two of your best rooms.â
âNo problem!â the innkeeper said excitedly.
Right then, two servants ran over with a fawning look on their faces.
Little Yuanâerâs nostrils flared when she heard that. âOld thing, didnât you just say your inn is full? Why are there still rooms for him?â
âDonât be rude! This is a cultivator who has opened eight meridians and stepped into the Divine Court realm. Naturally, other guests have to give way to him.â
If it were another time, Little Yuanâer would have had a fit. However, they were at Runan now, and her master had repeatedly told her to not cause trouble.
âWhy do you need two rooms? Youâre alone!â she pointed at the man.
âLittle girl, youâŠâ
The man raised a hand and stopped the innkeeper. Then, he said in a voice that was not fast or slow, calm and soft, âLet me answer your questionâŠâ
âI have the ashes of my deceased companion in my baggage. Although he died in battle, Iâm deeply inspired by his unyielding spirit. He still lives in my heartâŠso he should be treated as a living person.â