Daye City truly lived up to its reputation as one of the prominent large cities in Hongze Prefecture.
After landing at the airship pier in Daye City, Nan Xi and his group spent quite some time navigating the crowded throngs of people before finally reaching their lodging for the trip — Da Ye Hotel.
“Master, drink some tea.”
Xia Xia filled a tea cup and pushed it toward Nan Xi.
The aroma of the tea wafted through the air. Although the leaves weren’t particularly rare, it was a sufficient comfort to soothe the exhaustion of a long journey.
Nan Xi picked up the cup, disregarding his image as he swallowed the refreshing tea in one gulp. Combined with the relaxation of his muscles after stretching, he felt much lighter.
On the other side of the tea table, Wang Quan and the two female disciples had already collapsed onto the surface from exhaustion.
Their cultivation bases certainly couldn’t compare to Nan Xi’s, and after enduring a full day and night of arduous travel, they were completely exhausted, both physically and mentally.
‘To hell with cultivation!’
However, in stark contrast to them…
whoosh
Yun Peng suddenly snapped his eyes open, awakening from his deep contemplation.
“Master Nan Xi, I feel my cultivation has improved another notch. I’m even closer to the Late Golden Core Stage!”
‘You’re just so amazing.’
Nan Xi pursed his lips, giving him a look that said ‘keep it up’ while grumbling to himself.
‘Is this guy going to experience a cultivation deviation? Not only was he busy cultivating on the airship, but he’s even doing it now while waiting for the food to be served at the hotel. He really loves cultivating.’
“Master, I’m so hungry.”
Next to him, Xia Xia was also reaching her limit. She leaned against his shoulder and spoke weakly.
“Just wait a little longer. The shop is likely busy right now. Have some snacks first,” Nan Xi replied as he rubbed Xia Xia’s small head.
As he spoke, he moved the plate of peanuts the waiter had just brought over a bit closer to her.
Of the five disciples he had brought, three were out cold from exhaustion, and one was busy cultivating with his eyes closed.
It wasn’t too much to show a little favoritism toward Xia Xia.
The peanuts had been stir-fried over a high flame and sprinkled with salt, giving off a mouthwatering aroma.
The young girl’s eyes lit up. She picked up her chopsticks and began popping the peanuts into her mouth one after another, creating a series of crunch sounds.
Even so, it couldn’t mask the audible growling of her stomach.
Nan Xi smiled faintly and looked up, scanning the crowded hotel lobby.
It truly lived up to being one of the most prosperous hotels in Daye City.
Even though the lunch hour was almost over, there were still so many customers.
As he watched, another group of guests dressed in dark green robes entered the establishment.
The leader was particularly tall and sturdy; his frame alone was almost large enough to completely obscure the two people standing behind him.
“Innkeeper, we’re staying here! We have a reservation!”
After the rest of his group sat down, the burly man stepped up to the front counter and greeted the clerk in a loud voice.
His voice was so deep and resonant that Nan Xi could hear it clearly from nearly ten paces away.
Wait… Those fluctuations.
Nan Xi’s eyes narrowed slightly as he silently observed the man’s back.
It was obvious that the man was also a cultivator, and one with a cultivation level no lower than the Golden Core Stage.
“Hmm?”
Perhaps sensing Nan Xi’s gaze, the sturdy man paused and turned around to scan his surroundings.
Before long, his eyes met Nan Xi’s. Their sharp gazes crossed in midair, and for a moment, it almost seemed as if sparks would fly… or not.
After staring at Nan Xi for two seconds, the burly man’s eyes suddenly lit up. He strode forward, extending his hand to greet Nan Xi.
“Are you perhaps from the legendary Tianhe Sect? Long have I heard of your great name, long have I heard of your great name!”
“Uh…”
Nan Xi was startled. He silently lowered his head to look at the robe he was wearing, which had the words “Tianhe” embroidered on it.
They had come straight to Da Ye Hotel after getting off the airship, so he hadn’t had time to change.
It wasn’t surprising that he was recognized. After all, the Tianhe Sect was considered a famous and prestigious sect in the entire Hongze Prefecture.
“Hello, I am Nan Xi of the Tianhe Sect. May I ask where you are from?”
Nan Xi reached out to shake the man’s hand, offering a sincere smile.
“Oh, look at my memory!” The burly man slapped his forehead and quickly introduced himself. “We are from Cloud Pleat Valley in Dong Qing Prefecture. I am Elder Luo Lin. My preferred type is blonde, beast-eared little girls.”
“Oh, so you’re a fellow Daoist from Cloud Pleat Val—”
Nan Xi nodded thoughtfully, but in the next second, his face froze. Not just him, but all the Tianhe Sect disciples present shivered, staring in shock at the sturdy man named Luo Lin.
‘Wait, what? Blonde, beast-eared little girls? Who asked you about that?! And lolicon, go to hell!’
Nan Xi stared blankly at the hand he had just shaken with Luo Lin, thinking that he needed to find some water to wash it immediately.
Luo Lin didn’t seem surprised by Nan Xi’s shocked expression.
He chuckled and patiently explained, “You may not know this, but we in Cloud Pleat Valley believe in following our hearts and having the courage to express our true inner thoughts. Therefore, every Elder and disciple includes their preferences and desires during their introductions, hoping to meet everyone with total sincerity.”
‘What a way to meet with total sincerity.’
Nan Xi gave a mental thumbs-up.
“That… that is certainly very unique.”
“Master Nan Xi truly is a dragon among men. In the past, many people have despised me when I introduced myself. Your reaction actually surprises me quite a bit.”
Luo Lin cupped his hands and bowed to Nan Xi.
‘So you know people would despise you for saying that!?’
Nan Xi grumbled internally, but his years of professional training allowed him to maintain a peaceful smile. He clicked his tongue and sighed in feigned admiration toward Luo Lin.
“I am truly impressed that you have the courage to speak of your desires. In this regard, I am deeply ashamed of my own inferiority.”
“It’s truly surprising that Master Nan Xi can understand us! How about this? I brought some disciples with me today. Could I have them introduce themselves as well? Consider it a way to build their courage.”
Luo Lin’s face was full of joy, and the way he looked at Nan Xi was almost tearful.
“No… that won’t be necessary.”
“I see. Perhaps that is indeed asking too much.”
Luo Lin scratched his head and then cupped his hands in a bow toward Nan Xi once more.
“But regardless, it is truly my honor to meet you today, Master Nan Xi. If you ever visit Cloud Pleat Valley in Dong Qing Prefecture, we will surely welcome you as an honored guest!”
“There is no need for such formality,” Nan Xi said, waving his hand to decline Luo Lin’s kindness.
‘Who would want to visit such a lunatic sect!? I, Nan Xi, am at least a gentleman of my generation. Although I also like cute, gentle, and beautiful girls, I don’t go around announcing it to everyone!’
In front of him, Luo Lin continued to laugh boisterously. “Ha ha ha! The Tianhe Sect truly lives up to its reputation as a prestigious sect. Seeing you today has certainly impressed me.”
Nan Xi pursed his lips and gave a helpless smile. Just as he was about to respond, a cold sneer suddenly drifted down from the winding stairs behind them.
“Oh? The Tianhe Sect?”
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