Translator: CinderTL
"This old man is Chang Shiyuan. Greetings, fellow cultivator. May I ask your esteemed name?" The old man stopped a short distance from Xu Sanyan, cupping his hands in a respectful bow.
Having lived for so many years, he was long accustomed to the peculiar quirks of certain cultivators. This young man merely enjoyed running around naked—nothing particularly unusual.
The Chang Family woman swallowed hard, realizing she couldn't keep staring at his lower regions. She casually shifted her gaze, pretending nothing was amiss.
Xu Sanyan smiled. "I am Lin Fan. Greetings, Old Master Chang."
He temporarily borrowed Lin Fan's name, assuming the latter wouldn't mind.
The main reason for this deception was that Xu Sanyan's true name had already gained some notoriety. After his exploits in the Hundred Saints Secret Realm, many knew he possessed a secret realm fruit. Caution seemed prudent.
"So you're Young Master Lin. May I inquire as to the purpose of your visit?"
Old Master Chang glanced at the spherical object wrapped in a large banner in Xu Sanyan's hand, his eyes flickering with curiosity.
He could sense that this young man's cultivation level was no lower than his own, hence his polite demeanor.
Though the Chaotic Cloud Mountains lacked formal laws, certain customary rules still applied.
For instance, Xu Sanyan had technically violated protocol by entering Chang Family territory without prior notification.
Fortunately, Old Master Chang didn't seem to mind, maintaining at least a facade of cordiality.
Xu Sanyan pondered for a moment before speaking, "I am a disciple of the Vast Origin Sect. Framed by treacherous individuals, I was forced to flee into your esteemed stronghold. Please forgive my intrusion."
Old Master Chang stroked his beard with one hand, nodding slowly. He only believed about thirty percent of Xu Sanyan's words. After all, he had never seen a righteous young hero running around naked.
Yet even that was too generous; not a single word Xu Sanyan spoke was true.
Behind him, a white-robed woman's eyes flickered as she observed Xu Sanyan. A slow smile crept across her lips. What a handsome young man, she thought. I quite like him!
Xu Sanyan clasped his hands in a respectful bow. "I have nowhere else to go. Senior, please allow me to rest in your stronghold until my injuries heal. I will depart as soon as I am able."
He then produced a handful of spirit stones from his storage pouch. "I am not one to take advantage of others. Please accept this small token of gratitude."
Xu Sanyan was meticulously crafting the persona of a righteous young hero, persecuted by villains and forced to seek refuge here.
Of course, he didn't need to fabricate this persona. In his heart, he truly believed himself to be a chivalrous warrior, driven by love and justice.
Old Master Chang's gaze flickered with hesitation before he waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense, young master! We are all seekers of immortality, bound to aid one another. Let's hear no more of gratitude. Come in, come in!"
Old Master Chang was confident that this young man couldn't cause any trouble on his own territory. Moreover, the young man's cultivation level was quite high, and his talent was exceptional. If he could be brought into the stronghold and become one of their own, that would be ideal...
His youngest daughter had just lost her husband, after all...
After careful consideration, Old Master Chang decided to first gather more information.
"Please," Old Master Chang said, gesturing with a sideways bow.
Xu Sanyan responded with gratitude, "Thank you, Senior."
The group behind him parted to make way. Xu Sanyan feigned embarrassment as he awkwardly shielded his groin with the secret realm fruit, covering his vital areas.
Old Master Chang and Xu Sanyan walked side by side, engaging in casual conversation. "May I ask Young Master Lin's age?"
"Forty-seven," Xu Sanyan replied, offering a bit more information than necessary.
"Oh?" Old Master Chang's expression shifted in surprise. A Soul Refining Realm cultivator in his forties?
Such talent was exceedingly rare in the world!
His demeanor grew even more respectful. "Young Master Lin, your talent is truly extraordinary. This old man is humbled by your gifts."
The women behind them couldn't help but let their gazes linger on Xu Sanyan's buttocks. The subtle sway of his hips with each step revealed tantalizing glimpses, further fueling their excitement.
Xu Sanyan chuckled. "Senior, you're too kind. Just call me by my name."
"Very well, then I shall take the liberty of addressing you as Virtuous Nephew Lin."
"Then I shall presume to address you as Uncle," Xu Sanyan said, showing remarkable tact.
"Hahaha, very well!" Old Master Chang replied, pleased.
The two men chatted amiably as they entered the village. Xu Sanyan surveyed his surroundings. Chang Family Village was nestled in a depression between two mountains, its perimeter fortified with stone walls. The interior was surprisingly spacious.
Upon entering through the main gate, a vast plaza stretched before them, flanked by rows of neatly arranged houses. Many ordinary people moved about within the village.
Though referred to as "ordinary people," they possessed some cultivation level, just not yet at the Foundation Establishment stage, hence the general term.
As they continued deeper into the village, they reached a grand hall. Above the eaves, a plaque bore four bold characters:
"千秋萬㰱" (Eternal Legacy)
"Fine calligraphy!" Xu Sanyan exclaimed in admiration.
In truth, he couldn't discern the quality of the writing, but offering praise was always a safe bet.
"Hahahaha, this was written by our Chang Family's founding ancestor nearly a thousand years ago," Old Master Chang explained with a smile, then turned to a woman behind him. "Go find Virtuous Nephew Lin some suitable clothes."
"Yes," the woman replied, her eyes flickering as she nodded and departed.
Xu Sanyan felt a bit embarrassed. "Thank you, Uncle. I was so focused on escaping for my life that I'm afraid I've made a rather poor impression."
"Heh, no need to worry. We cultivators of immortality don't concern ourselves with such trivialities," Old Master Chang said dismissively.
The group settled into their seats, with Old Master Chang presiding at the head of the table and Xu Sanyan seated at his left, a place of honor.
Old Master Chang gestured toward the others. "Allow me to introduce my eldest son, Chang Linmu."
Xu Sanyan turned to see a handsome, middle-aged man smiling warmly at him. The two men exchanged respectful bows.
Next, Old Master Chang pointed to another man. "This is my second son, Chang Fangmu."
"And this is my eldest daughter, Chang Yulian. The young lady who brought you the clothes is my second daughter, Chang Yinu."
Xu Sanyan greeted each of them in turn.
"Several elders are away on missions and will be introduced to you later, Virtuous Nephew Lin," Old Master Chang added.
Xu Sanyan nodded.
Just then, Chang Yinu returned, carrying a black, tailored robe. The garment was exquisitely embroidered with golden thread, its edges adorned with intricate patterns and a cloud motif embroidered on the chest.
Chang Yinu gazed at Xu Sanyan with bright eyes. "Young Master, please wear this."
"Thank you," Xu Sanyan replied, accepting the garment.
As his fingers brushed against the fabric, he felt a light tickle. He looked up to see Chang Yinu winking at him.
Xu Sanyan's lips twitched imperceptibly. What does this mean? Is she flirting with me?
After changing into the clothes on the spot, Old Master Chang clapped his hands in approval. "What a handsome and valiant young man! Truly a distinguished presence."
Chang Yinü's eyes shone even brighter, secretly praising her own discerning taste.
Xu Sanyan's features were already striking, but his advanced cultivation level had imbued him with an even more imposing aura. Combined with his well-proportioned physique, the garment accentuated his heroic bearing.
"Thank you," Xu Sanyan said, cupping his hands in a respectful bow.
Old Master Chang's gaze shifted to the spherical object that remained inseparable from Xu Sanyan, though he refrained from asking about it.
The sphere was wrapped in a large banner, concealing its contents. Yet its weight suggested it must be something exceedingly precious.
(End of the Chapter)
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