Shen Yi thought he had stumbled upon a Purple-Bearded White Dragon from the Town Stone, but there was still someone guarding it. The Breath Concealment Technique was truly a masterpiece of Hongze’s top-tier forces.
"My lord, this woman is clearly no good person. Why not kill her first, take her to the Ten Thousand Demon Hall, and interrogate her thoroughly?"
Ke Shisan, hidden within the sea of consciousness, suggested eagerly.
Shen Yi couldn’t be bothered. He truly didn’t care about making enemies, as long as he grew fast enough—all troubles seemed minor.
But there was also a cost-benefit to consider. Offending East Dragon Palace over a white dragon of White Jade Capital was not worth it, after all.
Thinking about this, he casually clasped his hands and said, "Just passing by, looking for a place to rest."
The Fairy Zi Lan almost laughed out loud but then thought that the cultivator had so easily believed her; he really was quite careless.
"Daoist, can’t you sense such strong demon aura... especially since you’re accompanied by a young girl."
At this point, Zi Lan squatted down, touched An Yi’s cheek with some tenderness, and wondered what she had been through to become this way.
She gave a sweet smile, softly saying, "Don’t be afraid, sister will protect you."
An Yi, with a cold expression, bent her fingers into claws again, casting an inquiring glance at Shen Yi.
She was truly not accustomed to being touched so abruptly by others.
Shen Yi casually shook his head. Up to now, he had not managed to handle the "daoist" outside, and although this Purple-Bearded White Dragon seemed somewhat foolish, it didn’t have any ill intentions.
He also wanted to know where the demons of the cave dwelling had gone. It wouldn’t be that Qi Da had relocated them in advance, would it?
"Daoist says this place has demons, where are they?"
"You found them already." Zi Lan comforted the young girl and then sighed as she stood up, looking helpless. "If you wish to rest, come with me to Red Maple Valley. This place is too dangerous. We can talk more after we return; I will inform you of everything."
This young Daoist seemed exceptionally powerful, likely a late comer from a major family out to gain experience; it would be a pity for him to die here inexperience, which would undoubtedly lead to another catastrophe.
Shen Yi pondered for a moment and didn’t refuse.
According to the information from Wanxiang Pavilion, Qi Da had placed that group of demons in Western Hong, and they weren’t supposed to roam freely.
Something must have changed, bringing the East Dragon Palace’s people here.
He needed to gather news quickly, lest others get there first.
Zi Lan didn’t say any more, but picked up An Yi, and quickly swept towards the mouth of the cave.
Though the young man didn’t seem malevolent, he was still someone who had blood on his hands, so a little caution was always right.
Seeing this, Shen Yi didn’t show any reaction.
This kind of eagerness to use oneself as a "hostage" was a rarity for him.
Yue Tiance had been anxiously waiting in the air for a long time, and just as he saw Zi Lan’s figure and relaxed, he noticed two unfamiliar figures.
He silently frowned and turned his gaze to the young man in black.
Zi Lan went straight to a distant location. It didn’t matter if she was in danger, Tiance was capable of defending himself, but she didn’t want to leave the innocent child in that filthy demon den.
Once they were far from the demon den,
she finally turned to Shen Yi. "This is the second youngest master of the Northern Hong Yuan family. May I ask for your esteemed surname, Daoist?"
"Shen Yi, Loose Cultivator," Shen Yi lightly nodded.
Across Hongze’s lands and waters, there were countless with the same name and surname, and since he was not famous himself, there really was no need for an alias.
"Hmm." Yue Tiance shifted his gaze away with a forced smile.
Did he really think others were fools? Without the support of a powerful backing, how could one achieve such an exceptional boundary at such a young age?
"Daoist Shen." Zi Lan didn’t pursue the matter further. Everyone had their difficult circumstances to deal with, and she didn’t care; across the lands and waters of Hongze, there were few whose status could surpass that of East Dragon Palace.
"Why do you venture out to train and bring such a child with you? Aren’t you afraid of accidents?"
"An old friend entrusted her to me; she is safer by my side."
Shen Yi wasn’t exactly lying—having An Yi by his side did indeed make him much safer.
"I see... be more cautious and avoid reckless actions in the future."
Zi Lan, leading the way, wanted to remind him more but felt it wasn’t her place since they had just met. After a moment’s thought, she took out a jade scale from her waist and placed it in An Yi’s hands.
"If you encounter any accidents, just call ’sister’ to this jade scale; it doesn’t require using your energy."
After a thought, she took out another piece and handed it to Shen Yi. "Daoist Shen, you take one too. Things have been unstable around here recently—it’s always good to be cautious. If there’s nothing else, it’s best to leave soon."
Shen Yi took the jade scale and habitually stroked it in his palm.
This was his second encounter with a Purple-Bearded White Dragon. Whether it was the Dragon Consort of Mount Yu or the young Dragon Maiden before him, they both seemed a bit off.
This stroking motion caught Yue Tiance’s eye, causing the corner of his eye to twitch slightly. He opened his mouth to scold, but seeing Zi Lan beside him, he forcibly suppressed his anger.