Tao Mian was being escorted for a few steps before he realized something was off.
"Wait, wait, what do you mean I can't stay here?"
As he struggled, Su Tianhe had to stop.
He seemed concerned, as if worried about being overheard, and after looking around, he frowned and asked Tao Mian.
"Phoenix Rest Manor is remote; normally, you wouldn't wander here by chance. Who introduced you?"
Tao Mian honestly mentioned Shopkeeper Xue's name.
"Xue Han? That old fox, how did you get involved with him?"
"You two are like brothers, both scheming and cunning... No, wait, you caused the death of my two disciples, how can I talk to you calmly? From now on, let's pretend we never met."
Tao Mian was still in shock from unexpectedly meeting someone, and for a moment, he didn't react to their past grievances. Once he came to his senses, he wished he could slap himself; when would he ever change this habit of being overly familiar?
Su Tianhe saw him turn away, ready to leave. At that moment, Chu Liuxue and Chu Suiyan's words flashed through his mind.
—My master Tao Mian, despite a thousand years of cultivation, has the heart of a child. On the mountain, he enjoys the wind and moon, but if he leaves, he might be taken advantage of by those with ill intentions. It's too early to say, but... if you meet him outside the mountain, please, take care of him.
—Shi Fu Little Tao is kind-hearted and cannot bear to see the world's suffering. He says he doesn't want to get involved in karma, but he cannot stand to see anyone suffer in front of him. His sincerity should not be wasted. As a disciple of Peach Blossom Mountain, I have committed many wrongs and am ashamed to face him. Brother Su, if you ever meet my master, please convey my regards, it's my humble request.
Before Tao Mian completely disappeared around the corner, Su Tianhe spoke up.
"Both your disciples have told me to look out for you outside."
Tao Mian stopped, the green branches in the courtyard hanging against his back, contrasting with his blue attire, serene and pure.
"The three of us each have desires and pursuits. When desires and pursuits intertwine, they become a deadlock, unless cut by a sharp blade. Tao Mian, I don't ask for your forgiveness, even if you confront me with swords here, I would not complain. You took me in at Peach Blossom Mountain, and I remember that kindness. I'm not someone who can't distinguish between kindness and enmity."
It took a while after Su Tianhe's words fell before Tao Mian responded, sighing, his voice echoing in the cold corridor.
"I merely gave you a few peaches, and you call that 'kindness'. Both my disciples once confided in you, how could you bear to scheme and plot, leading them to mutual destruction?"
People are often cunning, and Tao Mian merely didn't stand in Su Tianhe's way, hindering his plans.
And now, his kind reminder might just be a way to ease his own conscience.
This time, it was Su Tianhe who remained silent.
The past was gone, the dust settled. Tao Mian didn't want to dwell in sorrow, so he waved his hand without turning back.
"Thank you for your kindness, I appreciate it, and will be more cautious."
Su Tianhe couldn't help but speak again.
"Tao Mian, even if you don't trust me, there are things I must say. The Demonic Realm and the demon realm are opposed to the Immortals. Perhaps a few demons and monsters, due to fate, become close to Immortals, but those are 'very few'.
Phoenix Rest Manor is dangerous, it's not suitable to stay long. Take care of yourself."
Tao Mian politely listened, nodded, and finally left.
Only Su Tianhe remained standing between the deep green and white walls, lingering for a long time.
In truth, Su Tianhe's words confirmed some suspicions.
Tao Mian already had doubts, which is why he decided to explore the manor alone.
Encountering Su Tianhe was a coincidence, but his words saved some effort.
The candles he used last night were not ordinary. They were brought from the Taoist Temple after being offered there.
Those incense candles emitted a celestial aura when lit, and ordinary wandering spirits would definitely avoid them.
Yet, when he walked past the window yesterday, the spirits inside followed closely.
Thinking of the names written in ink on the roster, Tao Mian felt deep regret.
Phoenix Rest Manor was like a greedy mouth, never satisfied.
He stood in a secluded spot, paused, and took a piece of peach branch from his sleeve, tapping it lightly on the wall.
A pale glow appeared at the tip of the peach branch, pure spiritual power.
Tao Mian raised his hand, and as he walked, a straight white line appeared on the wall, disappearing as he moved away.
He spent half a day walking around the manor, forming a large and complex formation that quietly trapped the entire Phoenix Rest Manor within.
After completing this, Tao Mian put the peach branch back in his sleeve, put on a relaxed expression, and went to find his disciple.
The master's small courtyard was usually quiet, with only two or three strong servants guarding it, and a few maids cleaning, rarely anyone else.
There was a peach blossom tree in the courtyard, and Tao Mian naturally felt close to it, admiring it for a long time.
Unfortunately, the tree wasn't nurtured by good water, carrying a demonic aura. Tao Mian thought it was a pity and pondered a question.
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...
Where did Little Hua go?
When he returned, the courtyard was empty, not a single person in sight. The maids and servants were instructed by the master not to disturb his peace, but Rong Zheng should have been there.
He clearly instructed his disciple not to wander off before leaving, but it seemed this new disciple was rebellious, treating his master's words as mere wind.
Worried about his disciple, Tao Mian decided to look around, hoping to run into him by chance.
One must admit, Immortals have a bit of luck.
Thanks to the afternoon's work, he had a rough understanding of the manor's layout, recognizing directions with ease.
He moved through the pavilions and towers, deliberately concealing his presence to avoid being discovered.
Passing by a servant, Tao Mian brushed a fallen flower off his shoulder, and the latter only felt a gentle breeze, looking around in confusion and sneezing.
After some searching, Tao Mian finally heard the voice of his fifth disciple in an unused guest room.
Originally just passing by, he unexpectedly stumbled upon Rong Zheng.
At this moment, the fifth disciple was in the room, her figure vaguely visible through the window.
Tao Mian was delighted, glad she was safe.
He was about to enter and share his latest discovery with his disciple.
However, before he could, Rong Zheng spoke first.
"Master, please give me more time."