Chu Ge categorically stated that he was all too familiar with the aura emanating from him—a long-time rival who was an old friend, how could he possibly not recognize it?
However, what made him curious was why Uncle Liu would associate with such a person.
Uncle Liu wasn’t surprised that Chu Ge recognized him as a disciple of the Black Witch Sect, because in his eyes, this man was not any disciple of the Black Witch Sect, but his own disciple.
Uncle Liu chuckled and said, "He used to be a disciple of the Black Witch Sect, but it was all due to a moment of greed that led him astray."
Uncle Liu explained, "Initially, Xiao Shuai wanted to learn ancient martial arts but had no way in. He happened to meet a disciple of the Black Witch Sect who boasted to him. Xiao Shuai mistook the Black Witch Sect for a righteous sect, so he went up the mountain to seek teaching. Only after joining the sect did he realize that it was not what he had imagined. When he wanted to leave, he couldn’t do so anymore.
Because of the recent conflicts between the sects, the Black Witch Sect suffered. Xiao Shuai took the opportunity to escape from the sect.
As the training methods of the Black Witch Sect are different from those of other righteous sects, and Xiao Shuai no longer had the support of the specific pills from the Black Witch Sect, his body couldn’t hold up at times, which was when I encountered him."
Uncle Liu simply recounted the story, but the underlying implication was clear: although Xiao Shuai had joined the Black Witch Sect, he was actually a good person.
Chu Ge became curious as he had always wanted to know which sect Uncle Liu belonged to. Thinking thus, he asked, "May I know from which sect Uncle Liu hails?"
Uncle Liu burst into laughter, "I belong to no sect, I’m just a lazy person. All the sects and disciples are but passing clouds to me."
Although Chu Ge was not sure if Uncle Liu was telling the truth, seeing that he declined to say more, Chu Ge did not pursue the matter.
"The furniture is now all complete." Uncle Liu looked at his handiwork and nodded with great satisfaction.
Chu Ge observed his gaze upon the furniture as though looking at his own children and couldn’t help but tease, "Uncle Liu, are you sure you’re not reluctant to part with these pieces?"
Uncle Liu smiled, but this time, the smile was not as hearty as before and seemed tinged with a bit of bitterness. He nodded gently, "I am indeed somewhat reluctant. The wood used for these furniture pieces has all grown up with me; they are like my elders, protecting me. Now, they will go on to protect you. How can I not feel reluctant?"
Chu Ge’s lips twitched involuntarily upon hearing this explanation.
At this moment, another young man in blue work attire hurried over with a document in his hand.
"Uncle Liu, is there a package for you?"
After handing over the document to Uncle Liu, the man took a curious glance at Lin Dong and Chu Ge.
Chu Ge noted that the young man appeared to be about the same age as Lin Dong, with unnaturally pale skin, but without any trace of Spiritual Energy, obviously a normal person.
Uncle Liu did not seem inclined to introduce him, and instead tore open the document to pull out an invitation.
Chu Ge had seen this type of invitation before; it was for a summit.
Chu Ge was somewhat curious as he looked at Uncle Liu, "Uncle Liu, isn’t this summit a meeting for the sects?"
Uncle Liu looked up with a meaningful gaze but was cut off before he could speak.
The pale man hurriedly spoke up, "Although Uncle Liu doesn’t belong to any sect, he has a very high status in the Ancient Martial Arts and everyone must respectfully address him as Liu Daxian (Liu the Great Immortal)."
Chu Ge was startled and instinctively looked at Uncle Liu, wondering how he was unaware of a respected Liu Daxian within the Ancient Martial Arts.
Uncle Liu gestured with his hand, "Alright, have you all finished your work?"
The two staff members looked at each other and then shook their heads.
"Well, what are you waiting for?"
The two turned and hurried towards the storeroom; along the way, their voices could be heard bickering with each other.
"It’s all your fault, why did you mention Liu Daxian for no reason? Don’t you know Uncle Liu hates it the most when people call him Liu Daxian?"
"I just saw that man being so disrespectful to Uncle Liu, so I thought I would say something, but who knew Uncle Liu would be displeased."
Chu Ge looked towards Uncle Liu, feeling slightly perplexed. He always felt that Uncle Liu was hiding something.
But since he did not speak of it, Chu Ge did not feel it was appropriate to ask.
Liu Daxian... Jian Chunqiu should know about this.
He would ask Jian Chunqiu later.
With this thought in mind, Chu Ge prepared to take his leave from Uncle Liu when Uncle Liu raised his hand, "Hold on, does Mr. Chu have anything important to do today?"
Chu Ge shook his head, "There’s nothing in particular today. Does Uncle Liu have any instructions?"
"It’s not really instructions, but I was wondering if Mr. Chu plays chess?"
"Chess?" Chu Ge was taken aback, then nodded, "A little."
"How about joining me for a few rounds?"
Chu Ge couldn’t figure out what Uncle Liu was up to, but he still nodded. After all, they had just concluded a big business deal, and playing chess together could also enhance their relationship.
Lin Dong quietly tugged at Chu Ge’s sleeve and whispered so that only the two of them could hear, "Mr. Chu, don’t you think there’s something odd about Uncle Liu?"
Chu Ge nodded slightly, but he did not take it to heart. A man over a hundred years old surely had more experience and had met countless more people than they had, having seen through the vicissitudes, joys, sorrows, and passions of this world. It was normal to have one’s own quirks.
Uncle Liu led Chu Ge and Lin Dong to an office, which actually served as a place for Uncle Liu to rest.
The space inside was not large, but it was fully furnished, and only once inside did Chu Ge realize that all the furniture was different from what was sold in the market.
At a glance, it was evident that they were Uncle Liu’s handiwork.
There was a chess table in the center of the living room, with an unfinished game still laid out on it.
Uncle Liu gestured for Chu Ge to sit down, then said, "This is a game I play by myself when I’m bored, playing against myself. Let’s continue from here, shall we?"
Lin Dong felt this was unfair to Chu Ge upon hearing this. Although he did not understand chess, he had heard Uncle Liu say that he played against himself. It was clear that Uncle Liu would know the next moves and how the game had been set up from the start.
This was not at all fair to Mr. Chu.
Lin Dong wanted to say something, but seeing Chu Ge gazing intently at the chessboard, seemingly unconcerned, Lin Dong swallowed his words.
He silently stood by, watching the two engage in the game...