Living steadily in the world of gods and mystery

The crowd split to either side, clearly demarcated.

Only when Chen Li emerged did Zhang Yan’s heart, which had been hanging all this time, finally settle down.

Earlier, he had nearly been frightened back into his house, breaking out into a cold sweat.

And it was no wonder.

Anyone who steps outside in the dead of night and sees a row of five people whispering quietly in the shadows would be terrified, had it not been for the fact that they too were carrying packs, and seeing him come out, they had stayed put.

He thought they were highway robbers.

In the end, he left his daughter at home and mustered the courage to go up and ask, only then realizing that they were people like him, waiting for Chen, and preparing to migrate, which somewhat eased his mind.

They were all here for Chen. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

And all for the same person.

But clearly, the Chen Zhang Yan saw and the Chen that Zhao Lin and the others saw were worlds apart.

One was a Talisman Maker like him, honest and fair, with arguably decent combat skills, and the other was a mysterious butcher who cut down Second Order Demon Beasts, annihilated gangs, and whose fierce reputation suppressed the entire Green River District.

After exchanging a few pleasantries on both sides and sensing that neither could figure out what the other was about, the conversation dwindled and they remained distinct.

It wasn’t until Chen Li showed himself that Zhang Yan finally completely relaxed.

But while Zhang Yan and his daughter were relieved, Zhao Lin and the others on the other side changed their expressions as if they had swapped faces, all quite spectacular – first wary, then puzzled, and finally, understanding dawned on them.

Same sword at their side, same build, even the way they walked had the same rhythm; without a doubt, the person before them was the real deal, and all previous encounters had been a disguise.

"Big... Brother!?" Zhao Lin tentatively called out.

Chen Li nodded and said casually, "How come you arrived so early?"

"The few of us couldn’t sleep at all last night, so we came over early," Zhao Lin confirmed with a quick smile.

"Big Brother!"

"Big Brother!"

...

Seeing this, Gu Mengqing and others also hurried forward to greet him.

There was even a female cultivator among them.

She wore a light yellow robe, around thirty years old with a plump figure. Though crow’s feet had started to form at the corners of her eyes, her charm as a mature woman persisted, exuding an enticing, bone-deep allure.

Before Chen Li could ask, Gu Mengqing hastily said, "Big Brother, this is my humble wife, Lu Qian. Please, we ask you to take care of her as well."

No wonder this woman, though at the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation, was lean and dark, bearing a face of suffering and hardship; clearly, there was a reason for her condition.

Being in her early fifties,

she indeed might have found some things beyond her capacity.

"Okay, no problem!" Chen Li said.

"Chen Fellow Daoist, these people are..." Zhang Yan finally couldn’t help asking.

Their attitudes were respectful, even somewhat awestruck.

Clearly, they recognized Chen Li as their leader.

"Met them outside; they help me with some things. They’re all friends," Chen Li said with a smile.

"Big Brother is really elevating us too much. We’re just following Big Brother to make a living... This must be Sister-in-law, right? Sister-in-law, hello!" Seeing his chance, the astute Zhao Lin said with a smile.

Zhou Hong smiled with pursed lips, saying nothing, simply gently clasping Chen Li’s hand.

The rest rushed to greet once more.

"Well, it’s getting late, and everyone is here. Let’s cut the chatter and set off now," after a bit of small talk, Chen Li declared.

...

Under the cover of night,

a group walked along, chatting and laughing.

Until they reached Yu Family Street, the conversation finally dwindled.

Many people had already arrived.

All were people preparing to migrate, densely packed, crowded with groups of three or five, some leaning against walls, some sitting on the ground; each person carried a bulging backpack, bundle, or sack, reminiscent of the masses rushing home during the Spring Festival in a past life.

Though no one dared to speak loudly,

the collective murmur of countless quiet conversations still made the place incredibly noisy.

Chen Li approached a member of the Yu Family,

producing a Token given to him by the Yu Family ancestor.

The initially indifferent Yu Family member’s attitude changed instantly to enthusiasm, and soon, the group was led to a quiet room in the Yu Family mansion, finally finding some peace.

The departure was imminent, and the Yu Family was all abuzz.

Luggage and goods were stacked like mountains in the courtyard.

Everyone walked swiftly, busy to the point of flying off their feet.

Yet, despite the chaos, each person was served with tea and pastries and informed that they would be notified again before departure and could just sit comfortably here for the time being. After a bow, the attendant softly closed the door and left.

The pastries were delicate, enticing.

Carefully crafted.

The served tea was also top-quality Spiritual Tea, emitting a heartwarming fragrance.

However, quietness prevailed.

As if suppressed by an invisible force, no one dared to move for a moment, and all were a bit uneasy, without even speaking.

Such an encounter, such a treat, were things these Loose Cultivators had never experienced before.

This was the territory of a Foundation Establishment family.

And now, they themselves were treated as honored guests.

Even though it was just by association.

"Eat, what are you staring for?" Chen Li broke the awkward silence, grabbing a piece of pastry and popping it into his mouth. Clearly made from top-quality Spirit Rice, the pastry had a soft and sticky texture with a rich fragrance, and it concealed assorted candied fruits and nuts inside.

It was sweet and delicious, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

"Tastes good, try some!" Chen Li picked up another piece and fed it to Zhou Hong.

Zhou Hong immediately blushed with embarrassment, playfully giving Chen Li a light smack and quickly taking the pastry from his hand.

Once Chen Li started eating, the others let go of their reservations.

Chen Li ate a piece and didn’t eat any more. Though the pastry tasted good, its only flaw was that it was too sweet; he didn’t know how much sugar had been added, but it was cloyingly sweet. Eating one piece was fine, but any more would become nauseating.