Thinking of this, Liu Ergou stepped inside the Taoist Temple.
The temple was quite simple, boasting only an ordinary main hall, where the Three Pure Ones were worshipped.
Apart from that, there was a small chamber, likely the residence of the Taoist who maintained the temple.
Kneeling before the Three Pure Ones, Liu Ergou respectfully kowtowed three times, then stood up and strolled around the whole temple in just a few steps.
With a sigh, Liu Ergou prepared to leave.
Yet just as he began to move, an elderly voice suddenly sounded behind him.
"You've come."
The sudden voice startled Liu Ergou, almost making him jump on the spot.
Fortunately, Liu Ergou quickly calmed himself.
There's never been a story of a haunted Taoist temple!
If it wasn't a ghost, then it must be a living person.
Thinking this, Liu Ergou turned around, and indeed, saw an old Taoist with a head full of white hair standing behind him, staring intently.
Seeing the old Taoist, Liu Ergou pondered for a moment.
Not knowing what to say, he awkwardly smiled and greeted.
"Hello, Taoist Priest."
"If there's nothing else, I'll be on my way!"
However, just as Liu Ergou turned around, the old Taoist who had been behind him, unexpectedly appeared in front of him, blocking his path.
This unforeseen event made Liu Ergou's forehead furrow with concern.
To move silently and appear before him without notice β
This old Taoist was probably at the Innate Realm.
He might even have reached the legendary Martial Golden Core.
But thinking of the Martial Golden Core, Liu Ergou couldn't help but shake his head.
What a bunch of nonsense.
According to Swallow Li, the Martial Golden Core hasn't appeared for centuries; there's no Martial Golden Core in the entire Ancient Martial Sects.
If there were, it must be fake.
So, this old Taoist must be at the Innate level.
But... since I don't know this Taoist, why is he blocking me?
Before Liu Ergou could speak, the old Taoist spoke again: "Since you're here, don't leave. I've been waiting for you for a long time!"
Hearing this, Liu Ergou's hair stood on end!
Waiting specifically for me?!
As far as he knew, he hadn't offended anyone in Jingdong, except for the Yuan Family, but considering the current mistress of the Yuan Family was his woman, he shouldn't be in any danger in Jingdu.
So why did this old Taoist say that?
Seeing Liu Ergou's perplexed face, the old Taoist smiled, shook his head, and turned towards the chamber.
As he walked, he said, "I know you're curious, follow me."
"I have something to give you."
Liu Ergou wanted to refuse, but after some thought, decided to follow the old Taoist into the chamber.
In the chamber, instead of giving Liu Ergou anything, the old Taoist started talking about other things.
"From the moment you arrived, I saw you. Your forehead is dark, suggesting potential fatal danger!"
"Take my advice, leave Jingdu; you might escape this disaster!"
"If you insist on staying, you might lose your life here in Jingdu!"
Hearing this, Liu Ergou suddenly realized.
Damn!
He almost forgot about Swallow Li's situation. Could it be this old Taoist is the one hunting Swallow Li?
If that's the caseβ
Swallow Li was in grave danger and most likely done for.
Thinking of this, Liu Ergou's hair stood on end again.
However, the old Taoist's next sentence eased Liu Ergou's mind.
"Don't worry, I'm not the one after Swallow Li; to be precise, he can be considered my servant."
The term 'servant' left Liu Ergou puzzled.
A servant, meaning a family's retainer.
How did Swallow Li end up being a servant?
Seeing Liu Ergou's confused expression, the old Taoist continued, "He's not only my servant but yours as well!"
Even more puzzled, Liu Ergou found this all the more baffling.
What kind of nonsense was this?
Swallow Li was his teacher, how did he become a servant?
At this rate, would he soon turn into Ultraman?
With a sigh, Liu Ergou figured the old Taoist might have lost his mind due to age.
Otherwise, he wouldn't be spouting such absurdities.
But then again, how did this old Taoist know about Swallow Li? Truly unimaginable.
Before Liu Ergou could say another word,
the old Taoist, who had been sitting on the bed, suddenly got up and went outside.
As he walked, he said, "Liu Ergou, I know you have many questions, but now is not the time for answers."
"Because guests have arrived, and these guests are here for you!"
"I need to deal with them first before addressing your concerns!"
Liu Ergou wanted to ask, what guests? Clearly, there was no one here.
But before Liu Ergou could speak,
five figures suddenly appeared in the main hall.
These martial figures wasted no time, directly attacking the old Taoist with lethal intent.
It seemed they aimed to end the Taoist's life.
Yet the old Taoist faced the attacking five with no trace of panic, merely standing quietly.
At the moment the five were about to reach the Taoist,
the old Taoist moved.
But Liu Ergou couldn't catch the Taoist's movements; in the blink of an eye,
the five fierce attackers suddenly knelt on the ground, and within moments, lost their breath.
Seeing this, Liu Ergou felt his hair stand on end once again.
He knew these five were at his level, all at the Postnatal Realm Peak.
Yet they were easily slain by the old Taoist, truly terrifying.
After killing the five, the old Taoist seemed unfazed, slowly returning to Liu Ergou's side, retrieving a small box from under his bed, handing it to Liu Ergou.
"This is from Swallow Li for you; once you open it, you'll understand."
"I meant to tell you personally."
"But I reconsidered. I'm too old and weary now."
With that, the old Taoist sat back on the bed to rest.
While Liu Ergou, bewildered, reached to open the box.
