71: Chapter 70: The Skinny Old Man 71: Chapter 70: The Skinny Old Man Her expression complex and her heart filled with disappointment, she could tell he was a person of firm determination.

Having made his decision, any person with dignity would react to what the Daoist Sect had done to him.

Mortals often boast about how they’ll celebrate when their names are listed on the honor roll, but cultivators aren’t necessarily different; they just express it in another way.

Mortals might seek mere psychological satisfaction, but a cultivator could truly draw his sword in response, his blood staining the ground five steps around him!

She simply hoped to make one less enemy for the Daoist Sect.

Without the intent to silence him permanently, she could only show kindness, hoping that when the time came, he’d restrain himself somewhat, this wild horse of a man.

For those on the path of cultivation, the pursuit of the Dao far surpasses loyalty to any country.

She couldn’t dissuade him under the pretext of being Anhe people; she had to find another way…

Sighing inwardly, she wondered when she would truly let go of all this and stop worrying about such trivial matters.

The Daoist Sect wasn’t hers to claim, and this junior cultivator might not grow into a towering tree.

She had no right to influence the affairs of the Continent…

But that’s just who she was, always hoping to do something within her power, not for anything else but for peace of mind!

For that cry at the edge of Yaoshui Pond.

Being very astute, she never mentioned the junior cultivator’s purpose for coming here; instead, she cleverly changed the subject.

“Traveling all the way from Jin City, why bring along a child?”

Hou Niao was relieved she wasn’t discussing the divide between Daoism and Demon Sect anymore.

Truth be told, this question embarrassed him.

He didn’t want one more person to know his secret; one more person meant one more chance for leaks, one more set of eyes possibly noticing something intentionally or unintentionally.

“…This child is the scion of a criminal cultivator from Jin City.

After the criminal was executed, his entire family of dozens was expelled from the country.

While fleeing to Anhe, they accidentally ventured deep into the Poplar Forest and were attacked by a Demon Beast.

Only she escaped harm, and as it happened, I was passing by and managed to save her.

Now I am troubled and still unsure how to take care of her.”

Yan Daoist sneered, “Attacked by a Demon Beast?

Such a coincidence?

It’s probably orchestrated and premeditated, right?

Driving valuable people towards a rival nation—since when has the Quanzhen Sect of Shan Country been so benevolent?”

Hou Niao’s heart skipped a beat.

This matched his vague suspicions.

Perhaps the Daoist Sect truly harbored prejudices against the Demon Sect, but some things weren’t entirely baseless; some patterns of behavior never change.

But his expression remained unchanged, as if he’d heard nothing, “It was a Beast Tide.

I nearly got caught in it as well…”

Yan Daoist hadn’t thought that far and was merely casting aspersions as usual, but her objective was,

“So, the child can’t be taken back to Shan Country?

What’s your plan?

Selling the child to gather funds for your return trip?”

Hou Niao was speechless.

This female cultivator’s words were really venomous.

“I haven’t decided yet.

I’m thinking of finding a reliable family in Liuyang to raise her into adulthood.

I’m not seeking wealth and splendor for her, just a safe life… Ah, I don’t carry much wealth with me, I’m afraid I won’t be able to support a child’s expenses for over a decade.”

Yan Daoist snorted, “Of course, you won’t be able to ensure that.

This young lady clearly has been spoiled since childhood, a delicate and pampered child.

Moreover, you are destined not to often return to Liuyang to check on her…

How about this, since we are fated to meet and the little girl looks quite pitiful, I will exert some effort to find her a good family.”

Hou Niao was overjoyed.

This unexpected good fortune was something he’d never even considered and lay beyond his capacity to resolve; the woman’s Realm was high, appearing on par with Capital Commandant Li, which hinted at her status in Liuyang City.

If she spoke up, the child’s future may not necessarily be wealthy and prosperous, but at the very least, she would never be bullied.

That was enough.

“How could this be appropriate?

Having already received a great favor from an Upper Cultivator at Yaoshui, now I’m troubling you…

This makes me…”

Yan Daoist waved her hand dismissively, “Yaoshui saved you because of your cry, which was an act of righteousness; helping now is for the old and the children, an act of benevolence!

It’s not for you personally!

I only need you to remember, however flawed Anhe Daoist Sect may be, even if it’s hypocritical, it’s pretended for over a thousand years without ever changing.

Understand?”

Hou Niao was silent for a long time, “Understood.

An individual shouldn’t represent the group, and personal grudges shouldn’t be spread.

I’ll keep that in mind.”

Yan Daoist nodded, satisfied.

It was a relief he knew what was important; it wasn’t in vain that she had repeatedly helped him.

To her, it was nothing more than a simple gesture.

“It’s like this: I have a Daoist friend in Liuyang who practices alone in a small temple, living an austere life.

As she grows older in solitude, she mentioned wanting to adopt a child for companionship…”

Hou Niao looked troubled, “An old spinster, eh?

Is that suitable?

Wouldn’t there be a risk she might impart some odd habits?”

Yan Daoist glared at him, “In terms of Realm, that’s your senior.

What ‘old spinster’?

Be careful not to get smacked!

My friend is highly learned and talented with a noble and indifferent nature.

She’s versed in the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, the finest teacher in the world!

Do you think placing her in a large family clan is best?

Once a family grows large, it’s full of deceptions.

On the surface, they appear harmonious and caring, but behind the scenes, countless manipulations occur.

What could a young child understand about the dangers of human relationships?”

Seeing Hou Niao contemplating, she finally nudged him, “Only someone with true cultivation can unlock the psychological shackles binding her.”

Hou Niao suddenly came back to his senses, bowing deeply.

Before these Upper Cultivators, his secrets indeed seemed laughable.

Preoccupied with concealing them, he didn’t realize that with just one glance, they could see the abnormalities with the little girl.

As for whether the child could learn the Dao and how she’d fare if she did, he truly didn’t care about such potential troubles.

…Books and swords are things that last, and the rivers and mountains have their future.

If the mind understands, why doubt what dreams may bring?

“In that case, I thank the Upper Cultivator, I dare not speak of reciprocation, but wait for the future.”

Yan Daoist felt much more comfortable, sensing she’d played her part against Fate, forming a good karmic connection, leaving a lasting impression.

In the Cultivation World, who knew who would reach what step?

To someone like the one before her, whether serving Dao to aid the world or wielding Demon power to dominate a region, they were not to be taken lightly.

Changing the subject, “Still waiting for Guan Gong to have leisure time?

I’m afraid he won’t be available until the feast is over.

Afterwards, he will divine from the sky, intending to be the talk of the town, so if you foolishly wait like this, you’ll never get the chance.”

Hou Niao felt a fondness for this female cultivator, a casual, mild sort of relationship with little vested interest, which felt comfortable.

“All I want is to meet him once, present my congratulatory gift, and see if Guan Gong has any message in return.

Actually, I don’t have much to say in conversation either, but I’m afraid revealing my background might make it difficult for him since this place is Liuyang, not Jin City.”

Yan Daoist gracefully turned away, “I can help arrange for the child, but I won’t do anything for the Quanzhen Sect.

Figure it out on your own!”

Moving toward the little girl, she needed to make contact first.