Chapter Sixty-Nine: A Narrow Encounter Between Foes

"Is this your first time visiting our Kaiyang Town, sir?" Mistaking Lin Xiaobao's hesitation for interest, the attendant immediately began his pitch. "Our Dragon Soaring Restaurant is famous for its unique offerings—local specialties, and delicacies from Zongtai and Xixia..."

Who would have thought such businesses existed in this world! At least in Howling Moon City, Lin Xiaobao had never heard of such an industry.

Despite having lived two lifetimes, Lin Xiaobao remained a virgin. He wrestled with the dilemma, convincing himself that he was no ordinary man, and would not judge his actions by vulgar standards. If that was the case, then whether his first time was with a beloved or someone from this profession, what difference did it make?

"I’ll take two—one local, one from Zongtai," Lin Xiaobao said, discreetly passing two gold coins into the attendant's hand. This could count as a chance to learn about Zongtai as well. Yes, the interests of the nation come first!

Receiving the gold coins, the attendant placed a key on Lin Xiaobao’s table. "Room Number Two, sir. I’ll prepare everything for you at once—you won’t want to leave!" After all, customers as generous as Lin Xiaobao were rare in this place.

While enjoying the food and wine, Lin Xiaobao did not forget to listen in on the conversations around him, gathering information from the patrons.

This was precisely why Lin Xiaobao had chosen to enter the restaurant. In a world where information was not readily accessible, the tavern was undoubtedly one of the best places to quickly understand the local situation.

And indeed, after half a jug of wine, Lin Xiaobao had gained a rough understanding of Kaiyang Town.

Jiuping Mountain, though not a forbidden land, was vast, and its environment had not suffered much chemical pollution. The mountain was rich in medicinal herbs, wild beasts, minerals, and sometimes even spirit beasts.

In this world, not everyone had the privilege to enter a sect like the Snow and Wind Pavilion. Most relied on their own efforts. To become strong, one needed resources—without a sect's provision, they had to fend for themselves. Thus, Kaiyang Town at the foot of Jiuping Mountain became a gathering place for struggling cultivators.

Going up and down the mountain, Kaiyang Town became their resting place, which fueled its vigorous development.

However, Lin Xiaobao was disappointed. After all his eavesdropping, he heard nothing about the ancient seal, nor any news of Hua Xiaotian or Ao Wuchen having passed through.

With no more useful information, Lin Xiaobao decided to retire to his room. Today was a significant day for him. Just as he rose to leave, someone entered through the door.

Two men and a woman.

Lin Xiaobao recognized the woman. Though he didn’t know her name, he knew she was Lin Tian’s daughter—the girl he had saved with artificial respiration by the city moat in Howling Moon City.

Spirit Dao, First Stage? Now she had cultivated her Mindwave to the second layer, the Realm of All Things Growing. Lin Xiaobao could discern the level of all three from their aura. He was startled—aside from the Snow and Wind Pavilion, what other power in Ningfeng State could nurture such young experts?

As Lin Xiaobao saw them, the girl also noticed him. First she paused, then strode over. "Is my bracelet with you?"

"It is, but I left it in my room. Wait a moment, I’ll fetch it for you." Lin Xiaobao seemed terribly afraid of the girl, rising with trembling knees.

"Trying to slip away? I’ll go with you!" she declared as soon as Lin Xiaobao stood.

"Junior Sister, who is he?" The white-robed youth accompanying her stepped forward, hostility in his gaze as he questioned Lin Xiaobao.

"None of your business!" she snapped, then glared at Lin Xiaobao. "Hurry up and get it!"

Lin Xiaobao nodded quickly and headed toward the back courtyard. Luckily, he’d already asked the attendant about his room; otherwise, he’d have trouble now.

Actually, that bracelet had always been inside Lin Xiaobao’s storage bracelet. Seeing that all three possessed Spirit Dao cultivation, Lin Xiaobao dared not reveal his own storage bracelet before them. Fortunately, cautious by nature, he had always kept it close to his body since leaving the Snow and Wind Pavilion, never wearing it openly.

"Will you wait here, or come in with me?" Lin Xiaobao asked deliberately at the door.

"Bring it out quickly. If you try anything, you’ll regret ever coming to this world!" The girl glared at him, her words snorted out through her nose.

Was it so serious? He’d only touched her a couple of times—and that was to save her! Lin Xiaobao grumbled inwardly, but dared not voice it. He took the key and opened the door, only to find two delicate girls lying on the bed.

Both were about sixteen, though in this profession, neither wore a trace of makeup. Their gentle features gave the impression of neighborly sisters. A thin veil covered their bodies, hinting at hidden secrets. Lin Xiaobao was certain that, were it not for that fierce woman waiting outside, he would not have resisted such temptation alone.

"Sir, why did you take so long? We’ve been waiting for you…" Both girls spoke in unison as Lin Xiaobao entered.

"Um… please wait a moment, I have some business to attend to first," he said, turning his back to them and quietly retrieving the girl's bracelet from his storage.

"Damn it!" From the moment Lin Xiaobao entered, the three outside had been monitoring everything. With their cultivation, they heard every word exchanged. Coupled with Lin Xiaobao’s previous behavior, the girl could scarcely restrain her urge to tear him apart.

"How does Junior Sister know this kind of person?" The white-robed youth frowned.

"I told you not to meddle! I’ll kill him myself after I get my bracelet!" she vowed, determined to vent her anger on Lin Xiaobao.

"Junior Sister, don’t make trouble. If it interferes with finding the ancient seal or Master’s plans, it could be problematic," the black-robed youth, who had remained silent till now, finally spoke from behind her.

The ancient seal? While they watched Lin Xiaobao, his spiritual sense never left the trio. Though all were in the First Stage of Spirit Dao, Lin Xiaobao’s spiritual sense far exceeded theirs, so they were unaware.

Hearing them mention the ancient seal, Lin Xiaobao was startled. Who exactly was this girl, and how did she know of the ancient seal?

Wait! Lin Xiaobao realized that since entering Kaiyang Town, most people he saw were martial artists, but the strongest were only at the fifth or sixth innate level. Only these three possessed Spirit Dao cultivation. It seemed clear—they must have come for the ancient seal.

Calming himself, Lin Xiaobao quickly assessed the situation. After several turns of his eyes, he had already formed a plan.