On the road to the ancient city.
After Lin Yun had waited for a short while, a group appeared ahead of him.
“Who is blocking the way!”
The white-haired elder leading the group immediately shouted when he saw someone in their path.
The group consisted of more than ten people. All of them grew wary the moment Lin Yun blocked their route.
After all, bandits were common in these ancestral lands, and murder for treasure happened all the time.
“Fellow cultivators, I mean no harm. I only wish to ask you a few questions,” Lin Yun said with a smile as he walked towards the group.
“Fellow cultivator, do not come any closer. Whatever you wish to ask, say it from there,” the white-haired elder who led them replied.
“I want to enquire about the ancient city ahead. I am passing through this area and feel rather curious about it,” Lin Yun explained.
A young man standing beside the elder stepped forward and said, “We call the city ahead the Divine Relic Ancient City. It has lain in ruins for many years. Inside are many extremely peculiar places. Cultivators from several large cities nearby, and from the wider region, all enjoy exploring, adventuring, and training there.”
“Then what is the origin of this Divine Relic Ancient City?” Lin Yun pressed.
“That, we do not know. I only know the Divine Relic Ancient City has an extremely long history. It has been in its current ruined state for more than a million years, at least. As for why it ended up like that, nobody knows,” the young man answered.
The young man looked at Lin Yun and continued, “Fellow cultivator, if you are heading to the Divine Relic Ancient City, you may travel with us for a while. We are going there too. Our Second Grandfather, who leads us, has visited the Divine Relic Ancient City many times and knows it well.”
“Very well,” Lin Yun agreed without much thought.
He still wanted to ask more questions, so travelling together for a distance would naturally make that easier.
Beside the young man stood a young woman in black robes with a graceful figure. Her hair was tied up neatly and simply.
“Little brother, stop fooling around! We know nothing about this person’s background. How can you casually invite him along? What if you are letting a wolf into the fold?” The young woman frowned, her expression cold.
Lin Yun hurriedly explained, “Everyone, I truly mean no harm. I am simply somewhat interested in the Divine Relic Ancient City ahead, that is all.”
“Sis, if his strength is weak, even if he harboured ill intent he could not act on it. If his strength is great and he does harbour ill intent, he would simply attack us directly. Why go to such trouble?” the young man countered.
He turned to the white-haired elder. “Second Grandfather, many people explore and train inside the Divine Relic Ancient City all the time. We are going there to train as well. Bringing one more person makes no difference. Did you not always teach me that, when walking the jianghu, one should make as many friends as possible? The more friends one has, the easier the road becomes.”
“Young Third Master, your heart is simply too kind. You have also been protected too well and do not understand how treacherous the jianghu can be,” the white-haired elder sighed, shaking his head.
Then the white-haired elder looked at Lin Yun. “Fellow cultivator, you may travel with us for a while. But let me say this plainly first: if you dare show the slightest improper behaviour, we will drive you away without hesitation!”
“Second Grandfather, this…” The young woman clearly looked unhappy and did not want Lin Yun, a stranger, to join them.
“Young Miss, travelling together for a short distance is no great matter,” the white-haired elder said.
“My thanks, then.” Lin Yun smiled and cupped his fists towards them.
He did not find their wariness strange. After all, neither side knew the other, and no one could be sure of the other’s origins or background.
Even if Lin Yun encountered strangers, he would be cautious too.
“Let us be on our way, then.”
At the white-haired elder’s command, the group set off once more towards the Divine Relic Ancient City ahead.
Lin Yun joined their ranks.
“Fellow cultivator, thank you.”
Lin Yun walked up to the young man and expressed his gratitude.
“You are too polite, fellow cultivator. I am Gong Zhan, direct descendant of the Gong family of Pingtan City. May I know your honoured surname and name, and from which sect or clan you hail?” The young man was very courteous.
Pingtan City was not especially far from here. It was a city of modest size with a population of three to five hundred million.
“I bear the Daoist title Beichen. I am merely a first-realm rogue cultivator wandering the four seas, with the world as my home,” Lin Yun replied.
“Friend Beichen must have rich experience from wandering everywhere. I truly envy that kind of life, travelling the world freely. That is the life a cultivator should lead. Unfortunately, under normal circumstances my father never lets me leave Pingtan City,” Gong Zhan said, looking at Lin Yun with envy.
“Actually, the way you live is pretty good too,” Lin Yun said.
“Hmph. Just looking at your face, you do not seem like a good person,” a cold voice sounded beside them.
Lin Yun turned and saw it was the black-robed young woman standing next to Gong Zhan.
