13: First meeting with Zhang Chulan

The next morning, Lin Yuan was woken up by the sound of a phone ringing.

"Hello, Xu Si, what's wrong?"

"Brother Lin, there's a situation. According to intelligence, the higher-ups of Quanxing, after learning that you crippled Shen Chong, are suspected of wanting to retaliate against you."

"Additionally, the higher-ups of Nadutong also know that Xia He is with you and have sent several special agents. Both sides might be difficult to deal with."

Lin Yuan immediately sobered up.

"That serious? Alright, I understand. I'll be careful. Don't worry, unless absolutely necessary, I won't cause a major disturbance."

"Brother Lin, if they really decide to make a move later, last night..."

"Xu Si, don't worry. I'll consider the larger picture. Tianjin is your responsibility, and I won't make things too difficult for you."

On the other end of the phone, Xu Si wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, fearing that Lin Yuan would go on a killing spree.

"Hahahaha! You are a disciple of the Tianshi Mansion, and your word is always law."

...Thump, thump, thump.

At this moment, a knock came from outside the room.

After Lin Yuan hung up the phone, he went to open the door.

It must be said, the hotel Xia He found was indeed good; he slept very well.

When Lin Yuan opened the door, he found that the person who came in was actually Xia He.

"My dear sister, are you planning to go out like this today? This is far too eye-catching, isn't it?"

Lin Yuan looked at Xia He, who was wearing light makeup, a camisole, and ultra-short shorts, looking incredibly alluring.

"Hmph, you country bumpkin, what do you know? Sister will attract attention no matter what she wears."

"On the other hand, you, always wearing your Mount Longhu Daoist robe, aren't you the one who attracts attention?"

Lin Yuan lowered his head and looked at his Daoist robe.

"I don't have any other clothes. I wear a Daoist robe on the mountain, so when I come down, I can only wear this."

Xia He looked at Lin Yuan with a hint of disdain.

"Can't you buy some clothes?"

"No money... The money my master gave me is only enough for my round-trip fare and food."

Xia He rubbed her forehead.

"Alright... How about this, you have breakfast with me, and then I'll take you to buy clothes."

"But you'll have to carry my bags. I also want to buy some new clothes."

Lin Yuan immediately nodded.

"No problem, but we have to call that kid Lü Liang too. Xu Si told me that the higher-ups of Quanxing and Nadutong are planning to make a move against us recently."

"During this time, don't act alone. I'll protect your safety."

Xia He smiled slightly.

"Aren't you afraid of offending the Company?"

"Hehehe... The Company has always been very keen on maintaining the balance of the Stranger world. The number of Quanxing members won't drastically decrease, nor will it skyrocket."

"It's like Zhuge Liang and Sima Yi during the Three Kingdoms period. Zhuge Liang's empty fort stratagem was long seen through by Sima Yi, but he couldn't act because if Zhuge Liang died, Sima Yi would lose his value."

"If the Company really wanted to wipe out Quanxing, then they would lose their reason for existence."

"But now, the strength of Mount Longhu has somewhat broken this balance, so all parties want to correct it and give me a warning."

Lin Yuan's words immediately made Xia He's eyes light up. She used to think that they could be active in this world because they were strong enough, but now it seems that's not the case.

Xia He looked at Lin Yuan with a slight worry.

"Lin Yuan, if Quanxing and the Company's higher-ups act at the same time, those few are not to be trifled with..."

Lin Yuan looked at Xia He with a cold smile.

"If they really want to die, I won't make a move in Tianjin. I promised Xu Si to try not to make a big fuss. If these people don't know what's good for them and truly think Mount Longhu can be casually provoked, then I'll just kill them all."

As soon as these words were uttered, even Xia He couldn't help but shiver.

She could feel the killing intent in Lin Yuan's recent words.

Are the Daoists of Mount Longhu all so murderous?

...An hour later, after Lin Yuan, Xia He, and Lü Liang finished breakfast, they went to the mall to buy clothes.

The three of them shopped for an entire morning, and by the end, he and Lü Liang were carrying bags big and small, but most of them were Xia He's things.

Lin Yuan had only bought two simple outfits.

He changed into his new clothes in the fitting room: a loose black T-shirt and a pair of shorts. Although it was a simple combination, his excellent features made it work.

They had just returned to the hotel when Old Celestial Master called him.

"Lin Yuan, have you found Zhang Chulan yet?"

"Master, I'm going to Nankai to find Zhang Chulan in a bit. Do you have any instructions?"

"This child's grandfather is my junior brother, Zhang Huaiyi. I originally sent Lingyu over, but this child is stubborn, and I'm afraid he might do something."

"And from what I know, this kid is extremely cunning and might be hiding his strength. Help me probe his true strength."

"Don't worry, Master."

...Late at night, in the woods behind Nankai University.

Lü Liang kept spraying bug spray on himself.

"In the middle of summer, even young couples don't go into the woods, but here we are, feeding the mosquitoes."

Lin Yuan lay on a tree branch, yawning.

"Alright, he'll be here soon. Be patient."

Lin Yuan didn't know when it started, but most animals had become extremely afraid of him, as if they were seeking advantage and avoiding harm.

Not long after, Zhang Chulan ran over.

Behind him were three people. The leader was a white-robed Daoist, extremely handsome, who was none other than Zhang Lingyu, who had been down the mountain for a long time.

Behind him were Ye Xing and Ji Yun.

Zhang Chulan looked at the three of them, utterly bewildered.

"Why do you keep chasing me?! I don't have any cough syrup!"

Zhang Lingyu said calmly, "I told you, Master wants me to bring you back."

"Why should I go with you?! Who do you think you are?!"

At this moment, Zhang Lingyu's eyes seemed to glaze over, and he actually led Ye Xing and Ji Yun directly past Zhang Chulan.

"Junior Brother, why are you here?"

"Greetings, Martial Uncle."

Lin Yuan looked at Zhang Lingyu with a mischievous smile.

"Of course, I came to bring you someone. What, are you going to abandon that girl?"

Zhang Lingyu's face immediately flushed red, and his body trembled slightly.

"Lin Yuan! What on earth are you talking about?!"

"I'm saying you, kid, are a heartless scoundrel!"

Zhang Lingyu lowered his head, not daring to look at Xia He again.

Lin Yuan looked at the conflicted Zhang Lingyu, guessing that he still hadn't gotten over that hurdle.

However, Lin Yuan was perfectly clear about his little thoughts.

"Alright, alright, your business with her can wait. I'll first finish what Master entrusted me with."

Zhang Lingyu looked at Lin Yuan with a puzzled expression.

"That kid, Master said he wanted me to handle him."

Zhang Chulan, seeing that everyone was ignoring him, completely erupted.

"Hey! I've been a grandson for so many years! Now you're chasing me here, and then ignoring me. Is this fun?!"

...