Bai Qi in his past life was in a shady business, outwardly referred to as Daoist sect, but internally known as the Theft sect.

He formally apprenticed to a master, followed the rules, focusing on not harming the poor, only targeting the rich.

In his early years, he often played the role of a rosy-cheeked little Daoist child, highlighting his master's celestial demeanor.

The work mostly involved setting up yang residences, building yin tombs, and assessing feng shui for ancestral graves, which sounded easy because it relied mainly on bluffing and improvisation.

There were many tricks in this trade, with the first being how to earn trust and create one's image as a "reclusive sage" — a skill most charlatans couldn't master.

But Bai Qi's master in his past life was an outstanding expert in this.

During a drunken stupor, he imparted the secret: with a good appearance, "act"; with a poor one, "perform".

"This old man's scent seems familiar! Quite like my master from a past life! Purposely displaying an 'uncommon' air, embodying the true essence of 'perform'!"

Bai Qi's eyes twinkled slightly; this sort of inexplicable intuition was rather unreasoned, yet sharper than the ear and eye recognition opened by one's will.

"Hmm? This kid looks impressive and has the potential to be a fat sheep."

Elder Zhou chewed the bitter tea leaves, discreetly observing Bai Qi as he walked into the tea house, sensing an odd aura.

Why does it feel like he's one of us?

He seems quite familiar!

"Boss, a pot of tea, please."

Bai Qi called out loudly, and Qi Yan and Lv Fang arrived soon after pulling off their Divine Armor Horse Talismans, their foreheads glistening with sweat, clearly exhausted.

Qi Yan caught his breath, took out a jet-black compass cast from five metals from inside his satchel, and placed it on the table.

Seemingly fiddling with it casually, he spoke in a tight line:

"The nature of Wu Earth, central and correct, solid and heavy. Though this mountain isn't high, it's surrounded on three sides, like a Treasure Basin, easily gathering earth qi. There should be gains here."

Bai Qi nodded slightly; this was precisely why he had invited Qi Yan and Lv Nan, the brothers from Wild Grass Mountain, who were far more skilled in treasure hunting and exploration than he, a direct disciple from Tongwen Hall.

After all, the Evil-Breaking Spirit Eye wasn't much use out of the water.

"In the mountains?"

He dipped his finger in the hot tea, writing stroke by stroke.

"About one hundred miles away, there's a burst of treasure light from heavy earth qi. We'll investigate when night falls."

Lv Nan craned his neck to look outside, seemingly identifying directions.

His behavior made the elder in black squint, pondering:

"These two kids seem like cultivators, but their attire is shabby, not like disciples from major sects. They must be heterodox loose cultivators..."

Elder Zhou shook his slightly loose coarse hemp Daoist robe, reaching a hand into his wide sleeve.

"Hmm? Could this old man mistake Qi Yan, Lv Nan, and me as competition?"

Bai Qi's heart jumped suddenly. Whenever he arrived in an unfamiliar place, he would first utilize his will to fully open ear and eye recognition, making sure nothing escaped his notice.

Masters like Ninghai Zen once advised.

In Jianghu, the most important thing is the word "steady." 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

The Thirteen High Gates all said Ninghai Chan was lawless and unpredictable.

In truth, every move by the master was made with a ninety-nine percent certainty.

Otherwise, why couldn't the four families, despite inviting Four Cultivation Grandmasters from the Celestial Water Prefecture, ever catch Ninghai Zen?

"When the situation looks bad, slip away quickly" and "Remember grievances, seek revenge early."

These are parallel guidelines at Tongwen Hall!

"This old man's state color is gradually changing from white to light red, almost completely 'red named'. Maybe he's about to act recklessly!"

Bai Qi remained expressionless, sipping from the tea bowl, using his will's recognition to determine the black-clothed elder's hostility level.

White is a stranger, light red holds aversion, deep red hatred.

Turning completely black signifies a fight to the death!

"Let's wait a bit longer."

Bai Qi placed down the teacup. He has now formed two divine seeds, with the [Nine Oxen and Two Tigers] as his trump card along with [Dragon Strategy Tiger Plan] for insights.

Unless facing a Third Training Great Success who has mastered the True Skill Root Diagram, he truly has nothing to fear!

"Let me probe your background."

Bai Qi's gaze suddenly flicked toward the little old man who looked like a skinny monkey.

[Dragon Strategy Tiger Plan] divine seed!

Activate!

...

...

"So, is it decided then?"

Tao Yun lowered his eyelids, reconfirming with Guan Tingqing.

"There's still an hour and a half till nightfall, which is more than enough."

With a refined demeanor like that of a noble son in a turbulent world, Guan Tingqing held Tao Yun's hand, speaking softly yet firmly:

"Within the Thirteen, our two families are closely linked. Brother Tao, I won't harm you."

Tao Yun took a deep breath. He was never very assertive, normally appearing strong only because of the backing of the Tao Family's First Branch from the Rice Shop.

Seeing the resolute words from Guan Tingqing, he nodded:

"I leave everything to you."

The two of them finished their discussion and returned to the tea house, noticing three additional people at the neighboring table, looking quite conspicuous.

Especially Bai Qi, dressed in a neat, tight-fitting outfit, his black hair tightly bound, his appearance differed from the villagers, and he exuded a sharp aura.

Like pearls and jade among gravel, he was particularly eye-catching, making him hard to ignore.

"This person... Brother Tao, doesn't he resemble that certain someone?"

Guan Tingqing, with sharp eyes, quickly glanced and signaled to Tao Yun:

"The one that Feng Shao Ling often mentions, the number one in Black River County."

The two sat with their backs facing each other, their mouths quietly opening and closing.

Guan Tingqing also dipped his finger in tea and silently wrote the character "Bai."

Being so close, whispering was no different from conspiring loudly in person.

"Ninghai Zen's disciple? Bai Qilang?"

Tao Yun's throat involuntarily gulped, as if suddenly very thirsty, he picked up a bowl of tea.

The tea that had just been so mediocre that it was hard to swallow was now gulped down in big gulps.

"It's said that the lords of the Thirteen High Gates had already circulated this boy's portraits to the First Branch long ago. Brother Tao, haven't you seen it?"

Guan Tingqing was slightly puzzled. Ever since Zhu Shou Rang of the Zhu Family was defeated in Black River County, a lot of information about Ninghai Zen's disciple quickly made its way to the Thirteen High Gates residence.

Especially his portrait!

Many copies were made!

Distributed widely!

The heads of the families and main lords all firmly instructed their wayward and unruly sons to take a good look and remember it clearly.

To avoid provoking him carelessly and dragging the whole family into trouble.

"I didn't pay attention just now. Thinking about it carefully, there is some resemblance."

Tao Yun felt a chill rise up his back:

"Broad shoulders and a sturdy back, a tall and handsome figure, matching age... And in such a remote and barren area, for someone like him to appear, it must be him."

Guan Tingqing's mouth curled up, with a hint of mockery:

"I heard that your cousin Tao Rong and Chen Zhao died together in the Nu Yun River, probably having something to do with Bai Qilang. Brother Tao, do you want to vent your anger?"

Tao Yun looked as if he were sitting on pins and needles, feeling uncomfortable all over:

"Tao Rong was just a distant relative, his life or death, I don't care. Ninghai Zen is a jinx, and his disciple is much the same. Let's leave quickly."

This second young master of the Tao Family's First Branch, hurriedly called Elder Zhou as if his house was on fire.

Only after getting some distance away did he finally breathe a sigh of relief, as if he had just walked around the Ghost Gate Barrier:

"Brother Guan, you have quite the courage. That man is Bai Qilang, haven't you heard Feng Shao Ling say, alone taking a boat on the Nu Yun River, facing many Hidden Pavilion assassins."

Among them were even Third-Practice Experts, dozens of people, all buried! Even a thousand taels of gold couldn't buy his head!"

Tao Yun felt anxiety in his heart, as he was well-acquainted with Feng Shao Ling of the brokerage, having had many dealings.

Ever since Feng returned from Black River County, he talked about Bai Qilang to everyone, praising his courage, extraordinary talent, and amazing skills.

Portraying him as the number one boast of Yihai Prefecture!

Describing Bai Qilang as if he were unequaled in heaven and on earth.

As if he were a once-in-five-hundred-year prodigy!

"Feng Shao Ling was just scared out of his wits; if this Bai were truly so extraordinary, why linger in such a small town?"

Guan Tingqing was dismissive, seeing through the facade, scoffing:

"It's just that Feng Shao Ling lacks the guts, afraid of Bai Qilang, so he brags about him to restore his own face."

Tao Yun shook his head:

"I heard He Family's Lao Qi, He Jingfeng, also respects him, wishing to support him at any time."

Ten years ago, Ninghai Zen used his fists to dominate all trades in Yihai Prefecture.

Ten years later, his disciple seems to have the ability to subdue the younger generation.

"Seeing is believing, even if red gold is buried in rubble, it can still shine brightly. Whether he is relying on his master's reputation to grandstand, or he indeed has real talent, we'll see in the future.

Crossing the Nu Yun River and reaching Yihai Prefecture, only then would the Thirteen High Gates acknowledge him as Bai Qilang, otherwise, he will only be Ninghai Zen's disciple for life."

Guan Tingqing said in a light tone, then turned to the elder who had no idea what had occurred:

"Elder Zhou, ahead there is a manor, perhaps we should rest awhile and proceed into the mountains to find treasures when it gets dark."

Elder Zhou, cloaked in a large black robe, replied succinctly:

"Very well."

However, he remembered the name "Bai Qilang."

"Sounds quite familiar."

He pondered quietly to himself.

...

...

"Those two just now, at a glance, were from the distinguished First Branch of Yihai Prefecture's Thirteen High Gates. Without attendants, only an old loose cultivator left, likely planning to try their luck on the Celestial Fiend Day, much like me."

Bai Qi tapped his fingers lightly on the table, coming back to reality from the Ink and Water World of "The Art of War," a hint of puzzlement in his eyes:

"They seemed to recognize me. The one with thick eyebrows and big eyes seemed to have no hostility, even a touch of fear, while the more refined one appeared wary, tinged with resentment.

Has my good reputation of honor and righteousness spread to Yihai Prefecture?"