Chapter 8, The Yin Spring and Ghostly Energy
I originally came to you today to ask you to help me apologize to her, as it was all just a misunderstanding. I know that Lu Yun, you are the best at this kind of thing. The moment I see her, heh heh, I just don't know what to say, so I sought your assistance. Please do say a few good words for me; otherwise, if my master finds out, I will be in big trouble. Heh heh, I am counting on you. Lin Yunfeng had an awkward expression, clearly feeling embarrassed.
Zhang Aoxue looked at Lu Yun, and Lu Yun also looked at her. Their gazes met in the air, and a brilliant light instantly erupted. Neither of them avoided the gaze, both quietly observing each other, revealing the same surprise in their eyes. Slightly averting her gaze, Zhang Aoxue said calmly: "I have been here for fifteen years, following my master since I was young"
Zhang Aoxue looked at Lu Yun, her expression calm and unperturbed, yet her mind was pondering the identity of this person. The name Lu Yun seemed familiar, but she could not recall it at the moment. His cultivation was quite impressive, purer than that of the vast majority of people in Yiyuan, and the "Fiery Heaven's Sword Technique" had already reached the eighth or ninth level of proficiency, which was quite rare
Lin Yunfeng shouted loudly, and the peach wood sword in his hand suddenly erupted with a strong azure light, striking down from the air with a single sword. Instantly, the powerful sword energy hit the surface of the pool, producing a tremendous sound, and water splashed several zhang high. Following that, countless black wisps of smoke slowly emerged, gradually vanishing into nothingness under Lin Yunfeng's "Demon-Slaying Sword".
Lu Yun glared at him, thinking, really, although he claimed it was a misunderstanding, he was probably thinking of seizing someone else's treasure at that time. Otherwise, this beautiful lady would not have sought trouble with him for no reason. Lu Yun shot a glance at Lin Yunfeng, then turned to the beautiful Zhang Aoxue and said softly: "Miss, now that everyone is here, it has been clarified that although my friend may have been curious and wanted to take a look at that treasure, I believe it was unintentional. I hope you will not take it to heart. Since he invited me here today, it shows that he actually feels guilty and wishes to apologize to you. I hope you will be magnanimous and not hold it against him. I am here to express his apologies on his behalf, please forgive him."
Upon seeing the purple radiance surge, the specter let out a fierce roar, instantly shrinking into a mass of black gas. It was seen moving continuously in mid-air, evading Zhang Aoxue's dense sword energy, clearly wary of that treasured sword. In contrast, it showed little concern for Lu Yun's "Fiery Heavenly Gang Sword Technique," and only slightly regarded Lin Yunfeng's Demon-Slaying Sword Technique.
Zhang Aoxue quietly observed the two individuals, her gaze lingering on Lu Yun for a moment before shifting to Lin Yunfeng. On Zhang Aoxue's beautiful and serene face, a hint of indifference appeared as she slightly parted her lips and said, "You dare to come again; it seems you are quite persistent, aren't you?" This remark was directed at Lin Yunfeng.
Upon hearing this, Lu Yun looked at Lin Yunfeng and noticed his unnatural expression, realizing that he must be hiding something from him. This time, calling him here did not seem to be about viewing the Cold Pool, but rather to rally support for him. Lu Yun couldn't help but silently curse this kid for being underhanded, deliberately putting him in a difficult position.
Zhang Aoxue spoke in a cold voice: "This matter is likely caused by me, so I shall take care of it. The sword in my hand was taken from the pool, and I believe it possesses the power to suppress evil. Once it is drawn, the sinister entities that have been restrained in the pool will begin to stir. Since this matter originated with me, it is only fitting that I bring it to a conclusion." After saying this, she shifted her steps and gently descended by the edge of the beloved pool. Since this matter originated with me, it is only fitting that I bring it to a conclusion. After saying this, she shifted her steps and gently descended by the edge of the beloved pool
Lin Yunfeng looked at the girl in white, her appearance as pure as snow, and a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face. He chuckled and said, "Lu Yun, why are you asking me? How would I know? If you want to ask, you should ask her instead. Hehe, what can I do with her? She's so formidable; I can barely avoid her, hehe, how could anything happen?" After saying this, he slightly averted his gaze from Lu Yun, not daring to look at him.
Lu Yun's expression changed slightly; it was the first time he encountered this ghostly entity, and he was unsure how to deal with it. The best approach would be to employ the Ghost Sect's "Soul Transformation Technique," but unfortunately, he did not dare to reveal his true cultivation level. He could only resort to using Yi Yuan's "Yi Tian Formula" along with the Tiangang Sword Technique to confront this ghostly being. Zhang Aoxue's beautiful face bore a hint of indifference, her expression solemn. The purple sword in her hand suddenly emitted an extraordinarily brilliant radiance, instantly enveloping the entire forest in a layer of purple light, showcasing its terrifying power. Zhang Aoxue's beautiful face bore a hint of indifference, her expression solemn. The purple sword in her hand suddenly emitted an extraordinarily brilliant radiance, instantly enveloping the entire forest in a layer of purple light, showcasing its terrifying power.
Lin Yunfeng stole a glance at Lu Yun, noticing that he was staring at him with a slightly angry expression. Startled, he quickly turned his head and said in a very low voice: "Lu Yun, please don't be angry. It's really nothing much. We came to Yiyuan together, and we can be considered the best of friends. Now that I am in trouble, it is only right for you to help me, isn't it? I know you are the best, heh heh, I can only rely on you."
Suddenly, a wave of air surged around, and a fierce wind coalesced into a peculiar space. A sword of void, shimmering in red and green, suddenly appeared above the heads of the three individuals, spinning incessantly. This magical Yin-Yang sword measured three zhang in length, rapidly swirling in mid-air, its dazzling red and green light resembling two sharp blades. Wherever it passed, countless black ghostly energies instantly transformed into gray smoke, vanishing in the blink of an eye. The forest was immediately filled with the voices of countless restless spirits, their furious howls were terrifying and exuded an eerie atmosphere. This magical Yin-Yang sword measured three zhang in length, rapidly swirling in mid-air, its dazzling red and green light resembling two sharp blades. Wherever it passed, countless black ghostly energies instantly transformed into gray smoke, vanishing in the blink of an eye. The forest was immediately filled with the voices of countless restless spirits, their furious howls were terrifying and exuded an eerie atmosphere.
Lu Yunkai spoke: "Senior Sister, your words are rather distant. We both come from Yiyuan, sharing the same school and walls; how can we be so clearly divided? Moreover, in the face of such matters, we should unite our efforts to eliminate this sinister ghostly being together. Don't you think so, Yunfeng?" The last sentence shifted in tone as he turned to ask Lin Yunfeng.
Zhang Aoxue's sword danced in her hand, emanating an incredibly powerful purple light that forced the specter to roar in anger, yet it dared not confront the purple radiance directly, clearly wary of its brilliance. At the same time, Lin Yunfeng's Yin-Yang Sword approached slowly from above, compelling the specter to evade continuously, displaying great agitation. Zhang Aoxue's sword soared into the air, and she instantly ascended, resembling a fairy gliding over the waves. The purple light on the sword surged magnificently, enveloping the entire forest in an instant, as a formidable aura erupted explosively from Zhang Aoxue. In this moment, Zhang Aoxue finally showcased the immense power of a truly formidable master, proving herself to be the most outstanding young expert of Yiyuan, surpassing both Lin Yunfeng and Lu Yun by a considerable margin.
Lu Yun glanced at Zhang Aoxue, then shifted his gaze to Lin Yunfeng and asked, "Alright, for the sake of our friendship, you should now, in my presence, explain the matter between you and this young lady. After I hear it, I will decide whether to help you. If you are in the wrong, then you must apologize to the young lady, and I will assist you in resolving this matter. Now, go ahead and speak!" After saying this, he firmly grasped his shoulder, urging him to speak quickly. If you are in the wrong, then you must apologize to the young lady, and I will assist you in resolving this matter. Now, go ahead and speak!" After saying this, he firmly grasped his shoulder, urging him to speak quickly.
Lu Yun furrowed his brows upon hearing this. He had also investigated the situation regarding Lin Yunfeng. More importantly, he discovered that within the Eye of the Yin Spring at the bottom of the pool, a chilling ghostly aura had already formed and was rapidly growing, its speed astonishing. Next to the Eye of the Yin Spring, there was a sword slot, which appeared to have once held a sword, but unfortunately, it was no longer there.
Lin Yunfeng, upon hearing this, slowly approached the cold pool, calming his mind as he gazed at it. Zhang Aoxue also moved to the side, observing the cold pool. For the past few days, she had been paying close attention to the whereabouts of that treasured sword, so she had a certain understanding of this cold pool; unfortunately, she had not discovered anything.
After Lin Yunfeng unleashed a sword strike, he swiftly drew a talisman with his left hand, bit his right index finger, and rapidly inscribed a long string of blood incantations on the talisman. He then immediately slapped it towards the cold pool. The blood talisman instantly transformed into a azure dragon, which swiftly entered the cold pool. As soon as the blood talisman entered the cold pool, the water surged violently, and countless strands of black smoke dissipated into the air. The entire surface of the water experienced intense vibrations. A beam of black light shot up from the bottom of the pool, breaking through the pressure from the pool's base and shattering Lin Yunfeng's talisman, shooting straight into the air. However, as this black light burst out above the treetops, it was suddenly converged upon by a blinding red light from all directions, which forcefully suppressed the black light back down. This was quite peculiar.
Lin Yunfeng's gaze was cold and fierce, and he spoke in a slightly deep voice: "This ghostly aura is extraordinary; I have never encountered such a powerful ghostly presence before. Let's give it a try now."
Lu Yun looked at Lin Yunfeng and said: "Yunfeng, you are the most skilled in dealing with demons and ghosts. What do you think we should do? The ghostly energy is growing stronger, and if we delay any longer, the consequences may become even more severe. Since we have discovered it, we must find a way to stop it. Now is the time for you to showcase your abilities; we are counting on you."
Zhang Aoxue looked at Lu Yun and suddenly recalled that she had heard this name mentioned by the Master Xuan Yuanzhen, who had described him as a remarkably talented individual with exceptional grace. She did not expect to meet him today. With a calm smile, she resembled a snow lotus blooming in an instant, radiating an astonishing charm. Lu Yun was momentarily stunned, his entire being shaken.
Lu Yun smiled slightly and said: "I see, no wonder Senior Sister's cultivation is so profound. I heard that there is also a Senior Brother Li Hongfei in Yiyuan, who is said to be of equal fame to Senior Sister. He must have also been cultivating here since childhood, just like Senior Sister."
Lu Yun smiled faintly and said softly, "Thank you, miss, for your generosity. On behalf of Lin Yunfeng, I express my deepest gratitude. My companions and I are all from Yiyuan; he is a disciple of the Yin Courtyard, while I study in the Yang Courtyard. We arrived here together a year ago, so we are still unfamiliar with this place. If there are any mistakes, please forgive us. May I ask, with your remarkable cultivation, could you kindly tell us where you are from?"
Lu Yun appeared very calm and said softly, "I didn't expect it to be Senior Sister Zhang; it truly was a misunderstanding. Now that everyone knows we are senior and junior siblings, let's put that matter behind us. Did Senior Sister come here for that treasure as well? I wonder if Senior Sister was able to obtain it. If there is anything we can assist with, please let us know, and we will do our utmost to help."
Lin Yunfeng also hurriedly said: "Exactly, exactly. Is there anything we can assist with? Just let us know, so I can redeem myself for my mistakes, right, Senior Sister?"
In general, the magical techniques do not possess such wondrous functions. This can be understood from Lu Yun's childhood, when he learned from that eccentric master. Among the five techniques that Lu Yun practiced, only the techniques of the Demon Sect contained this extraordinary method that is primarily guided by intention. In contrast, none of the techniques from the three orthodox schools of Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism in the realm of cultivation involve such aspects. It is evident that this magical technique is known to very few in the cultivation world.
As the ghostly figure was cornered, trapped beneath the Yin-Yang sword and the myriad sword shadows cast by Zhang Aoxue, it had nowhere to escape. Lu Yun's expression revealed a hint of joy; it was time to put an end to this. On the ground, Lin Yunfeng and in mid-air, Zhang Aoxue shared the same sentiment, thinking that this time the ghostly figure was doomed. However, at that moment, the ghostly figure suddenly leaped up, charging directly at Lin Yunfeng's Yin-Yang sword, seemingly desperate to fight back, determined to make a final stand.
Lu Yun approached Zhang Aoxue slightly and asked softly, "Senior Sister, let's first take a look at Yun Feng's work; he is quite skilled in this area. When he is unable to proceed, it will not be too late for you to step in. May I ask how many years you have been studying here, Senior Sister, to have such high cultivation?"
Lin Yunfeng inquired, "Sister Ao Xue, could you tell me about the origins of this sword? It would help us broaden our knowledge and prevent us from being isolated and ridiculed by others." Beside him, Lu Yun also looked at Zhang Ao Xue, quietly waiting for her response.
Lin Yunfeng hurriedly said: "Indeed, indeed, we should work together to eliminate this evil creature. I am most skilled at this; you should just watch me and see how I deal with this monster. Hehe, I will make it aware of my prowess!" After saying this, Lin Yunfeng stepped forward again and began to prepare to take action
Lin Yunfeng erupted with a dark blue radiance all over his body and shouted loudly: "Lu Yun, this thing is extremely troublesome; it is not something an ordinary cultivator can kill. Your Fire Heaven Gang Sword Technique is ineffective against it; let me handle it. All things in the universe, yin and yang of heaven and earth, the three realms and five elements, I command them. Yin-Yang Law Sword, destroy demons and slay immortals! Break!" All things in the universe, yin and yang of heaven and earth, the three realms and five elements, I command them. Yin-Yang Law Sword, destroy demons and slay immortals! Break!
Zhang Aoxue glanced at him, her expression slightly concealing something, but unfortunately, Lu Yun could not comprehend it. Zhang Aoxue said: "He arrived here before me; it is said that he was brought here at the age of one. It is rumored that his parents have both passed away, so he has been training very diligently and should have already surpassed me." After saying this, she looked at Lin Yunfeng
Upon seeing the black malevolent spirit, Lin Yunfeng's expression changed slightly, and he exclaimed loudly: "Be careful, this is an extremely rare ghostly apparition, incredibly powerful and very difficult to deal with, everyone be cautious." After saying this, he waved his peach wood sword, and the "Demon-Slaying Sword" immediately emitted a dark blue radiance, striking towards the apparition. The apparition let out a sinister laugh, and in an instant, its body transformed into light smoke, vanishing from the spot.
Lin Yunfeng suddenly shouted, his face changing dramatically, and he took a step back. Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue hurriedly looked at him. Lin Yunfeng, with a look of astonishment, said: "According to my investigation, the sinister aura at the bottom of this pool is extremely strong, and it seems to be hiding some ghostly entity. We must be cautious. At the bottom of this pool, there is a cold spring eye, and within that spring eye lies a jade talisman, which appears to have developed cracks. It seems that this is likely due to the suppression of this powerful ghostly energy. However, it may have been a long time, and it has already been eroded by that ghostly energy, slowly fracturing."
Zhang Aoxue said: "I also come from Yiyuan, originating from Kunyuan, I am Zhang Aoxue!" These few short words startled Lu Yun, as he did not expect her to be the most famous beauty of Yiyuan, the most outstanding disciple of Kunyuan, and the one with the highest cultivation level in a hundred years. She is the goddess of the entire Yiyuan, the dream fairy in the hearts of all the disciples of cultivation. Upon seeing her today, she truly lives up to her reputation, astonishingly beautiful.
Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue both looked at him, their faces revealing a hint of surprise. Lin Yunfeng's eyes emitted a dark blue light as he was performing his Yin-Yang secret technique to explore the mysteries of the cold pool. Upon seeing this, Lu Yun felt a stir in his heart and slightly averted his gaze from Zhang Aoxue and Lin Yunfeng. A flash of black light flickered in Lu Yun's eyes, extremely concealed; he was secretly employing the Demon Sect's "Heart's Desire Without Trace" technique, with his thoughts oscillating at a rapid speed of three thousand six hundred times per breath, meticulously probing the internal conditions of the cold pool. A flash of black light flickered in Lu Yun's eyes, extremely concealed; he was secretly employing the Demon Sect's "Heart's Desire Without Trace" technique, with his thoughts oscillating at a rapid speed of three thousand six hundred times per breath, meticulously probing the internal conditions of the cold pool.
Lin Yunfeng took several steps back, his face filled with astonishment, and he kept making strange cries. However, Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue's expressions changed drastically; both drew their long swords, and two beams of light, one red and one purple, instantly appeared, swirling violently as they struck towards the cold pool. At that moment, beside the cold pool, a black gas coalesced into a shadowy figure, exuding a chilling aura, resembling a malevolent spirit.
This concept of the Mind Wave was a miraculous technique that Lu Yun comprehended from the "Heart's Desire Without Trace" method of the Demon Sect. Initially, he and *Tu* merely approached it out of curiosity, without any intention of using this Mind Wave to attack others. He only employed it to explore some extraordinary phenomena, and the results were remarkably effective. Generally, practitioners of cultivation do not grasp the subtleties of this technique. However, after mastering the ancestral Lu family's "Heaven and Earth Boundless," he discovered that this text specifically elaborates on this aspect, detailing how to utilize the Mind Wave to detect extraordinary formations and the weaknesses of enemies, which is exceedingly profound. Furthermore, "Heaven and Earth Boundless" places greater emphasis on how to use this incredibly miraculous Mind Wave for offensive purposes, yielding results that are no less effective than genuine Qi attacks, and are a hundred or even a thousand times more sophisticated. It is one of the most miraculous and domineering techniques in the realm of cultivation.
Zhang Aoxue glanced at Lin Yunfeng, surprised that he actually called her Aoxue. Observing his expression, it seemed as if nothing was amiss; everything appeared quite natural. He truly was a peculiar person. Looking at Lu Yun, Zhang Aoxue spoke softly: "As for the origin of this sword, I do not know for the time being. I can only return and ask my master, as I believe she knows. This sword was obtained from that cold pool and is quite extraordinary. I happened to notice a flickering purple light here, which is why I came to investigate. Originally, I was close to obtaining it last time, but unfortunately, he diverted this precious sword, causing me to wait a few more days until today to finally acquire it."
Zhang Aoxue said calmly: "It is no longer needed; I have already obtained that item, which is this sword above my head." Upon hearing this, Lu Yun and Lin Yunfeng both looked at her head, gazing at the sword that emitted a faint purple glow, their eyes revealing a hint of curiosity
Lin Yunfeng glanced at Zhang Aoxue and, seeing her indifferent expression, chose not to say anything further, feeling slightly reassured. He then looked at Lu Yun and, feeling a bit embarrassed, said: "Actually, it’s nothing, really, Lu Yun, it’s nothing. A few days ago, I heard that there is a grove here, and it is said that there is a rule in Yiyuan that no disciples are allowed to enter. Out of curiosity, I came here alone to see what it was like. When I arrived that day, I took a careful look and, aside from discovering a cold spring deep within the grove, there was nothing else, so I didn’t pay much attention and just wandered in. It was just that a few days ago, I heard that there is a grove here, and it is said that there is a rule in Yiyuan that no disciples are allowed to enter. Out of curiosity, I came here alone to see what it was like. When I arrived that day, I took a careful look and, aside from discovering a cold spring deep within the grove, there was nothing else, so I didn’t pay much attention and just wandered in.
Lin Yunfeng shouted, "So it's you! No wonder I was wondering where such an extraordinarily beautiful and impressive super beauty appeared. It turns out to be our senior sister from Yiyuan. Hehe, beautiful senior sister, last time I didn't know it was you, so if I offended you in any way, please forgive me. Senior sister, you can tell at a glance that you are incredibly beautiful and magnanimous, and you definitely won't hold it against me, right, senior sister?" Lin Yunfeng had a playful expression, flattering her.
Lu Yun and Zhang Aoxue both looked at Lin Yunfeng with astonishment, unable to comprehend just how many secrets were hidden within him. It was evident that this secret technique was not part of the cultivation methods of Yiyuan, and they had no idea where he had learned it. Lu Yun took a slight step back, observing the magical sword above, realizing that this sword was summoned by Lin Yunfeng using a unique yin-yang technique. Truly, the world is vast and full of wonders, incredibly profound!
Zhang Aoxue gazed at the cold pool, and at that moment, a strange feeling suddenly arose in her heart. She could clearly sense that this cold pool had undergone significant changes since she obtained that treasured sword, experiencing a transformation. The malevolent energy within the pool was strong, subtly infused with an endless, sinister aura, both powerful and terrifying.
Zhang Aoxue glanced at Lin Yunfeng, slightly furrowing her brow, a hint of natural grace revealing itself, instantly resembling a powerful beam of light that deeply captivated Lu Yun, causing a tremor in his heart and a slight ripple of emotion. Zhang Aoxue said calmly: "There is no need to inquire further about that day’s events, but I hope he will not bring it up again in the future. If I hear anyone mention this matter again, I will take it up with him myself. You two are from Yiyuan, correct?"
At this moment, Lin Yunfeng stepped back a pace, his hands clasped in front of his chest forming a strange seal, his feet slightly shifting within a three-foot radius, as he muttered incantations. After a while, he spoke: "Yin and Yang, the Five Elements, the transformation of Heaven and Earth, the return of all things to their origin, the manifestation of everything. Open!" As soon as he finished speaking, two beams of extraordinary light shot from his eyes, instantly piercing the cold pool, creating an aura of profound mystery.
Lu Yun stepped back, realizing that he could not be of assistance at this moment, and could only retreat to the side, quietly observing the situation in the arena. He watched as the light of the Yin-Yang Sword continued to shine above, gradually closing in on the ghostly figure, while Zhang Aoxue transformed into a mass of purple light, moving with incredible speed in mid-air, relentlessly pursuing the shadow of the ghost, showing no signs of easing the attack.
At this moment, Lin Yunfeng's entire body radiated layers of azure light. With his left hand performing a spell, he tightly gripped a peach wood sword in his right hand, moving around the cold pool. The steps he took were all in the eight trigrams positions. Lin Yunfeng chanted incantations, vigorously swinging the wooden sword in his right hand, resembling a folk ghost-catching master performing a spell to capture ghosts, which was quite comical. Lu Yun, watching from the side, couldn't help but chuckle, finding this young man rather peculiar. Meanwhile, a hint of contemplation appeared in Zhang Aoxue's eyes, as if she had thought of something that surprised her.
Who knew she was also here, and at that moment, the cold pool was unexpectedly shimmering with a faint purple light, which stirred my heart, prompting me to rush over to see what it was. Hehe, I merely wanted to see what it was, and had no intention of claiming it for myself or snatching it away. To my surprise, as soon as I appeared, that faint purple light suddenly vanished. Consequently, this extraordinarily beautiful and formidable young lady blamed me for diverting the treasure she had painstakingly coaxed out, leading to a misunderstanding between us. Hehe, it was just a misunderstanding, just a misunderstanding. In the end, after exchanging a few words with her, everyone started to fight, and as a result, hehe, she was too powerful, and I had no choice but to flee.
Lu Yun's expression gradually returned to calm. She glanced at Lin Yunfeng and asked, "Yunfeng, what do you think is going on? Who is this young lady with such formidable cultivation? Why did she attack us? What exactly happened between you and her, and why is there a look of panic in your eyes?"
Lu Yun, upon hearing this, walked to the edge of the cold pool and carefully examined the area. The cold pool was not large, merely three zhang in diameter, with water that appeared dark and deep. Standing by the pool, Lu Yun quietly gazed at the water and suddenly asked, "Do you think there is anything strange about this cold pool? Yun Feng, take a closer look; you are the most skilled at capturing demons and ghosts. Come and see if there is anything unusual about this pool."
Lu Yun suddenly felt a strange thought arise in his mind. He suddenly realized that the ghostly figure was now surrounded by a swirling black energy, rotating at an astonishing speed of 2,800 times per second, rapidly probing for weaknesses and gaps in the Yin-Yang Sword. It aimed to exploit those openings to escape the attacks from Lin Yunfeng and Zhang Aoxue. Glancing at Lin Yunfeng and Zhang Aoxue, he noticed that they were entirely focused on the rapidly spinning ghost, leaving them no time or energy to pay attention to him. Lu Yun looked at the ghost, and a flash of black light appeared in his eyes. His mental waves surged instantly, breaking through the ghost's external energy shield at a speed of 4,800 times per second, directly attacking its core.
Lu Yun walked up to Lin Yunfeng, grasped his shoulder, and asked, "Tell me, what on earth is going on? Why are others saying this? What are you hiding from me? You called me here today, and I suspect it was premeditated, intending for me to take the blame for you, isn't that right, you heartless guy?" Lu Yun's tone carried a hint of anger, clearly indicating his discomfort.