Chapter 6: The True Encounter with Immortals in the Marketplace

He realized that on the street he had just walked, there were only a few pedestrians, each hurrying along, none of whom resembled the one who had followed him earlier

At the age of fourteen, Zhang Shaochen bore the title of a coward.

If the person he finds has such ability, how could I dare to refuse him

However, it is not quite like that

He worked a short job and earned some money, and at noon he bought two of his favorite meat buns, wrapped them in oil paper, tied them with a thin hemp string, and carried them in his hand, humming and singing as he walked towards his destination.

However, the feeling of being followed did not dissipate simply because I observed nothing unusual moments ago

Who exactly are you

Having spent one or two years in Xunyang, this is the greatest achievement of Zhang Shaochen: he successfully gained the sympathy of the old temple priest of the City God Temple, allowing him to clear a small space in the northwest corner of the main hall to serve as his sleeping area.

Haha, young lad, you are quite clever. If it weren't for my modest skills, you might have discovered it much earlier. Indeed, indeed, " the old Taoist said with satisfaction, stroking his beard.

When he turned back again, he suddenly took a large step back in shock: it turned out that right in front of him, at some unknown time, stood a tall and thin old Daoist priest, who was smiling and looking at him.

At this moment, he feels like a poor person who has suddenly become wealthy. When he had no money before, it was fine; life went on, and he felt indifferent. However, if he were to lose that wealth after suddenly acquiring it, it would be truly unbearable, completely unacceptable

This matter is not simple, or rather, it is very difficult

"I've seen a ghost! What is going on?" Zhang Shaochen thought with some annoyance, "In these past few years, my instincts have never been wrong. How many times have I evaded the tracking of my peers and the biting of vicious dogs thanks to it? Why is it not working today?"

Years of wandering and begging have honed his extraordinary alertness

As soon as the sound emerged, Zhang Shaochen felt a sudden chill run down his spine—not because of what he had heard, but because when he had been looking around just moments ago, he had clearly seen that there was no one around him. Yet now, this sound was ringing out from a place that was alarmingly close behind him

Am I really being overly sensitive?

Do not be anxious for the time being

What is referred to as a place to settle is merely a corner of the main hall of the Xunyang City God Temple

"Alright," the old Taoist replied, but did not rush to speak.

Thinking of this, he could not help but exclaim: "Neither left nor right, I won't think about it anymore"

"Ha? That's great!" Happiness came so suddenly that Zhang Shaochen couldn't control himself and jumped three feet high on the ground

Noticing something amiss, he remained unfazed and continued walking forward

Under such conditions, even in the eyes of the impoverished in Xunyang City, it is looked down upon, yet Zhang Shaochen is quite content.

On this day, under the brilliant spring sunlight, he walked towards the City God Temple, carrying an oiled paper bag, feeling very cheerful.

What is going on? He frowned, feeling as if someone was following him.

Upon this thought, he suddenly burst into laughter and self-mockingly said: "Zhang Shaochen, oh Zhang Shaochen, what is there now that is worth following?"

Muttering a few words to himself, he then walked out of the alley and continued on his way forward

You should first listen to the old master explain the situation, and then it will not be too late for you to make a decision

Observing his oblivious demeanor, he suddenly darted sharply into the alley as he passed the next corner, quickly peeking out to see—"Strange... why is there hardly anyone around?"

What is it like? Zhang Shaochen asked anxiously

However, just halfway through the journey, he felt that something was amiss.

Zhang Shaochen felt a tumult of emotions in his heart, as if a hundred little mice were scratching at it, filled with both eager anticipation and anxiety

Only someone like me would regard these as treasures; those who possess such tracking skills would hardly pay any attention to these

This time he was also indifferent, still walking, when he suddenly turned around: only to find that there was still no sign of anything unusual behind him

Once he came to terms with it, he no longer indulged in wild thoughts, straightened his chest, and strode towards the small abode of the City God Temple.

It feels as if someone is speaking closely against my left shoulder

In an instant, all the stories of monsters and demons he had ever heard, the myths and strange tales, including the recently found book "The Dust of the Immortal Path," surged into his mind, almost making him believe that there truly are ghosts in this world

"Old man, old Daoist, why did you suddenly appear? You almost scared me to death," stammered Zhang Shaochen

"You guessed correctly," the old Taoist suddenly said.

Young man, do not be too quick to rejoice. The old man's expression became somewhat serious, Indeed, I intend to take you as my disciple, but it may not be quite what you expect

With the fear gone, Zhang Shaochen's curiosity was greatly aroused

I wonder if ... ... is going to take on a small disciple?" Zhang Shaochen asked shamelessly

His attire clearly indicates that he comes from a prestigious and reputable background; it would be wonderful if one could become his disciple

At this moment, the old man unexpectedly asked him in return, "Young man, what do you think this Taoist's words mean?"

Then please speak quickly! Zhang Shaochen is very anxious right now

Zhang Shaochen truly has to thank this old Taoist for his ethereal demeanor, which prevented him from being scared to the point of losing control and fleeing on the spot

Hehe. The old Taoist priest looked at him in this manner and smiled knowingly.

What is going on? Could it be that I was possessed by some passing ghost just now, becoming paranoid? How strange and bizarre it is

What do you mean by saying, "You want my worthless life"?

Ha ha! The old man laughed heartily, then merely looked at him, saying nothing further

I, Zhang Shaochen, have a worthless life. Whoever finds me unworthy can just take me away. Here I am, filled with suspicion and paranoia, unnecessarily becoming a subject of ridicule

On this day, spring is warm and flowers are in bloom

He often tells himself that from nearly freezing to death in a small dilapidated temple to occupying a corner of the grand hall of the City God Temple, his life has indeed made a leap.

However... could it be that I have angered that beggar chief by refusing several times recently to join him in seizing territory, and now he has sent someone to trouble me

And he couldn't help but think, "Could it be that heaven has opened its eyes, and this old man is going to take me as his disciple?"

When he turns around, it becomes even more chilling: there is no one behind him

He first glanced around and noticed that the street was spacious and the pedestrians were few, so he discreetly nodded. Then he slowly said: "Let me first tell you, my Taoist name is 'Gu Lingzi'. I am the deputy head and the elder of the Xianji Gate in the Mogan Mountain of Jiangnan, and I am also the senior brother of the current head, Lu Wangji"

You worthless life, I shall take it!

Just after taking two steps, an elderly voice suddenly sounded from behind: "Well said, young man!"

The old man said with a certain degree of seriousness

Is someone trying to snatch the meat bun from your hands, or are they preparing to seize the dilapidated corner of your city god temple