Li Xuan's mind was in disarray at the moment.
Recalling everything, Li Xuan seemed to feel his life being orchestrated. His parents left without a word, he suffered humiliation from childhood, and even when he learned that his parents'遺物 (yí wù -遗物) was the Zhenyu… it all felt like a carefully arranged plan.
"Young master, you don't really need to think so much. These countless beings are all striving to live. As for whether their fate is predetermined, many people will never know in their lifetime. They might not even have had the thought."
The Heavenly Dao Brush paused before continuing, "Furthermore, your master, since he chose you as his disciple, doesn't that prove your extraordinary nature? Living in the present and living well is the most important thing. Before reaching that level, why should we overthink things? It will only lead to more troubles."
Listening to the Heavenly Dao Brush's comforting words, Li Xuan's expression gradually calmed down.
"Little Brush, I think you're quite reliable sometimes. And when you talk about principles, you always have a ready explanation. But I genuinely agree with what you've said. Alright then, since that's the case, I will strive towards that height. One day, I want to see if anyone is truly orchestrating me!"
Li Xuan paused, his expression then firming up, "If there is, then I will ensure that no one in this world can control me!"
Soon, Li Xuan got up and left the teahouse. He had originally just wanted to inquire about the news from this land of chaos, but after the incident with Yang Zi and her father, Li Xuan understood that he had likely attracted the attention of many people in Shanhai City. Staying any longer was unnecessary.
Of course, Li Xuan did not choose to leave Shanhai City. At least one thing Yang Zi said was correct: within Shanhai City, Li Xuan's safety was not an issue. After wandering around the city, Li Xuan entered an inn and settled down.
"Did you tell him?" In the City Lord's mansion, Yang Diao looked at Yang Zi and asked.
Yang Zi nodded slightly and replied, "Father, since Young Master Li Xuan has come to this land of chaos, he is clearly not a fool. Even if his current strength is not as good as yours, he is not weak among his peers. We should not underestimate him. Besides, in the end, we are the ones asking for a favor."
"Father understands. It seems Father made a mistake. If Father had been honest when he first discovered him, perhaps he would still be willing to help. But thankfully, you personally stepped forward. Otherwise, Father would have had to forcibly bring him back," Yang Diao said, nodding slightly after a moment of silence.
Yang Zi smiled and said, "Overall, the impression we left him with isn't bad. But what happens in the future depends on fate. Father, please leave this matter to me. Even if I cannot resolve this cursed body in the end, your daughter will have no regrets."
Yang Diao fell silent, and seeing the plea in his daughter's eyes, he slowly nodded.
Yang Diao was not a good person, but he was not entirely bad either. In this land of chaos, no one could remain untainted. If you didn't kill, someone would kill you. And anyone who could dominate a region and hold a high position would have blood on their hands.
But his daughter, since birth, had been subjected to some sort of manipulation. Although her life was not in danger, she was permanently confined to Shanhai City. Freedom, even for mortals, was a lifelong pursuit, let alone for spiritual masters.
"Daughter thanks Father," Yang Zi nodded, a smile on her face, and then bowed.
A hint of pity flashed in Yang Diao's eyes. "This outing of yours must be a great burden on your body. Although I will no longer interfere, you should take care of yourself first. Based on the current situation, he likely won't be leaving Shanhai City for now."
Yang Zi nodded slightly. Yang Diao said no more and turned to leave the room.
"Young Master Li Xuan... I hope it truly is you," Yang Zi murmured, looking at the grass swirling in the wind outside the window as Yang Diao departed.
The next day.
As Li Xuan opened his room door, he was stunned.
"Greetings, Young Master Li Xuan," Yang Zi said with a smile, bowing slightly.
Li Xuan forced a wry smile and asked, "Miss Yang Zi, what are you doing?"
Yang Zi smiled and replied, "Young Master Li Xuan is new here, and I am considered half a host of Shanhai City. Both by reason and sentiment, I should fulfill the duties of a host. Young Master Li Xuan, would you allow me to show you around today?"
Li Xuan pondered for a moment, then nodded. Although Li Xuan knew Yang Zi's purpose, he did not have much objection to something laid out so openly. Moreover, Li Xuan needed to understand the situation in the land of chaos, and Yang Zi was undoubtedly the best person for that.
"Please, Young Master," Yang Zi said with a smile, gesturing.
Li Xuan smiled and said nothing more, then walked downstairs.
Leaving the inn, led by Yang Zi, Li Xuan attracted many gazes. After all, Yang Zi was a prominent figure in Shanhai City. And Li Xuan, to put it bluntly, was merely a handsome young man in their eyes.
Might makes right, an eternal truth!
Li Xuan naturally noticed this but didn't pay much attention to it. Frankly speaking, it was uncertain if he would have any future interactions with these people. Why should he care about their opinions?
On the street, Li Xuan also observed that the pedestrians clearly showed great respect for Yang Zi. Whether they were local mortals or powerful spiritual masters, they would stop and bow slightly when they saw Yang Zi as a sign of respect. Yang Zi would also nod from time to time, acknowledging them.
"I didn't expect Miss Yang Zi to be so well-received in the city," Li Xuan said with a smile as the crowd gradually thinned.
Yang Zi chuckled and replied, "I've just done what I could within my abilities over the years in the city; it's not worth mentioning."
Li Xuan rubbed his nose and then asked Yang Zi, "Miss Yang Zi, where are you planning to take me?"
Yang Zi smiled mysteriously and replied, "What, Young Master, are you afraid I'll take you to an unknown destination?"
"If it were before, perhaps I would have had that concern. But now, I believe Miss is a good person," Li Xuan said with a smile.
Yang Zi stopped and looked at Li Xuan, then said, "It is not in vain that I waited outside your door for an hour to receive such an evaluation from you."
Yang Zi paused, then looked into the distance and continued, "Your strength is not yet formidable, so I intend to take you to the challenge arena in the city. That place should be a good spot for you."
Li Xuan was taken aback. Yang Zi's words implied that his strength was still lacking. However, Li Xuan still nodded, "Since Miss Yang Zi has said so, then the challenge arena is worth a visit."