CHAPTER 543: CHAPTER 505: TAO LI

A few people followed the Nascent Soul elder directly to the nearest town.

The town had stone walls built with bricks and watchtowers adorned with imperial bells and wind chimes.

On the city walls, there were also disciples wearing Taoist robes, vigilantly guarding the town.

However, most of these disciples were Qi Refinement and Foundation Establishment cultivators, and their robes were those of servant disciples.

At this time, when these robe-wearing disciples saw the elder appear, although they did not recognize Tian Lin and the others, they still bowed with a salute on the city wall, like a well-trained army.

"Surprised?"

The Nascent Soul elder flying in front continued without turning his head, saying to Tian Lin and Lady Mei, "Nowadays, the Wenda Sect has to make a living in the secret realm and can no longer allow disciples to travel freely as before. Nor can we be as lax as in the past—"

Tian Lin was somewhat surprised that the Nascent Soul elder would explain this to him—but this attitude from the elder was beneficial to Tian Lin.

At the very least, it indicated that this Nascent Soul elder did not harbor ill feelings toward him. The upcoming sect judgment for his ’crimes against fellow disciples’ seemed likely to be ’fair’ and just.

"Each town has disciples stationed, and perhaps elders too—Elder Xue must be in Gourd City, right?"

In any case, Tian Lin hoped this elder would take him to Gourd City.

Even if he had to wait for judgment, staying in Gourd City under Elder Xue’s protection would make a significant difference.

"Elder Xue is in Gourd City, which is quite a distance from here. But don’t worry, I’ll write a letter for you to Elder Xue."

After saying this, they had already arrived at a small courtyard.

Upon entering the courtyard, the elder spoke to a Golden Core disciple who approached, saying, "Tao Li, take your senior brother Tian and senior sister Mei to a secluded courtyard to rest. Without my orders, no one is allowed to disturb them."

These words seemed to protect Tian Lin and Lady Mei, but in reality, they implied surveillance on the two of them.

Lady Mei and Tian Lin both understood the meaning behind the Nascent Soul elder’s words, but neither was angry. After all, inviting them to the small courtyard couldn’t possibly be just for tea.

Lady Mei said nothing, and Tian Lin cupped his hands to the disciple named Tao Li, saying, "I’ll be relying on your care for the next couple of days, Brother Tao."

Tao Li responded with a smile and a respectful salute, then sincerely said, "There are three people in the Wenda Sect I’ve always admired but never met: Senior Brother Zhai Xingzi of Wenda Peak, and Senior Brother Tian and Senior Sister Mei of Gourd Peak.

Recently, I’ve heard that Senior Brother Zhai Xingzi will return to the sect soon. Although he hasn’t returned, I got to meet Senior Brother Tian and Senior Sister Mei first, which is truly a joyful occasion—"

Tian Lin was used to such pleasantries, so he modestly replied with a couple of sentences.

The Nascent Soul elder on the side said to Tian Lin, "For the next few days, stay in my courtyard and don’t go out. We’ll inform you of the punishment result after gathering the elders in the city and obtaining the sect master’s approval."

As soon as the Nascent Soul elder left, Tao Li arranged for two Outer Disciples to prepare beds for Tian Lin and Lady Mei.

Tian Lin had just settled inside the room when there came a knock at the door.

He had Cui’er open the door, and it turned out to be Tao Li standing there with wine and a food box.

Before Tian Lin could say anything, Tao Li began, "Having heard that Senior Brother Tian enjoys fine wine and food, I previously asked senior brother and sister chefs to prepare some dishes, which I have brought for you and senior sister to enjoy."

Tian Lin guessed that Tao Li was uneasy, fearing responsibility if they ran away, so he came nearby to keep an eye on them.

This was quite understandable, and Tian Lin was not angry about it.

He simply told the sisters, "You two go and call Senior Sister Mei over for dinner. I believe Brother Tao’s prepared food and wine are not ordinary."

Before the sisters could find Lady Mei, her voice came over from the next room, saying, "If you want to drink wine, enjoy it yourselves without disturbing me."

But then Tao Li spoke up, "With all sincerity, I ask Senior Sister to show me the honor."

Lady Mei, not being a courteous person, retorted, "If I don’t honor you, what can you do?"

Tao Li could only say, "Since Senior Sister is unwilling, I naturally won’t force it. But when you leave, Senior Sister, please be sure to let me see the Divine Lady Tree. I’ve long yearned for it."

He sounded sincere, not like he was pretending, but Lady Mei still didn’t come over.

Meanwhile, Tian Lin had Cui’er and her sister set the table, and Tao Li opened the food box, letting a fragrant aroma waft out instantly.

Tian Lin made a light sound of admiration, watching as several dishes were placed from the food box onto the table. He couldn’t help but say, "I’ve eaten many delicacies, but several of these dishes I’ve never even seen before."

[Mixed Element Fruit, enhances Primordial Spirit, effective below Divinity Transformation]

[Red Heart Pill, counteracts heart demon effects]

[Stabilizing Leaf, guards against the invasion of Evil Spirits, edible]

Seeing these labels, Tian Lin was certain these ingredients were not ordinary.

In today’s disastrous year, common folks couldn’t even get regular rice and flour, yet Tao Li was able to have the kitchen prepare such a feast, which showed remarkable sincerity.

"These few items were accumulated over many years,"

Tao Li boasted, "I dare say there’s no one else in this world who can present these delicacies besides me."

Tian Lin saw that Tao Li didn’t seem like someone who was talking nonsense, so he invited him to sit, and tried a bite of the ’Mixed Element Fruit.’

Currently, Tian Lin found it difficult to enhance his Divine Soul strength after the destruction of the Immortal Sinking Pond.

He hadn’t felt the sensation of a soul enhancement for a long time, but after consuming the Mixed Element Fruit, his long-stagnant Primordial Spirit finally showed slight improvement.

Just for this bite of Mixed Element Fruit, Tian Lin’s gaze towards Tao Li softened significantly.

"Although I haven’t been in the North Wilderness for long, I know there doesn’t seem to be a family called Tao among the Wenda Sect aristocratic families. May I ask, Brother, where are you from?"

He speculated that Tao Li might not be from a prestigious family and was perhaps trying to win his favor for guidance.

But before Tian Lin could finish speaking, someone came to report from outside: "Brother Tao Li, someone from the Tang Family is here, demanding we hand over the murderer."

Sure enough, they heard shouting from outside: "Tian Lin, you killed my brother, and now you hide in the Elder Mansion and refuse to come out, what do you mean by this?"

Tao Li then instructed the messenger, "Go out and tell the Tang Family disciples that there’s no murderer here, only guests of Tao Li."

The messenger left, and soon the voice outside shouted, "Tao, we don’t interfere with each other. Can you protect Tian Lin forever?"

These words made Tian Lin frown slightly, and he couldn’t help but glance at Tao Li—

From what the outsiders implied, this Golden Core realm Tao Li seemed to be stronger than Tian Lin himself?

"Senior Brother Tian, please remain calm. I’ll go deal with those uninvited guests and then come back to join you for the meal."

Tao Li stood up, still maintaining a graceful demeanor.