As soon as Shen Changlin returned to the inn, the Wandao Sect elder who was guarding the door beckoned to him: "Young man, come here."

He was slightly taken aback, then cupped his hands in greeting: "What are your instructions, Elder?"

The young man's handsome face wore a polite and gentle smile, which was appropriate yet subtly revealed his aloofness. His deep black eyes should have been smiling, but behind that smile was a hidden indifference and detachment, which was not at all like the obedient person he was in front of Ruan Qing'an.

Like an actor without an audience, even his disguise seemed clumsy and careless, leaving the elder speechless for a moment.

The elder paused before saying, "We all know about the Hidden Dragon Competition, but we never expected... we never expected that you could actually do this. Elder Ruan will surely be pleased."

"It's just a mere first place; it's not even comparable to Master."

Shen Changlin bowed again, speaking humbly—his gaze was never directed at his peers, but at Ruan Qing'an.

Upon hearing this, the elders were speechless for a moment.

Recalling how they had repeatedly refused when Elder Danfeng asked for the Returning Stone, the reward for being ranked first on the Nascent Soul Ranking, they were now somewhat embarrassed that Shen Changlin had managed to get it back.

He chuckled awkwardly, "Having a goal is a good thing. Elder Ruan is also quite capable. You can be considered a great student from a great teacher..."

"Elder, if you have no other instructions, then I will take the liberty of leaving first. My master is still bedridden, and I rushed to end the competition so that I could return as soon as possible to take care of her."

"Okay, go ahead."

The elder thought for a moment and said, "Right, the Returning Essence Stone should be delivered in a few days. Elder Danfeng will teach you how to use it."

Upon hearing this, the smile in Shen Changlin's eyes became more genuine. He bowed slightly and said earnestly, "Thank you, Elder."

The elder chuckled and shook his head, waving him away to go back.

But because of this brief conversation, it seemed that someone extraordinary had arrived—just as Shen Changlin was about to go upstairs to his room, a series of noisy footsteps suddenly came from the street outside.

"Excuse me, is this an inn under the umbrella of the Myriad Paths Sect?"

"We are from Sanyue City. My young lady heard about the esteemed sect's disciples at the Qianlong Grand Competition and has come to pay our respects today."

Upon hearing this, Shen Changlin paused, but quickly continued walking upstairs, pretending not to have heard the sound from downstairs at all.

Seeing that he was walking without stopping, Gao Yue'er, who had just entered the inn, became anxious. Ignoring the maid who was about to communicate with the elder of the Wandao Sect, she rushed into the inn and shouted, "Shen Changlin, I'm here to see you today!"

"I don't know you, we're not familiar with each other, I won't see you."

Shen Changlin glanced at him indifferently, not even bothering to pretend.

After merging with the black mist, his memories of his past life became clearer. When he saw Gao Yue'er, he remembered that she had also visited him in his past life.

In her past life, after being betrayed by Ruan Qing'an, she was blinded by hatred. Driven by her undamaged innate Dao body, her cultivation level accumulated rapidly, which also attracted Gao Yue'er's attention, and the two had an interaction.

Gao Yue'er has a strong admiration for the powerful and is also spoiled and willful. However, in his previous life, when he was being chased by Ruan Qing'an, he was still no match for Ruan Qing'an and the Wandao Sect's power. When Gao Yue'er came to him, he used the power of Sanyue City behind her to escape Ruan Qing'an's pursuit.

During that time, he also had a romantic entanglement with Gao Yue'er, and they almost became Daoist partners. However, in his previous life, he was single-mindedly focused on revenge, so it ultimately came to nothing.

As for now, Shen Changlin had even less intention of getting entangled with Gao Yue'er. His master was still lying in bed, his life hanging in the balance, and he had no mood to deal with a difficult woman.

Seeing that Shen Changlin was about to go upstairs, Gao Yue'er became even more anxious and wanted to rush forward, but was stopped by the Wan Dao Sect elder: "Miss Gao, this is an inn booked by my Wan Dao Sect, don't go too far!"

"Don't try to intimidate me with the Ten Thousand Paths Sect. This is still Sanyue City. The Hidden Dragon Competition is being held in Sanyue City. I can't go anywhere else!"

Gao Yue'er shouted back directly, showing no fear of the elder's imposing aura: "Get out of the way, I want to see him!"

"Heh, can Miss Gao represent the City Lord of Sanyue City? If not, then please leave. If you can—does Sanyue City want to fight against my Wandao Sect?"

The elder of the Wandao Sect sneered. Originally, he could have let Gao Yue'er in even if the maid from Sanyue City had presented her visiting card. After all, even a powerful dragon can't suppress a local snake. Going against the city lord of Sanyue City would only cause unnecessary trouble.

However, Gao Yue'er suddenly barged in and specifically asked to see Shen Changlin. Even if Shen Changlin were just an ordinary disciple of the Wandao Sect, she would not have been allowed to see him, let alone the fact that he was the rising star of the Qianlong Grand Competition and the number one among the younger generation.

What, does the Myriad Paths Sect have no dignity?

It's always been the Wan Dao Sect that's arrogant; no other force has ever dared to step on their head. Before any other force makes a move, they secretly contact a bunch of sects. Only the San Yue City is so powerful!

It can only be said that the reason why Ruan Qing'an and Shen Changlin haven't been taught a lesson by their sects despite their arrogant behavior is because the Wandao Sect is just as rude.

Gao Yue'er's face was very ugly. No one had ever dared to treat her like this before. It was simply too much!

"Alright, alright, all I'm doing is coming into your inn."

"If Miss Gao presents a visiting card, that is certainly acceptable."

"This entire Sanyue City belongs to my father. If your Wandao Sect has the guts, why don't you stay here? You dare to ask me to leave?!"

Gao Yue'er was trembling with anger, pointing her finger at the elder's nose.

The maid standing nearby was terrified and quickly stepped forward to stop Gao Yue'er, whispering, "Miss, Miss, don't worry. After you form a sworn brotherhood with Shen Changlin, you'll still have to deal with the Wandao Sect. You must make sure you leave a good impression on them!"

"What, they can't possibly be satisfied with me?"

Gao Yue'er snorted coldly, but finally quieted down.

The maid breathed a sigh of relief, trotted forward, and carefully explained to the Wan Dao Sect elder, apologizing repeatedly.

The elder of the Myriad Paths Sect was also stunned, completely bewildered.

Gao Yue'er said, "I just want to get to know Shen Changlin. My father knows him and is very satisfied with him. He hopes that I can get to know him better and cultivate a relationship with him."

Elder of the Myriad Paths Sect: Huh?

They're not here to cause trouble, but to arrange a marriage?

This put the elders in a difficult position. Just then, Shen Changlin suddenly came down from upstairs, leaned against the stairs, and looked down at Gao Yue'er: "Go back, I'm not interested."

"etc--"

Upon seeing him, Gao Yue'er's previously spoiled attitude suddenly changed, and she smiled exceptionally brightly: "Shen Changlin, the path of cultivation is long and arduous. If you can have someone to accompany you, that would be a good thing."

"I am good-looking and have the backing of Sanyue City. Although my talent is not strong, I have a lot of resources, so I am presentable. I will not embarrass you and can keep up with you and achieve immortality together. I will not be too powerful and steal your thunder."

“Shen Changlin, I have face, money and power. Even if it’s just a marriage alliance, I’m still the best marriage partner!”

She paused, then said confidently and proudly, "I've checked your information. You come from the mortal realm and have no foundation in the cultivation world. If you can get the help of the Three Mountains City in the future, you will have a great backer. Even in the Myriad Paths Sect, no one will dare to provoke you."

"When the Yang family came knocking before, if my Sanyue City and I were here, would they still dare to come after you? And your master, her injuries haven't healed yet. I can make the decision to provide the best resources and I will definitely be able to heal her!"

Worried that Shen Changlin wouldn't be in the mood to pay attention to her, Gao Yue'er listed all her advantages in a row—as long as she was given the opportunity to get close, there was always a chance to slowly cultivate feelings.

At the top of the stairs, a tall, handsome young man lowered his eyes, his deep black eyes cold and expressionless.

But Gao Yue'er was not annoyed.

The leading figure of the younger generation should have this kind of demeanor; a true genius should be this proud, and that is the kind of strong person she aspires to be.

Even though she was constantly given the cold shoulder, Gao Yue'er didn't feel offended.

Shen Changlin lightly tapped the stair railing with his finger and spoke casually, "So, are you finished?"