Chapter 4

The Great Elder and others were puzzled by Lin Zheng's final move, looking into the empty space he had bowed to, but found nothing unusual. Suddenly, a ripple appeared in mid-air, and two figures emerged. When the Great Elder recognized the figures in the air, he bowed respectfully without hesitation.

"I didn't expect that this assessment would actually disturb the Sect Master," the Great Elder said respectfully to the elder in the air. Then, as if he had thought of something, he asked in disbelief, "Could it be for Lin Zheng?"

The two figures in the air flashed and instantly appeared before the elders. One was an old man in white, with white hair and a high bun, his eyes clear and his face gentle, seemingly devoid of any power. This was the Sect Master. Beside him was the old man in a green robe whom Lin Zheng hadn't seen for a long time. The old man, as always, patted the white-robed elder, leaving a black handprint, and disappeared before the elders could attack. Only the Sect Master, who smiled bitterly, and the stunned elders remained.

The white-robed elder waved his hand and said, "Elders, let's talk inside." Then he walked into the hall, and the elders, though full of questions, followed respectfully.

...

After a brief moment of weightlessness, the group arrived at the entrance of a forest. They formed groups of dozens, usually with people they had good relations with. Because the assessment might yield elixirs and divine weapons, everyone was wary of each other. Only familiar groups could make people feel slightly more at ease. The vast mountains were home to unknown beasts, and most dangers were not something one person could handle alone. The assessment lasted ten days, which was enough time for each group to obtain the required items.

People gathered in small groups, secretly discussing their plans for the next ten days. Of course, there were those who were confident in their strength and left immediately. However, most people stayed to discuss in detail. Lin Zheng had not interacted with anyone in the past three years. If anything, it was because he had offended most of the female disciples in the sect under the old man's诱导 (inducement).

Lin Zheng walked to an open area and sat down, adjusting his state of mind. Like a crane among chickens, all eyes instantly focused on him. Lin Zheng remained unmoved, calmly recalling the areas he had visited during the previous assessments, trying to remember where the Netherworld Grass might be. If it was in a place he had been before, this assessment would be much easier.

Memories flashed through Lin Zheng's mind, and he suddenly thought of a place. It was a mountain gorge he had passed during the last assessment. At the time, he was in a hurry and didn't examine the gorge carefully, but he had a general impression. The gorge was shrouded in mist year-round and was abnormally cold, as if it could freeze one's soul. All these conditions were suitable for the Netherworld Grass, which might grow at the bottom of the gorge. Lin Zheng made up his mind and carefully recalled the dangerous areas along the way.

Suddenly, Lin Zheng felt someone approaching. He opened his eyes and turned to see the fat man smiling and walking towards him. Lin Zheng stood up, dusted off his clothes, and was about to leave. It was better to avoid trouble, especially since he wasn't familiar with the fat man. One could know a person's face but not their heart, and in the vast mountains, one had to be cautious.

Seeing Lin Zheng about to leave, the fat man smiled helplessly and quickly moved to his side.

"Master Lin, Master Lin, wait, it's me," the fat man said helplessly.

"Brother Pang, what is it?" Lin Zheng asked indifferently.

"Master Lin, the vast mountains are full of dangers. If we form a team, we can at least look out for each other. What do you think?" The fat man smiled warmly, with a sincere expression, showing no pretense and no disdain for Lin Zheng's first-level cultivation.

Lin Zheng thought that if the fat man was sincere, he could be a friend worth making. However, he didn't want to take unnecessary risks. From his previous experiences, he had seen too many people stab each other in the back. However, he didn't want to directly refuse the fat man's kindness.

Intuitively, Lin Zheng felt that the fat man was sincere. He said gently, "Brother Pang, I appreciate your kindness, but my task is too dangerous. I plan to stay in the outer area for ten days and return with everyone. I don't want to go deep into the mountains, and I know my limits. If I encounter danger, I might only be a burden to everyone."

The fat man, seeing Lin Zheng's sincerity, couldn't say much. His face twisted, and he sighed, "That's fine. Take care, Master Lin." Then he took out a jade token and a bottle of pills and handed them to Lin Zheng, "This is a teleportation token. If you encounter danger, crush it to teleport ten miles away. The outer area is relatively safe, but just in case, take this. This is a bottle of fasting pills. One pill will keep you from feeling hungry for a day. Take it. If you encounter danger, hide and wait for me to find you. Take care, Master Lin." He extended his hand, waiting for Lin Zheng's response.

Without any pretense, Lin Zheng took the items from the fat man, put them in his pocket, and said seriously, "Thank you. When we return safely, I will definitely treat you to a drink. You are my first friend in this sect!"

The fat man, seeing Lin Zheng take the items without hesitation, his eyes flashed with excitement. He laughed heartily, "Good, good, good. I'll wait for your good news. I'm determined to be your friend. When the time comes, prepare some good wine. I don't drink cheap stuff, and I don't eat vegetables. Prepare plenty of meat and fish for me."

With that, the fat man patted Lin Zheng a few times and walked back to his team, and they soon disappeared into the mountains.

Lin Zheng winced inwardly; the fat man had a strong grip. However, he felt warm inside. This was the second time he had received such help on the mountain. He silently recorded this kindness in his heart. The fat man's sincerity in making friends, even in such a treacherous environment, and Lin Zheng's willingness to accept the fat man's pills without worry, showed that he truly considered the fat man a friend.

Lin Zheng had once again unintentionally touched the mysterious thread of fate. Perhaps in the future, when they fought side by side, they would smile at today's events.

Fate! Sometimes it is truly inexplicable!

Lin Zheng picked up his bag and prepared to stay in the outer area for two days. He would wait for the main group to enter the mountains before proceeding alone. Maybe the route he had taken before would be taken by others this time, and he could help remove dangerous beasts along the way.

This way, he would save a lot of effort. If he was careful, eight days would be enough for Lin Zheng to obtain the Netherworld Grass. If it wasn't in the gorge, he would accept it. Lin Zheng didn't believe his luck was that bad.

As he thought, he walked into the outer area of the mountains.

"Hey, Lin Zheng, wait a moment," a gentle voice interrupted his thoughts. Lin Zheng turned to see Li Ruoshui, dressed in white, walking towards him, her steps light and graceful like a fairy.

Lin Zheng smiled at Li Ruoshui, "What is it?"

Li Ruoshui blushed and said hesitantly, "Why don't you join our group? I overheard some of your conversation with Pang Tong. If we have enough time, I might be able to help you!"

Lin Zheng was taken aback and said softly, "Thank you, Senior Sister Li, but I'll follow my own plan to avoid causing you any inconvenience."

Li Ruoshui blushed again when Lin Zheng called her "Senior Sister." She seemed to gather her courage and continued, "I, I am very strong. You should join us."

Lin Zheng was both moved and amused. This girl probably didn't realize that if he agreed, he would likely be attacked by the dozen male disciples in her group before they even entered the mountains!

However, he couldn't say this directly and said gently, "Don't worry, I'll take care of myself. Thank you for your kindness, but it's time for you to return to your group and start your journey."

Li Ruoshui, seeing Lin Zheng's determination, didn't persuade him further. She turned and slowly returned to her group. At that moment, three men from her group walked over and said proudly, "Kid, it's a good thing you know your place. Li Fairy is not someone you can touch. Stay as far away as possible, or don't blame us for being ruthless. Do you think you can compete with Young Master Zhao? You don't deserve it!"

They clearly controlled their voices, and no one else heard them. Lin Zheng looked at Li Ruoshui's group and saw a man with a handsome face but a cold, ruthless look in his eyes.

Lin Zheng said indifferently, "Whether I am qualified or not is not for you to decide. Who do you think you are to lecture me?"

The three men's auras flared. They were shocked that a usually silent and weak person would dare to speak to them like this and were about to teach Lin Zheng a lesson.

"Xu Ran, Zhang Zhi, Chen Yang, we should set off," Li Ruoshui called them. The three men made a threatening gesture at Lin Zheng and ran back. Lin Zheng paid no attention to the threat and saw Li Ruoshui smiling sweetly at him, giving him a thumbs-up, and then turning to disappear into the forest with her group.

Suddenly, Lin Zheng's face changed. He heard a broken voice in his ear, "Kid, you dare to move the woman I like. You'd better die in these mountains. Otherwise, pray you don't meet me again, or I'll make you wish you were dead."

The secret transmission showed that Zhao Yu was not someone to be underestimated. Though the voice was broken, the ability to do this suggested he was not weak.

Lin Zheng thought, "I need to be careful of this person. He looks handsome but wants to eliminate me just because Li Ruoshui spoke to me. I need to be cautious."

If Li Ruoshui were with this person, Lin Zheng's brows furrowed, and something inside him seemed to ignite. He couldn't let Li Ruoshui, such a fine woman, be with Zhao Yu. He stretched his hands over his head, clenching them tightly, feeling a strange sense of frustration and a strong desire for power.

However, in this world, no one cares about the life or death of a weakling, nor does anyone care about a weakling's opinion. I must find the Three Lives Stone that the divine calculator mentioned three years ago. When I get the answers I seek, I believe the mystery will be solved, and my heart will be at peace. Then I will seek my own power.

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