An Expert

Fang Xuan arrived at the town just as night was falling.

The sky was dark, and the lights from the town barely pierced through the shadows.

When he reached the main gate, he saw two guards standing watch.

Their lanterns cast a faint glow, and they looked closely at Fang Xuan as he approached.

"Stop right there!" one of the guards called out. "We don't know you. What are you doing here?"

Fang Xuan paused, taking a moment to steady himself. "I'm just passing through," 

The guards exchanged worried glances after scrutinizing his suspicious clothing. 

"We don't let strangers in after dark without a good reason," one of them said. 

"I'm just looking for a place to stay for the night," he explained 

"We still can't let you enter," one of them said. "An incident happened, so we're being careful about who we let in."

'What should I do? 'Fang Xuan stood there for a moment, considering his options. He wanted to blend in with the crowd to ask someone about Dong Huiqing's whereabouts and deal with him when he least expected.

If that wasn't possible, he would have to find another way to sneak in.

In the end, he decided to let it go, turning away. Just then, he heard a familiar voice .

"I know this Senior!"

Fang Xuan turned back and saw Ma Lifen walking towards the gate. 

She was accompanied by another boy, someone who had participated in the recent ceremony.

Although he had achieved impressive results, his accomplishments had been overshadowed in the end.

The boy looked annoyed and scrutinized Fang Xuan from head to toe.

"Lady Ma Lifen, are you sure you know this man?" one of the guards asked, his finger pointing on Fang Xuan with clear suspicion. 

Ma Lifen narrowed her eyes for a moment, looking unsure. Then her eyes widened. 

"Yes, I know him. He's one of the experts who is supposed to guide me to my sect."

When they heard the word "expert," they were all stunned. 

That term referred to someone who had at least reached the Foundation Establishment Stage—a level where cultivators could solidify their Qi to launch powerful attacks.

"Are you sure he's an expert?" the boy asked, his voice filled with skepticism. 

"Yes, I was told that the senior coming to get me would be wearing a black robe and would keep his identity concealed for personal reasons," she explained. 

The two guards exchanged uneasy glances .

"Expert, I'm sorry for being disrespectful earlier," one of the guards said, cupping his hands in a formal apology. 

The other guard quickly followed suit, also bowing slightly. "Yes, please forgive us. We didn't mean to cause any offense." 

If Ma Lifen was telling the truth, then the man in front of them could easily kill them with a mere flick of his fingers.

Even the strongest cultivator in town was only at the Peak Qi Gather Stage. 

They didn't dare risk challenging her claim and just accepted her word for it. 

"Senior, please come with me," Ma Lifen said, bowing her head as well. 

Fang Xuan, who had been silent the whole time, could hardly believe what had just happened. 

However, he didn't mind the misunderstanding if it made his life easier. Besides, it would now be easier to ask her about Dong Huiqing's whereabouts. 

"Um," he just nodded, maintaining his mysterious aura. 

Both guards looked visibly relieved as they stepped aside, allowing Fang Xuan and Ma Lifen to pass through the gate. 

Their earlier suspicion had been replaced by a respectful acknowledgment of his supposed status. 

"So that was an expert? He had such a powerful aura," one of the guards said, very impressed. "I knew from the moment I saw him that he was extremely powerful."

His partner gave him a sideways glance.

"From the moment you saw him ? We were just trying to chase him away before Lady Ma Lifen showed up."