A Chance Encounter, The Visitor is Unkind

At the exit of the main hall, there was a map of the entire underground palace. The palace consisted of a central main hall surrounded by ten flower halls like the one they were in. 

The paths were not complicated; in fact, they were quite simple. As long as one followed the route on the map, they could go to any of the halls, including the main hall. There were no restrictions or barriers along the way. 

While playing the role of a flower enthusiast, Mò Qīngkuáng strolled through the various flower halls, carefree and indifferent. The main hall was already a chaotic battlefield with fierce competition for pills, treasures, and spirit herbs. 

With 'kind' reminders from Mò Fán, he even destroyed an entire flower garden, leaving not a single stem. His ancestor had told him that Lin Yáng, that brat, was also busy picking flowers. 

*** 

In the sixth hall, Mò Qīngkuáng coincidentally encountered Lin Yáng and Chu Yānrán. 

Chu Yānrán wore a flower crown made of various colored flowers on her head and danced around in the flower sea like a happy little elf. 

Seeing the large bunch of flowers in Mò Qīngkuáng's hands, she asked curiously, "Friend, why are you picking so many flowers instead of searching for the Flower-Plucking King's inheritance?" 

Lin Yáng also turned his inquisitive gaze toward him. 

Mò Fán whispered, "Don't act recklessly; Lin Yáng still has a trick up his sleeve. You can't handle him right now." 

Taking a deep breath, Mò Qīngkuáng's fierce expression softened. The fragrance of the flowers in the hall subtly calmed his turbulent emotions. 

In a tone different from his usual one, soft and ambiguous, he said, "I love flowers. I heard that the Flower-Plucking King cherishes flowers like his life, so I came here to appreciate them." 

"Are you...here to appreciate flowers? Not to seize treasures?" Lin Yáng hesitated, spitting out his saliva. Was there really someone like this? 

"You're also picking flowers, aren't you? I don't see you entering fights," Mò Qīngkuáng said with a tone filled with insinuation. 

Chu Yānrán, hearing that he was a flower enthusiast, felt a bit more favorable toward him. "Ah, we are also flower lovers, that's why we don't want to fight to the death. Right, Brother Lin Yáng?" 

Lin Yáng awkwardly smiled and nodded in agreement. 

Watching the affection gradually developing between the two, Mò Qīngkuáng, constrained by Lin Yáng's current strength, couldn't wait to kill this couple on the spot. 

It wasn't a good time to reveal himself now, so he pretended to be pleased and said, "Oh, that's wonderful! We are kindred spirits then." 

"Lin Yáng, this person is strange," an ancient voice echoed in Lin Yáng's mind. 

"Why? What's strange about him?" Lin Yáng asked quietly. 

"This person appears to be of similar age to you, and his strength has reached the Martial Master realm. It shows extraordinary talent, definitely not like the flower-crazy person he claims to be." 

"Moreover, someone who loves flowers generally has a superior appearance and outstanding temperament. This person, however, with a face hidden beneath a straw hat, is dark-skinned and rough, dressed in black coarse clothes." 

"He doesn't seem like a noble young master. Besides, his behavior is suspicious, and his words are far-fetched. There must be something wrong!" The Saint Alchemist spoke calmly. 

He is an old fox who has lived for who knows how many years. How could these little kids like Lin Yang see through things? 

As the once top alchemist on the Tianhan Continent, with a soul strength far beyond ordinary people, if it weren't for the formidable effects of Divine-grade disguise art, he probably would have recognized the truth at first glance. 

"He seems to know something. My guess is correct; the Flower-Plucking King's inheritance test must be related to flowers. Try to get some information from him. Be cautious; he had a momentary murderous intent towards you just now." 

The Saint Alchemist continued, Lin Yang accompanying Chu Yānrán to pick flowers was not due to lust but rather because of his advice, guiding Lin Yang to find clues among the flowers. Chu Yānrán, to a large extent, was just a smokescreen. 

"Friend, may I know your esteemed name? As fellow flower enthusiasts, we should become friends. How about putting down your cloak, and we can talk as friends?" Lin Yang pondered for a moment and then smiled at Mò Qīngkuáng. 

Discovered? Or suspected me? Mò Qīngkuáng couldn't help feeling a bit uneasy. 

"Don't panic; We're just strangers. You don't need to be so formal," Mò Fán was quick to perceive that it was the Saint Alchemist's doing and advised. 

"We've met by chance; there's no need for such formality. The flowers in this hall haven't been picked yet; you two can do as you please," Mò Qīngkuáng replied, trying not to let his voice show any fluctuations. He couldn't help but glance at the gray ring on Lin Yang's left ring finger. 

"You're being too coy. Safety comes first when you're away from home. With your head covered and your tail exposed, could it be that you have enemies here in this tomb?" Lin Yang persisted, moving closer. 

"You're overthinking it," Mò Qīngkuáng shook his head, calmly continuing to pick flowers. 

Seeing the two suddenly at odds, Chu Yānrán was momentarily speechless and could only mediate, "Alright, both of you are flower lovers; let's each enjoy the flowers." 

Lin Yang wanted to continue questioning, but he was interrupted by six or seven disciples from the Yuan Sword Sect who rushed in. 

"Is that the flower enthusiast picking flowers everywhere?" one of the Yuan Sword Sect disciples named Zhuāng Fán asked, pointing at Mò Qīngkuáng. He was at the pinnacle of martial artist realm, making him relatively prominent among the new disciples. 

"Yes, it's him. Hiding his head and showing his tail, acting strangely. He must have ulterior motives!" another disciple behind him replied. 

"Oh? Brother Lin and Miss Chu are here too? Do you know each other?" Zhuāng Fán asked. 

Chu Yānrán was about to answer when Lin Yang cut in, "We don't know each other." 

Zhuāng Fán was a talented cultivator from a small family in Xuannan City. He had been ingratiating himself with the most powerful cultivator in this generation, Song Qián, since before entering the sect. 

Song Qian was also a disciple of Xuannan City. His status was equivalent to Mo Qingkuang's before he 'died', and his talent was even superior. 

Reaching the second-rank Martial Master at such a young age, the new disciples looked up to him as the Eldest Senior Brother of this generation. His aptitude should be between Earth-grade and Heaven-grade. 

Lin Yang, unwilling to bow and bend, didn't show any signs of admiration. Those under Song Qian didn't treat him well either. However, they were somewhat dissatisfied with the radiant Chu Yānrán by Lin Yang's side. 

"That's good." Zhuāng Fán nodded and, with several Yuan Sword Sect disciples, approached Mò Qīngkuáng, forming a faint encirclement. 

"What do you want?" 

"Senior Brother Song wants to see you. Come with us." Zhuāng Fán said with a forced smile. 

Mò Qīngkuáng pondered for a moment, pretending to be reluctant, "But my flowers haven't been picked yet. How about waiting until I finish before going to meet him?" 

"Insolent! Senior Brother Song wants to see you; it's a blessing for you! How dare you be so obstinate?" One disciple scolded, drawing his sword and threatening. 

"Your words are too harsh. I don't know Senior Brother Song; may I ask what business he has with me?" Mò Qīngkuáng took a step back, adopting a posture ready for action. 

He tried to avoid taking action. These few small fries in front of him didn't pose any threat. Still, with Lin Yang by his side, he had to be somewhat cautious. 

"You're talking too much. Whether you know Senior Brother Song or not, when he calls, you've got to go! Otherwise, we'll carry you over. If our brothers have to carry you, you might as well accompany us for some exercise first." Zhuāng Fán impatiently ordered, and several disciples began to approach Mò Qīngkuáng.