Stop Over

The pandemonium was finally over.

And now that Luo Zehn is here with us, well, I could say that I feel a bit more secured and relieved.

Although Liu Zhi and his party were a realm above when it comes to cultivation, it was evident that the three of them never really had any experience when it comes to combat. Their cultivation may be higher than Luo Zehn but when it comes to throwing punches, Luo Zehn is a league above them.

"What's your name?" Luo Zehn asked me out of the blue.

"What?" I asked back, thinking that Luo Zehn asked the wrong question.

"Your name, what's your name, really." He confirmed, giving me a side-glance since I was slumped on his back.

Gulp.

I could feel Liu Zhi and his party's stare boring through my back as they awaited my response as well. I knew that I couldn't screw up this question since I already lied to them plenty of times. And I could tell that Luo Zehn, as well as Lui Zhi and his party, trusts me more than I trust them. Asking for my name is just a formality at the very least, but in their shoes, it could very well serve a reassurance of their directed trust towards me.

"Um, as much as I want to tell you, I can't do it right now." I finally admitted. Although I very much hated the fact that I'm currently deceiving them, I had no choice but to go through it. After all, I'm still not strong enough to live up to my past name, Sect Master of Tang Sect, esteemed Tang Yongrui. If I were in the Dao Realm, then I wouldn't be afraid in announcing what my identity was.

But times are dangerous, and adding to that, my cultivation had reverted back to zero when I woke up. If I were to suddenly appear in the limelight, God knows how many shelters will be targeting ours just so they could emerge to number one.

Having thought of all those possibilities, I decided to hide my identity for the present. This is only until I become stronger. Once I enter the Dao Realm, I wouldn't hesitate twice about announcing to the world who I am.

Besides, with my face, I should've been much older than Luo Zehn and the others. The time spent being a rabid human blessed me with a face and a body that didn't change. If I were to introduce myself as their Sect Master, I may or may not create an enemy of Luo Zehn and Tang Shelter for tarnishing their Sect Master's name.

And if they were to ask me for proof... well, I should be able to give them some proof... but it's too tedious. I might as well not reveal my identity.

When I finally directed my attention towards Luo Zehn and the others, realized that they didn't know what to say to me. Thus, I continued my monologue. "People told me that I look like Tang Yongrui... that's why I've been going with that name ever since. I know he's the Sect Master of the Tang Sect... and Luo Zehn, I know what that name means to you... That's why I'll be abandoning that name right now."

"Yeah, it'd be best if you do that." Luo Zehn forced a smile on his face. "I am eternally grateful to our Sect Master for rescuing us back then. And I deeply regret the fact that we weren't able to do anything for him. That's why hearing his name still pains me."

"But you've made him proud. His last wish was for you to live on, right? And you did just that." I told him as I got carried away by my emotions.

"Wait, how did you know that?" Luo Zehn almost stopped in his tracks.

Carp! I spoke too soon! Why did I bring that up?!

"Um, I was just thinking that was probably his last wish before he died. Seeing as he went out of his way to rescue you further proves that fact. I just guessed that's his last wish." I responded, hoping that Luo Zehn would fall into my lies.

And I lied again. Tsk.

"Yeah, that was what he told us before he disappeared. He wanted us to live on for the sake of Tang Sect. And even until now, we're still grateful that he saved us even though we were weak."

"But right now you're part of one of the strongest Shelters in the whole of China." Liu Zhi interrupted. "Just so you know, um... kid, Tang Sect is on par with our Red Sea Shelter. We're basically the stronghold for survivors."

"You can just call me— "

I stopped short.

I didn't know that thinking up of a name was this hard! And why didn't I think up of a name before? I'm so stupid.

"On second thoughts, just keep your name Yong Rui." Luo Zehn chuckled. "You might be having a hard time trying to think of another name for yourself... and I figured that you're probably going with that name for more than five years. Besides, Yong Rui doesn't sound the least bit like my master's name. In fact, it sounds cute."

"Yeah, when we first met him, we thought he was a girl." Liu Zhi chuckled.

Just you wait, you— Once I regain my strength, I'll beat you to a pulp for laughing at me! Well, it's not like I'll do it. But man I want to beat the two of them up! I'm way older than the two of you, you know!

"Now that you mentioned it... aren't we near Red Sea Shelter?" Luo Zehn asked as he glanced towards Liu Zhi. "We are in dire need of supplies and a good rest. Mind if we stop by your shelter before we continue our journey to Ziyou Shelter?"

"Yeah, if we run, we can reach it in an hour." Liu Zhi responded. "If you're up to sprinting, we can probably reach it in half that time."

"That'd be for the better. So, is it all right if my friend and I pay a visit to your shelter?" Luo Zehn asked for the second time.

"No, it'd be for the benefit of both parties. Our shelter wants to keep a good relationship with your shelter, after all." Lui Zhi responded as Wu Yan and Blade nodded in agreement.

"Well, that's settled then. Off to Red Sea Shelter we go!"