Volume 1,Chapter 38: Astonishment

Early the next morning, Shen Gongbao, dressed in a simple, dusty gray robe and carrying a small green cloth bundle, walked cheerfully towards the main gate of the Xingtian household from the Shen residence across the street. The old gatekeeper of the Xingtian family rubbed his eyes for a long time before flicking away a few eye boogers from his fingers and exclaimed in an exasperated tone, "Oh my, oh my, isn't this the young master from across the street? What brings you to our Xingtian household on this spring outing?"

Shen Gongbao looked up at the sky, which was overcast with dark clouds. It was already autumn, so what spring outing was this old man talking about? Was he out of his mind? However, Shen Gongbao, who knew the ins and outs of the families in Anyi, didn't dare to disrespect the old gatekeeper. With a smile plastered on his face, he bowed repeatedly, "What are you saying, sir? Aren't I good friends with your young master Dafeng? Friends visiting each other is perfectly normal, isn't it?"

The old gatekeeper coughed for a long time before finally spitting out a mouthful of yellow phlegm, which shattered a brick tile three inches in front of Shen Gongbao's toes. Only then did he manage to catch his breath and say, "You and our master's eldest grandson are good friends? Haha! How come there are rumors outside saying that your family's fourth young master stabs our Dafeng in the back every day? Some friend! Tomorrow you might as well put a hat on our Dafeng that changes color; wouldn't that feel better?"

Shen Gongbao smiled wryly and kept bowing, "Come on, why say such harsh words? Even if I had such thoughts, would I dare act on them? Why make things difficult for me? Isn't it the old generation's rule that the younger generation in Anyi constantly competes against each other? If it weren't for you forcing us to fight endlessly, I would love to spend my days having fun in Xifang with Dafeng. Why should our friends have to fight each other? Isn't it all because of you?"

The old gatekeeper held his breath for a long time before suddenly laughing with a 'caw caw' sound, "The little rabbit understands reason. If you don't fight fiercely when you're young, how will you compete against the Atlanteans and Eastern Yi when you're older? Go on, get inside. But you're not here to see Dafeng, are you?"

Shen Gongbao grinned, "You guessed it right. Your courtyard had so many visitors last night; how come Third Grandfather didn't kill anyone?"

The old gatekeeper chuckled a few times, shuffling down the steps in his worn-out straw sandals, waving his hand, "Get lost. If you want to go in, do it quickly. They're not thieves, so why shout about killing? If they were thieves, what are you doing here so early?"

Shen Gongbao laughed heartily, shaking the green cloth bundle in his hand as he started up the steps.

Suddenly, from the end of the street came the sound of leaves being crushed underfoot. Shen Gongbao curiously turned his head, while the old gatekeeper frowned and muttered, "No peace early in the morning. Did everyone take too much medicine and feel anxious? Why is everyone up?"

Huang Yi, wearing a coarse cloth shirt, came jogging energetically, jumping to stomp on the dry leaves and crush them into powder. The small yellow dragon lazily coiled around him, its head resting on Huang Yi's shoulder, eyes darting around, while its tail swayed behind Huang Yi's waist. Whenever it saw leaves on the ground, the yellow dragon would flick its tail, slapping Huang Yi's butt and urging him to jump and stomp on the leaves.

The old gatekeeper laughed, "Finally, a decent person. Come, let me take a look at that creature. It's a rare sight; we only have this one dragon in Daxia."

Shen Gongbao was so angry he nearly passed out. The old gatekeeper had just said everyone out this early was neither human nor ghost, but now he was saying Huang Yi was a decent person, implying Shen Gongbao wasn't. But the old gatekeeper was not someone Shen Gongbao could afford to offend, so he could only snort in frustration and, clutching the green cloth bundle, storm into the Xingtian courtyard. Grabbing a servant, he demanded, "Where is your eldest young master's friend, Chihu Baolong?"

The servant glanced at the old gatekeeper, and seeing him nod, dropped his broom and respectfully bowed to Shen Gongbao before silently leading him inside.

Huang Yi let the old gatekeeper pet the yellow dragon for a while until the dragon grew impatient and spat a mouthful of saliva at the old man's face. Huang Yi laughed, "Old sir, I'm here to see Chihu Baolong. We agreed yesterday. Is he here?"

The old gatekeeper, somewhat irritated, wiped the dragon's saliva off himself and gave the little yellow dragon a firm tap on the head. Pointing toward the main gate, he said, "Go on, go on. Another one looking for that little barbarian. That kid's luck is really something. It looks like he's about to rise to prominence in Anyi."

Huang Yi, uninterested in any talk of rising to prominence, gave the gatekeeper a cheerful bow and, under the supervision of the yellow dragon's tail, hopped into the Xingtian courtyard. Naturally, he found a servant and asked to be taken to Chihu Baolong. The servant hesitated only briefly before being drenched by a spray of water from the mischievous yellow dragon. Soaked, the servant had no choice but to lead Huang Yi inside with a bitter expression.

Inside Chihu Baolong's quarters, the young attendants Qingtai and Mozao sat under the eaves of the hall, looking worried and sleepy, their heads nodding as they dozed off. In the main hall, Chihu Baolong, Master Wuguang, Cang Feng, and more than a dozen disciples of the Tongtian Daoist School sat cross-legged, holding cups of leftover tea, deeply engrossed in their conversation.

They discussed how to balance yin and yang, harmonize dragon and tiger energies, absorb the essence of heaven and earth, and draw in the spiritual energy of dawn. They talked about refining the golden core, nurturing the infant soul, the state of communication between heaven and man, and the various stages of integrating energy into the body, all with great enthusiasm.

After talking with Master Wuguang all night, Chihu Baolong learned that Cang Feng's golden core wasn't fully formed. However, Cang Feng's internal energy was vast and dense, far exceeding Chihu Baolong's own. This allowed him to deliver an attack equivalent to that of a first-grade Grand Sorcerer.

Chihu Baolong could only feel admiration and respect. No wonder his instructors in his previous life always said that the ancient alchemists were far more powerful than modern cultivators. This was evident from the very threshold of entry. They formed golden cores at the cost of hundreds of times more resources, naturally making them far stronger than the cheap imitations of later generations. The intricacies involved were the essence of the ancient alchemists' profound knowledge.

Take Master Wuguang, for instance. He had been practicing alchemy for two hundred years and had only formed his golden core half a year ago, putting him at the same level as Chihu Baolong. But just a hint of Master Wuguang's aura could make Chihu Baolong's entire body stiffen, rendering his internal energy immobile—a disparity as vast as the heavens and earth. Even Cang Feng, who had been practicing for decades, had far more internal energy than Chihu Baolong. If it weren't for Chihu Baolong's desperate efforts and fortunate circumstances, along with Cang Feng's lack of combat experience, Chihu Baolong would have lost long ago.

Master Wuguang was also astonished. This 'uncivilized barbarian' from the wilderness spoke with profound insight, understanding the great way of heaven and man to an unbelievable degree. A few offhand remarks from Chihu Baolong would make Master Wuguang ponder for a long time. For instance, Chihu Baolong's quote, "There was something formless and perfect before the universe was born. It is serene, empty, solitary, unchanging, infinite, eternally the mother of the world. I do not know its name; I call it Tao," left Master Wuguang in shock for half a day.

So precise and profound, it perfectly described the formless state of the Tao. Master Wuguang felt that even his master rarely spoke so eloquently about the Tao. Little did he know that Chihu Baolong was simply quoting from the ancient sage Laozi's work. Laozi's ultimate explanation of the Tao was so profound that it was beyond the comprehension of Master Wuguang and his peers.

Master Wuguang could only exclaim in his heart, "A prodigy, a natural-born prodigy!" Initially intending to take Chihu Baolong as a disciple at Cang Feng's request, Master Wuguang now realized that with Chihu Baolong's terrifying level of understanding, only the headmaster could accept him as a disciple.

"Only the headmaster could take him as a disciple," thought Master Wuguang and the other elders, pondering the situation.

Chihu Baolong, on the other hand, felt ecstatic, shouting "Great!" in his mind. He was merely reciting concepts he barely understood, yet this earned him exclusive alchemical techniques from Master Wuguang. Although Master Wuguang didn't explicitly teach him the entire alchemical formula, the insights he shared were immensely beneficial to Chihu Baolong, whose own techniques were aligned with Master Wuguang's principles. With just a few words, Master Wuguang provided Chihu Baolong with immense benefits.

Chihu Baolong's eyes were shining, and his heart was pounding as if he were experiencing his first kiss, only to be caught by the girl's mother. The few incantations Master Wuguang casually revealed had already shown Chihu Baolong a way to maximize his internal energy without advancing his cultivation level.

"No wonder in myths, these ancient alchemists would ascend to become Da Luo Golden Immortals, while those so-called experts would be terrified facing a single heavenly tribulation. They're on completely different levels. When these alchemists face tribulations, their realms might be the same, but they already possess divine powers. A few bolts of heavenly lightning mean nothing to them." Chihu Baolong's excitement was barely containable. It was as if a brand-new door had opened before him, making it impossible not to be elated.

This method of maximizing internal energy without advancing in cultivation, what Master Wuguang and his peers referred to as 'innate true qi,' was far superior to the methods they used to train their primordial spirits.

Chihu Baolong's Xuanwu True Method also enhanced his primordial spirit, continuously strengthening his spiritual power. But if Chihu Baolong's method was like a small stream gradually forming a pond, Master Wuguang's method was akin to rivers converging into the sea. Their one year of primordial spirit training equated to Chihu Baolong's century of diligent practice.

And what use is spiritual power, also known as mental strength? It is the source of witchcraft power!

Witchcraft power, as described, is the mental strength fused with the five elemental forces.

The so-called Grand Sorcerers have their mental strength determined by their bloodlines. Those with good bloodlines have greater potential for mental strength, allowing them to reach higher levels. Those with poor bloodlines may only muddle through as low-level sorcerers. The training of a Grand Sorcerer is primarily about tapping into their potential and mastering the use of their witchcraft. Very few can upgrade their witchcraft level through acquired means.

But for Chihu Baolong, this wasn't a problem. He was born into the witch clan but had Daoist methods as a backup. His mental strength could expand indefinitely, potentially reaching or surpassing the Nine Cauldrons Grand Sorcerer level. Infinite potential! This was under the training of the Xuanwu True Method. The incantations Master Wuguang casually mentioned could increase Chihu Baolong's primordial spirit training speed a hundredfold, so imagine how rapidly his witchcraft power could grow.

Stronger witchcraft power would lead to a more robust body, allowing him to hold more internal energy. More internal energy would solidify his golden core, making his spiritual power even more dynamic. Stronger spiritual power, after being refined by the five elemental forces, would generate even stronger witchcraft power! This was an endlessly promising positive cycle!

"How strange. If Grand Sorcerers and alchemists could combine their methods, they would have long transcended humanity and achieved immortality. Yet, why do Tongtian Sect disciples come to Anyi to set up a Daoist temple so cautiously and subserviently?" Chihu Baolong pondered this perplexing question.

Draining the cold tea from his finely carved white jade cup and chewing the powdered tea leaves, Chihu Baolong stretched and seemingly casually asked, "Master Wuguang, I don't understand. Why don't alchemists train in the witch clan's methods to strengthen their bodies?"

Master Wuguang also chewed his tea leaves before swallowing, rinsing his mouth with the tea, and smiled, "You don't understand. We alchemists train our primordial spirits; that's our essence. The Grand Master says that if we reach the ultimate formless Dao, our physical bodies are useless. Why should we train them?"

Laughing coldly, Master Wuguang looked seriously at Chihu Baolong and said, "We alchemists consume the qi of heaven and earth, ponder the Dao, seeking to coexist eternally with the universe. That's the true Dao. The witch clan focuses on their physical bodies, neglecting their essence. The longest-lived Grand Sorcerers turn to dust in a few hundred years. They're on a lower path. Why should we follow their methods?"

Chihu Baolong nodded. It was a difference in perspective. He should have realized this earlier. The benefits alchemist methods could bring to the witch clan were likely of no concern to anyone but himself. The high-ranking witch clan members enjoyed all that the Central Plains had to offer. To them, alchemists were insignificant, and they wouldn't care about their practices. Besides, given how discreet the alchemists' activities were, the witch clan probably knew little about their true nature.

For a moment, Chihu Baolong felt a bit smug. Perhaps he would be the only one in the world to combine Daoist and witchcraft practices, reaping immense benefits from both.

Alchemists scorned the witchcraft practices of Grand Sorcerers. The Grand Sorcerers, in turn, ignored the existence of alchemists. One group trained their inner selves, while the other connected with the external world, two opposing paths unlikely to merge.

"Ah, it seems such great benefits are meant for me alone! After all, I am a Daoist who appreciates the powerful bodies of the Grand Sorcerers. A worthless body? So what if it's a powerful one?"

Chihu Baolong's heart swelled with joy, and the smile on his face was impossible to conceal.

Master Wuguang nodded inwardly, thinking Chihu Baolong's joy stemmed from understanding the Dao, and felt a sense of approval. "This child is teachable," he thought. "It seems recommending him to the Grandmaster is the right choice. Such a naturally Dao-inclined person is rare indeed."

Suddenly, the voice of Shen Gongbao echoed through the courtyard: "Lord Chihu, I, Shen Gongbao, have come specifically to visit and seek an audience with the friends who arrived yesterday."

Chihu Baolong's face immediately darkened, feeling a surge of discomfort akin to a child about to have his favorite toy snatched away. What was Shen Gongbao doing here so early? How did he know about their visitors? Could it be that Master Wuguang and the others were discovered by the Grand Sorcerers of Anyi? If so, why did no one confront them yesterday?

Shen Gongbao, sensing the lack of response, continued with a hint of amusement: "Yesterday, your friends arrived so discreetly. The methods of alchemists are indeed unique. If it weren't for my great-grandfather happening to pass by the Xingtian residence, we wouldn't have known someone had slipped in."

Chihu Baolong frowned and stepped out of the hall, striding forward and shouting, "What do you mean by 'slipped in'? Are you trying to catch thieves? Shen Gongbao, you lent me a weapon last time, but we don't have much of a relationship. What are you here for?"

Shen Gongbao raised the small blue cloth bundle in his hand and smiled brightly at Chihu Baolong. "I'm not here to see you. I can't afford to offend Xingtian Dafeng's most capable friend. I'm here to meet those alchemists who arrived in Anyi yesterday. Brother Chihu, don't keep all the benefits to yourself!"

Keeping all the benefits? Chihu Baolong felt like he had swallowed a whole nest of flies, unable to express his discomfort. He did want to keep the benefits to himself, but with Shen Gongbao here, how could he?

Wait! Shen Gongbao! Could this odd-looking young man be the infamous Shen Gongbao? Chihu Baolong felt a chill down his spine, his heart pounding as if it would burst. Instinctively, he took a step back. Was it really him? Could it truly be him? It seemed like it.

Was this fate?

Chihu Baolong stood there, dumbfounded. Master Wuguang, holding a white jade teacup, walked out leisurely and elegantly bowed to Shen Gongbao with one hand. "Greetings, sir. Wuguang, an overseas alchemist, at your service."

Shen Gongbao quickly returned the bow and presented the blue cloth bundle with a smile. "I am Shen Gongbao, grandson of Shen Gongli, one of the four great advisors of the Grand Court of Daxia. I bring a small token of appreciation for you, Master Wuguang." As he slowly offered the bundle, it was Cangfeng who stepped forward to receive it.

Sniffing the air, Cangfeng exclaimed in surprise, "This bundle contains Sunflower Gold, Yin Grass, Celestial Moss, and Hundred-Spirit Leaves?"

Shen Gongbao attempted to compliment Cangfeng, "Master Cangfeng, you have a—uh—" Realizing his mistake, Shen Gongbao couldn't finish the sentence, as the bundle was unopened. He couldn't claim Cangfeng's extensive knowledge, as it would imply his nose was as keen as a domesticated wolf's.

Cangfeng, recognizing the awkwardness, bowed again and retreated behind Master Wuguang. Master Wuguang casually flicked the teacup, which vanished mid-air, reappeared moments later, full of steaming green tea. Demonstrating a profound technique, Master Wuguang nodded slightly. "These herbs can indeed be refined into a fine Concentration Pill, highly useful for us alchemists. Shen Gongbao, you are thoughtful." He seemed to anticipate Shen Gongbao's request.

Seizing the opportunity, Shen Gongbao said, "It's a small gesture. My request is simple: please accept me into your esteemed sect, Master Wuguang."

Master Wuguang glanced at Cangfeng, who shook his head slightly. With a faint smile, Master Wuguang finished his tea, stood on the steps, and looked down at Shen Gongbao. "Why seek to join us? As a blood relative of one of Daxia's four great sorcerer families, your Grand Sorcerer power can move mountains and seas. What need have you for our methods?"

Shen Gongbao's eyes gleamed as he replied candidly, "Master Cangfeng demonstrated a technique in the palace that magnified his power tenfold with the world's energy. That's what I seek to learn. While other Grand Sorcerers dismiss alchemists, I, Shen Gongbao, am different. Any method that brings power interests me!"

Master Wuguang studied Shen Gongbao intently and spoke seriously, "You sorcerers might not comprehend the profound methods of alchemists. You cultivate innate divine power; we cultivate the mysterious Dao. These are vastly different paths. You might find no understanding within our sect, wasting your potential as a Grand Sorcerer." He glanced at Chihu Baolong, pondering if he might be the only sorcerer with such deep insights into the Dao.

Shen Gongbao frowned and questioned, "Joining your sect means learning your methods and practicing them. Grand Sorcerers train the same way, following instructions without needing deep understanding. Why make it complicated?"

Master Wuguang contemplated for a moment and then smiled. "It seems I shouldn't refuse you outright. When the opportunity arises, I will introduce you to our Grandmaster. Let's see if you have the affinity." Deciding different people required different treatment, Master Wuguang thought Chihu Baolong was a talent to nurture, while Shen Gongbao, as a member of a great sorcerer family, could be utilized.

Shen Gongbao grumbled, "Either accept me or don't. Why talk about fate?" Nonetheless, he had his plans and respectfully bowed to Chihu Baolong. "From now on, while I'm in Anyi, I'll often visit. I hope you won't mind, Lord Chihu?"

Chihu Baolong replied irritably, "Why would I mind? Just call me Chihu Baolong. What nonsense is this 'Lord' talk?"

Shen Gongbao laughed, "You've defeated so many Atlantis warriors. According to the king's promise, that's equivalent to slaying over eight thousand enemies. The decree for your promotion is probably already on its way." With that, Shen Gongbao confidently climbed the steps, standing beside Master Wuguang, clearly intending to stick close.

Master Wuguang smiled but said nothing. Suddenly, the courtyard door opened, and Huang Yi, with the small yellow dragon coiled around him, walked in. Seeing Chihu Baolong, he shouted, "Chihu Baolong, if you don't want me to spread the word about you relieving yourself in the palace dragon garden, you'd better tell me who will teach me some skills! I should warn you, I have no potential for sorcery. If you find a Grand Sorcerer to teach me, I'll be furious."

The yellow dragon emphasized Huang Yi's point, roaring at Chihu Baolong and spitting several streams of water.

White, who had been sleeping on the roof, suddenly awoke with an angry roar. His fur stood on end as he leaped down, swatting away the water jets and advancing menacingly toward the trembling yellow dragon.

Huang Yi cried out in fear, "Chihu Baolong, Brother Chihu, my dear Chihu, please call off your beast! What's the point of a nearly grown Pixiu bullying my little yellow dragon? Move, move, let us through!"

Chihu Baolong coughed and took a step forward, stopping White, who had become agitated by the scent of the divine beast on the yellow dragon. Master Wuguang's eyes sparkled as he floated toward Huang Yi, grabbed his shoulder, and warmly asked, "Would you like to join my Jie Sect?"

Chihu Baolong shuddered at the familiar name, while Huang Yi scrutinized Master Wuguang and frowned. "Jie Sect? What's that? Brother Chihu, is this the person you found to teach me? I don't like being restrained." The yellow dragon, seeing that White was held back by Chihu Baolong, gained confidence and spat a water jet at Master Wuguang.

Shaking his head, Chihu Baolong thought about the chaotic morning. Shen Gongbao's unexpected visit to request training and Huang Yi's reluctance to be restrained added to the mess. Why was he dealing with all this?

He firmly patted White's head and scolded, "Stop causing trouble. Bullying a small dragon isn't impressive. Wait until it grows up to challenge it." Turning to Master Wuguang, he said, "Master Wuguang, please rest. I have some errands to run. Setting up the dojo will require some guards for appearances."

Master Wuguang nodded absentmindedly, his thoughts focused on Huang Yi, whose meridians and vital energy showed immense potential for cultivation. Compared to Chihu Baolong, who despite his deep understanding of the Dao lacked the inherent qualities of a true cultivator, Huang Yi was an extraordinary find. He instructed, "Cangfeng, accompany him and handle the necessary preparations. We will choose an auspicious day to open the dojo and accept students."

Realizing that his uncle was completely delegating the task, Cangfeng glanced at Huang Yi, wondering what made him so special. He handed the blue cloth bundle to a junior apprentice, clapped his hands, and followed the impatient Chihu Baolong out.

At the entrance, Chihu Baolong glanced back at the yellow dragon and muttered, "Maybe this is my only excuse to forgive myself."

White also looked back, eyeing the dragon's golden scales, calculating how many he could tear off with a full-strength swipe.

Barely a hundred paces away, they heard Xingtian Dafeng shouting, "Shen Gongbao, why are you here? Do you want me to break your head?"

It seemed Xingtian Dafeng had picked up some kind of weapon and was charging at Shen Gongbao, while Xingtian Xuanzhi tried feebly to calm things down. Master Wuguang, concerned about Huang Yi and the yellow dragon, was shouting for caution. The courtyard quickly became chaotic.

"Let's go. Xingtian Dafeng will handle it," Chihu Baolong said, dragging Cangfeng along at a rapid pace. In a few breaths, they were out of the Xingtian residence, heading towards the guilds and halls in the eastern district of Anyi.

As they walked quickly through the quiet streets, Cangfeng asked, "We already have servants for the dojo, why do we need guards?"

Chihu Baolong spread his hands, shrugged, and said, "I heard while drinking at the western tavern that in Anyi, new establishments always face troublemakers. Do you want your uncle or fellow disciples to fight them off? It's better to hire professionals."

Cangfeng was still puzzled. "Even if there are fights, what's the harm?"

Chihu Baolong walked briskly, waiting for a patrol to pass before speaking quietly. "How many disciples do you alchemists have? How many years have you been developing? Why set up a small dojo in Anyi? If you start fighting, you might attract the attention of the Grand Sorcerers. Then how will you have time to recruit students?"

Cangfeng nodded, finding logic in Chihu Baolong's words but remained confused. "Why would other dojos cause us trouble?"

Chihu Baolong rolled his eyes as they approached a large stone building. Slowing down, he said, "To make a name for themselves. Anyi is a peculiar place." He sighed deeply, which left Cangfeng puzzled.

Standing outside the closed stone door, Chihu Baolong said, "If it weren't for Shen Gongbao and Huang Yi disturbing us early, I wouldn't have rushed you out. This place is said to be the largest venue for hiring talent. I hope they won't be upset by early business."

Cangfeng, inexperienced with the mundane world, walked up and knocked heavily on the door. "Open up! Business is here! Why are you still closed?" His light use of energy broke the door's latch, causing the heavy door to sink inwards.

Chihu Baolong was startled, and Cangfeng awkwardly explained, "Accident. Didn't expect the door to be so weak."

A gruff voice inside yelled, "Who's the fool disturbing my sleep? Don't they know I can't afford a bed and sleep on the floor? Hey, why's the door sunken?"

A burly man, covered in black hair and wearing only a beast-skin loincloth, pushed the door open. "Did you knock? Why so hard? Woke me up, are you going to pay?"

Cangfeng stepped back, making a peculiar hand sign, and said, "A black bear spirit? What's he doing here?"

The burly man grunted, "What's wrong with being a spirit? Can't a spirit make money in the city? I've heard the rules: as long as I don't cause trouble, the sorcerers can't bully me. What are you, a skinny human, going to do about it?"

Chihu Baolong stepped forward, eyeing the nearly 500-pound man, and said, "I'm hiring. How many can you fight? If you're good, I'll feed and house you well, and pay a hefty sum. Deal?" He shook a money pouch, the clinking of coins audible.

Drooling, the man replied, "Deal. I can fight. When I arrived, an eighth-ranked sorcerer challenged me. I knocked him out with one punch. Everyone knows I can fight, but they don't hire me."

Chihu Baolong glanced at Cangfeng, who whispered, "This bear has at least 500 years of cultivation. Transforming into human form is no small feat."

Shaking the pouch, Chihu Baolong smiled, "Good. We'll hire you. We'll get the owner to witness and sign a contract. I need long-term help."

Pushing the door open with his foot, Chihu Baolong added, "But one isn't enough. We need a dozen or more for a proper guard."

An old man in a black coat greeted them, smiling. "One isn't enough. How many do you need? If you want spirit guards, we have the best in Anyi. But they eat a lot and have bad tempers, so most don't want them."

Chihu Baolong said, "Don't worry about it. I have my reasons. Not just spirits, skilled sorcerers too. Name your price."

The old man grinned. "Exactly. We don't question our clients. But, about the door..."

Chihu Baolong and Cangfeng were speechless.

Suddenly, a familiar voice rang out. "Who's in charge here? We need high-ranked sorcerers, as many as possible. Got anyone good?"

Chihu Baolong turned to see Shang Tang entering with several guards. "Why does he need so many sorcerers?" he wondered.