Prudence or Recklessness?

"The potted plant in my chamber has not grown much over the last few years. What have you done that it would grow so quickly in three days?!"

Lin Fan: "…"

What he had done?

Well, awkward.

He stroked his own nose, and could not help feeling a little timid when he felt how smooth his skin was.

What, was he supposed to tell Qi Zixiao how many times he had peed because of how much he ate, since he had to ask for food in order to get an excuse for questioning her personal disciples?

Moreover, did he have to tell her that he could not fast in order to not expose himself, and had to go about his business in the pot?

In fact, Lin Fan was feeling rather fortunate right now.

"Luckily, the food they prepared for me are some spirit food and beverage. All of those are basically quite fluid and do not have much waste, or otherwise…"

He really would not know what to do if he needed to take a dump.

Meanwhile, Qi Zixiao's shadow was gone.

Scratching the back of his head, Lin Fan's awkwardness receded. At the same time, he turned towards the potted plant in curiosity. "It grew quickly?"

"Oh… ahem. It really is much taller than when I transmigrated here last."

Hence, he made a decision.

Answer Qi Zixiao's question?

Of course he couldn't.

Wouldn't she lose her mind if she knew what he was doing?

"Alright, I'll just pretend I didn't hear that question, uh-huh…"

Lin Fan became a little relaxed after listening to everything Qi Zixiao's shadow had to say.

Although he had been deliberately vague and feigning annoyance to avoid revealing himself before, now it seemed that Qi Zixiao herself was indeed a cold, icy person.

With that in mind, his impersonation would be more complete, not to mention that he had considerable progress thanks to learning Qi Zixiao's name and other miscellaneous matters.

Otherwise…

To put out an example, if Lin Fan recklessly left the Saintess Chambers in Qi Zixiao's body to scout things out, and happen to run into an elder or someone senior in the sect…

He could pretend that he was distracted or act as if he saw nothing.

But what if said person used her name directly?

After calling her name a few times, and him showing no reaction because he did not know her name? Was that not the clear sign of a problem?

Now, that problem was solved.

"So… should I go out for a walk?"

Lin Fan's head went active then.

He did not know cultivation. Was he supposed to stay inside the room for another three boring days? That was just so miserable.

While he did not leave the chamber before because he had too little information before, but now…

Now that he knew who 'he' was and 'his personality', he could try going out now.

Of course, the condition for that was not being so unlucky that he runs into a higher-up in these sacred grounds. Those characters are so powerful that Lin Fan was afraid of them seeing through him.

At the same time, he would most likely have to greet such characters even if he were the saintess, but since he did not know them, it would blow his cover too…

As for those who ranked lower, what did he have to fear?

Since Qi Zixiao was cold in the first place, unmoved by all things. All he had to do was give everyone less than her the cold shoulder.

Greet others?

All he needed was a nod or a glance. Probably no one would find anything unusual about that…

"So, should I stay in here or get ready to leave?"

Time to choose!

As a man of the modern age, Lin Fan was only too aware of the importance of choice.

This was the first important choice he had to make after he had transmigrated. Should he go out as soon as he could and understand this world, or stay inside and only leave when he had a sufficient grasp of things?

Lin Fan suddenly smiled after some thought.

"I'm being too nervous…"

"When would I ever develop if I keep being so cagey?"

"For better or worse, I am the saintess now. There probably wouldn't be many individuals who outrank me even within these sacred grounds."

"I'm just going for a look. I probably would not run into those people so easily."

"Moreover, there wouldn't be any problems if I don't stay outside for too long."

"So, what I need to do now is to come up with a reason for stepping out…"

At the moment, everyone in these sacred grounds seemed to be under the impression that the 'Saintess' was in seclusion to attempt ascension, to prepare for the struggle for First Rank.

Still, for her to step out even before she ascended…

Even if it was not the place of the saintess's disciples to question her, what if her masters questioned her?

An explanation was needed.

"So… I'll say that I have a random inspiration and stepped out?"

"The cultivating immortals are all so mysterious. I just have to speak a little mystically and it'd easily convince them. So… I'll do just that!"

He thought about the entire process and the many details.

Then, he straightened up his look before the mirror, and recalled the shadow that Qi Zixiao had left, doing his best to mimic the shadow.

***

Rustle…

The door was opened.

The personal disciple guarding the door—Chen Cheng and Zhou Yining both promptly bowed. "Saintess…"

"I have some inspiration after several days of seclusion…"

Lin Fan spoke 'coolly', "You two. Come with me for a walk."

"Yes, Saintess."

Both girls answered.

Lin Fan sighed in relief inwardly upon seeing that they suspected nothing.

"I knew it. I should be more nonchalant… the more nonchalant and the more mysterious, the better."

Hence, he added, "However, time is of the essence. Most of my attention would be placed upon my ascension, so remember to prompt me if we encounter sect seniors I ought to salute."

Chen Cheng and the other girl nodded, easily accepting that explanation.

As a matter of fact, that was not weird at all.

Was it not just a meditative walk, and being cautious about neglecting the elders?

Though the way she spoke was a little mysterious…

"May I ask where the saintess wishes to go?" Zhou Yining asked softly then.

Though Lin Fan remained stoic, his mind went into overdrive.

'Go where? How should I know?

'I'm not familiar with the Sacred Violet Manor myself!

'Perhaps I should go for a casual walk around?'

A thousand thoughts crossed his mind at once.

A casual walk could improve his understanding towards the Sacred Violet Manor—the benefit was there, and considerably so.

But… too slow!

Going out meant risk of being exposed, and since he was coming outside for the first time, he would have to benefit himself in some way, doesn't he?

So, he would have to focus on his objective.

But what objective?

Even if he basically had zero understanding about the Sacred Violet Manor, Lin Fan had his own ideas.

Was he really unknowledgeable just because he did not have hands-on experience?

He had read many novels about immortals and cultivation, especially those with stories about sects that came in various sizes. Moreover, their organization was generally the same!

At that thought, Lin Fan calmly spoke.