The Northern Song Dynasty returned south, seeking the truth of the Dao.

"Brother, don't you plan to travel with me?" Wang Zhenhuan asked softly, looking at the handsome young man beside him. Perhaps it was due to the influence of his dragon bloodline, even though his true form was a tortoise.

However, after transforming, he showed no ugliness or awkwardness whatsoever. The previous claims that he was ugly and hunchbacked were merely rumors spread by the common people. Some had never even seen him in person.

According to Wang Zhenhuan, Ao Shuang's appearance after transforming into human form was nine parts handsome and one part dashing. No wonder the eldest daughter of the Chen family had already pledged her life to him so early on.

"What will happen to your sister-in-law if I leave? Besides, it's already winter. If it were any other time, I would have been hiding in my cave to hibernate. You know I don't like to move anyway," Ao Shuang said with a smile.

Upon hearing his words, Wang Zhenhuan immediately deflated. Indeed, Chen Ruoruo was currently relying on the Yin energy within Ao Shuang's cave to sustain her soul. If she were to leave rashly, she might not be able to survive.

If he were to part with Ao Shuang like this, Wang Zhenhuan would be reluctant. After much thought, he couldn't come up with a good solution. So, Wang Zhenhuan simply stopped thinking about it and let nature take its course.

The two followed Daoist Chonghezi and Lord Sun down the mountain. By the time they reached the mansion, it was already past 9 AM. As soon as they entered, they saw Master Lu walking out happily.

Upon seeing everyone, he happily bowed and greeted them, saying, "Sir, Daoist Master, you're back! It's almost lunchtime, so I've asked them to prepare the meal."

Having said that, he turned to leave. Lord Sun waved him off, signaling him to stop. Then he asked, "Don't rush, what makes you so happy? Tell us so we can share in your joy."

"Oh, it's nothing major. The friend that the two Taoist priests brought back yesterday just woke up. I was just about to tell the Taoist priests the good news." Master Lu smiled and nodded to Wang Zhenhuan behind him.

Upon hearing this, Wang Zhenhuan hurriedly stepped forward, grabbed his hand, and said, "Master, is what you say true? Don't try to deceive me. Only a day has passed, and they've all woken up?"

"If you don't believe me, young Taoist priest, go and see for yourself. Master Tongmiao's medical skills are truly excellent!" Master Lu said to Wang Zhenhuan with a smile.

"Yes, I thank you, Master. It is all thanks to your help. Otherwise, my friends would not have woken up so quickly." Wang Zhenhuan hurriedly turned around and cupped his hands to Daoist Chonghezi.

"Haha, it's my duty. We're in a good mood today, how about we set up a table? What do you think?" Daoist Chonghezi asked Lord Sun with a smile. Lord Sun rolled his eyes at him and shook his head.

"I see you're only after my few jars of old wine. Since that's the case, then I'll grant your wish today. Old Lu, go tell the kitchen to prepare a few more dishes and set a table. Consider this my way of entertaining all my fellow Daoists!"

"Haha, then this humble Taoist will accept your offer!" Master Chong Hezi laughed heartily. "Let's go and see how your friends are doing."

"Yes, I thank you in advance, Lord Sun!" Wang Huanzhen cupped his hands in thanks. Lord Sun waved his hand: "Don't be so polite. Since you are a fellow Daoist of the master, then you are my friend. Go and take a look."

"I won't go. I'm too old; climbing that mountain back and forth would exhaust me. I'll rest in the backyard for a bit. Old Lu, let's go."

"Hey, take care, sir," Wang Huanzhen replied softly, then walked towards the side room with Ao Shuang. As soon as they entered, they heard Xiao Liuzi excitedly shout, "Sir, are you alright?"

"I should be asking you that. How are you feeling? Are you alright?" Wang Zhenhuan stepped forward and looked Xiao Liuzi up and down. Although his face was still pale, his eyes were bright and alert, and he looked much better than when he was unconscious.

"I'm better now, all thanks to this Taoist priest's powerful magic. That night, the earth suddenly turned upside down, and I was terrified. I wanted to ask you to come with me, but when I went to your room, I found no one there."

"I had no choice but to go ahead. Later, after the earth dragon turned over, I was worried about you. So I planned to go back and check on you, but I was blown away by a gust of wind on the way, and I don't remember anything after that," Xiao Liuzi said softly.

"Yes, your yang energy was insufficient back then, and a yin entity took advantage of you. It's my fault, I should have told you beforehand. Fortunately, you're alright now. Otherwise, I would have felt guilty for the rest of my life." Wang Zhen patted his shoulder and continued to ask.

"The inn is gone now, what are you planning to do?"

"I don't know either..." Xiao Liu's voice suddenly lowered. Wang Zhen lifted his head and looked at him seriously, saying, "I'll be heading south again in a few days."

If you have nowhere to go, why don't you come with me? But it's snowing now, and I've been sleeping in the open and eating my fill on the journey; it's not going to be easy. You should think it through."

"Of course I'm willing! As long as you don't mind, I can start the fire and cook for you. You can take care of all the chores from now on," Xiao Liuzi said excitedly, his eyes wide.

"Don't get excited, we still have many days before we set off." Wang Zhenhuan smiled and pushed him away, while Xiao Liuzi followed closely behind him. Ao Shuang, seeing this, gave him a thumbs up.

Master Chonghezi sat in a chair, watching this heartwarming scene with a smile. Wang Huanzhen came to the bedside, looked at Ling Zhizi lying on the bed, and asked softly.

"How are you feeling? If you have any discomfort, tell the Master. Master Chonghe is a highly accomplished cultivator of the Purple Qi realm. His medical skills are profound, and he will certainly not leave you with any aftereffects."

After hearing his words, Ling Zhizi simply winked at him without saying a word. Her long eyelashes and pitiful expression, as if she had just recovered from a serious illness, made Wang Zhenhuan blush and subconsciously take a half step back.

"Young man, you don't need to provoke me with your words. Since I've agreed to treat him, I will naturally make sure he recovers completely. But what about you? He just woke up, and you're already flirting with him. What's the meaning of that?" Master Chonghezi suddenly spoke up from the side.

Wang Zhenhuan blushed and hurriedly stood up, waving his hand to explain, "I was just worried and confused. Master Chonghe, please don't be angry. I apologize. It was unintentional. Please forgive me."

"Tch, enough with the pleasantries. I'm going to check on the preparations in the kitchen." Okiwa waved his hand, turned, and left the room. Wang Huanzhen watched his retreating figure and bowed respectfully.

Wang Zhen was genuinely grateful to this Purple Qi Immortal, who had a mysterious background and held an official position. However, there was one thing he increasingly realized the longer they spent together.

This Daoist priest, Chong Hezi, although he appears to be a sage with an air of otherworldly wisdom, is... well... how should I put it? Deep down, he's a bit...

Hmm... does that feel like an old man being shameless?