After transmigrating into the body of the protagonist's childhood friend, he was targeted by a

Lin Zhixu slept exceptionally soundly that night.

The fatigue from days of travel was gently dispelled.

When he got up, he saw that the bedding on the floor had been put away, and the man who had been lying on it was nowhere to be seen.

The system did not enter hibernation mode all night.

If it had a physical form, it would probably be sporting two huge dark circles under its eyes right now.

It had been holding back all night, and finally waited for Lin Zhixu to wake up. Just as it was about to open its mouth and reveal the crimes it had witnessed last night, the door was pushed open before it could even speak.

Li Erniu walked in carrying a tray with a bowl of porridge, several steaming buns, and a dish of pickles on it.

He changed into clean clothes, tied his long hair high, and looked energetic.

He placed the tray on the table: "This inn is quite nice; they even include a breakfast in the morning. I just went to the kitchen, and the chef's skills are pretty good. I brought you a bowl of porridge and a few steamed buns; eat them while they're hot."

Lin Zhixu was stunned for a moment, then obediently sat down.

Seeing that he didn't refuse, Li Erniu smiled and rested his chin on his hand as he looked at him.

The system, seeing his smile, took it as a provocation and became so angry it was practically smoking, causing it to crash.

A very faint buzzing sound suddenly came from Lin Zhixu's mind, as if something had overloaded and burned out.

He paused, biting into his steamed bun, and tilted his head in confusion.

Why does it sound like he's hallucinating that something exploded?

Li Erniu, thinking he didn't like the food, quickly asked, "What's wrong? Doesn't it suit your taste?"

Lin Zhixu dismissed the oddity from his mind and shook his head. "It's nothing. Yesterday I noticed so many cultivators suddenly flooding into Nanling. Something big is probably going to happen. I'm planning to go out and ask around. Do you want to come?"

Li Erniu: "Of course, do you intend to abandon me again?"

Lin Zhixu: "..."

The two packed their things and left the inn.

After they left, a dark figure followed them away.

Li Erniu walked unhurriedly beside Lin Zhixu, then suddenly curled his lips into a smile: "Looks like someone's watching us."

Lin Zhixu frowned slightly. "We've just entered Nanling and haven't made any enemies. Who would send someone to keep an eye on us?"

Upon hearing this, Li Erniu turned his head to look at him, his eyes filled with resentment: "You didn't offend any enemies, but you did attract some bad luck in love. I told you long ago that the man surnamed Wen is no good, and I told you to be careful around him."

"And you, not only did you not take precautions, you even trespassed on someone else's territory. If you're not going to scheme against me, who are you going to scheme against?"

Lin Zhixu frowned even more deeply: "Wen Wuqing?"

He knew that Wen Wuqing wasn't as gentle as he seemed, but he never considered it in his own case.

He's not so narcissistic that everyone would like him.

"Who else could it be but him?" Li Erniu said with certainty. "Believe it or not, he knows exactly what we ate this morning."

Lin Zhixu was silent for a moment, then suddenly turned to look at him: "When are you going back?"

Li Erniu retorted angrily, "What? I only said a couple of words to that Wen fellow, and you're going to kick me out? Don't you have any conscience?"

Lin Zhixu sighed, "If you want to come out, you can just tell me directly. Why do you have to sneak around and put on such a big show?"

"If I say I want to be with you, will you agree?"

"Won't."

Li Erniu: "..."

He felt a tightness in his chest, and after a long pause, he managed to squeeze out a sentence through gritted teeth: "That's settled then. I've been following you because I was worried about you. Look, we've only been out for a short time and you're already being watched. What would you do without me by your side?"

Lin Zhixu remained silent for a while before speaking again: "When exactly do you plan to go back to your original state?"

Li Erniu tilted his head to look at him, a smirk playing on his lips, and said in a nonchalant tone, "No, I don't think it's a bad thing."

Li Erniu turned his head, winked at him, and a lewd smile appeared on his handsome face. "Don't you find it thrilling to be with you as a stranger, like having an affair?"

Lin Zhixu: "..."

It's really not worth paying attention to him! Every time I hear those outrageous things he says, I feel like the world is doomed!

……

The Wen family.

After hearing the scout's message, Wen Wuqing waved his hand, signaling the scout to leave.

He stood by the window with his hands behind his back, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the jade clasp unique to the Wen family members on his cuff.

After a moment, he chuckled softly, straightened his clothes, and pushed open the door to go out.

Meanwhile, Lin Zhixu and Li Erniu were planning to find a teahouse to inquire about information.

Nanling City has no shortage of teahouses. You can see one every few steps along the street, each with a more impressive facade and a more impressive signboard.

It's currently morning tea time, and the main hall is almost full. The chatter of tea drinkers blends together, making it a great place to gather information.

Just as the two were about to step across the threshold, a joyful shout came from behind them: "Fellow Daoist Lin! Brother Li! You haven't left yet?"

The two turned around at the same time and saw Wen Wuqing walking briskly from across the street. He was dressed in white, elegant and charming, with a bright smile on his face.

Li Erniu's smile faded slightly. He tilted his head slightly and whispered in Lin Zhixu's ear, "See? I told you so. He's got his eye on you."

Facts speak louder than words; Lin Zhixu admitted that Li Erniu's guess was correct.

Wen Wuqing approached, his smile gentle yet feigning surprise: "What a coincidence, you've come for tea too?"

It wasn't time to completely break ties yet, so Lin Zhixu pretended not to know anything and nodded lightly, "Yes. You too?"

Wen Wuqing smiled and waved his hand: "No. The biggest teahouse up ahead is owned by the Wen family. I was delivering some things for my family and just happened to pass by and saw you."

"Perfect timing, I've finished my business. Since we're so lucky, let me invite you both in for a cup of tea, to show you some hospitality."

Lin Zhixu: "No need..."

Wen Wuqing interrupted him, her tone still gentle, but her attitude was more forceful than before: "Go, don't be so polite with me. Who knows when we'll meet again after today's parting. It's just a cup of tea, consider it a farewell."

The two guards behind him had quietly stepped forward, standing guard on either side of him, their eyes fixed on him menacingly.

Lin Zhixu was displeased, and his expression darkened slightly.

Li Erniu glanced at the two guards, then suddenly smiled, gently patted Lin Zhixu's shoulder, and said in a light tone, "Alright, speaking of which, I've never been to a teahouse before in my life, and I'd love to see it. Thank you very much, Young Master Wen."

Wen Wuqing's smile became more genuine. He turned to the side and gestured "please," then walked aside, pretending to accidentally bump into Li Erniu, thus separating Li Erniu's hand from Lin Zhixu's shoulder.

"You're too kind. Since you've come to Nanling, you're my guests. If I don't show you proper hospitality on my own turf, what will people think of the Wen family? Please come in, gentlemen."