Chapter 93: Traveling Together

He was well aware that Caihua's father strongly opposed her befriending him, for Caihua's father looked down on this impoverished young man who studied art, believing he would never amount to anything in life.

"Don't worry! I'm my father's only daughter. If it comes down to it and I threaten him with my life, he won't be able to hold onto his stubbornness forever!"

Seeing how determined Caihua seemed, Guangcai sighed helplessly, "Ah, why put yourself through this?"

"Because of love! You told me yourself..."

Before Caihua could finish speaking, a sudden burst of applause echoed through the room.

Both Guangcai and Caihua were startled, and at that moment, the door was pushed open. Four strangers filed in one after another.

"You..." Caihua pointed at the strangers, momentarily speechless, utterly surprised by these unexpected guests.

These four strangers were naturally Zhang Pu, Liu Yingde, and the other two. Caihua was so shocked she couldn't speak because she noticed Guangcai staring intently at Liu Yingde, who was now dressed in full Daoist attire.

"I think I know you," Guangcai suddenly said to Liu Yingde, "You seem to be that Daoist Master Liu from the Qingwu region..."

"Mm-hmm!" Liu Yingde, now imitating Zhang Pu, acted nonchalant, not denying it at all.

He never imagined he'd become so famous even here, recognized by these young people! Pride surged within him.

"Is he really Daoist Master Liu from the Qingwu region?" Caihua exclaimed in surprise.

"Young lady, have you heard of me too?" Liu Yingde was quite pleased, as if he'd completely forgotten Zhang Pu standing beside him, intent only on showing off.

Once upon a time, ever since Zhang Pu entered his world, Liu Yingde thought he would never have the chance to show off again, but he hadn't expected someone to provide him with such an opportunity today! So he indulged in it, completely carried away.

"My father often mentioned you..." Caihua murmured.

"That's right, he is Daoist Master Liu!" Guangcai affirmed, as if specially reassuring Caihua.

But before Guangcai and Caihua could show their respect to Liu Yingde, Zhang Pu spoke up—

"Indeed, Daoist Master Liu has come to Wulong Town specifically to save you, Guangcai! The Poison Dragon Pool in the desolate mountains is said to be a place where survival is nearly impossible. Caihua, even if you bring all your father's best men, you might not succeed. But with us helping, success is guaranteed!"

Zhang Pu's sudden declaration surprised not just Guangcai and Caihua but even Liu Yingde, who had no idea what play Zhang Pu was putting on.

Seeing Liu Yingde bewildered, Zhang Pu continued his performance, "Daoist Master Liu, show them a little of your skill! They may have heard of your legendary name, but haven't seen your true abilities. Give them some reassurance—"

Though Liu Yingde was momentarily confused, Zhang Pu's meaningful words suddenly made everything clear to him.

Guangcai and Caihua wondered why this child, who looked even younger than themselves, spoke to Daoist Master Liu in such an odd tone and manner. Unable to guess the relationship between Zhang Pu and Liu Yingde, they watched as—Daoist Master Liu began to show off!

A sudden rumble shook the whole house, followed by the rise of strange mists. Within the fog, some unknown energy seemed to surge forth, swift and fierce, and soon countless bolts of lightning flashed throughout the room...

Guangcai and Caihua were dumbfounded. Such supernatural feats they'd only heard about in legends, never witnessed. The most formidable people they'd met before were merely skilled warriors, but this—

In truth, Liu Yingde had only used some simple sorcery from his Witchcraft Sect! In terms of real combat ability, these tricks were utterly worthless against Zhang Pu. But to scare Guangcai and Caihua, they were more than enough.

"He really is Daoist Master Liu... genuine, without a doubt..." Eventually, Guangcai stammered, as if his illness had taken hold and he was speaking from his deathbed.

Afterwards, Liu Yingde withdrew his powers at Zhang Pu's silent hint.

At this point, Zhang Pu spoke earnestly to Guangcai and Caihua, "Well? Did you see that? Caihua, tell me, how does Daoist Master Liu compare to your father's hired hands? If we're to face the legendary Poison Dragon at the pool, only someone with such powers could subdue it!"

Zhang Pu's words left Guangcai and Caihua utterly stunned.

In truth, Zhang Pu's own thoughts were simple: he merely wanted to find the Poison Dragon, which held great significance for him. Confident in his current cultivation, he believed he might be able to subdue the beast. The dragon, with the knowledge he'd acquired in the world of cultivation, would be highly beneficial for his training.

Whether there was any miraculous herb by the Poison Dragon Pool to cure Guangcai's illness was unimportant, for—Zhang Pu had already started treating Guangcai from a distance. Guangcai's illness was beyond the abilities of earthly doctors, but Zhang Pu was confident he could cure him.

He was willing to help!

If the pool had no magical herbs, or even if the herbs failed to heal Guangcai, Zhang Pu thought that, even if not moved by Guangcai and Caihua's love, he would still help them for leading him to the dragon. And seeing how impoverished Guangcai was, he certainly wouldn't charge him as he did with Old Master Zeng Guoxing.

While Guangcai and Caihua appeared deep in thought, Liu Yingde discreetly hinted to Zhang Pu that he should introduce himself to the pair, for Zhang Pu's way of speaking and acting was so unpredictable—even Liu Yingde couldn't figure him out. He looked like a student, but spoke to Daoist Master Liu with an air of authority; who exactly was he?

Guangcai and Caihua were full of questions!

Zhang Pu instantly understood Liu Yingde's gaze.

With a silent cue, Zhang Pu let Liu Yingde know: he could introduce Zhang Pu just as he had at the inn, revealing to Guangcai and Caihua that Zhang Pu was his young master uncle.