Hikaru had indeed just arrived in this area and hadn't yet decided where to stay.
Since someone was so enthusiastically offering hospitality, why would he refuse?
He calmly sat back down on the chair, looking completely at ease.
"I do have a few things I'd like to ask you about," Hikaru said slowly.
Xu Xiang quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
As long as Hikaru was willing to stay, there was still a chance they could influence what he'd said earlier.
What he feared most was someone like Hikaru—detached, asking for nothing, ready to leave at a moment's notice. With someone like that, they had no leverage.
Xu Xiang replied sincerely, "Please ask, young friend. If I know the answer, I won't withhold anything."
After thinking for a moment, Hikaru asked:
"Since the spiritual energy revived, haven't the cultivation techniques you use extended lifespan? Judging from your cultivation, your level is high. Why would you die of old age?"
Xu Xiang gave a bitter smile and sighed. "You have sharp eyes, young friend. I'm not dying of illness—my time is simply up. Though the power of techniques has increased greatly, they still can't delay aging."
He paused, then added:
"Or rather, I can't. I believe only the Celestial Master of Dragon Tiger Mountain has reached that level."
"According to ancient texts, most people are still stuck at the Refining Essence into Qi stage. Some elites have reached Refining Qi into Spirit. A few manage to touch on Refining Spirit to Return to Emptiness, but no one has reached the Unity of Emptiness and the Dao."
"These four stages are merely the path of shedding mortality. Only by going beyond them can one truly escape the bonds of lifespan."
"Each breakthrough does extend life, but too little. All of them combined only add twenty or thirty years. And since I suffered internal injuries in my youth, I've ended up in this state."
Hikaru nodded.
He understood now—the spiritual revival was still recent, and a true explosion in talent had yet to arrive.
He moved past the topic and began asking about the 36 Bandits.
Xu Xiang's answer was more or less consistent with the original records, though the number of casualties among their pursuers seemed higher.
This only made the Eight Forbidden Techniques even more coveted than before.
Even with the name of Wherever Hall, Zhang Chulan had already faced multiple assassination attempts over the past few days.
Thankfully, Feng Baobao was more than capable—otherwise, his corpse would be rotting by now.
Eating melon always ends up on your own head. No matter how thick-skinned Zhang Chulan was, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed, a blush creeping across his face.
But he quickly composed himself and, under everyone's gaze, even managed to flash a dazzling smile.
Those around him responded only with collective eye-rolls.
Hikaru then asked about the upcoming Trinity Gate Gathering. He learned that there was still time before it would begin.
Seizing the moment, Xu Xiang invited Hikaru to stay at a residence he arranged, and suggested they go together when the event started.
Pleased with Xu Xiang's attitude, Hikaru considered it and agreed.
Before leaving, he gave Xu Xiang a long, thoughtful look, as if peering deep into the man's heart.
Then he departed, accompanied by Feng Baobao and Zhang Chulan.
But after they left, a chill ran down Xu Xiang's back. Sweat dripped like cold rain.
He had arranged for Hikaru to stay with Zhang Chulan and Feng Baobao deliberately.
This way, someone who knew Feng Baobao's origins wouldn't easily leave his line of sight.
Of course, Hikaru's ability to protect Zhang Chulan was also a consideration—but the core purpose was to ensure he didn't leak Baobao's secret.
While Xu Xiang was deep in thought, a tidal wave of unbearable pain suddenly crashed over him—every cell in his body felt like it was being scorched by relentless fire.
He wanted to scream but was horrified to find he couldn't even make a sound. He could only suffer the agony in silence.
In his perception, time stretched and twisted under the weight of the pain—every second dragged like the turning of ancient clockwork.
He had no idea how long the torment lasted, only that he fought desperately to escape it.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, he broke free.
Gasping for breath, he felt like someone who had returned from the edge of death.
It left him shaken, the terror carved deep into his heart.
It was a long time before Xu Xiang fully calmed down.
And just as he did, he froze.
To his shock, the body that had been nearing death—ravaged by time—was now pulsing with renewed vitality.
He moved his limbs in disbelief, feeling the long-lost surge of youth and strength returning to him.
A smile slowly formed at the corners of his lips.
But it froze before it could fully bloom.
A realization dawned upon him:
The unbearable pain had been punishment—for scheming against Hikaru.
The restored vitality was his reward—for truthfully answering Hikaru's questions.
This kind of mystical, divine power made Hikaru's presence in his heart grow unimaginably tall.
He realized that this ability even exceeded what the old Celestial Master was capable of.
He had been lucky—if Hikaru weren't magnanimous, a man like him, who plotted in the shadows, might've died right then and there.
He understood his own trick was crude. But when it came to Feng Baobao, desperation had made him reckless.
Still, Hikaru's terrifying strength was oddly reassuring.
With such power, no one could force him to spill any secrets—so Feng Baobao's origin was safe.
Relieved at last, and thoroughly exhausted from the torment, Xu Xiang lay back in bed and soon drifted into deep sleep.
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Xu Si was driving Hikaru and the others to a house.
After handing them the key, he left with his usual nonchalance.
Just as they were about to enter and rest, Zhang Chulan scratched the back of his head and gave a sheepish grin.
"Bao'er-jie, Big Bro, I've got something to take care of real quick. I'll be right back!"
Seeing his expression, Hikaru instantly knew he wasn't telling the truth.
He raised a brow slightly, and with a flick of his senses, scanned the area.
Sure enough, not far away, someone radiating hostile intent was lurking—clearly waiting for someone.
But the hostility wasn't directed at him.
After all, he had just arrived in this world. Even if someone from Jia Family Village wanted revenge, it wouldn't happen this fast.
So he simply waved his hand and agreed to Zhang Chulan's request.
But Feng Baobao didn't approve.
After all, she had promised Zhang Huaiyi that she would protect Zhang Chulan.