After their sparring match concluded, Xiahou prepared to take his leave. But before departing, he fixed Shanks with an intense stare and declared:
"Brother Shanks, until we meet again—I will challenge you once more."
Shanks could only shake his head helplessly. I'm not even from your world. Who knows when that might happen?
Once the rain stopped, Gustave and his companions followed Ning Caichen toward Guobei County.
"Is this what a human town looks like in your world?" Shanks asked, studying the distant walls and rooftops.
"Actually, in this world we call them counties or cities, not town," Gustave corrected gently.
"Ah, got it—cities!"
With that small cultural lesson complete, the group entered Guobei County proper.
Shanks' distinctive red hair and foreign features immediately drew stares from every passerby. Unfortunately, their conspicuous appearance also attracted less welcome attention.
A group of official bailiffs approached with obvious hostile intent, their leader stepping directly into Gustave's path.
"The county magistrate received reports that one of you four is a wanted criminal," the man announced with bureaucratic authority.
"Sir, we're all law-abiding citizens," Ning Caichen stammered, quickly moving in front of Gustave with a nervous smile. "How could we possibly be harboring fugitives?"
"You look like a criminal to me!" the bailiff snarled, reaching to grab Ning Caichen by the collar.
"Perhaps you should examine your evidence more carefully," Gustave suggested with deceptive mildness, catching the bailiff's wrist in an iron grip. "Wouldn't want to arrest the wrong person, would you?"
Though Gustave's smile remained pleasant, the bailiff suddenly felt crushing pressure that made his knees weak.
"Wang Wu! Show us that wanted poster!" the leader barked, his voice cracking slightly.
"Right away, boss!" The subordinate bailiff quickly produced a folded paper, though he seemed confused by his superior's sudden change in demeanor.
Wang Wu held the portrait up to Ning Caichen's face, comparing features carefully. "Boss... this definitely isn't the same person."
"Then we're leaving!" the head bailiff announced with forced bluster before leading his men away in obvious haste.
"Thank you for saving me, Brother Gustave," Ning Caichen breathed with relief, wiping cold sweat from his brow. "I was terrified when he said I looked like a wanted criminal."
"Think nothing of it," Gustave replied with casual dismissal. "Minor bureaucratic bullying, nothing more."
Meanwhile, as the bailiffs retreated:
"Boss, normally you'd beat someone senseless even if we had the wrong guy," Wang Wu observed with confusion. "Why were you so reasonable today?"
"Can't a man just be in a good mood?" his superior snapped, hoping his subordinate wouldn't notice the damp patch on his trousers where fear had taken its toll.
After asking directions from locals, Ning Caichen located his target debtor—a restaurant owner who owed money to his employer.
The man initially tried to deny the debt completely, refusing to acknowledge the account book's evidence. Fortunately, Gustave stepped forward for a private conversation, explaining the situation in compelling detail. The restaurant owner immediately recognized his error, broke down in tears of remorse, and settled the account immediately.
"Brother Gustave, I can't thank you enough!" Ning Caichen practically glowed with gratitude. "Without your help, I wouldn't have known what to do! Once I deliver this payment to my employer and collect my wages, I'll find a proper way to repay you!"
He looked ready to drop to his knees in formal thanks before Gustave quickly stopped him.
Ning Caichen had planned to secure lodging for all four men at one of the county's inns, but every establishment they approached refused their business without explanation.
"This is strange," the scholar muttered with growing bewilderment. "Why would innkeepers turn away paying customers?"
Because you've made enemies of the local authorities, Gustave thought with amusement, but simply patted Ning Caichen's shoulder consolingly. "Don't worry about it. We'll find somewhere else to stay."
"Excuse me, are you gentlemen looking for accommodation?" A shifty-eyed man materialized beside them with practiced stealth.
"Do you know of any available rooms?" Ning Caichen asked with renewed hope.
"There's an old temple called Lanruo just outside the city walls," the stranger replied. "Lanruo Temple is somewhat run-down, but it still provides shelter from wind and rain."
"Lanruo Temple?" Fahai's interest sharpened immediately. "A Buddhist temple in this area? As a monk, I should certainly pay my respects."
"Then Lanruo Temple it is," Gustave declared with barely concealed anticipation. The plot was finally beginning.
After obtaining directions to the temple, all four men departed Guobei County as evening shadows lengthened.
By the time they reached Lanruo Temple, full darkness had fallen. During their journey, a pack of wolves had attempted an ambush, but one look from Gustave sent the entire pack fleeing with whimpers of terror.
"Lanruo Temple," Fahai read aloud from the weathered plaque above the entrance.
The monk studied the dilapidated structure while his spiritual senses detected the faint but unmistakable presence of evil energy within. His eyes narrowed to calculating slits.
Suddenly, the sound of combat erupted from inside the temple. One of the voices was familiar—Xiahou, the swordsman who'd challenged Shanks earlier that day.
The four men entered immediately, discovering Xiahou locked in fierce battle with a bearded warrior of impressive skill. After only a few exchanges, the bearded man's blade found its mark, leaving Xiahou clutching a bleeding wound.
"Excellent as always, Yan Chixia," Xiahou declared with grudging respect. "We've known each other seven years. I've been chasing you for seven years and losing for seven years. Today I lose again. But I'll continue training until the day I can finally defeat you!"
"You stubborn fool," Yan Chixia replied with obvious exasperation. "After seven years, you still don't understand."
The legendary demon hunter had clearly grown tired of their eternal rivalry. "If you truly want to surpass me, abandon this obsession with victory and find somewhere to cultivate inner peace."
"Inner peace? Impossible!" Xiahou shook his head vehemently. "Today I lost to both you and Brother Shanks. How can I possibly let go of my determination to win?"
Both fighters had noticed the four newcomers upon their arrival, but the intensity of their duel had prevented conversation until now.
Yan Chixia began studying Shanks with professional interest, clearly evaluating the foreigner who'd apparently defeated his persistent challenger.
"Farewell!" Xiahou announced abruptly, departing as suddenly as he'd appeared.
"What brings the four of you to Lanruo Temple?" Yan Chixia asked coldly, sheathing his sword with practiced efficiency.
"Is it not natural for a monk to enter a temple and pay respects to Buddha?" Fahai replied smoothly before Ning Caichen could speak.
"Do as you wish," Yan Chixia said with a dismissive shrug. "But I'll warn you once—this temple is not safe."
With that cryptic statement, he walked to a nearby fire and settled into meditation posture.
"Master Fahai? Brother Gustave? Brother Shanks?" Ning Caichen's voice carried obvious nervousness as he turned to his protectors for guidance.
"Brother Ning, remember what I told you this afternoon?" Gustave replied, patting the scholar's shoulder encouragingly. "Stand tall and show courage. Besides, we'll handle any problems that arise."
He gathered some scattered wood and casually sparked it with electrical energy from his fingertips, creating an instant campfire.
Yan Chixia observed this display with sharp attention. It seems we have a true master among us, he thought with grudging respect.