What's Wrong With You? . . .
Guan Lingxiao intercepted Cha Eun Xiao, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Can't you cease providing me with the names of those dreadful individuals? Do you know anyone more ordinary? Someone less intimidating?"
Cha Eun Xiao simply raised his shoulders and responded, "No..."
He was aware of a less formidable figure, Bing Xinyue, but he feigned ignorance of anyone like her.
Guan Lingxiao exhaled deeply, causing the roadside grass to sway in response to his protracted breath. He remarked, "Now I believe you're truly a novice in the martial world. You possess scant knowledge..."
Cha Eun Xiao found this sudden proclamation surprising.
[That was rather easy... I wonder how you came to such a conclusion...]
"Young Brother, listen to me. I am Guan Lingxiao, also known as Half Sky!" Guan Lingxiao emphasized this fact, wanting to ensure that the young man was undoubtedly a novice in the realm.
Suddenly, he felt more confident than he ought to be, displaying a sense of self-assuredness as he offered life-saving advice. "The first thing you must bear in mind in the martial world is that you should remember the names of all superior cultivators you come across, even if you've only heard of their names. These names may come in handy one day to extricate yourself from perilous situations. Do you comprehend? It's enlightening, don't you think?"
Cha Eun Xiao nodded and agreed, "Indeed. Enlightening."
Guan Lingxiao chuckled with satisfaction. "Very well! This young man is worth instructing. Now, do you remember me?"
Cha Eun Xiao blankly stared for a moment before nodding. "Yes, absolutely! How could I ever forget you?"
Although the term "absolutely" was an exaggeration, he genuinely meant that he wouldn't forget such an eccentric character. In truth, he wouldn't be able to forget this man for a long, long time.
It was hard to forget someone as comical as him.
Guan Lingxiao laughed heartily and proceeded to discuss numerous martial world stories while offering Cha Eun Xiao advice. Eventually, he inquired, "Where are you headed?"
Cha Eun Xiao gazed at the tall, robust man before him. This individual exuded an aura of power, strength, and greatness. He couldn't believe that such an imposing figure was a chatterbox.
A completely superior chatterbox.
Cha Eun Xiao was tempted to ask, "Do you believe your powerful physique is deserving of the gifts bestowed upon you by nature? You possess a body that all men covet, yet you have the loquaciousness of a nagging woman!"
However, he refrained from posing this question. He didn't dare to.
He could sense the man's cultivation level, which was certainly higher than his own. If he inconsiderately asked such an impolite question, he might be beaten to death. That would be an unwise course of action.
"Brother Guan, I am new to the martial world and have only just begun learning. May I inquire about your cultivation level, given your prestigious title? At what level are you?" Cha Eun Xiao inquired humbly.
Guan Lingxiao strolled beside his pony, exuding an air of pretentiousness, and answered blandly, "I am merely a few years your senior, so naturally, I should be somewhat stronger. I am currently at the ninth level of Dream Origin Stage. I am just one step away from reaching Dao Origin Stage. It's nothing to write home about."
While Cha Eun Xiao remained mounted on his pony, Guan Lingxiao's imposing stature kept him nearly a head above. He strode forward confidently, keeping pace with the pony.
"One step from Dao Origin Stage. Impressive," Cha Eun Xiao remarked.
[Level nine of Dream Origin Stage? Not even the peak of level nine? And you call that one step away from Dao Origin Stage... Why pretend to be something you're not? Besides, even if you were at the Dao Origin Stage, is it truly something to boast about?]
"Heh, heh. I'm honored. Many people in Qing-Yun Realm are at higher levels than me," Guan Lingxiao said with a hint of arrogance. "But, at the very least, I'm considered one of the influential figures in this world."
"How remarkable," Cha Eun Xiao insincerely praised.
Guan Lingxiao laughed and continued, "You and I met because of a song. When I first laid eyes on you, Younger Brother, I felt like we've known each other for a long time. I don't have many other advantages, but I'm skilled at making friends. I particularly enjoy helping newcomers in the martial world. I can be quite soft-hearted at times... Heh, heh..."
Cha Eun Xiao nodded. "You're very kind, Brother Guan."
He was well aware of the truth.
Guan Lingxiao was a braggart who reveled in showing off, especially to newcomers. He wasn't as powerful as he made himself out to be.
At times, he wasn't lying when he claimed to enjoy assisting newcomers. It provided him with the chance to exhibit his strength.
"When you're new to the martial world, it's best to find some companions," Guan Lingxiao advised. "Having experienced companions early on will significantly improve your safety. Sadly, there aren't many kind-hearted individuals in this realm, so when you come across one, cherish them."
"Hmm, that's a wise suggestion. Thank you, Brother Guan," Cha Eun Xiao replied, suppressing a laugh.
"Listen, when you meet someone like that, be careful about your approach," Guan Lingxiao lectured earnestly. "Never break their trust. Provoking a person with a warm heart is definitely unwise. For example, you can show your appreciation by offering some money for their assistance. It will be mutually beneficial on your journey."
Cha Eun Xiao understood what Guan Lingxiao was insinuating. He took out several spiritual stones and said, "You're absolutely right. Brother Guan, here are a few stones. Please accept them."
"What do you think you're doing? Do you believe I'm that type of person?" Guan Lingxiao glared at Cha Eun Xiao. "What's wrong with you? Do you think I'm asking for something from you?"
[Come on, Big Brother! It's obvious you are! What else could it be? Don't you want both of us to feel better?]
[Just take the stones, and we can both navigate this elaborate charade! Must you be so dramatic?]