After understanding the master's consciousness, Wang Xuan got up to leave. Having just shed a layer of skin, he felt a bit disgusted with himself for not washing off properly.
When Wang Xuan re-entered the ward, he found Old Chen glowing with vitality, even checking himself in the mirror and using a comb to tidy up his already short hair.
"What's going on?" Wang Xuan asked Qingmu.
Qingmu's expression was peculiar. "A distinguished guest is coming."
Wang Xuan immediately understood, laughing, "Old flame!" Just then, Old Chen's comb flew through the air, nearly hitting his forehead.
Not long after, a spaceship landed on the manor's helipad, and Qingmu rushed out to greet the visitor.
Only one woman accompanied by Qingmu entered the ward; she waved everyone else away, asking the staff to take them for dinner.
Wang Xuan quickly greeted her politely, surprised to find that she appeared to be only in her mid-thirties, much younger than he had imagined. Though in middle age, she exuded a mature beauty that was still captivating.
Old flame didn't seem old at all—she was nearly twenty years younger than Old Chen.
Wang Xuan glanced at Old Chen with a strange look. What kind of person is Old Chen? He quickly understood the implication: Old Chen, I didn't expect you to be this kind of person!
Instantly, Old Chen seemed ready to lecture Master Wang on being a decent person.
"I'm the same age as Old Chen," the mature woman said with a smile, incredibly perceptive, instantly catching their exchanged looks.
"Wow, you're really young!" Wang Xuan sincerely praised her, seriously doubting that Old Chen had appeared older because of his old flame's influence.
Old Chen introduced her as Guan Lin, a close friend of his for thirty years, who had come to take him to Beijing for recovery.
Guan Lin was to attend the memorial for the leading figure in the New Technique realm, Oleshah, the next morning, otherwise, she would have left tonight.
Qingmu quietly informed Wang Xuan that the exploration organization had encountered many bizarre places, and Old Chen had once ventured into a treacherous area to fetch a rare flower documented in ancient texts for Guan Lin, which was why she didn't seem to age.
Wang Xuan was amazed; Qingmu's description suggested that entering that treacherous place was a near-death experience, and Old Chen had willingly gone to such lengths for a woman, indicating a close relationship. He couldn't help but ask further.
Qingmu shook his head, whispering, "My master has remained single; Sister Guan has probably never married either. The past is quite complex."
He didn't elaborate, and Wang Xuan didn't press further, sensing there was a story behind it.
Guan Lin asked, "Little Qing, is anyone going to pay their respects to Oleshah at the memorial tomorrow? After all, it's in your territory; it'd be nice to send a floral tribute."
"Little Qing?" Wang Xuan wanted to laugh and turned to look at Qingmu, only to find him quite composed, having already adapted to the title.
Wang Xuan suddenly thought this woman appeared gentle but was likely quite formidable, advocating for Old Chen and Qingmu, needing to convey a proper stance to certain people.
Today, some were pressuring Qingmu, wanting him to pay with his life, but it was Guan Lin who had countered their demands. Allowing someone from The Old Technique realm to attend the memorial showcased her authority and indicated potential underlying tensions.
Qingmu laughed awkwardly. "My master wants me to send a floral tribute to Oleshah."
Guan Lin shook her head. "It's too late. Let Little Wang go tomorrow; I'll be attending as well, and it'll be fine."
Old Chen frowned. "Isn't there a master level expert attending?"
"No," Guan Lin replied, shaking her head. "Recently, master level experts from the New Technique realm have been dropping like flies. They don't dare easily step into the Old Soil for fear of trouble."
"Then it's settled." Old Chen smiled lightly.
Upon hearing this, Guan Lin looked at Wang Xuan in surprise, instantly realizing something.
The next morning, after washing up and having breakfast, Wang Xuan wrapped his hands in gauze, then boarded a special vehicle prepared by Qingmu, heading towards a funeral home in Ancheng.
"How interesting, someone from The Old Technique realm is here too!" Someone recognized Wang Xuan as he got out of the vehicle, showing an unexpected expression. After all, he had made quite an impression during the rain-soaked battle.
Upon arriving at the funeral home, he saw many familiar faces, as everyone had moved from the manor here.
Old Wu, dressed in black, spotted Wang Xuan as he got out and quickly approached him. "Little Wang, what brings you here?"
"Paying respects to Old O, since he's passed, I figured I'd let it go," Wang Xuan remarked.
Old Wu was speechless—was this really something you let go of? It was the New Technique realm folks who were concerned!
"Little Wang, don't say such things! I worry someone might take issue with you later!" Wu Yin walked over quickly, dressed in black formal attire that appeared stunningly elegant in the solemn setting, her curves hard to hide.
"Mr. Zhong Yong from the super-rich clan actually penned a tribute, which has been sent over," someone exclaimed from afar.
Upon hearing this, Old Wu immediately scoffed. "I bet that tribute was originally written for Old Chen, but since Old Chen is too strong, Mr. Zhong simply redirected it to Oleshah."
"We're off to see some old friends. Little Wang, let's chat later," Old Wu said, taking Wu Yin away to meet some acquaintances from the wealthy families.
On the way, Old Wu whispered to his niece, "I have a feeling that Little Wang's fearlessness in coming here isn't just due to his own breakthroughs. He might not be afraid of the New Technique realm masters targeting him because someone is backing him, indicating a firm stance to the relevant parties."
He then added, "You need to act quickly; that mysterious land won't wait for anyone. Little Wang isn't bad; if he sees you as a confidante, he'll likely help us."
"Uncle, what are you implying?!"
Oleshah's influence was indeed significant, and many distinguished guests had arrived today.
Not far away, Zhong Cheng, bandaged up, followed his sister Zhong Qing closely. He noticed Wang Xuan right away and whispered, "Sister, did you see? Old Wu and Sister Wu just now were clearly trying to win over Old Wang. You need to act quickly."
Zhong Qing shot him a glance but didn't respond.
Zhong Cheng said softly, "With your abilities, it shouldn't be difficult for him to think of you as his woman of one's heart. Let me go greet him first; you can come over later."
Then, Zhong Cheng ran over, calling out from a distance, "Brother Wang!"
Wang Xuan turned and smiled upon seeing him, wondering what was going on as Zhong Cheng's head was bandaged, and his arm was also wrapped up.
"Did you injure your bones?" he asked with concern.
"Brother Wang, shhh!" Zhong Cheng looked anxious; his sister was not far away, and if she heard any nonsense, his legs would probably be in a cast tomorrow.
"Didn't expect your sister to look gentle and sweet but strike hard," Wang Xuan remarked.
"Brother Wang, my sister actually wants to talk to you," Zhong Cheng said with a bright smile.
Wang Xuan was taken aback and asked, "Did she bring any scriptures?"
Zhong Cheng was stunned. Is Old Wang really this realistic?!