Interesting. Was he someone who knew how to repay kindness, or was he just opportunistic, or even simply bribed to set a trap?
But regardless, Bai Yichen wouldn't easily trust a little beggar he had only met once.
Although he had given him alms that day, one must recognize that human hearts are treacherous and unpredictable. How many people who struggle in the mud can truly be said to know how to repay kindness?
Bai Yichen touched his brow; ever since entering the Innate stage and practicing Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement, his perception had become somewhat supernatural, as if he could sense autumn leaves falling and cicadas chirping before anyone else.
He continued walking toward the Zhang residence, but just before he reached the corner, he leaped and landed in a hidden spot beside the Zhang residence.
From the outside, everything seemed normal at the Zhang residence, but he soon fully activated the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method and keenly sensed some unrest in his heart.
Thus, without any thought of sneaking a peek, he turned around and left without hesitation.
No matter what traps you've set, Daoist, I will not enter; let's see how you deal with that!
Unfortunately, this was in the county city; had it been in a dilapidated temple in the wild, one fire would reduce all your scheming to ashes.
After turning away, Bai Yichen did not choose any inns within the city; instead, he used the credentials of the Xuanzhen Temple Daoist to check into a temple in town.
After leaving, Bai Yichen used his keen senses to find that little beggar again, wrote a letter, and instructed him to deliver it to the gatekeeper of the Zhang residence.
Rather than waiting passively, it was better to draw the snake out of its hole, using the information gap from his Innate realm to catch them off guard.
He had the little beggar deliver the letter before leaving and promised to show him a clear path when he returned to the temple. After completing this, Bai Yichen went to the temple to check in. After a bit of casual conversation, he comfortably settled down to cultivate while waiting for the right opportunity to arise.
...
"Daoist, I followed your instructions and delivered the letter to the gatekeeper of the Zhang family. I saw that the gatekeeper then went inside, and then..."
The little beggar, nicknamed "Dog Bastard," recounted the scene of delivering the letter.
Bai Yichen nodded slightly but first asked, "By the way, I still don't know your name. How old are you this year?"
"My name is Dog Bastard, the old beggar who raised me found me in a doghouse and gave me this cheap name. According to the year the old beggar picked me up, I'm about ten years old now."
As he spoke, Dog Bastard somewhat bashfully scratched his head.
Bai Yichen couldn't help but twitch slightly at the corners of his eyes; this name awakened long-buried memories.
Collecting his thoughts, Bai Yichen got to the point and asked, "How did you find out that the Zhang residence has changed?"
"Hehe, I overheard some vendors supplying vegetables and fruits to the wealthy households in the city these days. I heard that Wang Guan Shi, who has been purchasing goods for the Zhang residence for many years, suddenly seems different. He's no longer so stingy but has become quite generous. You should know that the copper coins saved by him were all his profit; if nothing was wrong, who would be willing to part with them?"
"Then I observed the Zhang residence a bit more and found that the gatekeeper has been replaced by a strange man," Dog Bastard proudly said.
Bai Yichen examined him from head to toe and remarked, "You are indeed a talent; being a beggar is a waste of your potential. Here's a letter of recommendation. You can take it to the Xuanzhen Temple on Qingkong Mountain in Qingzhou and join them. Just tell them it's from Daoist Shaochong."
Dog Bastard's eyes widened in disbelief at first, then he accepted the letter with joy and excitement.
His actions were naturally not solely for gratitude but because he was hoping for a reward; he hadn't expected such a great opportunity to come his way.
Knock, knock, knock!
He bowed repeatedly, showing a bit more sincerity.
Seeing he was about to knock his forehead to the ground and bleed, Bai Yichen hurriedly supported him with a hand, using a surge of internal energy to lift Dog Bastard back up.
Dog Bastard seemed enlightened and said, "In the past, I was saved and given a name by the old beggar; today, the Daoist has given me a new life. I hope the Daoist can give me a new name!"
Upon hearing this, Bai Yichen's previously suppressed thoughts arose again, and he couldn't help but feel a bit playful. "Then let's call you Po Tian (Breakthrough Sky), breaking through the barriers to be reborn."
"Thank you, Daoist!" Po Tian thanked repeatedly.
Afterward, Bai Yichen guided him on the route to the Xuanzhen Temple and told him to set off as soon as possible.
...
That night,
"Daoist Shaochong, can Feiyan come in?"
Suddenly, a soft knock echoed, as if afraid of disturbing others.
Originally sitting on the bed with his eyes slightly closed, seemingly dozing, Bai Yichen opened his eyes, chuckled softly, and said, "Come in."
Then, Zhang Feiyan hurriedly entered, quickly shutting the door behind her. This time, Zhang Laoye was not with her.
Bai Yichen feigned ignorance and asked, "Why has Miss Zhang come here late at night? Isn't that a bit inappropriate?"
Zhang Feiyan took off her cloak, revealing a pitifully delicate face, and replied, "Isn't it because of what you said in your letter during the day? The cultivation method has reached a crucial moment, and I need to delay the journey for a few days. I was quite worried and had no choice but to come at night to confirm with the Daoist."
As she spoke, her face turned slightly red, seemingly feeling a bit shy.
Bai Yichen instead let out a cold laugh and said, "Isn't it that Zhang Laoye is worried?"
Zhang Feiyan appeared to have her inner secret exposed, and she hurriedly shook her head, saying, "No, my father wouldn't dare not to trust the Daoist; it's just that I'm worried…"
At this point, Zhang Feiyan's eyes turned red, as if she had suffered some great grievance, evoking sympathy.
"Recently, those stepmothers of mine have truly gone too far…"
Hearing this, Bai Yichen's expression turned impatient as he said, "Your family matters are only overseen by Zhang Laoye. If it's only these matters, you can leave. I still need to meditate in peace."
With that, he waved his hand as if to send Zhang Feiyan out of the room.
Zhang Feiyan's face revealed clear surprise; for a moment, she was speechless. Fortunately, she reacted quickly and immediately pulled out a wooden brocade box from inside, from which a faint fragrance could still be discerned.
She spoke, "Daoist, these are the remaining ten pieces. Feiyan specially brought them to show her sincerity. I hope the Daoist will accept them; if they can aid in your cultivation breakthroughs, then Feiyan's efforts won't be in vain."
Her expression seemed to convey the difficulty of bringing this pill from home. Coupled with her disheveled appearance after taking out the brocade box, the scene was truly captivating.
However, having reached the second level of the Sitting and Forgetting Heart Refinement method, Bai Yichen had long been able to maintain his composure and remain unaffected. Furthermore, with his current full concentration, he was even more perceptive.
He watched as Zhang Feiyan stepped closer, her clothing becoming looser, raising her hand to present the brocade box to him.
Seeing the Astragalus and Earth Pill inside, Bai Yichen's expression brightened slightly as he reached for the brocade box, preparing to open it.