Visit Elder Liu

'How nostalgic...'

Jo Yuan stood a few steps away from Elder Liu, an elderly man with wispy gray hair and a furrowed brow, examining a group of disciples practicing their forms. The elder's voice carried authority, yet his gaze seemed distant as if he were lost in his own thoughts.

"Why do they struggle so?" Elder Liu muttered, mostly to himself.

Jo Yuan couldn't help but smirk. He felt the familiar pull of nostalgia, a reminder of countless similar moments replayed in his mind when he killed this elder in front of him. Yet, he knew Elder Liu had no idea who he was. He was merely an observer—just another face in the crowd.

"Elder Liu," Jo Yuan began, his tone casual, almost indifferent. "Perhaps they need better guidance."

Elder Liu turned to him, a frown creasing his brow. "And who are you to offer advice?" There was a hint of gruff in his voice, but also a flicker of curiosity. Jo Yuan could see the wheels turning in the elder's mind, trying to place this stranger who spoke with such ease.

"I'm just someone who's seen a few things," Jo Yuan replied, keeping his voice level. It was easy to pretend he was indifferent, almost detached. After all, he had lived many lives; the mask of indifference was one he wore effortlessly. Inside, though, he felt the familiar ache of knowing he couldn't reveal his true nature.

Elder Liu studied him, the confusion etched on his face. "You speak as if you know me, yet I don't recall you. Have we met before?"

Jo Yuan shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "We've crossed paths in a way." He let the words hang, allowing the elder to fill the gaps with his imagination.

'Of course, you're the first one that killed me!' Jo Yuan couldn't help but recall how the Elder killed him twice.

One was through the sneak attack, and the other was through the technique of shattering palm.

Elder Liu narrowed his eyes. "A strange familiarity, indeed. You must be mistaken, for I do not forget faces easily."

That was true, Jo Yuan thought. "Perhaps I remind you of someone," he replied smoothly, keeping his gaze steady. It was an easy dance; he knew how to keep his secrets close.

As the elder returned to inspect the disciples, Jo Yuan's mind wandered to the deeper questions he carried. Why should he disclose his regression power? It would attract greed like moths to a flame. Sects, filled with ambition and power struggles, would see him as a threat or a tool to exploit. He couldn't risk that. Not yet.

"Your dantian," Elder Liu called, suddenly more focused. "Let me see your spiritual roots." The elder's hands hovered, then pressed gently against Jo Yuan's abdomen. There was a brief pause before the elder's eyes widened in disbelief, then narrowed in disdain.

"Nothing! You have no spiritual roots!" he exclaimed, disgust lacing his voice. "You're doomed to be an ordinary person."

'He won't suddenly attack this time, right? Why does this fucker hate people with no spiritual roots in the first place?'

Jo Yuan forced a smile, though he felt a flicker of irritation. How could Elder Liu be so blind? "It doesn't mean I can't find my own path," he replied calmly.

Elder Liu waved a dismissive hand, his face flushed with anger. "Without cultivation, there is no greatness. Do you understand? You must strive to transcend your limitations!"

"But what if one doesn't wish to follow that path?" Jo Yuan countered, crossing his arms. "You don't have spiritual roots either."

The elder's expression darkened. "That's irrelevant! My wisdom is worth more than mere talent! You should respect your elders!" His voice rose, echoing through the clearing, drawing the attention of nearby disciples.