10

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over the Meng nation's forests, Xiao Lin pulled his robe tightly around him, the evening chill beginning to set in. His sharp eyes darted to the group of young women standing awkwardly nearby, clearly out of place in the wilderness.

The tension was broken by the tentative voice of a female disciple.

Female Disciple 1: "We didn't mean to see your... upper body while hiding. We weren't—"

Li Bingbing: Cough, cough.

The other disciples quickly fell silent at her signal, their faces turning red with embarrassment as Xiao Lin continued dressing, unfazed by the situation.

Xiao Lin: "You should leave before darkness fully descends. The Meng nation isn't safe these days, especially for those unfamiliar with the land. If you move quickly, you'll reach the nearest inn within an hour. Staying here longer will only draw attention from the wrong people."

Without waiting for a reply, Xiao Lin began walking toward the inn, his steps measured, as if the conversation had already ended.

Li Bingbing: "Senior, I haven't heard your name yet."

Without turning, Xiao Lin called back over his shoulder.

Xiao Lin: "Just Lin. I've no need for a family name anymore. Forget about it."

Li Bingbing: "Can we come with you? We've lost our way and can't recall the route."

Xiao Lin paused briefly but didn't look back. "Are you wasting time again?"

The disciples exchanged glances and quickly followed at a respectful distance.

As they walked, whispers began to flutter through the group.

Female Disciple 1: "Young Lady, are you sure we should follow this stranger? He doesn't seem much older than us. Why did you call him 'senior'?"

Li Bingbing: "Do you have any other ideas? We got lost because of you. He doesn't seem dangerous, and I called him senior because of his strength. What do you think, Li Qin?"

Li Qin: "I agree. He didn't care that we saw him earlier, and he hasn't shown any interest in us, so he's probably trustworthy."

Li Bingbing: "Then let's follow him. But be cautious."

They continued in silence for a few minutes before Li Qin broke the quiet.

Li Qin: "Sister... do you think he's married?"

Her question shocked the group, especially coming from Li Qin, who had never expressed interest in men before.

Li Bingbing: "Why are you asking? He's traveling alone, which suggests otherwise. He may be from a noble family, hence the secrecy about his surname."

Li Qin: "That could be, but... should we ask him directly?"

Female Disciple 2: "Why not? It's a harmless question."

Before Li Bingbing could stop her, Li Qin called out, her voice curious but determined.

Li Qin: "Senior Lin! Are you married?"

Xiao Lin stopped in his tracks, clearly surprised by the question. His expression showed a mix of amusement and disbelief as he turned to face them.

Xiao Lin: "We've only just met, and you're already asking about my personal life?"

Li Bingbing immediately stepped forward, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Li Bingbing: "Senior, please forgive her. They were just curious. We didn't mean to be rude."

Xiao Lin waved off the apology with a slight smile. "It's fine. The question didn't offend me—it's just surprising."

Li Qin: "So... are you married?"

This time, Xiao Lin's smile softened, though there was an edge of sorrow in his eyes.

Xiao Lin: "Yes. I am married."

The disciples exchanged shocked glances. Li Qin's usually sharp eyes seemed to darken at his response.

Li Qin: "Then why are you traveling alone?"

Xiao Lin's expression turned unreadable. "That... is a secret."

Sensing the tension, Li Bingbing quickly steered the conversation back to safer territory.

Li Bingbing: "We're sorry again, Senior. We've asked too many questions."

Xiao Lin merely nodded, continuing his path toward the inn. The disciples, now more subdued, followed him in silence.

When they reached the inn an hour later, Xiao Lin turned to them one last time.

Xiao Lin: "Take care. The Meng nation is dangerous these days. Stay cautious."

Ice Sect Disciples: "Thank you, Senior."

Xiao Lin gave a curt nod, walking into the inn without looking back, finding his usual corner seat for a quiet meal.

As the disciples settled down for their dinner, whispers of a nearby conversation caught their attention.

Customer 1: "Did you hear? The Soul Sect was attacked today. Wiped out entirely by some mysterious figure."

Customer 2: "That's the fourth major incident recently. Something's brewing in the Meng nation."

Customer 3: "Careful what you say. We don't know who's listening."

Li Bingbing's heart raced as she glanced over at Xiao Lin, still eating in the corner, seemingly unaffected by the news.

Later, as they prepared to retire for the night, Li Bingbing couldn't shake her unease.

Li Bingbing: "Now I understand why Master warned us to be careful. The Meng nation is in turmoil."

Li Qin: "But Senior Lin doesn't seem worried. Doesn't he care about these incidents?"

Li Bingbing: "He's strong—people like him don't fear these things. I wonder how he became so skilled at such a young age."

Li Qin: "Talent, perhaps."

Li Bingbing: "But why haven't we heard of him? He should be famous if he's that powerful."

Li Qin fell silent, contemplating Xiao Lin's secretive nature. A part of her couldn't help but feel drawn to the mystery surrounding him.

The next morning, Xiao Lin awoke at dawn, as was his habit. After a quick breakfast, he began his journey toward the Elephant Sect, his mind focused on his next target. The sect was known for its formidable defense, with disciples who hardened their bodies like stone. Facing them would be a true test of his swordsmanship.

As he walked, he mulled over his plans for their destruction.

"I can't confront them head-on. Their defenses are too strong. Perhaps I should weaken them from within, like I did with the Soul Sect."

His thoughts were interrupted by the soft voice of Li Bingbing.

Li Bingbing: "Senior Lin, we're leaving for our sect. We wanted to thank you again for your help."

Xiao Lin smiled briefly, his eyes softening.

Xiao Lin: "Stay safe. Don't get involved in any conflicts while traveling through Meng—it's too dangerous. Good luck with your journey."

Li Bingbing nodded. "You too, Senior."

As the Ice Sect disciples departed, Xiao Lin resumed his path, deep in thought.

"How do I take down the Elephant Sect? Poison? No, I lack the skills. Fire could work, but it would drain my strength... There must be another way."

He glanced up at the sky, the full moon from the previous night still fresh in his memory. It was time for his next move—one that would further his path of vengeance and bring him closer to his ultimate goal.