Chapter 388: Chapter 388

As for how long those flowers and grasses could survive, it was unimportant; a scene had to be set.

Even thinking that a sword cultivator expert might come, Yu Ziqing had flattened a piece of land next to him, summoned some hungry ghosts, and had a small courtyard built with a stone table and stone benches.

That sword cultivator could follow Feng Buju without being detected by him.

Yu Ziqing did not believe that guy would be unaware of the ice coffin being moved and would certainly be able to track it afterwards.

It's all about the scene; I'll finish it for you first, no matter what, making sure you can't find any fault.

After completing these tasks, Yu Ziqing offered incense and set up offerings.

"This is a ritual from my hometown, I hope you like it. Rest well, I'll leave first."

Yu Ziqing left and secretly instructed the hungry ghosts in the southern locust forest.

If there's nothing to do, don't come out. If someone comes, unless they are attacking Jinlan Mountain, ignore them entirely. Even if they dig up the ice coffin, all of you act as if you know nothing.

Having done everything, Yu Ziqing leisurely returned to Jinlan Mountain.

Yu Ziqing had just left for the time it takes two incense sticks to burn when a beam of light appeared in the air, which slowly expanded to form a figure about three meters tall, and slowly expanded further until a handsome middle-aged man with slightly gray temples and two swords on his back walked out from within.

He looked at the unmarked tombstone, his expression somewhat trance-like.

Step by step, he walked to the front of the tomb, like a stone statue, standing quietly without moving.

Yu Ziqing had not yet left the locust forest when he heard the secretly reporting hungry ghosts that a man carrying two swords had come and was staring blankly in front of the tomb.

Yu Ziqing chuckled, instructing the hungry ghosts to stay hidden and not to mind anything.

He just knew that the guy couldn't possibly be unaware and was most likely watching secretly all along.

The words of Feng Buju were not meant for him, but for that sword cultivator to hear.

If the sword cultivator wanted to dig it up, then let him dig it up; it didn't matter.

He'd better scram quickly.

Yu Ziqing wished to recruit some experts to guard the outskirts of Jinlan Mountain.

But they had to be like You Zhen – amiable and calculative experts.

Yu Ziqing didn't really welcome those without a clear understanding.

Coming to the vicinity of Jinlan Mountain without first paying a visit to the mountain gate shows no manners at all.

He'd rather form a good relationship with the female Ba.

Yu Ziqing secretly slandered, while outside the locust forest, the sword cultivator stood for a while and then turned to face the locust forest, making a sword gesture with one hand and nodding slightly.

"I'm Han Dong, specifically here to visit and express my thanks."

Hearing the message from the hungry ghosts, Yu Ziqing sighed softly; it seems he had to return.

Emerging from the locust forest, seeing the weathered face and slightly gray temples of that handsome middle-aged man, Yu Ziqing was certain that, at least, the female Ba's aesthetic was still consistent with humans.

"Thank you for providing a place for my wife to settle in; I'm much obliged." Han Dong bowed deeply, his face earnest and demeanor calm—not at all an arrogant man.

"Er, aren't you taking her with you?" Yu Ziqing was somewhat taken aback.

The guy seemed quite polite.

"No, the Feng Family Master had already informed me, and I'm not stupid."

Han Dong, seeing Yu Ziqing's expression, probably understood why.

He turned his head to look at the two swords on his back and quietly said.

"I haven't drawn my sword for a thousand years."

"Wasn't it you who caused the magma well connected to the undersea ley lines?"

"No, I've been at sea for many years. I hurried back as soon as I realized there was a change in the seal on the ice coffin."

Yu Ziqing furrowed his brows.

It wasn't Han Dong's doing?

If not him, then who? Who would take the trouble to go to that place and create a deep hole, drawing out the Earth Fire Magma from underneath?

Yet looking at Han Dong, Yu Ziqing felt he did not seem like the type to lose his brains over love.

"I've inspected the place; it wasn't the work of a sword cultivator. It merely looked like the work of one. There were no remnants of Sword Intent or Sword Qi, likely just a Magical Treasure."

"Regardless, I am deeply grateful to you and to the Feng Family Master."

"There's no need for thanks; I am just fulfilling someone's request, a loyal act."

"I have a favor to ask of you, and hope you will grant it." Han Dong clasped his hands and performed a long, formal bow, the utmost seriousness in his gesture.

"I wish to stay here to guard this place; I dare not venture out anymore and hope you will permit it."

After Han Dong spoke, his shoulders trembled slightly, and the two unsheathed swords, along with their scabbards, flew out and landed quietly at the edge of the locust forest, buried in the ground.

This was the rule among sword cultivators, to disarm when demonstrating no malice and while asking a favor, to show sincerity.

However, much like many sword cultivators, there are also rules about never separating from their swords, and perishing alongside their swords.

Yu Ziqing glanced at the two swords and shook his head.

"That's not necessary, if you want to guard, then guard, but..."

"I understand the rules: no peeping, no rash actions." Han Dong nodded, extended his right hand's index and middle fingers, and, with a movement of Sword Qi, blinded himself on the spot.

Yu Ziqing jumped in fright and hurriedly said.

"That's really not necessary, truly not necessary."

He hadn't expected this guy to be so extreme.

Han Dong took out a black cloth, covered his eyes, his expression calm, and his speech earnest.

"It is very necessary. I arrived unannounced, intruded upon your land, and even glimpsed inside once."

"You kindly allowed my wife to recuperate here, which I greatly appreciate. I have nothing with which to repay."

"I can only apologize first to express my regret, and as for the favor, I will repay it in the future."