This time, coming to Ohno Temple, Xu Fan has made up his mind to ask these ancient cultivators about the causes and effects of the matter.

Whether they are willing or not.

He has promised those little girls to help them in finding Asao Mai.

Now that the clues have run out, there's only this one way to seek leads from them, and they're unwilling?

Xu Fan doesn't mind fighting until they agree!

After dropping his words, Xu Fan now holds his spiritual-energy longsword, ready to take action against Kato Bear!

"Stop!"

However, before the two could fight, a vigorous shout echoed from within Ohno Temple!

This voice was even more powerful than Kato Bear's earlier!

Surely someone of higher status exists within Ohno Temple than Kato Bear!

This commanding voice was not only directed at Xu Fan, but also caused Kato Bear to halt his actions.

"Senior Brother, why do you want us to stop!"

He looked towards the hall with an expression of defiance.

He had always been hot-tempered and had planned to fight this young man! Even if it was his senior brother stopping him, he still showed his displeasure.

Was his senior brother worried he couldn't win against this guy?

"Senior Brother, although this kid has some skills, he's not my match, Kato Bear!"

"Just wait a moment, and I'll bring this guy to the hall!"

Feeling increasingly indignant, Kato Bear shouted towards the hall and planned to continue.

"I told you to stop, do you not understand?"

Yet the person in the hall did not intend to agree!

Now there was anger in the voice, once more stopping Kato Bear.

"Invite the young man inside!"

"....."

Upon hearing the plea in his senior brother's voice, Kato Bear couldn't help but clench his fists.

His senior brother seemed to be supporting an outsider over him?

Kato Bear was quite unhappy!

But his anger couldn't defeat reason.

Kato Bear fiercely glared at Xu Fan, then grunted, "Follow me."

Seeing Kato Bear turn around angrily and walk towards the hall, Xu Fan wrinkled his brow but soon followed.

He believed the person who stopped Kato Bear earlier held a significant position among these ancient cultivators.

Xu Fan was quite puzzled as to why this guy would help him.

Clearly, he could have ordered Kato Bear to go all out or even have personally come out to join forces with Kato Bear.

In this world, there's no such thing as doing good without a reason, who knows what this guy's real purpose in inviting him might be.

Xu Fan inwardly raised his guard, not wanting to be tricked once he followed this guy into the hall.

Before long, under Kato Bear's lead, Xu Fan entered the main hall of Ohno Temple.

Inside the hall, in front of the golden Buddha statue, stood a man with his hands behind his back, facing away from Xu Fan, likely the one who had stopped Kato Bear.

"Senior Brother, I've brought the person."

Kato Bear walked to the person's side and reminded gently.

"Alright, you may leave. I have some matters to discuss with him."

"....."

It seemed matters to be discussed next weren't suitable for Kato Bear to hear, as he received an order to leave, his eyes reflecting momentary discontent.

"Yes, Senior Brother, I understand."

But soon enough, he accepted.

He cast a cold glance at Xu Fan, then walked out of the hall.

Before leaving, he did not forget to close the hall doors.

Instantly, only Xu Fan and this fellow were left in the hall, and Xu Fan still hadn't seen the fellow's face. Looking at the person's back, Xu Fan smiled, "Your style is rather different from theirs."

By now, even a fool could see the status this guy held among the ancient cultivators.

Encountering outsiders, these ancient cultivators harbored unconditional hostility, yet the leader among them was completely different. How could Xu Fan not find it odd?

"Haha, times have changed, people indeed need to adapt a bit."

At this moment, the other turned around.

Judging by his age, he wouldn't be considered old, perhaps around fifty or so.

At this age, able to become a leader among skilled ancient cultivators, his cultivation level must not be low.

Xu Fan instinctively examined him closely.

For some reason, he felt this guy seemed familiar.

As if they had met somewhere before...

"Earlier you mentioned sitting down to talk; Xu Fan, now I'll fulfill your wish. Let's sit down and have a good conversation."

Compared to Xu Fan's scrutiny, this fellow appeared much calmer.

The eyes he used to glance at Xu Fan seemed like they were acquainted long before.

With a smile, he greeted Xu Fan and walked over to the guests' table inside the hall.

"This..."

Watching him walk aside, Xu Fan's eyes flashed a hint of surprise.

How did this man know his name?

As far as he knew, it wasn't until now that he'd truly been acknowledged by the ancient cultivators.

He had no logical reason to know his information.

Just who is this guy?

Xu Fan's curiosity intensified, forcing himself to follow the man despite his confusion.

Shortly, he sat across from the man.

The man calmly fiddled with the teaware on the table, saying, "You must be curious about how I know you."

Clearly, he had spotted the confusion in Xu Fan's heart.

"Indeed, compared to martial artists who previously invaded Ancient Nara, your cultivation level is much higher."

"You successfully avoided our surveillance, but for some reason, I still found you."

Speaking freely, the man handed Xu Fan the brewed tea with a smile, "Xu Fan, I know why you've come, and I understand what you want to know."

"I can tell you all of that."

Before entering the hall, Xu Fan hadn't expected this man to say such things to him.

Looking at the man's friendly smile, he felt increasingly peculiar.

They held no familial ties; he had no reason to offer unconditional help.

What kind of tricks were being played here?

"Haha, are you so kind-hearted?"

Not worrying if there were tricks in the tea, Xu Fan took a small sip and asked.

"It's quite simple; we ancient cultivators now face a major problem."

"This problem, we can't solve on our own, we need your help."

"So, I must abandon the old rules of the ancient cultivators to work with you. You help us, we help you, mutual benefit, huh?"

Mutual benefit?

Xu Fan vaguely guessed the trouble this man referred to.

Mostly likely it involved the person who kidnapped Asao Mai, but did he really need Xu Fan's help?

His prowess was not below Xu Fan's; more importantly, Ancient Nara was his territory. With so many subordinates, how could they lack just one Xu Fan?

There must be some hidden agenda he didn't want Xu Fan to know!

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