Mo Huai’an was about sixteen or seventeen, with rosy lips and white teeth, clear brows, and bright eyes, possessing an outstanding and elegant appearance.

Wearing a Daoist robe, he looked like an immortal child descended to the mortal world.

But Zhang Yuan, looking at him, sensed a bit of that clear yet naïve foolishness he remembered from college students in his previous life!

Such an innocent and pure-hearted youth, unfamiliar with worldly affairs, indeed needed a seasoned guide to accompany him on his travels.

Otherwise, he might end up being tricked and still help others count the silver notes.

Someone like him could at least be worth tens of thousands of silver, right?

Zhang Yuan thought secretly.

Wei Long introduced the two to each other.

Mo Huai’an is seventeen this year and already at the mage level of cultivation, truly deserving the name of a prodigy.

According to the rules of Upper Scenic Celestial, once true disciples under the sect reach a certain period of cultivation, they must go out to explore the world.

Regardless of whether they are geniuses or not.

Because an eagle can only soar high after experiencing wind and rain, while flowers grown in a greenhouse cannot withstand any storm.

This kind of trial and tempering for true disciples has been continued and never interrupted throughout the history of the sect!

No one is an exception.

Of course, the sect provides corresponding protection as well.

For example, a guardian.

Mo Huai’an politely saluted Zhang Yuan: "Sorry to trouble you, Senior Brother."

"No need for formality."

Zhang Yuan waved his hand: "I’m earning Daoist merit, so I will certainly do my utmost to protect you."

Mo Huai’an smiled shyly.

Truth be told, with his looks, if he were in Zhang Yuan’s previous life, he would definitely be the top idol material.

The two agreed to set off the next morning, then Zhang Yuan took his leave first.

After Zhang Yuan left, Mo Huai’an breathed a huge sigh of relief, looking visibly relaxed.

Wei Long chuckled: "Are you very afraid of him?"

In fact, Mo Huai’an had been very nervous upon meeting Zhang Yuan, only he kept it hidden inside without showing it.

But he couldn’t hide it from Wei Long.

"Yes."

Mo Huai’an said with a wry face: "Uncle, his Blood Evil Qi is too heavy, he must have killed a lot of people!"

If Zhang Yuan were present, he would be very surprised to hear Mo Huai’an’s words.

Zhang Yuan’s cultivation of the Divine Concealment Technique allowed him to hide his aura very well, and ordinary people couldn’t see through his background, let alone sense the presence of Blood Evil Qi.

"Yes."

Wei Long nodded: "This kid has an exceedingly strong killing intent, without equal among his peers, but do you think he’s a bad person?"

Mo Huai’an indeed shook his head: "No!"

Since childhood, he’s had extraordinary talent in cultivation and possesses innate divine power, able to perceive dangers and fortunes, good and evil in people’s hearts.

The Blood Evil Qi on Zhang Yuan made Mo Huai’an feel awe, but there was no disgust or fear.

"That’s right."

Wei Long said calmly: "He is not a bad person, so those he killed must not have been good people, what are you afraid of?"

Mo Huai’an was taken aback.

After a moment, the young mage lowered his head and said: "Huai’an understands now."

"As long as you understand."

Wei Long looked at his nephew with utmost tenderness: "Although Zhang Yuan is your guardian, you must take his lead during your journey, and absolutely must not do as you please!"

This conversation between the uncle and nephew was unknown to Zhang Yuan, who had already left the Martial Pavilion.

He arrived at Lin Xian Manor, purchasing some items for the road.

Actually, he had stock of such things in his storage space, but Zhang Yuan couldn’t just take them out in front of Mo Huai’an, lest he expose his greatest secret.

So he deliberately bought another set.

The next morning, Zhang Yuan, carrying his luggage, reached the entrance of Upper Scenic Celestial Peak Gate.

Mo Huai’an was already waiting by the Dao Stele.

The young mage was sitting on a fine horse, with saddlebags on both sides filled to the brim.

"Senior Brother Zhang!"

Seeing Zhang Yuan, Mo Huai’an displayed a joyful smile.

He pointed to another horse beside him and said: "This horse is for you!"

"Alright!"

Zhang Yuan didn’t stand on ceremony, hefting his luggage as he leaped onto the horse’s back with ease.

Securing his bags, he lifted the reins and gently shook them: "Let’s go!"

NEIGH~

The fine horse under him neighed loudly and immediately galloped forward at full speed.

Mo Huai’an quickly spurred his horse to follow.

The two of them, riding side by side, galloped along the mountain path.

Mo Huai’an’s riding skills were quite good, though he was accustomed to riding within the confines of the sect’s gate.

This was his first time leaving the home he had known since childhood, and though he felt a bit apprehensive at first, his youthful nature turned that apprehension into excitement.

At this moment, Zhang Yuan suddenly whistled.

In the next moment, a big cat leapt out from the dense woods beside the mountain path.

The sudden appearance startled both horses, nearly causing them to veer off the path.

Zhang Yuan explained to a visibly tense Mo Huai’an: "Don’t worry, this is my pet beast."

As a guardian traveling out this time, he couldn’t leave the Gray-toothed Lynx at the mountain gate, nor did he want to keep it hidden away in the Divine Nest.

So he took it along as a pet beast companion.

In fact, maintaining the Gray-toothed Lynx’s presence outside consumed less Qi and Blood Value than the Red-eyed Crow.

The only thing was that the Gray-toothed Lynx had a big appetite and needed to be fed daily to maintain its vigor.

But that was just a minor issue.

Under Zhang Yuan’s command, the Gray-toothed Lynx let out a roar and rushed to the front.

Running with steady and powerful strides, leading the way.

Currently, the Gray-toothed Lynx was still an advanced Level 3 war beast, only 10% evolution level away from advancing to Level 4.

Its size was already comparable to a leopard, and its physique rivaled that of a tiger. 𝒇𝙧𝙚𝓮𝙬𝙚𝓫𝒏𝓸𝓿𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝙤𝓶

It looked majestic and imposing, exuding an aura of authority!

Mo Huai’an gazed at the Gray-toothed Lynx, with envy showing in his eyes.

For a mage with weak close-combat abilities, having a powerful pet beast was undoubtedly an excellent partner.

In fact, given his status and conditions, acquiring a pet beast wasn’t difficult.

It’s just that Mo Huai’an had high standards; ordinary beasts did not catch his eye, nor did he want to invest time and energy in raising them.

Zhang Yuan’s Gray-toothed Lynx was practically his dream companion beast!

Of course, envy is one thing, Mo Huai’an had no covetous thoughts.

He was young, and pride was in his bones.

Thus, the two of them, on their horses, with a large lynx, formed a small exploration team.

Setting off further and further, they left the land of Upper Scenic Celestial Peak Gate behind.

As the night gradually settled in, Zhang Yuan chose a sheltered spot to stop and set up camp for rest.

The two fine horses were quite tired from running, so he untied their ropes, allowing them to graze on their own.

The Gray-toothed Lynx didn’t need Zhang Yuan’s care, as it leaped into the surrounding wilderness to hunt for food.

Zhang Yuan set up the tent and built a campfire.

These survival techniques in the wild were evidently unfamiliar to Mo Huai’an.

But this mage did not act like a spoiled rich kid waiting for clothes to be brought and meals to be served; instead, he actively sought to learn these skills from Zhang Yuan, showing great humility and sincerity.

This, indeed, made Zhang Yuan view him with newfound respect.