Chapter 667: Mr. Si Ren

The entire audience was stunned.

With just a few words, Xu Shao's bodyguard, who had been acting incredibly arrogant, completely changed his attitude.

As for Xu Shao himself, he seemed to have picked up some information from the conversation, repeatedly addressing the other person as "old sir."

If outsiders still couldn't figure out what was going on, they were truly dense!

"So, it really is Zhan Dao?"

The guys who had been rude earlier shuffled awkwardly and quietly squeezed toward the back of the crowd.

Even Fang Ning was a bit frightened.

Zhan Dao, going to Tian Shang Di Yi Lou to serve tea and water...

Who would believe that if it were said out loud?

But regardless of whether outsiders believed it, Xu Shao himself seemed to truly believe it.

He waved a hand at the crowd and said casually,

"Alright, then I'll give this old sir face. Let's end things here for today!"

With that, without another word, he waved his hand and put away the tables and chairs.

The reason he was so decisive wasn't just because of the Mei-surnamed old man in front of him; at that moment, the outline of a white-robed old man also appeared in the sky.

This person's arrival was completely unobtrusive.

The badge on his chest was the same as Fang Ning's, both affiliated with the city lord's mansion.

As for his cultivation...

Unlike Mei Laoxian, Xu Shao could tell at a glance that this was a genuine Zhan Dao expert!

His Dao rhythm was restrained, and he exuded an otherworldly immortal aura.

Though he said nothing, his smiling eyes and calm expression seemed to say,

"Young friend, give me face—let's call it a day!"

What could Xu Shao say?

He noticed that most of the Wang Zuo experts present hadn't even realized this person's arrival, which only confirmed his strength.

Since the city lord's mansion had deployed a Zhan Dao-level expert from the guard army, Xu Shao really couldn't refuse to give face.

"Xiao Xin, see the guests out."

Regardless of others' reactions, Xu Shao took the opportunity to back down and personally escorted Mei Laoxian toward the inside of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

He knew that by stopping now, he was losing out on hundreds of thousands of passive points.

But overall, today was definitely not a loss!

Passive points could always be earned again.

A Zhan Dao expert wanting to join Tian Shang Di Yi Lou must have taken a liking to something.

Although he hadn't yet asked about Mei Laoxian's background, even thinking with his toes, Xu Shao knew that no major force would waste a Zhan Dao expert on something as trivial as undercover work.

This Mei-surnamed person had other motives, but they weren't malicious.

—He could be recruited!

Xin Gugu received the order and immediately exuded full authority, glaring at the crowd.

"Alright, alright, you've all heard my young master's command. We're stopping here for today. If you're really interested, come back tomorrow!"

He chuckled and gestured to Fang Ning,

"Please?"

"Wait."

Fang Ning stood his ground and called out to Xu Shao and the others who were heading inside, saying loudly,

"The issue with setting up the stall isn't just about today or tomorrow—it's far too disruptive and shouldn't happen ever again."

"Put it another way... you can't set up tomorrow either!"

Even though the words were hard to say, Fang Ning chose to speak plainly.

After all, today's situation was still because Tian Shang Di Yi Lou hadn't promoted it yet.

Once today's events fermented, if Xu Shao set up the stall again tomorrow, the city lord's mansion guard army would have to come early to drive them away, right?

If Xu Shao didn't stop the stall, the city lord's mansion would have no peace for a day?

In the future, would they do nothing but keep an eye on Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, sharpening their knives?

Before Xu Shao could respond, the onlookers were already full of indignation.

"What's this? You're controlling tomorrow too? How can that be?"

"Today, because of that old man... ahem, that senior showing up, we had no choice but to leave disappointed. If there's no stall tomorrow, that's cutting off our livelihoods!"

"Yeah, I was planning to come line up tonight—just relying on those ten thousand Ling Jing to buy milk powder!"

"Tonight? I wasn't even planning to go home; I was going to start lining up as soon as people left. How come it's suddenly off for tomorrow too?"

The last speaker had already sneaked to the front of the line while no one was paying attention.

But unfortunately, Fang Ning wasn't giving these people any chance.

After glaring fiercely at the group for their sarcastic remarks, he turned back to look at the departing Xu Shao.

He had thought that after the morning's clash, Xu Shao might not be easy to talk to, so Fang Ning was prepared to be rejected.

But after shouting out, Xu Shao didn't even turn his head and replied,

"I know. No stall tomorrow either. Everyone, head home and rest early. That goes for you too, Fang Tongling."

Fang Ning was taken aback.

So agreeable?

Just then, his mind stirred, and he quickly glanced sideways, his spiritual sense catching the aura that the white-robed Zhan Dao expert in the sky had deliberately revealed. Only then did he fully understand.

"In that case, thank you for your cooperation."

Gratefully glancing upward, Fang Ning began directing his subordinates to clear out the onlookers still lingering in front of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

"Everyone, disperse! Disperse!"

"If you're not serious about your cultivation path, why are you looking for shortcuts?"

"And serving tea and water... Even if such a pie-in-the-sky opportunity exists, it's not for the likes of you."

"This pie requires Zhan Dao strength to pick up."

"Go home and find your wife—watch out, or she'll run off with the neighbor!"

"Off you go..."

The white-robed guard army was far less polite to the gathered citizens, shouting as they started driving people away.

Fang Ning glanced back again; with Xu Shao and the others entering the building, the city lord's mansion's Zhan Dao senior had also vanished.

"Is that it?"

He felt a bit unsatisfied.

Even though the feeling was inexplicable, after deadlocking with Xu Shao for so long—where he hadn't even wanted to give face to that Mei-surnamed Zhan Dao expert—now, with just a look from their own Zhan Dao, Xu Shao backed down?

Seemingly thinking of something, Fang Ning shouted toward the ancient building,

"It's not just tomorrow—the day after, the one after that, and all future days, no stalling allowed!"

There was no response from Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

A few onlookers were amused, but under Fang Tongling's cold stare, they shrank back and scurried away.

"Don't even think about loopholes!"

Fang Ning snorted coldly and stormed off in frustration.

He could clearly see that Xu Shao hadn't taken him seriously at all.

But no matter what, getting things to end like this today was already the best outcome.

With the people gone, the area outside the building was empty.

But inside Tian Shang Di Yi Lou, a new guest had arrived.

"Heaven and earth, knowing all; past and present, nothing unknown?"

Mei Laoxian paused at the entrance of the ancient building, looking at the couplet on either side, and couldn't help but read it aloud.

Then he shifted his gaze to the horizontal scroll above: Tian Shang Di Yi Lou.

Smiling, he said,

"How dare you?"

Xu Shao chuckled without embarrassment,

"It's all just hype."

Yes.

In the evening, it was one couplet; in the morning, another.

This morning, it was precisely because of this hype that Tian Shang Di Yi Lou attracted its first wave of job seekers stopping to watch.

Without further words.

After welcoming the guest into the hall and seating him, Xu Shao got straight to the point,

"No beating around the bush—I'm not sure why you've come, old sir. It can't really be for a job serving tea and water, can it?"

"Of course not."

Mei Laoxian still smiled, making one feel like a spring breeze.

"Then... for money?"

"Not at all."

"So, is it because you've taken a liking to the development potential of Tian Shang Di Yi Lou?"

"Not quite."

Now Xu Shao couldn't probe further and said directly,

"Senior, state your purpose plainly. If you're hiding something or being evasive, even if it's Tai Xu, I won't keep you here."

"As expected..."

Mei Laoxian tapped his folding fan, wearing an expression that said, "You really figured it out," and asked with a smile,

"How did you see that I'm from Tai Xu?"

Xu Shao didn't answer,

"I asked first!"

"Hahaha... alright."

Mei Laoxian burst into laughter and didn't dwell on it, replying,

"Before I confess, I have another question for you, young friend. Are you a Ling Ti or a Sheng Ti? Specifically, what kind of Sheng Ti?"

Xu Shao's brows furrowed tightly.

He really couldn't figure out what this old man was up to.

He seemed completely without malice, but he kept being vague, speaking in circles—it was downright annoying.

"Young friend, don't misunderstand,"

Mei Laoxian seemed to sense Xu Shao's dissatisfaction and explained,

"I was just passing by and happened to be drawn by your physique. Earlier, when I saw you act, it seemed... you're a Jian Ti?"

Act?

Xu Shao was stunned. He thought, where did I act?

But upon second thought, he realized he had indeed "acted" once.

It was when Xin Gugu had recklessly tried to grab the old man's collar, and he had stopped him.

But...

There was action, but where did the "Jian Ti" come from?

"Old sir, are you joking? How could I have a..."

Xu Shao said in surprise, but suddenly his voice trailed off, and he was greatly shocked in his heart.

—Sharp!

How could this old guy be so perceptive?

He wasn't a Jian Ti, but he did have a nearly forgotten passive skill: Sharp.

And earlier, with just that one raise of his hand...

In that instant, this old man had observed it so carefully?

You should know, that "Sharp" passive skill was only at the innate level, overshadowed by his various Zong Shi-grade passive skills, almost insignificant.

Yet this time, the old man had pinpointed that unremarkable "Sharp" from obscurity.

"How did you see that, old sir?"

Xu Shao immediately changed his approach, putting on a face that said, "I was trying to keep a low profile, but my strength is too great, so I had to be found out as a Sheng Ti."

Mei Laoxian nodded with a smile,

"Of course, I have my ways. But your Jian Ti seems a bit special—even I can't quite make out what it is..."

"Oh?"

Xu Shao caught the subtle detail and shot back,

"From what you're saying, old sir, aside from my Jian Ti, you know all the Jian Ti in the world?"

He paused and pressed on,

"Are you a Jian Xiu?"

Mei Laoxian was surprised and chuckled after a moment,

"You're clever... yes, I'm a Jian Xiu."

"An ancient Jian Xiu?"

"...Yes."

Mei Laoxian hesitated before nodding.

"Wow, today I've met two ancient Jian Xiu? May I ask your full name and title, old sir?"

Xu Shao looked delighted and added,

"I've always admired ancient Jian Xiu and even thought about going in that direction. Today, seeing an ancient Jian Xiu at the Tai Xu level is like witnessing a miracle!"

Now Mei Laoxian hesitated, struggling to speak, and only after a while said,

"Young friend, you haven't answered my question yet. About your Jian Ti..."

"You're quite famous, aren't you, old sir!"

Xu Shao leaned forward, interrupting,

"Both Tai Xu and an ancient Jian Xiu—under the heavens, not many can reach your level. Are you afraid that if you say your name, I'll recognize it?"

"Don't worry."

He patted his chest emphatically and assured,

"I'm not that kind of person—I'll definitely keep it confidential for you!"

Mei Laoxian: "..."

He pondered for a long time before sighing helplessly,

"You're the most sharp-tongued person I've ever met. You don't even give anyone a chance to breathe—relentless and formidable."

"Heh, you're too kind, too kind."

Xu Shao smiled, then shifted the topic,

"So, what should I call you, old sir? Is your surname really Mei? Not deceiving me?"

Mei Laoxian choked, his lips twitching.

He had been trying to gloss over the topic with a compliment, but this young man wasn't playing along...

No!

From the moment he entered this ancient building, this kid hadn't stopped at all.

Question after question, like the most exquisite breaking moves in sword techniques, struck him without mercy.

The key was, it was all his own doing!

"How dare you speak to me like this with your Xian Tian cultivation?"

Mei Laoxian was amused and glared.

"Heh, isn't it because I feel you have something to ask of me? I need to figure out your background first before deciding if we can continue talking. That's reasonable, right?"

Xu Shao withdrew his aggressive stance, and Mei Laoxian felt a wave of relief.

He frankly admitted his distrust.

At this point, if Mei Laoxian still wouldn't open up, it would be pointless.

The two of them couldn't continue the conversation.

Sure enough, Mei Laoxian sighed,

"Very well, just call me 'Si Ren Mister'!"

Si Ren... Xu Shao raised an eyebrow, thinking the name sounded vaguely familiar, yet completely unfamiliar.

Just then, a heavy exclamation came from the doorway.

"Ah... Si Ren Mister?!"

Turning around, it was Xin Gugu leading Xiao Wanfeng into the building.

The exclamation came from the young man.

Xin Gugu had thought that since Xu Shao seemed to favor this young man, and with the crowd outside thinning, the boy had rushed over begging for an opportunity.

Following the principle of "better to kill by mistake than let go," especially since the boy had revealed the secret of "Sky City," Xin Gugu brought him inside.

But unexpectedly, as soon as they entered the hall, the boy started shouting.

Xin Gugu immediately slapped him, sending the young man tumbling to the ground in a daze.

Yet, with blood gushing from his nose, Xiao Wanfeng struggled on the floor for a while before raising his head—not toward Xu Shao, whom he had begged earlier, but toward the old man, his face full of shock and fervor.

"Si Ren Mister... Mei Si Ren..."

"Is it really you, Si Ren Mister?"

"One of the Seven Sword Immortals?!"