Yuan Jiu'an began assigning rooms, and Pan Lun specifically requested the one next to Yu Daochen.
After the rooms were assigned, everyone returned to their respective rooms. After dinner, they briefly discussed the next day's itinerary and then retired to their rooms, as they were not familiar with each other and had little to talk about.
Back in his room, Yu Daochen sat cross-legged on the bed and began to meditate with his eyes closed.
In another room, an old man walked to a door and knocked.
Yuan Jiu'an glanced at the closed room: "Come in!"
Steward Liu pushed the door open and entered: "Young Master."
Yuan Jiu'an nodded. The harmless demeanor from earlier had completely vanished, replaced by cold eyes and a blank expression. His entire aura had changed, making him seem like a different person compared to the daytime.
"Have they all entered their rooms?" Yuan Jiu'an asked, his voice devoid of any emotion.
Steward Liu nodded: "They have all entered."
Yuan Jiu'an hummed softly and touched the skin below his ear: "This human-faced mask can indeed conceal one's aura."
After speaking, Yuan Jiu'an seemed to recall something and asked: "How long can this human-faced mask last?"
Steward Liu thought for a moment and said: "About half a month."
"Young Master, I find those desperate individuals to have too much of a bandit air. I fear the worst," Steward Liu added with concern.
Yuan Jiu'an waved his hand: "Those desperate individuals are merely clowns, not to be feared. If they are dissatisfied, we can pay them more. As for Pan Lun, he is just a greedy man driven by money. My only concern now is Yu Daochen. I heard a friend of his is also looking for the spirit spring."
Steward Liu nodded: "I've investigated and found that Yu Daochen's friend's name is Zhang Xiaoqiang. He was originally from the Celestial Master's Mansion but has since been expelled. His fiancée was injured by Luo Jiangwen, one of the Three Evils, and he stole one of the five great treasures, the Soul-Protecting Bronze Urn, from the Zhenbao Gate. Although he managed to steal it, he was severely injured. Later, he went to Xiaotun Village and was healed, likely by the Medicine Immortal, Old Master Hua."
After Steward Liu finished speaking, Yuan Jiu'an nodded: "Our objective is also the spirit spring. At that time, Yu Daochen is very likely to become an enemy."
"Young Master, should I send someone?" Steward Liu asked, making a gesture of silencing someone permanently.
Yuan Jiu'an shook his head, his voice becoming serious: "No. This fellow's strength should not be underestimated, and we cannot afford to offend the forces behind him. If even a hint of our actions leaks out, the consequences would be unimaginable."
"It was my oversight. I beg for your forgiveness, Young Master," Steward Liu quickly corrected himself.
Yuan Jiu'an waved his hand: "I will find an opportunity to deal with Yu Daochen. You may withdraw."
"Yes." Steward Liu turned and left.
After Steward Liu departed, Yuan Jiu'an's lips curved upwards: "It seems many people desire this spirit spring."
In another room, the group of desperate individuals from the morning gathered. One of them said: "Boss, I think that brat from today is not easy to deal with."
The leading burly man snorted: "It doesn't matter. When we get into the mountains, we'll have a good time extorting that rich young master."
One of them expressed concern: "Boss, that rich young master hired that brat to protect them. I'm afraid..."
The leading burly man sneered: "When we get into the mountains, we'll kill that brat."
Early the next morning, Yu Daochen was still fast asleep when his door was suddenly knocked. Yu Daochen's eyes snapped open, and he instinctively drew the Soul-Suppressing Stone short sword he wore on his thigh.
"Who!"
"It's me, Old Pan, Master Yu." Pan Lun's voice came from outside the door.
Yu Daochen breathed a sigh of relief, sheathed the Soul-Suppressing Stone short sword, got up, and walked over to open the door.
Outside the door, Pan Lun was grinning lewdly at Yu Daochen: "Master Yu, it's almost time to set off."
Yu Daochen pulled out his phone and checked the time: "Old Pan, it's still early."
Pan Lun chuckled: "The earlier we enter the Greater Khingan Range, the more at ease I feel."
Yu Daochen was somewhat speechless. Was this guy really that anxious?
Yu Daochen returned to his room, packed his belongings, and followed Pan Lun to the assembly point.
"Old Pan, don't you find Young Master Yuan a bit strange?" Yu Daochen asked, seeing that Yuan Jiu'an and the group of desperate individuals had not yet emerged.
Pan Lun looked puzzled: "Master Yu, what's strange about him?"
Yu Daochen shook his head: "I can't quite put my finger on it, but I always feel like Young Master Yuan is one of us."
Pan Lun became even more confused. If he were one of them, his aura would be evident. Unless Yuan Jiu'an was a master of the Heavenly Ranking, and he couldn't perceive his aura. But to reach the Heavenly Ranking at this age was almost impossible, not to mention Master Yu was also present.
"Impossible. I don't feel any aura from Young Master Yuan."
Yu Daochen nodded: "I don't feel any aura from Young Master Yuan either."
If Yuan Jiu'an were truly one of them, he would definitely see the aura on his face, unless he was a Heavenly Ranking master. But he always felt like Young Master Yuan was one of them.
"Oh, the two masters are up so early." Just as Yu Daochen was feeling puzzled, Yuan Jiu'an's voice came from one direction.
Seeing Yuan Jiu'an arrive, Pan Lun winked at Yu Daochen and then smiled at Yuan Jiu'an: "Aren't we about to enter the mountains? I'm a bit too excited to sleep."