Adam wrapped the white cloth around his face once again, then put on the mask.

Meanwhile, Elder Zhen Ren, who was still seated across from him, was utterly shaken. At last, he said:

"Apologies, Magus. I had to make sure with my own eyes that you weren't disguising yourself as someone else."

"Auh." Adam waved his hand casually.

There was something he noticed from his interaction with others. The disfiguration of his skin was worse than he had thought. He had spent most of his time in seclusion in the jungles of Mabi, so he didn't know how bad his injuries truly were.

It was only after he started interacting with others did he truly realize the severity of his injuries. He figured it out just based on others' reactions.

Hisaki, Tensei, and now Elder Zhen Ren. All of them were thoroughly shaken to the core after witnessing his injuries.

It was as if they couldn't believe that someone could go through such a painful ordeal and still live to tell the tale. Suffice it to say, they hadn't seen anything worse than this ever before.

Elder Zhen Ren remained in a daze for a few moments, still thinking about Adam's charred and grotesque face.

Those hollow eyes, he thought in utter shock.

Just what must he have gone through? How could someone even survive something like that?

"Auhh," Adam called out to him.

Elder Zhen Ren snapped out of his shock. "Ah, yes," he said with a forced smile.

He thought for a moment, then asked, "Do you have a name?"

Though he already knew the answer.

"Auh."

"…Of course." Elder Zhen Ren's lips twitched.

His eyes narrowed, and he said confidently, "Although I can't sense any mana fluctuations, you are a Mana Vortex Magus, yes?"

Adam's lips curled into a smile. "Auhh..."

Elder Zhen Ren chuckled heartily as he stroked his beard. "It would be impolite to call you anything but your name. Since you don't have one, how about I give you one… Ao?"

Adam tilted his head. "Auhh?"

The elderly man smiled. "It means… to wander freely."

"Auhh!" Adam gave a thumbs-up.

***

After a strange turn of events, Adam now found himself walking side by side with one of the Elders of the Baihua Sect.

His plan was to leave the city and continue his journey, but after what transpired earlier today, he doubted he would get to leave any time soon.

After all, he was under strict scrutiny for suspicious activities. And the one keeping an eye on him was none other than Elder Xu Zhen Ren.

How did things come to this? Adam wondered.

Fate had a strange way of playing with mortals. Just earlier that day, Adam was wishing he could spend more time in Jingyun City and also get to witness how things worked in the Baihua Sect.

And now, his wish had come true.

"Ao, I hope you do not misunderstand your situation," said the elderly man as he walked towards the base of the mountain overlooking the city.

"Auh?" Adam tilted his head again.

"I'm not your guide, and neither am I your babysitter. And I am most certainly not your friend. You shall spend the next few days under my observation so I can ensure you're not related to any organization from the unorthodox faction. Is that understood?"

"Auhh." Adam shrugged.

He could partially understand the Elder's motive. If he were truly someone shady, he wouldn't be able to do anything nefarious if he were constantly under the watch of Baihua Sect's disciples.

And if he tried to do anything funny…

Then he would learn why the Baihua Sect was considered one of the Nine Great Sects and Clans.

Adam turned towards the highest peak of the mountain that was hidden behind the clouds. He pointed at it and said, "Auh?"

"We are going to Baihua Sect." Elder Zhen Ren nodded. "If that's what you're asking. Hoho!"

He turned to Adam and said while stroking his beard. "During your stay in the Baihua Sect, you will be treated as our guest. Of course, in truth, you will be under my supervision. Still, that's better than spending nights in prison, yes?"

Adam's lips twitched. "Auhh…"

Though he was quite excited to visit this famous sect. It was equivalent to visiting one of the Four Great Pillars of the Acadian Empire, after all.

And who knew? If he was lucky… he could even learn a thing or two.

Of course, that was only if he wasn't treated like a common criminal. But given how the Elder was treating him, Adam doubted he would be treated harshly.

How strange, he wondered.

Does he think I'm not a threat, or…

Adam raised his head, his senses seemingly piercing the clouds and landing on the behemoth known as the great Baihua Sect.

In the face of this great sect, I am significant. Perhaps that's where this guy's confidence comes from.

His thoughts were interrupted when a large group of disciples greeted the elderly man walking beside him.

"Greetings, Elder!"

"Oh, if it isn't Elder Xun." Elder Zhen Ren greeted with a happy smile. "Where are you headed so late into the night?"

Bai Xun was another prodigy of the Baihua Sect, second only to Bai Ge. His fame had spread throughout the lands, and his martial prowess earned him the moniker of Sword Dragon.

Titles such as Dragon and Phoenix were given only to the best of the best young Magi in the mystical lands of Yen-Lu.

For the Baihua Sect to produce both Sword Dragon and Sword Phoenix in the same generation was a source of great pride.

The handsome man with long, black hair cupped his fist and bowed. "I'm heading to the city for dinner with my junior brothers and sisters, Elder."

"Hoho, it is good to look after your juniors," Elder Zhen Ren said with a gentle smile. "Just don't return too late."

"Yes, of course, Elder." Bai Xun and the rest of the disciples bowed respectfully.

Before leaving, Bai Xun's gaze landed on the strange masked man standing beside the Elder. With a raised eyebrow, he couldn't help but ask curiously, "Elder, this is…"

"Ah." Elder Zhen Ren chuckled. "This is my guest, Ao. He will be staying in the sect for a few days."

"I see." Bai Xun smiled politely.

He turned to Adam and cupped his fist. "Welcome to Baihua Sect, Magus Ao."

Adam waved his hand and muttered a single word:

"Auhh!"

"Eh?" Bai Xun was confused, and so were the rest of the disciples.

"Hoho." Elder Zhen Ren chuckled in amusement. "Please do forgive him, Elder Xun. Magus Ao here is unable to communicate."

"Ah, I see." Bai Xun's lips twitched. "Enjoy your stay."

"Auhh." Adam nodded.

With that said, Adam and Elder Zhen Ren began their ascent.

Meanwhile, Bai Xun remained in his spot, gazing at Adam's departing back, his thoughts a mystery.

"Senior brother, is something the matter?" One of the female disciples called out to him.

Bai Xun snapped out of his daze. "Ah, it's nothing."

He turned back around and warmly smiled at his juniors. "Let us dine."

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