As it turns out, He Kao was right. When Ye Liangcheng saw him, it was like a kite finding its string or a lost child seeing their mother. He was so excited that tears almost fell.

It's unclear what narrative Ye Liangcheng had filled in on his own, but in his eyes, He Kao, this "Elder Huo Qing," was as mysterious and reclusive as Master Kucha and considered to be Kucha's comrade.

He was eager to know what had happened to Kucha and why Elder Huo Qing had come here.

He Kao opened his mouth calmly, "I have an old connection with Kucha, and our sects have some links. Although I haven't inquired much about his affairs, I do know a bit.

Last year, he came to find me on his own, and that was when I learned he had taken on a batch of disciples here. The most outstanding and trustworthy among them is named Ye Wuniang, who, despite his name, is a male.

His incident was quite sudden, leaving little time for instructions. After hearing the news, I came to check on your situation; today is not my first visit.

I saw that recently you have been drinking excessively every day, even slacked off in your cultivation. Such talent wasted is a pity, so I couldn't help but reveal myself to meet you and give some advice.

Kucha should have instructed you to go into hiding. You could have assumed a different identity and left, so why are you still lingering here?"

Ye Liangcheng: "If I leave this place, where can I go? Master Kucha tasked me with guarding this cultivation Dao Field. If I leave, and he or someone else returns, wouldn't there be a break in communication...?

Elder Huo Qing, what happened to Master Kucha?"

He Kao sighed deeply: "With your current cultivation, it's not the time for you to know yet."

Ye Liangcheng: "Did he encounter an enemy and met with an accident? You just said he is no longer around. What does that mean?"

He Kao: "Surely you are aware, Kucha was always involved in dangerous matters. 'He who kills will eventually be killed,' so it's not about enemies. It's just that engaging in danger so often, eventually one slip occurred.

For Kucha, with his level of tier cultivation, to even slip, there's no need for you to ask further before you can protect yourself. He wanted you to go into hiding and not expose your identity to avoid repeating his mistake.

Unexpectedly, you are so committed to righteousness and promises, guarding alone all this time. Watching you, I couldn't help but feel a bit moved, which is why I'm telling you this. I hope you'll cultivate well in the future and not stray from the path."

Ye Liangcheng: "Elder Huo Qing, can you tell me more about Master Kucha?"

He Kao refused firmly: "I cannot!" but seeing the plea in the other's eyes, he softened his tone, "Not yet."

Ye Liangcheng noticed there was room for further inquiry, so he quickly asked, "Then when can I know?"

He Kao: "That depends on you. If you are willing to stay here, just make sure your identity and cultivation remain hidden... That's all for now, we shall meet again if fate allows."

Ye Liangcheng watched as he indeed was leaving, and eagerly asked, "Elder Huo Qing, when will you come again?"

He Kao: "When I come again, you will know. Cherish your karma and take care of yourself!"

He didn't say much, nor did he touch anything here, not even inquiring about Ye Liangcheng's matters with Kucha or any other cleaners. After merely showing up and greeting, he drifted away.

Now Ye Liangcheng no longer drowned himself in alcohol, intensifying his cultivation daily, but his heart felt as if it was being scratched by a cat, hanging in suspense, always hoping that the mysterious Elder Huo Qing would come seeking him again.

He Kao was terribly clever. Knowing Ye Liangcheng's predicament, he said nothing, letting Ye Liangcheng surmise on his own, because the more said, the more likely flaws would appear.

The wait felt like enduring a long agony. Ye Liangcheng waited for ten whole days, until another Sunday morning came. As he planned to make his usual secret rounds, he discovered someone had entered the Martial Arts Hall again.

He hurried to the Martial Arts Hall, and indeed, Elder Huo Qing had appeared there. Much like last time, Elder Huo Qing drew out a long staff, signaling him to engage in a bout.

Ye Liangcheng wielded the long-handled Miao Blade, and this time his technique was more refined than the last, but their match still didn't last long. He quickly found himself defeated as Elder Huo Qing tapped his thigh with the tip of the staff, causing him to fall and sit on the ground.

With a frown, Elder Huo Qing remarked: "Overindulgence is unhealthy. Similarly, you relaxed previously and then became overly zealous in your cultivation this time; this isn't beneficial.

Such a mindset might risk falling into the demon... With your Tier Three Cultivation, you should have realized the truth of mastering the right balance, yet why make such a mistake?"

Ye Liangcheng rose to his feet, paying his respects, and answered respectfully: "Thank you, elder, for your guidance! I waited for half a year, and I finally awaited your return. This period of cultivation indeed was hasty... But, what exactly is Tier Three Cultivation?"

He Kao, wearing the Hidden Moth Gauze, his expression was unclear, but his tone showed obvious surprise: "Oh, you actually don't know what Tier Three Cultivation is?"

Ye Liangcheng: "I truly don't know, Master Kucha never mentioned it."

He Kao: "Then how did he tell you, according to him, what is your current cultivation?"

Just as Ye Liangcheng was about to answer, He Kao waved his hand to interrupt: "Let's not discuss this for now! You haven't been drinking lately, right?"

Ye Liangcheng: "Awakened by your insight, I haven't been indulging lately, but unexpectedly I became overly eager."

He Kao chuckled softly: "This is a case of overcorrection, going from one extreme to another. Sometimes, a small drink or two can also relieve tension and relax the mind... You haven't had lunch yet today, right?"

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