The Speedrun Begins with Choosing Hunter

Chapter 298: Chapter 295: External Incarnation

The streets bustled with people.

Bai Yuan and the old Daoist stopped before a tavern.

He hadn’t taken the old Daoist back to the Divine Mansion Sect. Instead, he had gone to a tavern in the city—the Peach Fragrance Inn.

As they arrived at the entrance of the Peach Fragrance Inn, an attendant was just preparing to close up for the night.

But when he looked up and saw Bai Yuan slowly approaching, the attendant froze, his expression shifting to a mix of nervousness and excitement.

Bai Yuan led the old Daoist over the threshold and headed straight for the rear courtyard. The attendant did not hinder them in the slightest.

That’s right. The Peach Fragrance Inn was one of the Divine Mansion Sect’s properties.

The Divine Mansion Sect had been rooted in Huanglong Prefecture for thousands of years and owned the majority of its businesses.

Only in recent years had major powers from across Xuan Yang and Ling Province flooded into the prefecture, buying up numerous properties from the Divine Mansion Sect at high prices. As a result, the sect’s holdings had somewhat diminished.

As the Sect Leader of the Divine Mansion Sect, he was effectively the owner of this tavern.

Though the attendant’s station was low, one had to have a keen eye for people to hold such a position.

How could he possibly not recognize the Sect Leader of the Divine Mansion Sect?

Bai Yuan led the old Daoist to the back kitchen.

"Daoist, do you have any dietary restrictions?"

The Daoist sects can be broadly divided into two main branches: Quanzhen and Zhengyi.

Because of their founding patriarch, the Quanzhen Sect forbids meat, and all its followers are vegetarian.

The Zhengyi Sect is different, only requiring vegetarianism during periods of fasting and on ritual days. There are no such rules at other times.

The old Daoist waved his hand dismissively. "I have no restrictions."

Bai Yuan raised an eyebrow.

’Quite the "no restrictions,"’ he thought.

This also suggested the old Daoist was most likely from the Zhengyi Sect.

’I just don’t know which one specifically.’

Since the old Daoist was just mooching a meal, making it too lavish would be unseemly. So, Bai Yuan simply boiled a bowl of noodles in a clear broth and added a few slices of cured ham from the kitchen.

Gazing at the bowl of noodles Bai Yuan served, the old Daoist felt his appetite surge.

He hadn’t been lying earlier; he truly hadn’t eaten in seven days.

To the old Daoist, that bowl of plain broth noodles tasted as exquisite as crab roe noodles—it was exceptionally savory.

It couldn’t even be said that the old Daoist was eating the noodles; he was practically inhaling them. In just three breaths, the entire bowl of scalding hot soup and noodles vanished into his stomach.

’Isn’t he afraid of getting burned...?’

Bai Yuan stared at the old Daoist in amazement.

The old Daoist contentedly rubbed his belly, which was at last no longer shrunken.

He hadn’t expected Bai Yuan’s culinary skills to be so refined; such a simple bowl of noodles in a plain broth was surprisingly flavorful.

’Great noodles, truly great noodles!’

"I never thought Lord Bai was not only a gifted poet but also so skilled at making noodles. You truly are the foremost genius of the Northern Territory."

"’How can we be common folk meant for the weeds? I laugh to the heavens and walk out the door.’"

"Excellent. It has a touch of my Daoist Sect’s immortal aura. Truly remarkable."

Bai Yuan’s eyes narrowed.

’So, tonight wasn’t a chance encounter.’

’The old Daoist must have been watching me when I was reciting poetry with Yang Fangyu and Li Huan.’

’This old man clearly came prepared. He already knows who I am. Otherwise, he never would have used the word "Lord."’

Bai Yuan asked, "May I ask what business brings you to my Huanglong Prefecture, Daoist?"

As the Vice Governor of Lingzhou, it was his duty to look into any unfamiliar experts entering his jurisdiction.

’As for whether the old Daoist might suddenly erupt and try to kill me, I’m not the least bit worried.’

’My position as a Fourth-Grade Vice Governor is officially registered with the Ministry of Personnel. To use a term from my past life, I’m a tenured official.’

’The old Daoist is a native of Xuan Yang.’

’And being from Xuan Yang, he can’t possibly afford to offend the Xuan Yang Court.’

’Even though Xuan Yang has countless powerful sects with deep foundations, when it comes to sheer strength, the Xuan Yang Court is the undisputed number one.’

’If the old Daoist dared to kill me, he would face endless pursuit from the Court.’

’Not only that, the sect behind him would inevitably be purged.’

’So, unless he’s a lunatic, the old Daoist would never make a move against me.’

’Besides, though he looks slovenly, his eyes are bright and clear. One glance tells you he isn’t mad.’

The old Daoist said, "Blessed Infinite Celestial Venerable. Lord Bai, Ling Province has suffered many bloody massacres lately. This humble Daoist has come for the fiends of the Celestial Heart Sect. I wonder if you would permit this old one to stay for a few days."

After speaking, he rummaged in his robes for a good while before pulling out a tattered, ancient book.

"Consider this payment for my lodging."

Bai Yuan’s gaze fell upon the ancient book in the old Daoist’s hands.

Though the cover was dilapidated beyond recognition, he could still faintly make out four words: *Treading Sand, Walking Snow*.

From the name of the Cultivation Technique, he knew it was a Lightweight Technique.

The prowess of Daoist Lightweight Techniques was renowned throughout Xuan Yang.

Even in Bai Yuan’s past life, a Daoist priest could leap off a nineteen-meter-high cliff—a feat far beyond any ordinary person.

And as it happened, he was in need of a Cultivation Technique for his Two Feet Divine Mansion.

Bai Yuan said, "Since fate has brought us together, Daoist, you are welcome to stay as long as you like."

He nonchalantly took the ancient book from the old Daoist’s hand and slipped it into his sleeve.

"Excellent!"

The old Daoist gave a slight smile.

...

Late at night, a single candle flame flickered. The candle itself was almost completely burned down.

It was clear the flame had been burning all night.

By its light, Bai Yuan stared intently at the Cultivation Technique he had received from the old Daoist.

’This Lightweight Technique, *Treading Sand, Walking Snow*, is truly incredible.’

’Once mastered, one could actually achieve the legendary feat of walking on snow without leaving a single trace.’

’A superior-grade Cultivation Technique!’

’I can’t believe the old Daoist just handed over something so precious.’

’Even in a major sect, this Lightweight Technique would be a top-tier, sect-guarding treasure, yet he just casually tossed it over as rent.’

’Generous. Far too generous.’

Bai Yuan couldn’t help but feel an irresistible urge.

Finally, he gritted his teeth, rose, and left his room.

The old Daoist’s identity was a mystery and his power was immense. Bringing him back to the Divine Mansion Sect would surely stir up unnecessary trouble, so Bai Yuan simply let him stay in a guest room at the Peach Fragrance Inn.

Bai Yuan was also staying at the inn.

His room was directly across from the old Daoist’s. This way, the old man wouldn’t be able to hear his activities, while still allowing him to conveniently keep an eye on things.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK...

Bai Yuan knocked on the old Daoist’s door.

With a CREAK, the door was slowly pushed open by the old man.

"Lord Bai, it’s late. Is there something you need?"

The old Daoist was brimming with energy, his eyes unnervingly bright. He didn’t look like someone who had just woken up at all.

Bai Yuan gave a light cough. "Daoist, do you happen to have any other Cultivation Techniques? I’d be happy to accept them as payment for more rent. You could stay as long as you like."

’The old Daoist is no ordinary person. If this were a fair trade, I certainly couldn’t afford it.’

"You want one?"

"Become my disciple."

"..."

"Daoist, how about another condition?"

"I only believe in fate. Worldly possessions are of no use to me."

"..."

Seeing the old Daoist’s resolute stance, Bai Yuan could only give up.

More wrinkles appeared at the corners of the old Daoist’s eyes. He had offered the Cultivation Technique precisely to tempt Bai Yuan.

The *Treading Sand, Walking Snow* manual was of an exceedingly high grade, but because it was just a Body Technique and not a Killing Technique, its value wasn’t considered all that great.

Of course, this was only from the perspective of a supreme expert like the old Daoist.

To any Jianghu Martial Master, this Lightweight Technique would be more than enough to ignite a bloodbath across the Jianghu.

Bai Yuan said, "Well then, I won’t disturb your rest, Daoist."

’Becoming his disciple is out of the question.’

’At least, not right now... ’

’I haven’t even figured out this old man’s background yet. Recklessly entangling myself in his karma isn’t a worthy trade-off for me at the moment.’

’As long as I put in the time and effort, I’ll be able to find a suitable Cultivation Technique eventually.’

Just as the old Daoist turned to shut the door, Bai Yuan caught a glimpse of the bed inside through the closing gap.

And sitting on that bed was a figure identical to the old Daoist.

Bai Yuan’s pupils contracted violently.

’An out-of-body clone!’

’Of all the martial power in the world, the three great teachings hold five-tenths, the Court three-tenths, and the Jianghu the remaining two-tenths.’

’The three teachings—Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism—have existed since time immemorial, with legends tracing them back at least ten thousand years, perhaps even to antiquity.’

’Thanks to the Quanzhen Sect, the Daoist Family’s influence in the mortal world is no less than that of the Confucian and Buddhist Families.’

’Their techniques are esoteric beyond belief.’

’And the out-of-body clone is one of them.’

’Legend says that only a Great Zhenren of the Daoist Family can wield such a near-celestial ability.’

’A true master!’

The flicker of emotion on Bai Yuan’s face vanished in an instant.

’It seems I’ve still underestimated the old Daoist’s strength.’

...

Bai Yuan did not remain in Huanglong Prefecture for long.

After just three days, he once again led his troops out of Huanglong City.

Although the village massacre case was now the full responsibility of Kong Sen and Chen Danian, there were still many demons within Ling Province that had crept in from the Northern Plains.

Grand Protector Yan Shao’an was confronting the Demon Sect; his eyes were fixed on the bigger picture.

The Xuan Yang Army certainly wouldn’t bother with the scattered demons that had fled from the mountain forests into Ling Province.

’If I have to rely on practicing Cultivation Techniques on my own, I’m afraid even the Grand Ancestor Emperor’s six-hundred-year lifespan wouldn’t be enough time.’

’Killing enemies is the fastest way to level up.’

Therefore, even though his authority had been usurped, he remained extremely busy.

The other officials in Ling Province certainly took notice.

Handling major affairs reveals one’s ability; handling minor ones reveals one’s character.

Even though Bai Yuan had been sidelined and his authority usurped, he still worked tirelessly to maintain peace in a corner of Ling Province.

Even the officials who had already pledged their allegiance to Kong Sen couldn’t help but admire Lord Bai’s selfless devotion to the common people from the bottom of their hearts.

Meanwhile, Bai Yuan himself was having the time of his life slaying monsters in the mountain forests.

Within a lush, green bamboo grove.

A figure appeared above the canopy, flitting like a dragonfly on water as he soared over the sea of bamboo.

’Exhilarating!’

Bai Yuan’s toes tapped lightly on a bamboo leaf. The leaf barely trembled as his body shot several meters higher.

The effects of *Treading Sand, Walking Snow* were already becoming apparent!

After several days of grinding mobs, he had saved up a good number of enhancement points.

*Treading Sand, Walking Snow* had been upgraded to the Proficient level, and his Body Technique had seen immense growth as a result.

Although his previous Night Wanderer Step meant his Lightweight Technique had never been weak, it still fell far short of the Daoist Sect’s *Treading Sand, Walking Snow*.

As Bai Yuan’s steps grew ever faster, his heart filled with an unparalleled sense of exhilaration. ’This must be the ’Great Freedom’ the Daoist sects often speak of!’

Moved by the feeling, he couldn’t help but let out a long, clear cry.

Anyone who heard it would have simply mistaken it for the call of a mountain ape.

After a full quarter of an hour, Bai Yuan finally drifted down to the leaf-covered ground, feeling as though he still hadn’t had his fill.

’With a Body Technique like this, my chances of escape are much higher now, even if I run into a powerful enemy I can’t defeat.’

Just as he was about to leave, the sound of urgent footsteps suddenly echoed from the far distance.

"Vile demon, halt!"

A thunderous roar exploded through the air.

He saw nearly a hundred Officials in Court uniforms pursuing several black-robed figures who were fleeing for their lives.

One man among the pursuers had the most imposing presence.

This man wasn’t wearing an Official’s uniform but was instead dressed in a green robe, appearing like a Confucian scholar.

It was none other than the Prefect of Lingzhou, Kong Sen.

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