The man in the white robe calmly looked at the young beggar who was clearly trying to extort money and said, "At your young age, you should be trying to earn money through your own efforts, not begging. It's shameless."
"What makes you say that about me?" the little beggar asked, displeased.
"I wouldn't have said this if you hadn't come asking me for money. I have the right to say it," the man in the white robe stated with justification.
"You can say whatever you want about me," the little beggar spread his hand, "but you have to give me money."
"Alright," the man in the white robe nodded, pulled a silver ingot from his sleeve, and handed it to the little beggar. "Can I speak now?"
The little beggar happily clutched the silver and nodded quickly, "Please, say whatever you want. You can curse me to death, and I won't say a word back."
"Your skin is so thick, I'm afraid it will be difficult to curse you to death," the man in the white robe said calmly.
The little beggar smiled, "You're right, you're right."
The man in the white robe faked a smile twice along with the little beggar, then his face turned stern. "Alright, you can scram now."
"Huh?" The smile on the little beggar's face froze instantly.
"Get out," the man in the white robe uttered the two words coldly.
The little beggar clenched the silver and forced a smile, "Please, do as you please." After saying that, he turned and left the dilapidated temple.
Subsequently, the man in the white robe turned to the pedestal of the godless statue. "My name is Shen Yan. What is yours?"
Mu Anxiao, after listening to everything, understood the reality of the situation. She put down the broken bowl, placed one hand on the ground, and stood up. "What exactly do you want?" she asked, turning around the pedestal of the godless statue and walking towards Shen Yan.
"I've been observing you for two days," Shen Yan stated directly.
Mu Anxiao forced herself to remain calm, her feet involuntarily retreating two steps. "I knew you were Fatty's subordinate."
"I'm not," Shen Yan denied immediately.
"Then who are you?" Mu Anxiao tilted her head and asked.
"I've already told you who I am," Shen Yan's lips curved into a smile.
Mu Anxiao rolled her eyes. "A name doesn't prove your identity."
"I am..." Shen Yan hesitated, then said, "I am a cultivator, but before that, I need to find a woman I admire to accompany me. This way, I can achieve immortality faster."
"Achieve immortality?" Mu Anxiao repeated the words and couldn't help but laugh. "There are no gods or ghosts in this world. You talk about cultivating immortality; who are you trying to fool?"
"I'm telling the truth."
Seeing Shen Yan's serious demeanor, Mu Anxiao stopped her mockery. "Fine, I'll believe you for now, but... don't tell me I'm the girl you admire."
Shen Yan looked at Mu Anxiao for a few seconds, then shook his head. "You are not."
Mu Anxiao frowned. "I'm not? Then why are you looking for me?"
Shen Yan crossed his arms and looked at Mu Anxiao's face. "From my observation, you have no friends, no family, and no attachments. Naturally, you can dedicate your time to me and help me find that person."
"Do I need to leave here?" Mu Anxiao asked, her heart stirred.
Shen Yan nodded slightly.
Mu Anxiao thought of that fatty and her own constantly threatened female identity. Without any further thought, she agreed. "Okay, when do we leave?"
"Anytime," Shen Yan uttered the two words.
Mu Anxiao nodded. Before she could speak, Shen Yan added, "You don't want any benefits?"
"From how you treated that little beggar just now, I can tell you're a self-aware person," Mu Anxiao said, tilting her head up.
Shen Yan's lips curved upwards, and he extended his hand. "Pleasure working with you."