"An astrologer?" Li Haoran nearly laughed, a flicker of disbelief crossing his face. Yet, the assortment of mysterious objects on the stone table made it clear the old man's serious, methodical replies were not intended as a jest. "If that's really true, why remain hidden here instead of traveling the world and revealing the future to everyone?"
The old man didn't respond immediately; instead, he pouted his lips and shook his head. Nearby stood an old but sturdy chair, which he fetched and placed gently beside Li Haoran's feet. "Sit down for a moment and let your feet rest. I know you've traveled a long way to reach this place. In fact, isn't there something important you're hoping to find here? Am I right?"
The question filled Li Haoran with sudden dread. He hesitated, then finally replied, "I am here for a very important matter. My master's life is in danger. I must obtain one of the ingredients for her medicine. Only two days remain—if I fail, my master will perish." Desperation was etched across Li Haoran's face as he spoke.
Upon hearing this, the old man paused, seemingly lost in thought as he stared at the ground. After a moment, he took a small step closer, his eyes narrowing with keen intensity. "Your master?" he asked, his tone unwavering. "What kind of illness does she have?"
"Her? She was poisoned," Li Haoran answered instantly, without hesitation.
At this, the old man abruptly stepped back, his eyes wide with surprise as he pointed an accusing finger at Li Haoran.
"You! You're here for the Phantom Lily Leaves. If I'm not mistaken," the old man exclaimed, his gaze flashing with recognition and a unique expression crossing his face.
Li Haoran was taken aback by the reaction. With his brows knitted in surprise, he asked in wonder, "How did you know that was my intention?"
The old man offered a knowing smile, clasping his hands behind his back. "You said your master's life is threatened by poison. There's only one type I know that requires a magical ingredient just to ease its effects. But even then, once it's in the bloodstream, it's nearly impossible to expel. Spitfire Ash—a highly dangerous substance favored by bandits and criminals to bring down anyone who stands in their way."
Li Haoran was left speechless, swallowing hard as he absorbed the explanation. Upon reflection, he realized the old man was telling the truth—the tone and details matched exactly what the eccentric female healer had told him.
Although the healer hadn't mentioned the poison's name, based on her examination of Yue Chan's condition, Li Haoran knew it was entirely possible.
He remained silent, listening intently to the elder's words. After all, there was nothing to lose—taking these lessons to heart might be the key to saving his master.
The old man continued, but abruptly paused when he noticed the young man's attentive silence and unwavering focus. Straightening, he smiled warmly, revealing two gaps in his gums.
"Good," the old man said at last, his voice softer but filled with peculiar warmth. "You have patience, and you listen. Many who come seeking the Phantom Lily Leaves think only of their own desperation. But sometimes, what you seek comes at a far greater price than you imagine." He let his words hang in the air, studying Li Haoran's reaction.
Li Haoran kept his shy smile aimed at the floor before glancing up at the old man again. "One way or another, I still have respect for everyone. My master's life is important, so if your words can help, I won't hesitate to listen," he said softly, a quiet determination in his voice as his thumbs absently stroked the small piece of black cloth in his hands.
The old man noticed the gesture and raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixed in open-mouthed wonder at the object in Li Haoran's hands. Suddenly, he spoke, surprise tinging his voice, "Is that…?"
"This is my master's mask," Li Haoran explained quietly. "She's… terrifying—she always covers her face. No one has ever seen her true features, except for her own master and me."
"You're saying she's so hideous? For what reason?" the old man asked in bewilderment. "Is her appearance really so terrifying or deformed that she can't show herself in public?"
Li Haoran chuckled softly at the old man's curiosity, shaking his head before meeting his gaze. "That's what most people assume," he replied, a hint of pride lighting his face. "But you're wrong. The truth is… she's incredibly beautiful—beyond compare. Her beauty is like that of a goddess. She never wears makeup, yet her radiance is overwhelming. Her eyes are dreamy and expressive, as if they speak to you when you look into them. She appears gentle, the kind of person who wouldn't harm a fly. But don't be fooled—she's more than capable of taking a life, depending on how she's known and treated."
The old man couldn't respond right away and was left gaping at Li Haoran's revelation. After a moment, he managed a forced smile and said, "Ah, I see, I see," his laughter a little awkward. He noticed Li Haoran had fallen silent, a faint blush coloring the young man's cheeks. Quickly, the old man teased to break the tension. "Handsome young man, your cheeks are turning red. It must be getting too warm in here," he said with a playful nod.
Li Haoran was momentarily taken aback, his eyes widening as he instinctively touched his reddening cheek. Choosing to ignore the old man's teasing, he remained silent, his lips pressed together in embarrassment.
By an unexpected twist of fate, his jade bangle slipped from beneath his sleeve, catching the old man's eye at once. The elder stiffened in shock, his voice trembling as he exclaimed, "The Frost-kissed Grace Relic! How did you come to possess such a thing?"
Li Haoran looked up at the old man in wonder, then raised his wrist to examine the white jade bangle. His brows furrowed, as if pondering the old man's words and their significance.
The old man continued, pointing emphatically at the bangle. "That relic is a treasure from ages past—no one truly knows how long it has existed. It's not just any ordinary object; it once belonged to the great goddess of the moons."
Li Haoran fell silent for a moment, his fingers gently tracing the white jade on his wrist. "Are you saying this belonged to a goddess?" he asked, uncertainty flickering in his voice.
"That is correct," the old man replied directly. "The last time I saw that relic was about a thousand years ago," he continued, shaking his head in disbelief. "The goddess descended to the mortal world to fulfill her mission, disguising herself as a mere human. She became renowned throughout the land for curing even the most dreadful diseases. But after marrying a prince, she mysteriously vanished."
Li Haoran could hardly believe what he was hearing, but his curiosity was now fully awakened. "If that's the case, then it's true—a goddess really did exist. I always thought it was just a fairy tale. But what I want to know is, how was this bangle found?" His gaze sharpened as he studied the old man. "And by your words, you're not an ordinary human either. Most people are lucky if they reach a hundred years, but a thousand… That's impossible. You're not just an astrologer—you're part of the world of myths yourself, aren't you? Someone who walks the earth, traveling between legend and reality."
The old man's lips curled into a faint, enigmatic smile. For a moment, the light in his eyes seemed to shimmer with secrets too ancient for words. "There are many things in this world that defy the limits of ordinary life," he said quietly. "Stories endure for a reason, and some of us—by fate, curse, or choice—become their keepers."
He stepped closer, his voice dropping to a near whisper. "You're right to be cautious, young man. Not every legend is a lie, and not every immortal walks in the open. As for the bangle... its journey is as complicated as the goddess's own fate. But its appearance here, on your wrist, is no coincidence."
He paused, letting the weight of his words settle between them. "Tell me—are you prepared to bear the burden that comes with such a relic? For the worlds of mortals and myths often collide with great cost."
Li Haoran was stunned by the question, a wave of nervousness tightening in his chest. For a moment, he felt trapped—unable to find the words to answer, his mind racing with uncertainty under the old man's steady gaze.
He felt the hairs on his body stand on end, an unexplainable emotion gradually spreading through him, sending a chill from his fingertips to his core.
Doubts began to cloud his mind as uncertainty swirled within, making it difficult to steady his thoughts.
This old man—he knows so much, things no book or history could ever teach about the distant past.
And this bangle… how did I even come to possess it?
Why do I have it?
What truly happened over those thousand years?
And me… who am I, really?
Why can't I remember anything about my own past?
One after another, questions that remained unanswered to this day flashed through his mind. He gritted his teeth in silent frustration, his hands tightening around the mask he was holding.
To ease the turmoil in his mind, he closed his eyes and drew a deep breath, steadying himself. Once calm, he fixed the old man with a cold, determined stare.
Finally, he spoke. "Whatever happened in the past is not my concern right now. What matters to me is how to obtain the Phantom Lily Leaves," he said, his tone unwavering.
The old man did not argue, instead bowing his head in respect. "Young man, I can help guide you. But we must be extremely cautious and alert. We should move quietly—any noise might disturb the creature sleeping inside the abandoned cave."
Li Haoran blinked lazily at the old man as he listened to the plan, showing no sign of objection. "Deal," he replied at once, his voice steady and resolute.
After that, the old man walked over to the corner and opened a drawer in the worn cabinet. He retrieved an object that Li Haoran couldn't immediately identify.
The old man turned to face him, a faint smile playing on his lips as he raised both hands—each holding an unusual necklace that glimmered in the dim light.
"What are these?" Li Haoran asked, eyeing the necklaces with curiosity.
The old man leaned forward, holding them up for Li Haoran to see more clearly, emphasizing their importance.
"Take this and wear it around your neck. This is an amulet called the Lithic Heart Talisman," he explained in a low, serious tone. "It will help keep the Telsovore away. That creature has a powerful sense of smell. With this, your scent, your heartbeat, even the fragrance of your blood will be masked. It absorbs your presence so the creature won't notice you."
Li Haoran listened carefully and slowly accepted the necklace, examining it before slipping it over his head.
The old man added, "To be honest, I use this myself whenever I go out. That's the reason I'm still alive today, safe from that gigantic monster." He paused and let out a deep sigh. "Before, when people trespassed here, I tried to warn them and offered this for their safety—but they always ignored me. You're the very first person to actually acknowledge my concern."
The corner of Li Haoran's mouth lifted in a faint smile at the old man's words. "Don't think about that—that's their problem," he replied calmly. "Everyone deserves respect. Some people are just difficult to get along with, or look down too much on others."
The old man's face lit up with delight, though a hint of embarrassment colored his features. "If that's the case, I'm grateful for your understanding. Thank you very much!"
Li Haoran didn't reply, but a pleased expression spread across his features at the old man's reaction. He stepped closer and gave the old man's shoulder a reassuring pat. "Let's go hunting," he said with quiet determination.
He led the way, with the old man following just behind. The sanctuary grew quiet once more, now deserted except for the soft echo of their retreating steps.