Is It Reasonable for Me to Start a Sect at 12?

After Xue Chengfeng finished speaking, his heart raced with anxiety. He feared that the immortal might refuse the gift prepared by Governor Tong.

Governor Tong had carefully deliberated on how to discreetly approach the reclusive immortal without drawing too much attention. Initially, Governor Tong intended to come in person, but Xue Chengfeng had vehemently opposed the idea.

As the advisor to Governor Tong, Xue Chengfeng had to consider the risks. Although he was almost certain that an immortal was watching over the area, there was always a chance, however small, that the immortal might have left. If that were the case and Governor Tong took the risk of jumping off the dam, it wouldn't just be Tong Shuzheng's life at stake but also the life of the governor of Liaoju Prefecture.

Moreover, with Governor Tong bearing the burden of nearly all the affairs in Hufang Province, Xue Chengfeng couldn't let him take even the slightest risk.

So, after pleading and reasoning for a long time, Xue Chengfeng finally convinced Governor Tong to let him deliver the gift instead.

Lin Xiao looked at the bundle in Xue Chengfeng's hands, feeling a bit helpless. He knew that being discovered after saving people was inevitable, but he hadn't expected the governor's advisor to take such a risky approach—jumping off the dam just to meet him and deliver a gift.

After observing the situation these past few days, Lin Xiao realized that Governor Tong seemed to be a good official. Seeing Xue Chengfeng bowing deeply before him with the bundle in hand, Lin Xiao hesitated for a moment before finally reaching out and taking the package.

"I appreciate Governor Tong's gesture, but please don't use such dangerous methods again."

Upon seeing that Lin Xiao had accepted the gift, Xue Chengfeng was overjoyed. He didn't dare look up at Lin Xiao and instead bowed deeply, saying, "The immortal is right. I won't act so recklessly again."

Lin Xiao was about to leave when he suddenly remembered something. He took out a Positioning Sound Transmission Talisman from his private storage and handed it to Xue Chengfeng.

"This is a Sound Transmission Talisman. If there is ever an urgent matter, you can use it to communicate with me. Just activate it and speak into it—no more than a quarter of an hour. After that, the talisman will transmit your message to me."

After explaining, Lin Xiao saw that Xue Chengfeng had taken the talisman, and with that, he swiftly left the area.

Xue Chengfeng carefully held the talisman, his voice trembling with gratitude. "Thank you, immortal, for this gift—"

When he realized there was no response, he slowly straightened up, confirming that the immortal had already departed. Without daring to linger, he quickly secured the talisman in his robes and hurried back to deliver the good news to Governor Tong: the immortal had left them a way to stay in contact.

The next day, seeing that the grand Gu Chuan Dam had been fully repaired and the remaining conscripted workers were finishing up safer tasks along the Gu Yue River, Lin Xiao quietly left the area and returned to Shou Shui Village.

When Lin Xiao arrived back, it was noon. Ever since Yigao had left for his exams, he hadn't returned for many days, not even for a brief visit. After all, even with his current cultivation, a round trip would take an entire day. Who knew how many lives might be lost at the dam during that time?

Now, as he returned to the village, he felt a sense of nostalgia. He hadn't felt this way even when he last went to the county town. Perhaps it was because this time he was alone, whereas last time he had friends by his side.

Figuring that everyone was probably still on the mountain, Lin Xiao headed straight for North Mountain. Using his concealment technique, none of the villagers even noticed him.

As he reached the foot of the mountain, he noticed a newly constructed house near the stream. The house had green tiles and blue bricks, with tall walls enclosing it. From the visible parts of the roof, it was clear that the house was spacious. The branches of trees inside the courtyard and the vibrant bamboo leaves outside showed that the house had been carefully built.

The villagers had always believed the mountain was too dangerous to build near, so it was surprising to see such a unique house there. Just the green tiles and blue bricks would have cost a fortune.

Puzzled, Lin Xiao hurried up the mountain, intending to ask the others, who must have seen it during their daily walks.

At that moment, the people on the mountain were gathered around a large stone table at the foot of the Guiyuan Mountain Residence, having a meal. When they saw Lin Xiao approaching, they were pleasantly surprised and immediately set down their bowls and chopsticks to greet him.

Having gone ten days without a proper meal—aside from the occasional grilled fish from the river—Lin Xiao was immediately drawn to the aroma of the food on the table.

"What are you all eating? It smells amazing!"

He sniffed the air, greedily inhaling the enticing aroma.

Seeing his interest, Liu Yunian was the first to respond. "You wouldn't know this, Xiao, but while you were away, Fuzi got so bored that he had Tietou help him build a stove over at the residence. He started experimenting with cooking, and it turns out he has quite the talent for it! After a few days of his cooking, we were all hooked. Now, none of us can go without his meals! Haha, poor Fuzi can't even take a break from cooking now!"

Jiang Youfu, on the other hand, chuckled and rubbed his belly. "Cooking is fun! I'm happy as long as you all enjoy my food."

Lin Xiao was a bit surprised and looked at Jiang Youfu in amazement. "Nice work, Fuzi! Let me try some of your cooking too!" Saying that, he quickly slid over to Lin Yun's seat by the stone table, grabbed his chopsticks, and picked up a large piece of braised pork, stuffing it into his mouth.

As soon as the richly colored pork belly entered his mouth, Lin Xiao was hit with a burst of intense flavor. The perfectly balanced layers of fat and lean meat melted in his mouth, and the savory juices coated his tongue, making him almost want to swallow his own tongue along with the meat.

"Fuzi! You're amazing!" Lin Xiao exclaimed, chewing enthusiastically while giving Jiang Youfu a thumbs-up.

"See? Even Xiao says it's good!" Liu Yunian laughed as Lin Xiao hastily reached for another piece of meat.

Jiang Youfu, delighted, said, "Don't rush, Xiao. Take your time. If it's not enough, I'll cook more!"

Seeing that Lin Xiao was too busy devouring the food to talk to them, everyone returned to their seats and continued eating.

Lin Yun, amused by Lin Xiao's ravenous appetite, grabbed another pair of chopsticks and brought over a chair, setting it behind Lin Xiao so he could sit and eat comfortably.