"I will help, don’t reveal any flaws." Bai Ruozhu said.

Listening to Master Sanhu’s tone, she was only upset that half of her cultivation base was gone, but hadn’t discovered anything else.

That’s fortunate, but if Master Sanhu insists on taking her back, the truth would be hard to hide.

Bai Ruozhu thought for a moment and stepped forward to knock on Sanhu’s door.

"Respected elder, I am Bai Ruozhu, an emissary from Zhongyuan. I’ve long admired your esteemed reputation and never thought I’d have the chance to meet you."

Inside, Master Sanhu opened the door, glanced Bai Ruozhu up and down, and then said, "You’re the one who saved my disciple?"

"Just a small favor, nothing worthy of praise." Bai Ruozhu replied politely.

Actually, Shanhu never mentioned her master, but people love to be praised. Bai Ruozhu wanted to protect Shanhu, so her words must be sweet.

She also took the opportunity to quickly size up Master Sanhu, comparing her to the Exterminator and concluding that Master Sanhu looked younger than the Exterminator, but her aura was colder.

"I am Xuchenzi. You don’t need to address me so formally as ’Respected Elder,’ just call me by name." Master Shanhu spoke coldly, but her expression seemed not to resent Bai Ruozhu.

Otherwise, given her nature and power, if she disliked Bai Ruozhu, she wouldn’t bother talking to her, and it would be fortunate if Bai Ruozhu wasn’t thrown out.

"Xuchenzi, you came from afar; would you like to sit down for some tea and try the Zhongyuan dimsum we brought?" Bai Ruozhu tentatively asked.

Unexpectedly, Xuchenzi nodded, "Alright."

She then glared at Shanhu, "We’ll settle accounts later."

Bai Ruozhu secretly gave Shanhu a look; Master Shanhu appeared stern in speech but softhearted, else she wouldn’t be so worried to come looking for Shanhu.

Xuchenzi was invited into the hall. Bai Ruozhu asked Teng Ya to bring tea and dimsum. Soon, Bai Ruozhu noticed a problem: Master Shanhu was a foodie!

Despite her cold demeanor and having little, she tried everything, her eyes showing a sign of delight.

"Respected elder, you traveled a long way here, didn’t you?" Bai Ruozhu asked.

Xuchenzi looked up, "I was originally cultivating on Yuchen Palace’s island but discovered through the sect’s token that Shanhu was in trouble, so I quickly came over."

She sighed, "I wondered why her token was dim, turns out she lost half of her cultivation, really disappointing."

Despite her complaints, it was mostly affection.

Shanhu lowered her head, softly saying, "It was my ineptitude, embarrassing my master."

She wasn’t usually very bold, but she had never been so meek; seeing her master was like a mouse seeing a cat.

"Thanks to you for saving Shanhu, otherwise I might not have seen her again. Yuchen Palace will remember this favor. If you ever need help, present this token at any Fusang pawnshop, and someone will assist you." Xuchenzi said, handing a fish-shaped gold token to Bai Ruozhu.

Bai Ruozhu squinted, wondering why this token’s style seemed similar to the Jiuli Clan’s, though its shape was different. Maybe it was just a coincidence.

"Thank you, Respected Elder, I’ll graciously accept." Bai Ruozhu took the token straightforwardly.

Xuchenzi seemed quite pleased, "You’re good-natured, straightforward, and capable, far more promising than my disciple."

Bai Ruozhu felt embarrassed, smiling awkwardly, "Respected elder overpraises."

Meanwhile, Teng Ya brought another freshly cooked dimsum plate. Teng Ya lacked talent in medicine but excelled in cooking; she had already learned many dimsum recipes from Bai Ruozhu.

"Respected elder, please try these dimsums we’ve crafted with our own formulas, and see if they suit your taste." Bai Ruozhu said.

She secretly pondered if she captured Xuchenzi’s appetite, would she not rush to take Shanhu away?

Xuchenzi’s eyes indeed lit up, and Shanhu sighed in relief, indicating her master’s mood improved and wouldn’t trouble her for now.

But what to do next?

"Ruozhu, do we have guests?" Jiang Yichun walked into the hall.

"This is Xuchenzi from Yuchen Palace, Shanhu’s master." Bai Ruozhu introduced to Jiang Yichun.

Jiang Yichun’s heart skipped; Shanhu’s master actually found them, Qiu Zhi might face consequences.

"Younger Jiang Yichun greets Respected Elder Xuchenzi." Jiang Yichun respectfully bowed.

Xuchenzi looked up at him, "No need to..."

Her voice abruptly paused, and for some reason, she tightened her grip on the dimsum, crushing it in her hand.

"No need to be so formal." Quickly Xuchenzi regained composure, continued tasting the dimsum, but with less delight.

Bai Ruozhu sensed suspicion, subtly gesturing to Jiang Yichun, wondering if he knew this Respected Elder Xuchenzi.

Jiang Yichun returned an unknowing look; it was his first time meeting Xuchenzi.

Bai Ruozhu grew more puzzled; given Xuchenzi’s nature, usually indifferent and composed, what could cause such a lapse?

"Thank you for your hospitality, my disciple and I have words to exchange; we’ll return to her room for now." Xuchenzi unexpectedly rose to leave, leaving the dimsum unfinished.

"Respected elder, take your time, I’ll summon you for dinner." Bai Ruozhu said.

Xuchenzi nodded, "Thank you."

Watching Xuchenzi and Shanhu’s departing silhouettes, Bai Ruozhu was baffled.

At this moment, Gao Zhou emerged, "Yichun, you’re back, how’s the investigation?"

"Father, let’s discuss in your room." Jiang Yichun suggested, then joined Gao Zhou.

Bai Ruozhu noticed that Xuchenzi slightly paused upon hearing "Father," but didn’t turn back, proceeding into the room.

Yet Bai Ruozhu felt her body seemed tense, as if suppressing an urge to look back.

"Ruozhu, did you notice Shanhu’s master looking at your man strangely?" Fo Lanying whispered, pulling Bai Ruozhu aside.

Fo Lanying, having passed the Enlightenment Tablet, had decent observation skills.

"I also found it odd, but Achun doesn’t know her." Bai Ruozhu replied.

Fo Lanying speculated, "Perhaps she knows your father-in-law. Pity the elder didn’t appear earlier, but there might be chances later."

Bai Ruozhu’s heart thumped at those words; anyone in Fusang knowing Gao Zhou would be rare, especially those from nearby islands, could it be Chushuang?

Thinking of this, Bai Ruozhu was restless, quickly telling Fo Lanying, "I have some business, you enjoy yourself."

She then swiftly headed to Gao Zhou’s room.