Sage of Humanity

"Green Emperor City, Xiao Xinghe!" Lu Ye announced his name.

Cher Zixiong was stunned.

He originally thought that someone with outstanding performance was being recruited by the Justice Department, which is why they had come to enlist them. Who knew it would be Xiao Xinghe.

Truthfully speaking, Xiao Xinghe is indeed quite good, performing commendably at Jinglan Lake Pass, but still far from being noticed by an institution like the Justice Department to the extent of directly enlisting him.

Especially considering that Xiao Xinghe's cultivation isn't very high, only at the True Lake Level 3. Why would a huge Justice Department suddenly come to enlist Xiao Xinghe?

Suddenly realizing, he looked at Lu Ye: "Are you that Lu Yiye from the Righteous Blood Sect?"

Earlier, when Lu Ye reported his name, he merely listened casually, vaguely feeling that the name Lu Ye was familiar, but didn't think much of it. Now he recalled.

No wonder they would come to enlist Xiao Xinghe, it turns out there is this reason.

"Yes."

Cher Zixiong's brow furrowed slightly, secretly finding it troublesome.

Logically speaking, with Lu Ye holding Qian Wudang's token to enlist someone, he couldn't possibly obstruct it; both emotionally and rationally, he should give Qian Wudang face.

The cultivators at Jinglan Lake Pass are many; one more Xiao Xinghe doesn't matter, one less doesn't matter, there's no reason to obstruct.

But he knows better than anyone why Xiao Xinghe is at Jinglan Lake Pass. If he rashly lets him go, wouldn't it offend that person?

Even though he is also in the Divine Sea Realm, he belongs to a 3rd grade sect and absolutely cannot afford to offend that person.

While pondering how to resolve this matter, the battlefield marking suddenly registered a disturbance. He quickly checked and was delighted, slamming the table as he stood up: "Bold indeed!"

With these words, he was about to rush out.

Lu Ye frowned: "My lord, what is the matter?"

Cher Zixiong hastily said: "A Divine Sea Realm from Dark Moon Forest Pass has mobilized, I need to go intercept them for a bit. You two stay calm, I'll be back soon!"

The last word had just fallen, and the person had disappeared, leaving it unclear whether a Divine Sea Realm from Dark Moon Forest Pass had really mobilized.

This was something Lu Ye couldn't verify, but the timing of the Divine Sea Realm's mobilization from the other side was indeed somewhat convenient.

He knew long ago that this trip to enlist someone wouldn't be easy, but it was surprising that just at the start, the Mountain Pass Chief of Jinglan Lake Pass would vanish like this.

"Captain." Although Lin Yinxiu was simple-minded, she vaguely sensed something wasn't quite right. No matter what, she was a Level 7 True Lake, simple-minded yet not stupid.

"No problem." Lu Ye replied indifferently.

The host had left, leaving the two guests here. Lu Ye roughly understood what Cher Zixiong was thinking, clearly feeling that his request was tricky and not wishing to handle it.

Since he didn't want to handle it, someone who did would surely appear.

"Let's go." He beckoned to Lin Yinxiu and walked out of the main hall.

Looking around, he stopped a hurried cultivator, cupping his fists, "Fellow Daoist, may I ask if Xiao Xinghe from Green Emperor City is within the pass?"

"You're looking for Xiao Xinghe?" The cultivator eyed Lu Ye up and down, confirming he hadn't seen Lu Ye before, which made him a bit wary, "What do you want?"

"I am from the Justice Department, here on orders."

The cultivator's face changed slightly: "What mistake did Brother Xiao make?"

From the way he addressed and treated him, it seemed he had some friendship with Xiao Xinghe.

Xiao Xinghe's situation at Jinglan Lake Pass was indeed not very good; someone from above was suppressing him both openly and covertly, but it takes all kinds to make a world. Some follow orders mindlessly, some don't care to get involved, and naturally, there are those who stand up for others.

While Liew Yuemei had control over Jinglan Lake Pass, she couldn't prevent some from associating with Xiao Xinghe.

So when this person heard Lu Ye was from the Justice Department, he instinctively became cautious.

"Not at all." Lu Ye shook his head and hesitated, "Xiao Xinghe is my senior brother."

"So, you're from Green Emperor City." The cultivator couldn't help but misunderstand further, slightly relaxing, "In that case, follow me."

"Much obliged."

Following this cultivator, they quickly arrived in front of a house.

"Does Senior Brother live here?" Lu Ye glanced around, eyebrows furrowing slightly. This location was undoubtedly very poor because if the defense of Jinglan Lake Pass was breached, this place would bear the brunt, and Senior Brother's house was noticeably smaller in layout compared to those they'd seen on the way.

"Brother Xiao was injured previously, and should be healing now." The cultivator said, flicking his fingers gently in front of the void three times.

If Xiao Xinghe was indeed healing, then the house's protective restrictions must have been activated. With the cultivator's movement, a transparent light curtain appeared, rippling and spreading inward.

"Is Senior Brother's injury serious?" Lu Ye asked gravely.

"Fairly serious. Previously, we at Jinglan Lake Pass launched a strong attack against Dark Moon Forest Pass, many died. Your senior brother was fortunate to have escaped with his life, recuperating for several days now; he should have recovered quite a bit."

Just as they were speaking, the protective restriction was lifted, the door opened, and a man with thick eyebrows, large eyes, an imposing figure, and a slightly pale complexion appeared in Lu Ye's view.

Who else but Xiao Xinghe?

He looked at the cultivator leading Lu Ye over: "Brother Wang, is there something?"

The cultivator surnamed Wang spoke: "Your junior brother came looking for you, I was just leading the way."

He pointed to Lu Ye beside him.

"Junior brother?" Xiao Xinghe looked at Lu Ye in confusion and then glanced at Lin Yinxiu behind him, momentarily bewildered.

"What, Brother Xiao, you don't recognize him?" The cultivator surnamed Wang became cautious again, looking at Lu Ye with an odd expression, as if associating him with something unfavorable.

Xiao Xinghe glanced at the long blade at Lu Ye's waist, his heart stirred, and suddenly he laughed heartily: "Naturally, I recognize him! Junior brother, how did you find your way here?"

He had already guessed Lu Ye's identity.

Their eyes met, Lu Ye clasped his fist: "I've seen the Third Senior Brother!"

Xiao Xinghe raised his hand to support Lu Ye's arm: "Among brethren, no need for such formalities." He stepped aside, "Come, let's talk inside!"

Lu Ye nodded, leading Lin Yinxiu as he stepped inside.

"Much obliged, Brother Wang." At the door, Xiao Xinghe thanked the cultivator surnamed Wang.

"Just a trivial effort." The cultivator surnamed Wang waved his hand and glanced around, noticing several eyes covertly or overtly watching the place. He sighed slightly: "Brother Xiao should recover his wounds quickly. Now that you've shown up, the Mountain Pass Chief likely won't let you idle away any longer."

If not for the previously severe nature of his injuries, Xiao Xinghe wouldn't have had the chance to heal. But now, several days have passed, and even if his wounds haven't fully healed, once the Mountain Pass Chief orders, he cannot avoid going to battle, otherwise, he'd be guilty of defiance and would face consequences.

"I understand."

After some small talk, the cultivator surnamed Wang left hurriedly. Though he intended to befriend Xiao Xinghe and disapproved of certain practices up top, he was merely an ordinary soldier within the mountain pass and couldn't change anything.

Turning inside the room, closing the door, Xiao Xinghe looked at Lu Ye, his face full of delight: "You little rascal, you've reached True Lake!"

"Third Senior Brother." Lu Ye formally saluted once more.

"I already said we are among brethren." Xiao Xinghe feigned anger and glared at Lu Ye, welcoming him warmly: "Come, sit and talk!"

From the outside, the house didn't seem large, and inside, it felt even more narrow. For cultivation convenience, Xiao Xinghe hadn't placed any beds or tables, just a meditation mat.

"When did you come to the provincial guard?" Sitting cross-legged, Xiao Xinghe asked.

"Over four months ago."

"That's quite a while... How is the old sect master?"

"The sect master came to Haotian City the day before yesterday, his health is really good. As soon as he arrived, he enthusiastically exchanged with a few old friends..."

Although Lu Ye didn't say it explicitly, Xiao Xinghe understood the meaning behind his words and couldn't help laughing: "The sect master is still so vigorous! How's Sister Shui Yuan?"

"Second Senior Sister is also doing well, Third Senior Brother doesn't need to worry. Since the sect master is not in the sect, Second Senior Sister is guarding the sect. If Brother has some free time, just go back and have a look."

Xiao Xinghe nodded: "I've wasted so much time, should go back and see. I wonder if Second Senior Sister will punch me when she sees me."

"That's for sure, I won't be helping at that time," Lu Ye nodded heavily.

Xiao Xinghe chuckled.

Though they were meeting for the first time, there was no sense of estrangement or unfamiliarity between them. Lu Ye secretly thought this must be the camaraderie among sect members, just like when he first met Shui Yuan and Li Baxian on the Spirit Stream battlefield.

"Junior brother, have I met you somewhere before?" Xiao Xinghe suddenly showed a puzzled expression again.

"Where does Third Senior Brother think he has met me?" Lu Ye raised his brow.

Xiao Xinghe shook his head: "Not really sure, I should have never met you before, but there's an oddly familiar feeling."

Lu Ye smiled silently.

Xiao Xinghe was seeing Li Taibai, naturally, he had a peculiar sense of familiarity.

"Oh, I've been preoccupied talking with you, this person is…" Xiao Xinghe slapped his forehead, finally recalling Lin Yinxiu who had entered with Lu Ye.

"My team member, Lin Yinxiu." Lu Ye briefly introduced.

They greeted each other, Xiao Xinghe couldn't help but be suspicious: "Your what team member?"

Lu Ye's expression turned solemn, he spoke: "I'm now with the Justice Department, by order of Lord Department Chief, and the reason I'm at Jinglan Lake Pass is to recruit Brother into the Justice Department."

"Justice Department..." Xiao Xinghe was stunned.

That's quite a place. Although tasks performed there often encounter dangers, is serving at the mountain pass not dangerous? Despite the rare battles at Jinglan Lake Pass, when they do erupt, they happen suddenly. After a battle, many familiar faces are never seen again.

Thus, even with high casualty rates, many cultivators desperately vie to enter, not just for its inherent deterrence—which is unmatched by ordinary assignments.

Cultivators from the Justice Department are respected wherever they go.

He certainly wanted to join the Justice Department, but for Lu Ye to personally recruit him made the situation somewhat extraordinary.

With a quick deliberation, Xiao Xinghe guessed some things, smiling subtly: "It's a good thing the Department Chief appreciates you, but you should act prudently. I won't be joining, Junior Brother."