Hearing that from the guard, Cloud is a bit surprised. He didn't expect this development because he doesn't know this two guards at all.
He doesn't understand why the guard would suggest such a thing, but Cloud also think that this is an opportunity.
He really doesn't have any permit or proof that he's allowed to go up, so what the guard suggested might actually be able to help him.
After thinking for a while, Cloud agrees to the guard's suggestion. To Cloud, this guard doesn't seem too overpowered so he should be able to withstand a blow safely.
He doesn't know the guard's realm though. He just feel that this guard is a lot weaker compared to Xiao Han.
As long as the guard is not too far away in cultivation realm, then Cloud have nothing to fear.
Cloud then enter his stance, preparing for the oncoming blow.
The guard also prepares to attack.
A second later, the guard throw a punch toward Cloud.
Cloud punch back toward the oncoming blow.
The guard is surprised when he sees that.
The other guard even shakes his head, thinking that this young boy have a death wish.
The punches soon collide but the guard that clash with Cloud widened his eyes in surprise.
The other guard is also shocked looking at the scene.
The two blows are about equal. No one gain an upper hand.
After the clash, the two retrieve their arms back.
"Does this mean you would lead me inside?" Cloud asked calmly.
The guard was still stunned when he heard Cloud said that. Cloud's words snap him out of it.
He nodded to Cloud then said to the other guard that he will leave monetarily.
The other guard can only nod with a blank face.
Then, the guard lead Cloud inside.
On the way up, the guard starts a conversation with Cloud.
"Sorry about that. You must've been surprised." The guard said.
"That's okay. I just don't understand why you would do that. Did we ever met before?" Cloud reply.
The guard shakes his head to answer.
"I'm a personal servant of the Head Elder. So I've met and talked to Xiao Fan before. He always talk about you and think very highly of you. I've never believe what he said since I know that you don't have any Spiritual Root. But after we clashed, I understand that Xiao Fan didn't just say empty words. I apologize once more for my rudeness."
"So that's how it is." Cloud nodded.
The guard then lead Cloud to Xiao Fan's courtyard.
Throughout the way, Cloud saw many courtyards around. He also sense that the surrounding qi here are much denser compared to his courtyard.
The guard also said that this place is called the Elder's Peak. It is where all the outer elders usually resides.
The many courtyards around are for them and their personal deciples.
As for servants like the guard, they live in one of the courtyard together with other servants or they would live in their master's courtyard to serve them.
As they chat, they soon arrives at Xiao Fan's courtyard. The courtyard look bigger and more luxurious from the outside compared to Cloud's courtyard.
The guard that lead Cloud hurriedly knock on the courtyard's door. He also shouts to call Xiao Fan.
A hurried footsteps and some grumpy rumblings came from inside the courtyard.
"Shut up! What are you shouting for? Don't you know that I'm already miserable enough not being allowed to go out?"
Xiao Fan complain grumpily after pushing open the courtyard's door.
The guard only smile when he heard that. He then quickly said, "Hehe look who I brought here. Aren't I kind that I brought a friend so you don't get lonely for not being allowed to go out?"
Xiao Fan is surprised when he heard that. He quickly shove the guard away to find who he's talking about.
When he sees Cloud, his eyes glimmer in excitement.
"Brother Cloud! How have you been? I wasn't able to visit you because of that old grandpa. You don't blame me are you?" Xiao Fan said quickly with excitement.
"I've heard." Cloud reply while dodging Xiao Fan that's trying to jump and hug him.
"Ou... Ou... You bastard, how dare you call the Head Elder that way!" The guard that was shoved by Xiao Fan said from the ground.
He's still holding his butt in pain.
Xiao Fan that was surprised by how fast Cloud dodge finally remember and turn to look at the guard.
He then said to the guard, "Hmph! What I called my master is up to me! Don't you have a guarding job to do? Go go, quickly go. Or I'll tell my master that you slack off."
Hearing what Xiao Fan said, the guard can only go slowly in resentment. He curse Xiao Fan for being ungrateful in his heart.
After smiling while looking at the leaving guard, Xiao Fan turn to Cloud and invite him in.
"Still naughty as always I see." Cloud commented while following Xiao Fan inside.