The identity of a Loose Cultivator itself meant that they belonged to the Demonic Path Gu Master; without the constraints and ties of a Family, they could do whatever they pleased.
Zuo Tiankong knew this well, so when he realized that Liu Chen might be a Loose Cultivator, he felt it was even more troublesome, but at the same time, he sensed a glimmer of opportunity.
If a Loose Cultivator like Liu Chen could be drawn into their Zuo Family and made an external Elder, then the Zuo Family's strength would undoubtedly greatly increase, fully capable of overwhelming the Che Family and successfully seizing Three Fork Mountain.
As soon as he thought of this, the smile on Zuo Tiankong's face became even brighter.
However, before taking action, Zuo Tiankong decided to first ascertain Liu Chen's background, lest he be a Demonic Path Gu Master in disguise.
After all, dealing with Demonic Path Gu Masters required extra caution and prudence.
Just as Zuo Tiankong was secretly calculating in his heart, Liu Chen unhesitatingly rejected his invitation.
Liu Chen stated that he had no interest in the conflict between the Zuo Family and the Che Family; he simply felt a connection with the Two-Cycle Gu Master from earlier and hoped that he could accompany him on a tour of Three Fork Mountain.
During their conversation, Liu Chen smoothly accepted the golden treasure chest from the Zuo Family Clan Chief.
Facing Liu Chen's firm attitude, Zuo Tiankong was somewhat disappointed but found it difficult to force him to stay.
Thus, he could only follow Liu Chen's wishes and instructed the Two-Cycle Gu Master, saying, "Since this young friend is so insistent, then let it be as he says.
Rechen, you shall accompany this distinguished guest, and be sure not to neglect the etiquette of our Zuo Family."
"Yes, this humble one will certainly not fail the Clan Chief's expectations!" Zuo Rechan heard this, immediately knelt and kowtowed, responding with respectful deference.
Liu Chen smiled slightly at the sight and then said, "I was just about to tour the three peaks of Three Fork Mountain; why don't we set off now?"
His tone was relaxed and casual, as if it were just an ordinary outing.
Zuo Tiankong's heart stirred upon hearing this, and he quickly chimed in, "Then the young friend must be careful of those brainless brutes from the Che Family!
If they accidentally provoke the young friend, this old man will certainly help the young friend seek justice."
His words seemed to be a reminder to Liu Chen, but in reality, they were hinting that he stood on the same side as him, and also took the opportunity to disparage the Che Family.
Zuo Rechan nodded in agreement, then got up and led the way, with Liu Chen following unhurriedly behind him, and the two walked together towards the mountain occupied by the Zuo Family.
Seeing Liu Chen and Zuo Rechan gradually depart, the Zuo Family Clan Chief immediately turned and led the remaining Elders, who were slowly catching up, back to the Family.
Along the way, his expression was solemn, not daring to be careless in the slightest.
After all, the strength of a Rank Four Gu Master was already enough to determine the rise and fall of a Family's honor and disgrace; the Zuo Family naturally had to treat Liu Chen, this distinguished guest, with courtesy, and absolutely could not show any neglect.
"Although the shape of Three Fork Mountain is indeed unique, there are no precious gu materials here."
Zuo Rechan's words also contained an intent to probe, and then, pointing to the mountain ahead, he introduced to Liu Chen, "This is our Zuo Family's Zuo Mountain.
If you, honored sir, still wish to proceed to the main peak of Three Fork Mountain, then you must be careful of the Che Family's Gu Masters.
Those fellows are notoriously unreasonable and might even harm you, honored sir."
Zuo Rechan led Liu Chen along a winding path, spending a considerable amount of time along the way, finally reaching the summit of a mountain.
Standing on the mountaintop, Liu Chen gazed into the distance, seeing mountains all around, enveloped in mist, a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
"Hmm, I understand now.
The scenery here is indeed good, and the journey here was not in vain," Liu Chen nodded in satisfaction and said to Zuo Rechan.
However, when he carefully observed this mountain, he did not find any trace of a treasure chest.
Although he felt a little disappointed, Liu Chen also understood that to obtain the treasure chest here, he would probably have to wait until the Three Kings Inheritance began.
Since he hadn't obtained the treasure chest he desired, Liu Chen didn't want to linger here any longer.
He turned to Zuo Rechan and said, "Thank you, Brother Zuo, for guiding me on this tour.
I hope you can make good use of that Sword Embryo Gu.
Farewell!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Liu Chen summoned his Thousand Li Earth Wolf Spider and sped away like a flash of lightning, instantly disappearing into the distant mountain forests.
Riding the Thousand Li Earth Wolf Spider, Liu Chen galloped away like the wind, quickly leaving the Zuo Family's sphere of influence.
He was anxious, intent only on reaching Qing Mao Mountain as soon as possible, because he knew that, by his reckoning, Lao Mo should have already returned from Rebirth.
As soon as he thought of this, Liu Chen's mood became restless, filled with anticipation and curiosity.
He wondered what kind of treasure chest Lao Mo would bring with him, and this thought made him incredibly excited.
After more than half a month of long travel, Liu Chen finally returned to his long-missed Qing Mao Mountain.
Every blade of grass and tree here made him feel incredibly familiar, and the familiar scent wafted over him, slightly easing the tension and anxiety in his heart.
However, Liu Chen did not immediately show himself, but cautiously approached the area near Qing Mao Mountain.
He knew that various dangers and uncertainties might exist here, and a slight carelessness could expose his whereabouts.
Thus, Liu Chen unhesitatingly activated a Four-Turn Concealment Gu, completely hiding his cultivation.
This Gu worm could perfectly mask his Qi, making him appear like an ordinary Mortal in the eyes of others.
Immediately afterward, Liu Chen activated another Four-Turn Invisibility Gu of the same rank.
The effect of this Gu worm was even more miraculous; it could make Liu Chen and the Thousand Li Earth Wolf Spider's figures completely disappear into the air, as if they had never existed.
With everything ready, Liu Chen then had the Thousand Li Earth Wolf Spider stop moving.
He looked around, observed the terrain, and then decided to dig an underground passage to ensure his movements were even more concealed.
Liu Chen gently waved his hand, and the Thousand Li Earth Wolf Spider quickly began to dig.
Its sharp tentacles moved rapidly on the ground, and in a short while, a deep underground passage appeared before Liu Chen.
Liu Chen nodded in satisfaction, then activated a Four-Turn Detection Gu worm.
This Gu worm resembled a dragonfly; it flew lightly out of the underground cave, like a flash of lightning, speeding towards Gu Yue Village.
Under Liu Chen's control, this dragonfly Detection Gu worm was like an experienced spy; it did not fly directly to Gu Yue Village, but cleverly landed in a small village below.