However, He Ling dared not defy the residual soul within the necklace.
Because, although the soul was just a remnant, its power was still formidable. If it wanted his life, it could certainly accomplish that.
So, what should he do?
Meanwhile, the four Elders and Wei Yunshu in another secret chamber looked solemn.
"It’s indeed a reaction from the soul," the Great Elder frowned.
In their eyes, He Ling was merely sitting quietly. But they could all guess that He Ling was likely communicating with that residual soul, because the room He Ling stayed in had an array set up to detect unusual energy fluctuations.
"Let’s first see what he wants to do," the Second Elder said unhurriedly, "This kid, after dining, even asked the maid why he hadn’t yet seen our Young City Lord. How amusing, thinking he’s charming despite his looks. To even consider making advances on our Young City Lord? He should look at himself in a mirror."
"Well, to be fair, He Ling’s appearance isn’t bad. Otherwise, why would several silly girls be attracted to him?" Wei Yunshu commented objectively.
"Ugly at heart, ugly in appearance. Don’t you understand this?" the Third Elder sneered sarcastically.
"Indeed, only those who are beautiful both inside and out are truly beautiful. Of course, like you, beautiful at heart despite your looks, overall you’re still considered beautiful," the Fourth Elder said while twirling his mustache with his finger, chuckling.
Wei Yunshu: ... Blind nonsense! Where am I ugly? I am a beauty with a kind heart, alright? Is this kind of personal attack really fair? Doesn’t it pain your conscience to say this?
"However, he probably does intend to court your Young City Lord. He really dares to dream, doesn’t he?" Wei Yunshu, on this point, agreed with the Elders.
"Anyway, keep a close watch and don’t let him encounter the Young City Lord," the Great Elder decisively concluded.
Thus, He Ling wandered around the City Lord Mansion for several days without seeing Tianmiao. Needless to say, he couldn’t initiate a conversation or showcase his charm—without seeing anyone, who could he exhibit it to?
In that case, he’ll show his charm to a maid and inquire about the place where the City Lord and his spouse are in closed-door cultivation.
He Ling stopped two maids who were chatting as they walked, his face showing a gentle smile as he politely inquired, "Ladies, please wait. I am He Ling, a disciple of the Cangyuan Sect, and wish to ask you something."
The two maids, seeing a handsome young man halting them, felt a bit shy. Upon hearing He Ling’s self-introduction, they were somewhat surprised and asked, "Are you the He Ling who almost apprehended the real culprit in the demon cultivator incident?"
"Yes, that’s right. That’s nothing, it’s what every righteous Cultivator should do," He Ling replied bashfully.
"You’re truly modest," the two maids giggled, clearly having a favorable impression of He Ling.
"Well, ladies, this is my first time in Sky City. I’ve always admired the City Lord and long wished to meet him. But ever since the City Lord went into seclusion, there’s been no opportunity," He Ling said regretfully, "Do you know where I might see the City Lord’s portrait?"
"In the study, but you would need permission from the Elders," the maid said, hearing this promising disciple admire their City Lord, feeling proud and naturally not minding answering him.
"That, perhaps I should pass. The Elders are busy dealing with demon cultivators. I wouldn’t want to trouble them over such trivial matters," He Ling shook his head lightly.