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Peerless Little Immortal Doctor-Chapter 921 - 924: Bizarre
Half an hour later, Xia Liu had a general understanding of the origins and consequences surrounding the Guo Family’s Forbidden Land.
The Guo Family ancestors had intended to isolate the Spirit Tree to prevent its discovery by others.
Instead, the result was isolating themselves from accessing it.
Without any powerful individuals rising in the family, the Guo Family hadn’t been to the opposite side of the cliff for several centuries.
What a shame for such an Ancient Spirit Tree.
Due to its treacherous terrain, during the Warrior Era, no less than ten Innate Martial Artists had perished on the perilous cliff. In the end, the Guo Family’s upper echelons were helpless.
Left with no options, they designated the back mountain as a Forbidden Land.
"Chief Xia, the ancestral records aren’t entirely reliable, so it’s uncertain whether that Spirit Tree bears the fruit that grants eternal youthful appearance."
Since Guo Shi had just leaked this information, Guo Po felt obligated to explain. Otherwise, if Xia Liu went to the opposite side of the cliff and found no such fruit—
That could truly offend him then.
"I understand. Would Daoist Fellow Guo permit me to try? Perhaps there is something there I need."
Xia Liu’s attitude was modest, making refusal difficult.
Of course, refusal was also impossible.
With his abilities, no one in the Guo Family dared utter a word of dissent.
Moreover, he was the Chief of Huaxia’s Heavenly Mansion.
That title alone was enough to make the Guo Family tremble.
"Of course, you may. However, the Forbidden Land is extremely perilous. I hope Chief Xia will think it through carefully."
"Naturally. I’ll wait until I’ve fully recovered before attempting the challenge."
Xia Liu dared not act recklessly. A Forbidden Land dangerous enough to claim the lives of Innate Martial Artists demanded utmost caution.
After all, his cultivation wasn’t far above the Innate Early Stage.
This was after unsealing his power to recover.
For now, as long as he could keep his mind steady, he wouldn’t reseal the unsealed power.
If he started losing control, he’d certainly restore the seal.
Before resolving the Demon Thought festering in his Divine Sense, he wouldn’t take any risks.
"By the way, Chief Xia, there’s another matter, though I haven’t confirmed its truth..."
Guo Po hesitated, unsure whether this unverified matter was worth mentioning.
"Daoist Fellow Guo, please speak openly."
"When I was young, I once disobeyed my parents and sneaked into the Forbidden Land at night. That night, I heard a series of growls, and then I fainted."
Guo Po recounted the eerie incident he had experienced as a child.
He had told his parents about it, but they hadn’t believed him.
Later, Guo Po never heard those growls again and assumed it had merely been his fear playing tricks on him.
"Brother Guo Po, I remember you mentioned this years ago. I recall that after we grew up, we even guarded the Forbidden Land for three days and nights but heard nothing at all—hahaha..."
Remembering this, Guo Shi couldn’t help but laugh.
Looking back on it, it was truly nostalgic.
"Heh, so I’ve never been entirely certain, but that sound felt incredibly real, like the legendary exotic beasts recorded in ancient texts."
Guo Po chuckled awkwardly. The incident had made him the butt of jokes among his friends for years.
As such, he hadn’t mentioned it again since.
Today, for some reason, he brought it up again.
"Hehe, it seems Daoist Fellow Guo also had his impulsive moments in youth."
Xia Liu smiled faintly, not directly addressing Guo Po’s words.
However, shadowy thoughts churned within him. That growling sound was certainly odd.
He could only determine the truth after personally visiting the site.
"Ah, who in their youth hasn’t acted impulsively? Chief Xia, you’ve been injured today; please rest and recover for now. Later tonight, I’ll send someone to invite you again."
"Daoist Fellow Guo, you’re too kind. There’s no need to summon me tonight. I’ll likely remain in seclusion at my residence for the next few days. When I’m ready, I’ll inform you."
"Very well. We’ll follow Chief Xia’s arrangements."
After some idle chatter, Xia Liu, led by Guo Gang, returned to the secluded courtyard.
Although he had numerous conflicts—and even enmities—with Guo Man and Guo Fanghua,
The Martial Artists from Guo Xiao Lineage were all exceptionally respectful towards him, not daring to so much as glance at him sideways.
Not only that, ever since Xia Liu’s cultivation and identity had been revealed, he had become an object of reverence for the entire Guo Family.
No one dared harbor resentment, except for Guo Man...
The warm courtyard of yesterday, visited again today, now carried an unshakable melancholy.
In one corner, remnants of blackened charcoal remained.
It was where he had grilled fish with Guo Man at the time.
When her delicate hand was burned, Xia Liu had instinctively placed her finger in his mouth.
The intimate moment would perhaps remain frozen in time forever.
Shaking his head, Xia Liu ascended to the second floor.
This time, once he ventured beyond the chasm, he would obtain the exotic fruit before seeking Guo Man again.
Xia Liu remained in seclusion within the courtyard for two days and two nights.
The apprentice delivering meals at the door had changed over a dozen times.
Before the food could grow cold, someone else would arrive with a basket to continue waiting.
At last, after a long and tedious wait, Xia Liu opened the door.
Clad in fine garments, his last battle had left even his underclothes nearly shredded.
Fortunately, Guo Po had things arranged, or he might have had to tie a cloth curtain around his waist.
"Go back and let them know not to deliver meals. When I’m hungry, I’ll find food myself. Tell Guo Po not to worry about me."
Looking at the bashful girl delivering his meal, Xia Liu instructed softly.
"Y-yes..."
"Oh, and thank you."
Accepting the basket from her hands, Xia Liu smiled warmly as he spoke.
Looking up at Xia Liu’s handsome and resolute face, the girl froze momentarily.
She had never seen such a striking man.
And this man was also a peerless powerhouse.
The girl’s heart began to race uncontrollably.
"Could I ask you for a favor?"
Seeing her excitement, Xia Liu continued,
"Chief Xia, please speak. Ya’er will do her best to fulfill it."
"If you can, please keep an eye on Miss Guo Man’s situation. Report to me tomorrow morning or evening."
"Mm! I’ll do my best to carry out Chief Xia’s request."
Ya’er nodded playfully.
"Thank you for your trouble."
...
Placing the basket aside, Xia Liu faced a serene lake. The blazing sun gradually dimmed; the day after tomorrow would be the exact date for his venture into the Guo Family’s Forbidden Land!
At dusk, a figure appeared at the courtyard gate.
Without opening his eyes, Xia Liu’s Divine Sense surged, the gate swung open, and a Spirit Sound entered Guo Fanghua’s mind: "Madam Guo, please come in."
Guo Fanghua was momentarily surprised at Xia Liu’s mysterious abilities but quickly composed herself.
In the courtyard, Xia Liu approached Guo Fanghua, feeling guilty over the matter of Guo Man.
"Madam Guo, I am sorry about Little Man. If—"
"Xia Liu—is it alright if I call you that?"
Guo Fanghua interrupted Xia Liu mid-sentence and asked.
"Hmm? Of course."
Xia Liu felt slightly puzzled. Guo Fanghua’s tone and approach seemed different than usual.
Something felt... off.