He couldn't possibly imagine that these were the words coming from the Old Celestial Master.
Given the situation just unfolding, were these reporters supposed to pretend they saw nothing? To be blind?
"But..."
"I believe this journalist friend must be tired from a long journey and is seeing things. After all, the world says our Dragon Tiger Mountain Taoism is orthodox, and many film and television works portray it that way. Those are merely exaggerated depictions, and I hope everyone will discern carefully." The Old Celestial Master said with a smile, "We cultivators, in truth, only know a few ways to strengthen the body. After all, we usually exercise on these mountain paths."
After uttering these words, the Old Celestial Master opened his eyes. There was no hint of his age in them at all. If one looked only at his eyes, they were like brilliant stars, seemingly encompassing all things.
Even Lin Xiao, from a distance, couldn't help but be struck by these eyes.
As expected of the Old Celestial Master.
Following the Old Celestial Master's statement, these reporters seemed to understand something. Instantly, none of them pressed the issue further. Instead, after a brief discussion with the Old Celestial Master about Taoist culture, they departed.
At this moment, the Old Celestial Master noticed Lin Xiao.
Lin Xiao, in turn, proactively walked up to the Old Celestial Master.
"Greetings, Old Celestial Master."
At such close proximity, Lin Xiao was now certain that this Old Celestial Master had truly transcended the divine realm.
"General Lin, I trust you have been well." The Old Celestial Master said with a smile, making a gesture of invitation, "Shall we go inside and have a good chat?"
"Thank you for the hospitality."
Lin Xiao performed a respectful bow with proper etiquette.
"Oh, General Lin, in modern society, we do this, we shake hands." The Old Celestial Master said, extending his hand to shake Lin Xiao's.
The Old Celestial Master's hand appeared somewhat withered, but upon actually shaking it, Lin Xiao realized that what his eyes perceived was not entirely accurate.
The tactile sensation of the hand was not at all what one would expect from a withered hand. The flesh of this hand was thick and possessed considerable strength.
Yet, externally, there was no indication of this.
As they walked into the Taoist temple, the Old Celestial Master spoke, "General Lin, I apologize for any disturbance caused by the disciples at Beijiang, and I thank General Lin for your care of them."
"It's no trouble at all. The disciples of the Celestial Master Sect are undoubtedly the most elite among the Three Sects. Their training in Beijiang has been proceeding smoothly. To be honest, I am quite impressed. The Celestial Master Sect lives up to its reputation."
Lin Xiao was equally courteous. This was a true powerhouse, and someone who had previously aided him. He was silently observing the Old Celestial Master at this moment.
"General Lin, your words are not quite like you." The Old Celestial Master smiled slightly. "I have never heard the General Lin, the Dragon Country's God of War and Beijiang's Dragon King, flatter an old man like me."
"This is not flattery; it is my sincere opinion." Lin Xiao quickly shook his head. He genuinely praised the Celestial Master Sect, as the quality of the disciples from the Celestial Master Sect in Beijiang was indeed the best among the Three Sects.
Their physical condition and obedience to management were far superior to those of the Artifact Sect and the Misty Immortal Palace.
This was also the reason for Lin Xiao's positive impression of the Celestial Master Sect.
"Then, this old Taoist is deeply honored." The Old Celestial Master nodded slowly, observing Lin Xiao. "Your spiritual energy has been sealed. You must have gone to that place."
"Yes." Lin Xiao did not conceal it.