Currently, Jia Ming was thinking of an excuse. Finally, she thought of one.
"It's because... the mark of my family has a special characteristic." Jia Ming smoothly deceived the old lady. "That's how I knew that he was my relative."
"Ah, so that's it."
.....
Nighttime.
Li Bai was sitting on the chair inside Jia Ming's home, pondering about something.
During the two times that he saw Jia Ming's naked body, he only focused on one thing - her mark.
Her mark was very unique. It wasn't that of a Marked Genius, per se, but it was close to being one.
Li Bai had also recognized the mark as it had a unique characteristic on it.
"So she's from the Meng clan, huh?" Li Bai nodded as he agreed to himself.
The reason why he knew of the unique characteristic despite it being so unnoticeable was because... he was the one who founded the clan.
He saw his own mark having a somewhat unique appearance and established a clan. However, he grew tired of it and left it to grow on its own after a decade.
In a sense, the two were really distant relatives. Because of this, Jia Ming really did not lie.
"So what happened to my beloved descendant that made her cry...?" Li Bai pinched his chin.
Just as he was thinking, Jia Ming returned to her home. The villagers were really jealous of her new clothes as they were much softer and smoother than her previous ones.
"Um, Li Bai, I've taken you around the village, so..."
Even though Jia Ming had already done the request, she dared not be demanding.
Considering that this "child" was most likely a devious old man in disguise, it wouldn't be a surprise if he were to go back on his word, and make her do another request.
And that's exactly what happened.
"Hmmm, I have another request." Li Bai's voice rang out in the night.
Ah, I knew it... Jia Ming was really indignant.
"My request is... for you to reveal what you remembered to me." Li Bai spoke.
"Ah... wait, how did you know?!" Jia Ming was really shocked. She had never spoke of anything related to this matter, especially since it just happened this morning.
How did this "child" know?
"Don't panic. I already know lots of things... like how your real surname is Meng." Li Bai talked with a sarcastic tone.
Suddenly, a chill went through Jia Ming's spine. She quickly thought of reasons why this "child" had this knowledge.
Could it be... is he an assassin sent to execute me?
Back then, her aunts and uncles were really trying to kill her together with her mother and father. However, in the last minute, she escaped their grasp.
After a whole decade and a half, could they finally have figured out her whereabouts?
Thinking this, Jia Ming suddenly put on her battle formation, readying to fight the assassin.
"You... You will never pry this information out of my mouth!"
Her expression was that of fury, fear, and despair. If this child really was one of those old fogeys who could change their appearance at will, not to mention killing her, even committing genocide throughout the whole village is possible!
As such, she knew that it was a useless effort to defend herself.
Li Bai got startled. What did I say that made her so agitated? His calm and composed face very rarely changed, but it did so now.
He raised his eyebrows and frowned his mouth in confusion. He was trying to analyze the situation before him.
Seeing the change in Li Bai's expression, a thought sprouted in her mind.
He... Has he found out that I already know his true intentions?
If that's the case, there's no need to hold back!
"You... wretched old man!"
As soon as he heard this, Li Bai's eyebrows twitched.
She... why did she insult me?
However, he was not brick headed. He naturally got the gist of the situation from her statement. It was... a complete misunderstanding.
He had never exposed his true identity to anyone except for Jin He, not to mention that it was impossible for anyone to find out as there were no cases similar to his.
He was also extremely knowledgeable, and so he had heard of real old fogeys turning themselves into young men.
"Haah..." Li Bai sighed as he turned his back against Jia Ming. He held his hands behind his back as he walked solemnly.
"Hmm?"
Jia Ming was confused by Li Bai's actions. This elder... why does he look so magnanimous?
Li Bai then spoke without looking at Jia Ming.
"This cursed body... have I scared you?"
Li Bai spoke with melancholy in his voice. He decided to play along with this lass's misunderstanding. It was harder to explain himself than to play along, after all.
However, what he said were not lies. In a sense, Li Bai really hated his current body. He wanted to kill himself when he found out he was incapable of cultivation just to be reborn...
"Wh- what?" Jia Ming thought inside her mind. This elder... was actually admitting to it?
Before she could continue her train of thought, Li Bai continued speaking.
"I... will reveal to you my real age. Will you trust me then?" Li Bai spoke with much hesitation. Of course, this was just his inexplicably good acting.
He turned his head slightly to look at Jia Ming while his body faced the opposite way, revealing a look of sadness in Li Bai's face.
"Wai- wait!" Jia Ming stuttered. She was wavering. How could this elder have bad intentions? He was ready to reveal his true age to her... This was clearly a sign of trust.
Furthermore, his look... It was as if he was remembering bad memories... Jia Ming could not help but pity this elder...
After a moment of reluctance, Jia Ming finally responded, and with an affirmative tone at that.
"O- okay. I will tell you..."
As she said these words, she began recalling what she remembered and relayed it to Li Bai, who was still facing the opposite way.
Li Bai had an expression of curiosity, and it was exactly why he did not turn around. This story of hers... was very interesting!
Fine, this grandpa will help you, little lass.
As Jia Ming stopped talking, an array appeared on her hand, glowing brightly, which made her close her eyes.
The brightness faded in half a breath, and Jia Ming opened her eyes just as quickly. A cotton plant was on her hand.
"What?" She was confused. This child, no, this venerable elder has not even moved an inch ever since she started talking. How did he put the cotton plant on her hand then?
Li Bai's voice then reached her ears, to which her eyes replied with incredulity. Could he really be trusted?
However, before Jia Ming could question him, he disappeared from the house swiftly.
The words that Li Bai spoke were, "I am only three years older than you."
