Meng Rouyanâs expression softened, and she offered a gentle smile. "I simply wish to make a friend," she said, her voice sincere. "And perhaps, we can share information. My Meng Clan is desperate to atone for our past inaction, and any clue about the White Tiger God would be invaluable."
She paused, her eyes pleading. "I would also like to invite you to our clanâs residence. We can discuss this further in a more comfortable setting."
Yun Lintianâs gaze remained steady. He had no intention of visiting the Meng Clan. "I appreciate the offer, but I prefer to travel alone. I will share any information I find, but I cannot promise anything."
Meng Rouyanâs smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "I understand. But please, if you change your mind, you are always welcome."
Yun Lintian nodded, then turned and walked away.
As Yun Lintian disappeared into the crowd, a tall, imposing man emerged from the shadows behind Meng Rouyan. He was dressed in dark robes, his face stern and expressionless.
"Young Miss," he said, his voice deep and respectful.
"Can you see through his strength?" Meng Rouyan asked.
The tall man paused, his eyes narrowing slightly. "His aura suggests he is at the High God Realm, but I sense something⊠more. His presence is⊠unsettling. I believe he is far stronger than our clan head."
Meng Rouyanâs eyes widened slightly. "Stronger than Father?" she murmured, her voice filled with surprise. "That is⊠concerning."
"What are your orders, Young Miss?" the tall man asked, his voice respectful.
"Keep an eye on him," Meng Rouyan said, her voice firm. "Follow him discreetly, and report back to me any information you gather. We need to know his intentions. And if he finds the White Tiger God⊠we need to know that too."
"Yes, Young Miss," the tall man replied, his figure melting back into the shadows.
Meng Rouyan watched as he disappeared, her expression thoughtful. She approached Yun Lintian because she had a feeling that he was not what he seemed and it seemed she was right.
She must find a motive behind Yun Lintianâs interest on the White Tiger. Could he be a remnant of the Bai Clan?
After leaving, Yun Lintian had already noticed someone trailing him in secret, but he didnât care about it.
However, he hadnât expected that simply expressing his interest in the White Tiger would attract someoneâs attention. Meng Rouyanâs intuition was indeed terrifyingly accurate.
"Why donât we get rid of him, Big Brother Yun? Do you want me to do it?" Qingqing asked cutely.
Yun Lintian smiled and said, "Itâs fine. Let him follow. We will take care of him and his master later after finding the White Tiger."
Yun Lintian spent the next few days wandering around Sunlight City, seemingly aimlessly. He visited various shops, sampled local delicacies, and observed the bustling activities of the city. He didnât make any overt moves to search for the White Tiger, nor did he engage in any suspicious activities. He simply blended into the crowd, appearing to be a curious traveler.
Meanwhile, the tall man, Meng Rouyanâs subordinate, diligently followed Yun Lintian, reporting back to her every detail of his movements. He observed Yun Lintianâs interactions, his expressions, and his demeanor, but he found nothing out of the ordinary.
***
Back at the Meng Clanâs residence, Meng Rouyan returned to her father, the clan head, Meng Huai. She found him in his study, reviewing documents and issuing orders.
"Father," she said, her voice respectful. "I have something to report."
Meng Huai looked up, his expression serious. "What is it, Rouyan?"
"I encountered a stranger in the city," she said. "He is interested in the rumors about the White Tiger God."
Meng Huai raised his brow slightly. "A stranger? Who is he?"
He knew that it was impossible for an ordinary person to catch his daughterâs attention.
"He calls himself Yun Lintian," Meng Rouyan replied. "He claims to be a traveler. But my guard believes that he is far stronger than you, Father."
Meng Huaiâs expression turned serious. "Stronger than me?.. Then why would you let him follow that person?"
Meng Rouyan hesitated briefly and said, "He is clearly interested in the White Tigerâs return. My intuition tells me that he isnât just curious. Perhaps we can learn one or two things from him."
Meng Huai pondered for a moment, his brows furrowed. "Order your guard to return," he said, his voice firm. "We will not interfere with this Yun Lintian. We will not provoke him."
"But Father," Meng Rouyan protested, "we need to know his intentions. What if he finds the White Tiger God?"
"We will not pursue the White Tiger," Meng Huai said, his voice resolute. "We have already taken our share of the Bai Clanâs legacy. We will not risk incurring the wrath of a being of such power."
Meng Rouyanâs eyes widened. "But Father, the White Tiger God might be our chance to atone for our past inaction!"
Meng Huai sighed. "Rouyan," he said, his voice gentle. "We cannot change the past. We can only learn from it. We made a mistake by not helping the Bai Clan. We will not make another mistake by pursuing the White Tiger. Let the past remain buried."
"ButâŠ" Meng Rouyan began, but her father cut her off.
"No more," Meng Huai said, his voice firm. "We will not involve ourselves in this matter. We will focus on our own clan, on our own survival. There is a feeling inside me that retribution will come sooner or later. Just forget about the White Tiger."
He paused for a moment and said. "And this Yun Lintian. Iâm afraid heâs related to the Bai Clan⊠Itâs just my feeling."
Meng Rouyan fell silent, her expression filled with disappointment. She understood her fatherâs concerns, but she couldnât shake the feeling that they were missing an opportunity.
"As you wish, Father," she said, her voice subdued.
Meng Huai nodded, his gaze turning back to his documents. "Now, leave me," he said. "I have much work to do."
Meng Rouyan bowed and left the study, her mind filled with thoughts. She couldnât understand her fatherâs reluctance. The White Tiger God was a chance to redeem their clan, to restore their honor.
She thought for a moment and decided to look for Yun Lintian again laterâŠ
***
"There is indeed a trace of the White Tiger."
Standing not far away from the former residence of the Bai Clan, Yun Lintian could feel a lingering aura of the White Tiger God here⊠It was indeed a True White Tiger God!