### Chapter 60: Entering Qingzhu Town
Lin Zhongyu was already set on finding a chance to chat with Mu Jixue.
They would definitely establish a stable and harmonious friendly relationship one day!
While Lin Zhongyu’s mind was racing, a slightly plump old man approached them.
“Oh gosh, Immortal Masters have arrived! I apologize for not welcoming you properly!”
The old man rubbed his hands together and walked closer to the group.
Yun Zhonghe narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the old man from top to bottom. He knew the general plot of the cases in Qingzhu Town, but wasn’t privy to many details. After all, there wasn’t much connection between this place and the main storyline of the original work.
Even the inside scoop on the town still had many clues left unexplored.
However, after taking a gander at the old man, Yun Zhonghe didn’t detect anything peculiar about him.
He must be the mayor NPC who issued the quests, Yun Zhonghe presumed.
“Immortal Masters, long journey ahead of you. We’ve prepared rooms for you at the mansion. Take a day to rest before getting down to business.”
“Please follow me.”
“By the way, I’m Mr. Wu, the mayor of Qingzhu Town. Just call me Mayor Wu.”
Mayor Wu introduced himself warmly and invited everyone to rest at his place.
But Yun Zhonghe was quite wary. Although he didn’t sense any shadiness from Mayor Wu, he felt it was his duty to protect the whole team, so he didn’t want to play by the old man’s rules yet.
“Mayor Wu, we came as representatives of the Immortal Alliance. According to the rules, we cannot accept any benefits. Don’t bother; we’ll find a lodgings in town.”
Song Ziwei was initially going to follow Mayor Wu to his residence.
But after hearing Yun Zhonghe’s words, she paused.
Yun Zhonghe was already the backbone of the team, steady and decisive. He was, indeed, an incredibly reliable man.
And Yun Zhonghe’s high standards, which few others adhered to, made her admire him even more. The Immortal Alliance had such rules, but few really followed them.
He strictly abides by rules, follows principles, and yet remains flexible, truly setting an example.
Song Ziwei felt inspired to emulate him.
“I agree with Brother Yun. Let’s stay at a lodge in town. No need to bother Mayor Wu.”
Lin Zhongyu chimed in immediately: “Yes, I agree too!”
She didn’t hesitate and followed close behind Yun Zhonghe.
This whole missing person incident in Qingzhu Town was indeed fishy. The previous team had no word at all, and if it weren’t for the unbroken identity tokens from the Immortal Alliance, people would assume the worst.
But the absence of even a hint of news already indicated something wrong with Qingzhu Town.
Indeed, staying in the mayor’s house was out of the question—who knows what shenanigans he’s up to?
Three cultivators at the Foundation Establishment stage had expressed their opinions. The other three at the Qi Refinement stage naturally said nothing too, but Mu Jixue hadn’t spoken up yet.
Lin Zhongyu gave her a look, and Mu Jixue mumbled, “I agree too…”
Yun Zhonghe addressed Mayor Wu: “Thank you for your hospitality, but we must stick to the Immortal Alliance regulations.”
Mayor Wu froze for a moment, clearly not expecting to be turned down.
“Oh, no problem. You Immo… oh, never mind. Your high standards and dedication are truly commendable! We have affordable and cozy inns in town. Allow me to recommend some.”
After recovering, Mayor Wu smiled and started recommending inns.
Yun Zhonghe preemptively exchanged a glance with Song Ziwei, letting her interact with Mayor Wu directly while he observed from the sidelines.
Throwing Song Ziwei to the forefront was both for division of labor and to give her due respect as a representative.
Song Ziwei really thought Yun Zhonghe was handling everything tactfully.
Thus, Song Ziwei seized the opportunity to gather information on the missing cases. Yun Zhonghe trailed behind, sticking close to Mu Jixue and Lin Zhongyu, observing the town.
Keeping an eye on Huang Aotian was his top priority—he couldn’t let this white-haired pixie get into trouble.
“Hey, I heard that people go missing every few days here. Is that true?”
“It is true. Families file reports with the authorities, but we can’t find any trace of these missing persons. The town is not far from wild areas, but there are usually no beasts or wild animals around.”
Mayor Wu recounted with a sorrowful air, appearing to be an exemplary leader in the eyes of outsiders.
Later, Song Ziwei asked Mayor Wu about specifics of the missing people.
Mayor Wu answered all questions willingly.
Cooperative as could be.
Yun Zhonghe leaned against the wall, arms crossed, surveying with his sharp, green eyes.
As they made their way to the inn, a ball suddenly rolled over and hit Mu Jixue right.
Mu Jixue didn’t get angry—she picked up the ball and threw it back to the child, and then waved goodbye to him with a smile.
The kid played with the ball and ignored Mu Jixue the entire time.
Neither apologized nor thanked Mu Jixue.
As if she didn’t exist, totally absorbed in his own world.
Yet, Mu Jixue showed no signs of irritation, her heart vast enough to forgive almost anything.
Yun Zhonghe witnessed it all.
How come Huang Aotian’s kindness never reached him?
“Hey, did you see that kid? What a j*rk! Not even a ‘sorry’ when he hit someone.”
Mu Jixue remained silent, but Xiao Yang came to her defense.
“I’ll apologize on behalf of the kid. They’re kids; they don’t know better.”
Mayor Wu spotted the incident and promptly apologized, being the epitome of suave diplomacy.
“No harm done.”
Mu Jixue waived off his apology, showing she wasn’t bothered.
Yun Zhonghe looked at the kid, then entered the inn with the group.
The inn was called Xianghe Inn.
Seeing Mayor Wu, the innkeeper rushed forward to handle check-in procedures.
After confirming the rooms, Mayor Wu bade farewell, mentioning he’d be available at the town hall if needed.
Ascending the stairs, instead of heading straight for their respective rooms, everyone gathered at Yun Zhonghe’s room.
They sat down inside the room.
Song Ziwei produced a sound-proof talisman, infused spiritual energy into it, creating a sound-proof barrier.
No one outside could hear what was happening inside.
When everything was set, Song Ziwei sat down.
“So, what do you all think about Qingzhu Town? I get the feeling something is off.”
