Seeing Ming Zhitian was completely tense, the old man stroked his long beard: "Mr. Ming, there's no need to be nervous. This old man harbors no ill will. On the contrary, I am here to offer my services."
"A villain or a thief?" Ming Zhitian's hostility subsided halfway, still contemplating how to escape using the Big Dipper divine ability, hoping he was just being overly cautious.
Ming Zhitian stepped forward and respectfully asked, "May I ask who you are, senior? And why have you invited me here?"
The old man chuckled, "My dharma name is Gui Ling, and I am known as the Jade True Man."
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, scrutinized Ming Zhitian, nodding inwardly, "As expected of someone favored by Miao Miao. The younger generation is formidable, truly formidable."
Ming Zhitian spoke directly, "Can you tell me now, True Man?"
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, nodded, "I know you are not from here. You understand what I mean, don't you?"
Ming Zhitian disliked beating around the bush. "That's right. I come from the Celestial Sphere, and I do not belong to this Earth."
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, mused, "One in the heavens, one on the earth. How can a starfish shine with the bright moon..."
Ming Zhitian paid no attention to his words, "You should also know what I have been searching for."
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, grunted, "You are looking for the way back."
"Yes, could it be that you know how?" Ming Zhitian suddenly became extremely excited.
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, sighed, "I know, and yet I do not know."
Ming Zhitian was puzzled, "What do you mean?"
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, said, "Even if you knew the way back, you would have no means to return."
Upon hearing this, Ming Zhitian became even more eager to know and to return, "How do you say that?"
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, explained, "My master, Tian Can Er Ren, his family has passed down a legacy of searching for the path to what is called the Heavenly Kingdom for generations. After thousands of years, there has been no success."
Ming Zhitian asked, "Heavenly Kingdom? Do you mean the Celestial Sphere?"
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, nodded, "The Heavenly Kingdom is the Celestial Sphere you speak of."
Ming Zhitian stated, "You have no way, but that doesn't mean I don't. Tell me, what are the conditions for the exchange?"
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, was taken aback by Ming Zhitian's forthrightness, but then he understood, realizing he was not from this world:
"I am old now. I will leave this world one day. This is the era of the young. I hope that after I die, you will protect Miao Miao in peace for the rest of her life."
"No," Ming Zhitian said directly.
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, questioned, "Why? Is the temptation of this way back not enough for you to accept?"
Ming Zhitian shook his head, "No, I mean, I am ultimately not from this world. It's not that I disagree, but that I must leave. Even if I took her with me, in that world, I would not even have the ability to protect myself. I cannot guarantee Miao Miao's safety."
"Moreover... I might not return here."
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, pondered for a moment, "I had considered that this might become a burden for you, but it is the only condition. I can wait for you. Three years. After three years, I will perish. At that time, I hope you will fulfill your promise."
Ming Zhitian thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright. Since this is fate, I accept it. Rest assured, as long as I, Ming Zhitian, still draw breath, Fan Miao Miao will be safe forever."
Gui Ling, the Jade True Man, saw sincerity in Ming Zhitian's eyes and then said with peace of mind, "I have a friend..."
...
Ming Zhitian descended the mountain. Fan Miao Miao saw him halfway and hurried over, her small figure bouncing along, "Zhitian."
Ming Zhitian glanced at her and nodded, "Miao Miao."
Fan Miao Miao asked curiously, "What did Master... talk to you about?"