Cao Yi quickly collected his thoughts and returned to the Daoist temple, preparing tea for his guests to avoid any fluster when they arrived. He headed to the kitchen, turned on the gas, and opened the tea canister, only to find it empty.

"Will I serve them plain water?" he pondered, then spotted the blooming peach trees outside. With little time to waste, he rushed out and quickly gathered ten fresh blossoms. Just as he was about to return, he caught sight of something unexpected—a rusty bronze cauldron partially hidden behind some trees.

"Perfect for the temple," he thought, effortlessly lifting the heavy cauldron and bringing it back inside. He tossed it aside and returned to the kitchen. The water boiled quickly, and just as he was about to pour the tea, a deep voice called from outside.

"I, Xiang Yu, seek an audience with the esteemed master."

Cao Yi closed the lid of the pot and tidied his robe before stepping outside. He found two young men dressed in ancient attire on the steps: Yi Xiaochuan, looking both surprised and curious, and Xiang Yu, maintaining his usual composure.

"Gentlemen?" Cao Yi feigned surprise, embodying his role as a recluse in the East Mountain of Kuaiji, distanced from the outside world.

"Xiang Yu has heard of your renown and has come to visit. Please forgive the intrusion; here is a letter of introduction," Xiang Yu said, presenting a silk scroll.

In this era, written communication was on bamboo or silk; Cao Yi received it and noticed it was in seal script, which he surprisingly understood.

"Host and Yelü Zhi Gu are in sync, granting the ability to understand any text and language," the system chimed in.

"Ah, a friend of Master Fan," Cao Yi smiled, closing the scroll. The letter conveyed Fan Zeng's wishes for him to assist the Xiang family.

"Master Fan sends his regards," Xiang Yu said, though inwardly dissatisfied, having expected a more formidable figure than a young man.

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"Master Fan is an esteemed elder of Yi," Cao Yi replied, fitting into his role.

"Are you a Daoist?" Yi Xiaochuan stepped closer, a hint of confusion on his face. He knew a true Daoist couldn't exist in the Qin dynasty.

"Who are you?" Cao Yi asked, recognizing the familiar face.

"Why does this place resemble a Daoist temple so much?" Xiaochuan exclaimed.

"Xiaochuan, stop with your nonsense," Xiang Yu scolded, annoyed by his friend's peculiar remarks.

"Not nonsense! He—" Xiaochuan began.

"Let's sit down first," Cao Yi interrupted, directing them toward a stone table nestled between two jujube trees.

During his brief stay in The Dragon Seeking Technique world, he had added two more seats, making it four now.

"Sit there?" Xiang Yu thought it beneath him, reflecting on the dignity of nobles.

"I'm used to being alone; if you don't mind the dirt, you can kneel and sit," Cao Yi said, envisioning a scene where he sat while Xiang Yu knelt.

"Xiaochuan, let's sit too; it looks bad if he sits above us," Xiaochuan urged.

Xiang Yu glanced between the ground and his new robe, hesitating.

"It's just us three here; no one will know," Xiaochuan teased, pushing Xiang Yu further.

"Laughable! Why should I care about appearances?" Xiang Yu retorted.

"Then let's sit," Xiaochuan pushed again.

"Don't push me!" Xiang Yu said, eventually relenting and sitting down.

After they settled, Xiaochuan eagerly asked, "Daoist Priest, are you a time traveler? How did you come here? Do you know how to return?"

"Xiaochuan," Xiang Yu interjected, frustrated, regretting bringing him along.

But Xiaochuan was relentless. "Daoist Priest, please tell me; I really want to go back."

Feigning thought, Cao Yi replied, "I've heard clues about Mount Tangwu."

"Mount Tangwu? I've heard the same!" Xiaochuan exclaimed, thrilled that their leads matched.

"Are you still determined to go?" Xiang Yu's expression darkened at the mention of Tangwu, concerned for Xiaochuan's safety.

"I miss my parents, especially my mom. I've never gone a year without contacting her; she must be worried," Xiaochuan admitted, his voice thick with emotion.

"Agreed, but your uncle and Master Fan may not," Xiang Yu sighed, knowing they wouldn't allow Xiaochuan to serve someone else.

"With your support, they shouldn't be too opposed," Xiaochuan replied optimistically.

"You two have traveled far and discussed much; you must be thirsty. I'll prepare some tea," Cao Yi said, rising to head back to the kitchen.

Once Cao Yi was out of earshot, Xiang Yu lowered his voice. "Xiaochuan, what do you think of this Cao?"

Xiaochuan, unaware of Xiang Yu's disdain, simply smiled and stayed quiet.

"Seeing this shabby house, I thought he'd be a refined scholar, but look at how he sits!" Xiang Yu grumbled, adjusting his posture.