Chapter 572: Guess!

There was no doubt that this grey-clothed elder who had just entered Tiantang City was the renowned Dugu Chou.

He, who was compelled to do something after the long period of inactivity, had reemerged in the world due to the sudden calling of the legendary Dictum of Death. The chilling, murderous intent, native to every assassin, that was sleeping deep within him had awakened Dugu Chou once again.

It was only at this point that he experienced an epiphany. He had been called an Unrivaled Expert for a long time, but if one were to compare his reputation and legend exploits to Sun Changkong, he still had a significantly long way to go.

He was unable to cause a buzz among the continent's killers, to have them flocking towards the city by just depending on the killing intent hidden in the remaining Dictum of Death, after having been away for so many years.

Due to this unsettling factor, Dugu Chou, who had always maintained a serene state of mind, reemerged from the mountain.

"I had always thought that I had reached the pinnacle of this world, that the path in front of me had come to an end. So, as I accompanied you here, I was also waiting for my own end. When that day came, I would bury myself under this tree, and be together with you for eternity."

"Only now am I aware that there's another level in this world that is above me. My path isn't at its end yet."

"I want to have a look, to see the scenery of my path untaken."

"Do not worry. Successful or not, no matter how beautiful the sights, I will come back to you after three years."

Dugu Chou left these words in the air as he stood before the tombstone and walked out of the mysterious valley that had been sealed for five hundred years, carrying his treasured sword.

Along the way, before arriving at Tiantang City, there were no ripples in his heart. It was calm and serene. There was nothing in this world that could ruffle Dugu Chou.

However, the moment Dugu Chou entered Tiantang City, he felt shocked. Everything that he saw and heard was completely different from what he had imagined! The world was... utterly different!

How strange...

How bizarre!

'Do the people nowadays have unimaginably excellent memory and vision? I haven't stepped foot into the martial world for five hundred years, but they can still remember me!'

This was Dugu Chou's initial thought, but he came to a more mundane realization somewhat later.

'This is not what I have done! Someone has been forcefully adding the deed onto me!'

Then, another thought was birthed.

'Who was it who accused me?'

The next plethora of thoughts grew increasingly convoluted.

'How could this person know that I was coming and manage the timing so perfectly? Is there someone in this world who can track me and be informed of my whereabouts? This is unbelievable and utterly absurd...'

His final thought was, 'There's no way that there's anyone in this world who can do that. It's most probably just a coincidence. It's impossible for the culprit to know that I am coming. It's a common habit to lay acclaim to a legend. After all, I haven't been present for too long. I may have already died, and no one would know about it. It's a wonderful tactic to use me as the scapegoat! But looking at the intricacy of the culprit's scheme, it seems that I'll definitely be embroiled in a big mess... Well, in any case, I shouldn't be unduly worried. Is there any trouble that I can't manage in this world?'

Considering the problem extensively, Dugu Chou did not bother to hide his whereabouts anymore.

'Since everyone knows that I've come out again, and everyone knows so much about me and where I'm staying, let it be.'

'I'll stay here, in the public eye. Let's see who in this world dares to find fault with me!'

"When have I, Dugu Chou, been afraid of any trouble in this lifetime?"

"Is there really a trouble I can't afford to provoke in this entire world?"

"If there really is, then I would have learned a very valuable lesson on this trip!"

...

Dugu Chou stayed in the best room in the inn, contented and in peace.

The inn was a regular one, situated right in the center of the inner and outer part of the city. It was not the busiest among the establishments, but it was not thoroughly isolated too. However, since Dugu Chou moved into the inn, this inn had instantly become a martial artists' mecca!

There were many people of the martial world who had flocked over just to take a glimpse at this inn from far away. They then left with wonder, turning back multiple times as they walked away with various sentiments.

It was Dugu Chou! The legendary Dugu Chou!

If it were possible, they wanted to stay at this inn as well, but it would reek of desperation if they were to go now. It would only cause animosity and gain nothing but shortcomings. It was best to forget about the whole matter...

As for the martial artists who were already staying in the inn, they had entirely different thoughts.

With Dugu Chou staying here, any other activities they originally planned had flown out the window; even if they were to clamor during their meal, as usual, they worried about disturbing the senior. It was to the extent that even if they wished to pass wind in the middle of the night, they held it in. Who knew if such a mindless act would bring death upon themselves? It was an indescribable pain.

Therefore, the martial artists who were initially proud that they were staying in the same inn as Dugu Chou found reasons to check out and leave, from the start of the second day.

A legend was a legend, a legend was great, but it would be the best if the legend remained only in legends. Once the legend was among the masses and was in the ordinary people's lives, the only outcome was unspeakable terror and a terrible inconvenience.

Just imagine if there were people who started a fight with Dugu Chou here. The aftermath was enough for the rest to die over and again! They could not afford to get involved. Since they knew that they could not bear the consequences, it was the best for them to avoid it altogether and hide far, far away from this troublesome place - yes, this place that was destined to brew nothing but trouble!

...

By the time afternoon rolled around the next day, the inn was empty, save for the innkeeper's handful of workers. Dugu Chou had become the inn's sole guest!

Right when the innkeeper mournfully assumed that he would not have any business in this current period of time, a middle-aged man checked in calmly under everyone's surprised gaze, officially becoming another guest of the inn.

After the man entered his room, the shock did not end there. He went to knock at Dugu Chou's door. Under the shocked and fearful stares of everyone present, he asked aloud, "Is anyone in?"

The innkeeper looked up from downstairs and experienced a sense of doom coupled with morbid curiosity.

'I don't remember telling you which room Dugu Chou was in. How did you know which door to knock on? Do you have the gift of foresight? Are you, perhaps, half immortal?'

The door opened.

The grey-clothed old man appeared at the door and frowned, "Who are you?"

The middle-aged man looked radiant as he replied with a smile, "Guess."