Actually, after he started speaking, everyone gradually realized that this man, who appeared superficially shabby and haggard, might not actually be that old. His frame was thin but upright, his breath prolonged and steady, and his hoarse voice merely masked his vigorous tone; in fact, his voice sounded quite young.
As for his grizzled hair and beard, it seemed more like he experienced some major upheaval to end up like this.
When Lu Xiao called him "young master," her intention was to unmask his disguise, and indeed, his demeanor subtly shifted.
"So what if I am?"
"Living here, you must go down the mountain to buy daily necessities, don't you? Over ten years going up and down the mountain, have you never encountered poisonous snakes?"
"..."
"Do you have no medicine prepared for snake and insect bites?"
"..."
"We mean no harm, we merely seek a means for our friend's survival, and ask for your assistance without reservation."
