Chapter 47

21

Hong Hong Qigong was still that same unkempt old beggar.

But those bright, piercing eyes shone with wisdom and insight into the world.

Making no one dare to underestimate him in the slightest.

And beside Hong Hong Qigong stood a youth who looked about eighteen or nineteen, with a sturdy, honest build and a simple, honest face.

The youth was wearing coarse cloth clothes, his skin was dark, and his eyes were clear, carrying a hint of confusion and curiosity.

He was staring with wide eyes, looking like someone who had never seen the world.

He was marveling at the beautiful scenery of Taohuadao, which was like a fairyland.

And those exquisite buildings arranged according to the Eight Trigrams and Mysterious Gates.

From time to time, he would let out exclamations like "Wow" and "Ah."

Appearing somewhat rustic.

This youth was naturally the future world-renowned hero—Guo Jing.

Only at this moment, he was still just a silly boy who had just stepped out into the world and was inexperienced.

Huang Rong’s gaze swept over Guo Jing.

Seeing his honest, wooden appearance, like a rustic bumpkin.

She couldn’t help but curl her lips slightly, without much of a ripple in her heart.

In her view, compared to her father, who was peerless in elegance and resourceful.

And Brother Chuan, who was mysterious and unfathomable in strength.

This youth before her was simply like heaven and earth, with no comparison at all.

She quickly withdrew her gaze and focused her attention on Hong Hong Qigong.

She stepped forward, bowed gracefully to Hong Hong Qigong, and said in a crisp, pleasant voice:

"Huang Rong of Taohuadao, greets Senior Hong Hong Qigong."

"I did not know of Senior Hong’s arrival, and I apologize for the lack of a proper welcome; I hope you will forgive me."

Her manners were impeccable, her words humble, and she did not lose the demeanor of a young lady of a great family.

Hong Hong Qigong laughed heartily upon hearing this and said in his loud voice:

"Hahaha! What a sharp-tongued little girl! Truly worthy of being the Eastern Heretic’s daughter!"

"You little thing are much more likable than your father, who never smiles!"

He looked Huang Rong up and down, a hint of appreciation flashing in his eyes.

The four disciples, Qu Qu Lingfeng and the others, also hurriedly stepped forward.

They bowed respectfully to Hong Hong Qigong and said in unison:

"Taohuadao disciples, Qu Qu Lingfeng (Lu Lu Chengfeng, Wu Wu Mianfeng, Feng Feng Mofeng), greet Senior Hong Hong Qigong!"

Their attitude was also extremely respectful.

After all, the person before them was a titan of the Wu Lin, as famous as their own Master.

Hong Hong Qigong waved his hand, signaling them not to be so formal.

Then, his gaze swept over everyone, and he asked somewhat puzzled:

"Eh? Where is that old poison, the Eastern Heretic? Why don’t I see him coming out to welcome this old beggar?"

"Could it be that he knew I was coming and hid on purpose?"

He had been friends with Huang Huang Yaoshi for many years, both enemies and friends, and had never been very polite in his speech.

Qu Qu Lingfeng hurriedly explained: "Reporting to Senior Hong, our Master recently had some insights."

"He is currently in deep seclusion on the island, charging toward the Great Grandmaster realm, and I am afraid he cannot come out to welcome you for the time being."

"I hope Senior Hong will be magnanimous and not take offense."

"Oh? The Eastern Heretic is in deep seclusion? Charging toward the Great Grandmaster realm?"

Hong Hong Qigong showed a look of astonishment upon hearing this.

He carefully examined Qu Qu Lingfeng and saw that his expression did not seem to be faked.

He couldn’t help but sigh, his tone carrying a hint of complexity:

"Sigh, with the Eastern Heretic’s stunning talent, he should have taken this step long ago, but I don’t know why he has wasted so many years."

"Now that he has finally made up his mind to enter deep seclusion, it is a good thing."

A hint of envy flashed in his eyes.

As one of the Five Greats, he naturally also longed to break through to a higher and more profound realm.

Immediately after.

Hong Hong Qigong’s gaze fell on the four disciples, Qu Qu Lingfeng and the others, once again.

His eyes, which seemed muddy but were actually flashing with brilliance, narrowed slightly.

A look of even greater astonishment appeared on his face.

He was surprised to find that these four disciples of Taohuadao.

Actually... actually, each of them had the cultivation base of the Innate realm!

Although the aura of three of them was still somewhat unstable, clearly they had only just entered the Innate realm.

But that Senior Brother, Qu Qu Lingfeng, had such deep internal strength and such a solid foundation.

He had actually already reached the third turn of the Innate realm and was even faintly showing signs of moving toward the fourth turn!

This... how is this possible?!

You must know that Innate experts were already the pillars of sects in the Wu Lin.

For ordinary sects, having one or two Innate experts holding the fort was enough to make them famous in one region.

And this Taohuadao, besides the top Grandmaster Huang Huang Yaoshi.

Actually had four such young Innate disciples?!

Was the foundation of this Taohuadao too terrifying?!

"Good! Good! Good!" Hong Hong Qigong couldn’t help but praise three times in a row, his eyes filled with appreciation.

"Although the Eastern Heretic has a strange temperament and is not likable."

"But when it comes to teaching disciples, he really does have some ability!"

He praised sincerely.

Qu Qu Lingfeng showed a hint of embarrassment upon hearing this.

He hurriedly bowed and said: "Senior Hong, you flatter us."

"Our qualifications are dull, and the meager achievements we have today are not due to our Master’s teaching."

"It is actually... actually because we have been fortunate enough to receive the careful guidance of our Island Master, which allowed us to break through."

When he said the words "Island Master," his eyes were filled with undisguised worship and awe.

That expression was just like a believer looking up at a god.

"Oh? Island Master?" Hong Hong Qigong was even more puzzled upon hearing this.

He laughed: "I didn’t expect that the Eastern Heretic would actually hand over Taohuadao to an outsider to manage?"

"This doesn’t sound like his 'I am the only one supreme' temperament."

"I, the old beggar, am a bit curious; this acting Island Master who can make you all so convinced."

"What kind of strange person is he? To have such heaven-defying means to make you all break through to the Innate realm in such a short time?"

He wondered to himself, could it be some hidden expert invited by the Eastern Heretic?

Qu Qu Lingfeng respectfully explained: "Reporting to Senior Hong, our Island Master is not an outsider."

"As for his origins... please forgive this disciple for not being able to disclose them for the time being."

"However, our Island Master is also currently in seclusion, undergoing an extremely important breakthrough."

"It may take another two days before he can come out of seclusion to meet you."

"Oh? Also in seclusion?" Hong Hong Qigong raised his eyebrows slightly upon hearing this, his curiosity even greater.

This mysterious Island Master of Taohuadao actually chose to enter seclusion at this time too?

Could it be that he was also charging toward some important realm?

He couldn’t help but become even more interested in this acting Island Master he had never met.

Just then.

Huang Rong, who had been standing on the side, smiling brightly, suddenly rolled her eyes and stepped forward.