Chapter 84

He was innocent and carefree, yet his perception of danger was extremely sharp.

In the hearts of all, there was both worry and a faint expectation.

They all knew that Ning Chuan's breakthrough this time held great significance for Taohuadao.

Especially during this sensitive period when storm clouds were gathering.

In recent days, the number of suspicious strangers lurking around Taohuadao's waters had grown increasingly numerous.

Although Zhou Botong and Qu Lingfeng and others had held their ground and captured or driven off many,

the undercurrents continued to surge, and the situation grew ever more treacherous.

They only hoped Ning Chuan would proceed smoothly and emerge from seclusion soon.

Otherwise, if a powerful enemy attacked, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Big Brother, Old Fool!" Huang Rong took a deep breath, her young face showing determination and resolve beyond her years.

"For the next few days, have all servants and outer disciples retreat fully to the core of the Peach Blossom Array!"

"No one is to leave without permission! Ning Chuan's safety is the top priority!"

"If any external enemy dares to attack, we will defend to the death!"

She declared decisively, her tone carrying unshakable firmness.

"Yes! We humbly obey the Young Mistress's (Big Brother's) orders!" Everyone responded in unison.

They knew this was the most critical moment for Taohuadao — it could not afford failure.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

The pond remained utterly still.

Ning Chuan showed no sign of emerging.

The aura emanating from the pond had grown increasingly restrained, increasingly profound.

Yet all could clearly sense that the pressure radiating from within the pond had grown ever more terrifying, ever more unfathomable, ever more horrifying!

As if beneath the pond lay an ancient beast, poised to awaken!

Once awakened, it would stir wind and clouds, shake heaven and earth!

That day, at dawn.

Qu Lingfeng returned from patrolling outside the island, his face solemn.

He had just dealt with several spies attempting to infiltrate Taohuadao again, and had found peculiar markings on them.

He approached Huang Rong and the others and said grimly:

"Rong'er, fellow disciples, Elder Zhou — the situation is grim."

"I found something on those spies."

"They… they appear to be from Bai Tuo Shanzhuang!"

"Bai Tuo Shanzhuang?!"

Upon hearing this, everyone's faces turned pale!

The Bai Tuo Shanzhuang of Ouyang Feng, the Western Poison?!

He was a peerless master, ranked among the Five Greats alongside their own Master, the Eastern Hermit Huang Yaoshi!

His nature was cruel and cunning, his Toad Skill and poison arts unmatched in the Wu Lin!

If he too had set his sights on the Nine Yin Manual, Taohuadao's troubles would be truly dire!

Was he planning to seize it while their Master was in seclusion?

As the group fretted anxiously, their fears mounting,

as if to confirm their worst suspicions,

suddenly!

A loud, boisterous laugh — playful yet taunting — roared like thunder across the sea, clearly reaching every ear on Taohuadao:

"Hahaha! Huang Laoxie! Huang Laoxie! You old rogue, what strange tricks are you up to on your island now?"

"I hear you've acquired some fine treasures — why not share them with an old friend?"

"Old beggar has come to visit! Come out quickly, and let us fight three hundred rounds, then drink three hundred cups!"

All turned to look — a dilapidated fishing boat was cutting through the waves like an arrow shot from a bow, racing toward Taohuadao.

On its prow stood an old beggar, ragged clothes, wild hair, holding a green bamboo staff, a massive wine gourd hanging at his waist, standing firm against the wind, laughing heartily, wild and unrestrained.

Who else could it be but Hong Hong Qigong, the leader of the Beigai Gang, one of the Five Greats?!

Everyone's faces turned pale again!

Their hearts sank in despair!

Just as Ouyang Feng's men appeared, Hong Hong Qigong arrived right behind!

Both were peerless masters, equal in stature to their Master!

Was Taohuadao truly about to face a cataclysmic storm today?!

Their Master, Huang Yaoshi, was in deep seclusion; the acting island master, Ning Chuan, remained sealed within the pond, his emergence unknown.

What were they to do?!

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