Ji Fengxing was determined not to let Yu Shangrong make the same mistake twice. His instincts told him this old man was not easy to deal with. No matter who the old man was or where he was from, the old man was not someone the Thousand Willow Monastery could deal with. The best thing to do was… run! His cultivation base and speed were no match for Yu Shangrong. He could only bar Yu Shangrong’s way and said, “It’s an elite! Run!”
Lu Zhou looked over. Ji Fengxing was blocking the person speeding toward them. He raised a hand and pushed his palm out.
A shining golden palm seal sailed through the air.
“A Buddhist? Why is it golden?!” Tian Buji was greatly shaken.
Xia Changqiu was also shocked by the golden palm seal. ‘He’s not from the Sky Martial Court, the Flying Star House, or the palace?’
Wuwu looked at the old man. The old man was stroking his beard as he looked ahead with an indifferent expression on his face.
The palm seal sailed forth swiftly.
When a Nine-leaf cultivator made a move, even the Eight-leaf Ji Fengxing could hardly block it.
When the palm seal was about to land, Yu Shangrong unleashed his grand technique and vanished out of sight. He appeared in front of Ji Fengxing and raised his Longevity Sword with both hands in front of himself.
Bam!
Yu Shangrong blocked the palm seal as he flew against Ji Fengxing. The two of them were sent flying at the same time.
The palm seal had hit the Longevity Sword.
They slowed down after they flew several meters back in the air.
Lu Zhou did not strike again. He had seen the newcomer, and he understood Ji Fengxing’s intention.
The others were stunned.
Ji Fengxing turned around, about to say something, when Yu Shangrong raised his hand, gesturing to him to keep quiet. Then, he looked at the old man in front of him before he placed the Longevity Sword on his back and respectfully kneeled on one knee. “Greetings, master.”
Yu Shangrong’s expression was the same as usual. It was calm, gentle, and unshakably confident. It seemed like no matter the time or situation, he would always be the same.
Xia Changqiu, Tian Buji, Wuwu. “…”
Ji Fengxing. “???”
Since Lu Zhou had made his move, it meant he was no longer bothered with concealing his identity.
Yu Shangrong’s greeting had confirmed the old man’s identity.
Ji Fengxing was so shocked and speechless. When he was learning sword and saber techniques from Yu Shangrong and Yu Zhenghai back then, he had always heard the two bragging about their master. Both of them had different views on cultivation and could hardly beat each other. However, there was only one thing they agreed on: their master was the strongest. The many grand pictures they painted all had one message: their master was peerless.
Ji Fengxing gulped. He looked at the seemingly harmless old man. When he regained his senses, a question appeared in his mind. ‘Is this old man really unparalleled?’
Lu Zhou stroked his beard and nodded in satisfaction. After crossing the Endless Ocean and a long flight, they were here on the other side and finally found Yu Shangrong. He said calmly, “Rise to your feet and speak.”
Yu Shangrong slowly rose to his feet.
At this moment, Little Yuan’er and Conch flew into the air as well and stood next to their master. They greeted in unison, “Second Senior Brother!”
Yu Shangrong smiled when he saw the young girls. “Junior sisters, we meet again…”
Lu Zhou said, “You blocked my strike easily. Did you raise your cultivation base?”
Yu Shangrong nodded.
Lu Zhou looked at the shocked Ji Fengxing next to Yu Shangrong.
Yu Shangrong understood his master so he explained, “I’ve been lodging in the Thousand Willow Monastery since I came to the red lotus domain. Although Ji Fengxing’s cultivation base is weak, he’s a righteous man.”
Lu Zhou understood the matter now.
Ji Fengxing stepped forward timidly and bowed at Lu Zhou as he said, “G-g-greetings, o-o-old s-senior…” He was so nervous that he could hardly speak.
By now, Xia Changqiu, the Monastery Master of the Thousand Willow Monastery, naturally knew the nature of the relationship between Lu Zhou and Yu Shangrong. He was filled with fearful respect as he hastily greeted Lu Zhou, “I see, you’re a friend from afar. The Thousand Willow Monastery welcomes you, senior.”
Xia Changqiu had no choice. He was destined to be like this since he had chosen to stand with Yu Shangrong and Yu Zhenghai.
The disciples followed suit and bowed.
Lu Zhou ignored them. Instead, he looked at Yu Shangrong and asked, “Where’s your Eldest Senior Brother?”
Yu Shangrong lowered his head slightly and said apologetically, “I couldn’t protect him. I’m willing to accept any punishment, master.”
Xia Changqiu found that it was inappropriate for all of them to remain outside at the foot of the mountain. Hence, he said loudly, “Everyone, why don’t we head into the hall? We should have a relaxed conversation, especially since it’s a reunion.”
Lu Zhou looked at Xia Changqiu and asked, “Are you the monastery master?”
“I am.”
“You certainly have an eye for talent. This young man, Ji Fengxing, is he a disciple of yours?” Lu Zhou asked.
“Indeed, he’s a disciple of the Thousand Willow Monastery. That was a shameful display.” Xia Changqiu felt slightly embarrassed about the incident. When he compared the old man’s disciples with his own, the difference was as great as the sky and the earth.
Yet, Lu Zhou turned to look at Ji Fengxing, stroked his beard, and said, “Young man, you have a good character. The Evil Sky Pavilion values that the most. If you’re willing, I can make an exception and accept you into the Evil Sky Pavilion. You’ll have the same rank as Pan Zhong and Zhou Jifeng.”
Ji Fengxing. “…”
Ji Fengxing was at a loss for words.
“Do you mind this?” Lu Zhou glanced at Xia Changqiu.
Xia Changqiu’s expression was stiff. He chuckled awkwardly as he waved his hand and said, “No, not at all…” If it were anyone else trying to snatch his disciples away, he would have flayed that person alive.
Ji Fengxing bowed and said, “It’s thanks to the Thousand Willow Monastery that I was able to walk on the path of cultivation. Since I’ve joined the monastery, I can’t possibly betray it. You’ve said it yourself, old senior, that you’ve taken a liking to my character. If I go with you, it’ll only show you’re wrong about me.” After that, he raised his voice and said, “Thank you for the kind gesture, old senior.”
‘Interesting.’ This was the second time Lu Zhou was turned down. However, Ji Fengxing had a point. Since Ji Fengxing was unwilling, it would not be good to force him. If the melon had to be broken off from the vine by force, it would not taste good. Moreover, the Evil Sky Pavilion was not lacking in manpower.
As for Wuwu, although her character was good, she was not mentioned. It seemed like she had been overlooked.
Xia Changqiu nodded in approval. Then, he turned around and said, “Everyone, please follow me…”
They entered the Fair Hall.
To show their respect, the elders of the Thousand Willow Monastery had come over as well.
Little Yuan’er sat down before she said, “Second Senior Brother, master has gone through a lot to look for you…” Then, she recounted how they had crossed the Endless Ocean and flew for a long time.
The others felt frightful when they heard the story.
Initially, Yu Shangrong did not think much about it. After all, with his master’s cultivation base, it was not strange that his master was able to come to the red lotus domain. However, after he heard his Ninth Junior Sister recount what happened, he found out his master did not travel here through the black water but had crossed the Endless Ocean instead. He was shocked by this. After all, he knew the Endless Ocean was said to be impossible to cross. Nobody knew the danger that lay in the water. To think his master was willing to go through so much trouble for him!
Lu Zhou stroked his beard and asked, “So, where’s your Eldest Senior Brother?”
Yu Shangrong nodded and told his master about how he and Yu Zhenghai fought Zhu Xuan. He also told his master about how the Flying Star House had made several visits.
After listening to this, Lu Zhou stroked his beard and nodded as he said, “Zhu Xuan reached the Nine-leaf stage mid-battle. It wasn’t easy for the two of you to draw even with him. On the surface, it seems like he wants to work with the two of you, but he’s really trying to use you. Your Eldest Senior Brother must’ve understood that as well. He must’ve deliberately followed him so the rest of you are safe.”
Upon hearing this, Xia Changqiu said, “I’m ashamed… It’s all because the Thousand Willow Monastery is too weak. Otherwise, this wouldn’t happen.”
Little Yuan’er, who had always been impatient, said irritably, “Master, since they’re bold enough to capture Eldest Senior Brother, we should kick down their doors right now. I don’t care if they’re the Eight or Ninth Temple!”
Xia Changqiu, Tian Buji, Ji Fengxing, Wuwu, and the elders were rendered speechless. What they did not expect was that Yu Shangrong rose to his feet as well and chimed in with a straight face, “If you’re going to kick their doors down, master, I’m willing to go with you.”
“…”
‘What a bunch of madmen!’
Xia Changqiu cleared his throat before he hastily said, “Old senior, you’re from the golden lotus domain. Therefore, I feel it’s my duty to inform you that the Ninth Temple isn’t as weak as you imagine.”
Little Yuan’er waved her fist and said, “You’re only saying that because you don’t know my master. I’ve never seen anyone who’s capable of standing after master strike them.”
Ji Fengxing felt a sense of deja vu. That was right. The little girl’s words were reminiscent of Yu Shangrong and Yu Zhenghai’s words. Their words were not the same, but the essence was the same. ‘Are all the other disciples like this as well? Perhaps, this old man is really as powerful as they say…’
