Chapter 983: I Wish to Meet

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The old man twirled his beard and took his time running his words through his mind before saying to Zhuo Fan, “Sir is truly outstanding, such insight into the enemy after one look. I had no idea what second young master saw in sir to trust you so, but now I do. Second young master’s vision is without equal…”

“Ha-ha-ha, there’s no need for that. You make it sound like he got me on board.” Zhuo Fan emphasized on his leading position in all of this.

The old man paused then nodded, “Yes, we are your loyal servants, sir. But I do have one doubt. Does sir come from that Devil Mountain?”

“Devil Mountain…”

Zhuo Fan’s eyes shook as if from fear, but then he showed a smile as he turned to the hopeful old man, “Do you believe there’s such a thing in the world?”

Startled, the old man hesitated before shaking his head, “It is because I do not know with how wide the world is that I ask sir to clarify.”

“Truth may become a lie as lies can turn to truth. The absence of something does not disprove or prove its existence.” 

Zhuo Fan’s eyes shone and laughed to himself, “It doesn’t matter if such a thing exists, only that the people believe in it. In case it doesn’t exist now, nothing stops it from coming into being later, right? Ha-ha-ha…”

The old man’s face twitched and his eyes widened all of a sudden, looking at Zhuo Fan with even more respect. He gave a deep blow filled with awe, “Sir is G.o.dlike, setting up such a huge stage, pulling officials, emperors and beggars alike. But if the name proves to be false…”

“Isn’t your company’s model not to look into people? Let it become real with time.” Zhuo Fan grinned.

The old man understood and looked grateful.

Their comeback had just received G.o.dly help, no, this mystery man’s help.

Zhuo Fan had given Serene Sh.o.r.es Trading a second chance, only coming by now and then to show them the way, to fight for public opinion. 

Since he wanted a power that went from corner to corner of the world, he couldn’t let everything in second young master’s care. Wu Randong was only a guide, while the real leader of the company was a man with talent and vision.

Making his name known and showcasing his skills was one of the many steps he had to take to make it so…

Walking towards a giddy Qiao’er playing with her new mask, Zhuo Fan left with her. The old man had been bowing all this time, proclaiming his endless respect.

The same guard once again popped up as they exited the shop and said with courtesy, “Sir, I have arranged a place for you to stay. Please follow me.” 

He led Zhuo Fan and Qiao’er to their room where they cultivated in peace as they waited the five days to pa.s.s..

In a quiet groove, deep and hidden, with not a trace of sunlight gracing the ground, the coldness grew thicker, seeping into one’s bones.

It was in this freezing place that a dozen or so men sat on the damp ground. Their leader was an old man with sharp eyes and a powerful spirit.

The four people closest to him were Baili’s four Sword Kings. And behind them were ten youngsters, with the crown prince leading the other princes of the imperial family. They had come along with their Patriarch and Sword Kings to learn on this journey and grow, to continue the legacy of the strongest clan!

Whoosh~

A beautiful woman suddenly appeared in their sight, then started flicking her hand in anger and kicking her feet before plopping next to the four Sword Kings with a deep breath to begin mediation.

“How can you cultivate with such a restless mind?”

Baili Yutian spoke, opening his eyes, “Yuyu, what happened? Is there any news from Jingwei?”

The others looked over as well, with Bali Yulei frowning and chiding Bali Yuyu, “Yuyu, what’s the problem exactly to be so p.i.s.sed? You’re disturbing Patriarch’s meditation. Have you found something that bodes ill for us?”

“Forgive me, Patriarch, I didn’t mean it.”

She stood and bowed to Baili Yutian in fear, watching from the corner of her eye for any movement from him. His face remained impa.s.sive, like a tranquil lake.

Baili Yutian stood up at last and spoke without looking at her, “Speak first then you can apologize. You know I hate it the most when people start throwing tantrums like a bunch of children. Don’t even act like this again without any reason when I’m around!” 

“I won’t.”

Bali Yuyu hurriedly bowed, “Per Patriarch’s order, I went to check the area and found nothing strange. Prime Minister has yet to move, but…”

“What?”

“On my way back I met someone…” Bali Yuyu’s tone lowered as she hesitated.

Baili Yulei frowned and interjected, “Someone? Who? Does he have something to do with us? What makes you so restless that you can’t calm down?”

“He… I only just met him, but he appears to be from Devil Mountain…”

“Devil Mountain? The mystery sect from western lands?”

Bali Yuyu was tense as she uttered, only for Baili Yulei to suddenly cry out, “The information we got from western lands say that Devil Mountain’s lord is so strong that may rival Patriarch, and making the western lands’ strongest experts sit back while he destroyed five sects without so much as a warning. How can someone from Devil Mountain just appear in northern lands? Patriarch, we’re not only facing the four lands alliance but also this unknown power!” 

Baili Yutian’s features s.h.i.+fted a bit then he spoke coldly, “Yulei, did you just say Devil Mountain’s lord can match me?”

“Uh, no, never, he can’t be up to Patriarch’s level, but he is far stronger than a Sword King!” Baili Yulei shuddered when he noticed his leader’s focus. He knew pract.i.tioners never liked to be compared and rushed to explain. 

Baili Yutian chuckled, his eyes cold, “Yulei, haven’t I already told you? You don’t have to walk on pins and needles around me and just say it like it is. According to the people in western lands, Devil Mountain’s lord, Overlord Nine Serenities, has long since outgrown heaven in power. There’s no need to be so cautious around me. Being better or lower than me, humph, nothing but wasted words. Have you even seen him?”

“Oh, right, right, Patriarch. We never saw him and not many from western lands saw him either. With how the rumors circulate, they must be inflated.”

Wiping the cold sweat off his brow, Baili Yulei gave a dry laughter, “Patriarch knows not to trust hearsay, not when they get embellished every time they’re pa.s.sed on. Maybe this is western lands’ plan, to intimidate us. Maybe Devil Mountain doesn’t even exist, nor is there such an expert.”

Baili Yutian nodded, “Yes, while such a possibility does exist, there are many who seek fame and fortune. The world does not lack people with insidious minds. This may be the western lands’ plan. Being subtle about creating Devil Mountain out of nothing to scare me and keep the peace for a moment longer.”

“Patriarch is right!”

“But this man of Devil Mountain really exists!”

Baili Yulei praised the old man, but then Baili Yutian switched topics, “This means that this isn’t a scheme, since the crux of this ineffable mystery is being vague and undecipherable. With the coming of a disciple, that can only mean the Devil Mountain exists. I would like to meet him.”

“Patriarch, you want to meet him?” Baili Yulei cried in shock.

Baili Yutian nodded and his eyes shone, “I have never lost once in my long life as cultivator and have been in a bitter search for a worthy opponent. Now that this ephemeral person appeared, I am excited. I hope that before the war starts to see his disciple and test him. That’s a good idea, ha-ha-ha…”

Baili Yutian laughed and turned to Bali Yuyu, “Yuyu, tell me everything about your meeting with me. I need to a.s.sess him…”