The old man twirled his beard and took his time running his words through his mind before saying to Zhuo Fan, āSir 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 masterās vision is without equalā¦ā
āHa-ha-ha, thereās no need for that. You make it sound like he got me on board.ā Zhuo Fan emphasized on his leading position in all of this.
The old man paused then nodded, āYes, we are your loyal servants, sir. But I do have one doubt. Does sir come from that Devil Mountain?ā
āDevil Mountainā¦ā
Zhuo Fanās eyes shook as if from fear, but then he showed a smile as he turned to the hopeful old man, āDo you believe thereās such a thing in the world?ā
Startled, the old man hesitated before shaking his head, āIt is because I do not know with how wide the world is that I ask sir to clarify.ā
āTruth may become a lie as lies can turn to truth. The absence of something does not disprove or prove its existence.ā
Zhuo Fanās eyes shone and laughed to himself, āIt doesnāt matter if such a thing exists, only that the people believe in it. In case it doesnāt exist now, nothing stops it from coming into being later, right? Ha-ha-haā¦ā
The old manās 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, āSir is godlike, setting up such a huge stage, pulling officials, emperors and beggars alike. But if the name proves to be falseā¦ā
āIsnāt your companyās model not to look into people? Let it become real with time.ā Zhuo Fan grinned.
The old man understood and looked grateful.
Their comeback had just received godly help, no, this mystery manās help.
Zhuo Fan had given Serene Shores 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 couldnāt let everything in second young masterās 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 soā¦
Walking towards a giddy Qiaoāer 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, āSir, I have arranged a place for you to stay. Please follow me.ā
He led Zhuo Fan and Qiaoāer to their room where they cultivated in peace as they waited the five days to pass..
In a quiet groove, deep and hidden, with not a trace of sunlight gracing the ground, the coldness grew thicker, seeping into oneās 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 Bailiās 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.
āHow can you cultivate with such a restless mind?ā
Baili Yutian spoke, opening his eyes, āYuyu, what happened? Is there any news from Jingwei?ā
The others looked over as well, with Bali Yulei frowning and chiding Bali Yuyu, āYuyu, whatās the problem exactly to be so pissed? Youāre disturbing Patriarchās meditation. Have you found something that bodes ill for us?ā
āForgive me, Patriarch, I didnāt mean it.ā
She stood and bowed to Baili Yutian in fear, watching from the corner of her eye for any movement from him. His face remained impassive, like a tranquil lake.
Baili Yutian stood up at last and spoke without looking at her, āSpeak first then you can apologize. You know I hate it the most when people start throwing tantrums like a bunch of children. Donāt even act like this again without any reason when Iām around!ā
āI wonāt.ā
Bali Yuyu hurriedly bowed, āPer Patriarchās order, I went to check the area and found nothing strange. Prime Minister has yet to move, butā¦ā
āWhat?ā
āOn my way back I met someoneā¦ā Bali Yuyuās tone lowered as she hesitated.
Baili Yulei frowned and interjected, āSomeone? Who? Does he have something to do with us? What makes you so restless that you canāt calm down?ā
āHe⦠I only just met him, but he appears to be from Devil Mountainā¦ā
āDevil Mountain? The mystery sect from western lands?ā
Bali Yuyu was tense as she uttered, only for Baili Yulei to suddenly cry out, āThe information we got from western lands say that Devil Mountainās lord is so strong that may rival Patriarch, and making the western landsā 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, weāre not only facing the four lands alliance but also this unknown power!ā
Baili Yutianās features shifted a bit then he spoke coldly, āYulei, did you just say Devil Mountainās lord can match me?ā
āUh, no, never, he canāt be up to Patriarchās level, but he is far stronger than a Sword King!ā Baili Yulei shuddered when he noticed his leaderās focus. He knew practitioners never liked to be compared and rushed to explain.
Baili Yutian chuckled, his eyes cold, āYulei, havenāt I already told you? You donāt have to walk on pins and needles around me and just say it like it is. According to the people in western lands, Devil Mountainās lord, Overlord Nine Serenities, has long since outgrown heaven in power. Thereās no need to be so cautious around me. Being better or lower than me, humph, nothing but wasted words. Have you even seen him?ā
āOh, 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.ā
Wiping the cold sweat off his brow, Baili Yulei gave a dry laughter, āPatriarch knows not to trust hearsay, not when they get embellished every time theyāre passed on. Maybe this is western landsā plan, to intimidate us. Maybe Devil Mountain doesnāt even exist, nor is there such an expert.ā
Baili Yutian nodded, āYes, 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 landsā plan. Being subtle about creating Devil Mountain out of nothing to scare me and keep the peace for a moment longer.ā
āPatriarch is right!ā
āBut this man of Devil Mountain really exists!ā
Baili Yulei praised the old man, but then Baili Yutian switched topics, āThis means that this isnāt 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.ā
āPatriarch, you want to meet him?ā Baili Yulei cried in shock.
Baili Yutian nodded and his eyes shone, āI 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. Thatās a good idea, ha-ha-haā¦ā
Baili Yutian laughed and turned to Bali Yuyu, āYuyu, tell me everything about your meeting with me. I need to assess himā¦ā