Supreme Master - Chapter 19: Old Friends

Translator – Misty

Chapter 19: Old Friends

A grey-robed elder appeared in response.

This elder looked tall and thin, not only a bit unkempt but also seemingly a bit tipsy. He appeared holding a gourd, tilting his head back as he gulped down fine wine.

Upon seeing this man, everyone on the lawn, whether senior or junior disciples of the Cloudy Rosy Heaven Sect, bowed in respect and quietly greeted him as Elder Huo De.

Hearing the name “Elder Huo De”, Gu Qingfeng was extremely surprised. He looked at the shabby old man in front of him, his eyes filled with laughter. What surprised him was that the old man seemed no different from 500 years ago, still shabby, still lecherous, still fond of drinking.

Like Elder Mu De, Elder Huo De had aged a lot. His appearance and vitality were far from what they were in his prime.

Although achieving the Golden Core could grant one eternal youth, it was just a saying, not actual eternal youth, let alone immortality. It just meant that the physical body aged slower.

Possibly because he didn’t have much interaction with Elder Mu De, Gu Qingfeng didn’t feel much when he saw him. But now, seeing Elder Huo De, he felt quite emotional.

After Elder Huo De appeared, he laughed and said, “I say, Blind Man, after so many years, how have you not learned anything? Why do you still place so much importance on innate talent and spiritual roots? Have you forgotten how you got the nickname ‘Blind Man’?”

In the entire Cloudy Rosy Heaven Sect, the only person who dared to call Mu De “Blind Man” to his face was Elder Huo De. Although others might not say it aloud, they all knew how Elder Mu De got this nickname.

This story dates back 500 years, when it was said that the King of Crimson Heavens once participated in the entrance examination of the Cloudy Rosy Heaven Sect. Despite passing the examination, he was rejected by Elder Mu De due to his poor innate talent and spiritual roots. As the King of Crimson Heavens became famous throughout the world, Elder Mu De became the laughingstock of many, being called the blindest among the blind.

Elder Mu De had always been sensitive about this matter, and it was the most embarrassing thing he didn’t want to be reminded of. Now, as Elder Huo De brought it up publicly, Elder Mu De’s face changed instantly as he replied in a measured tone.

“I’ve always said that Gu Tianlang is a sinner of the path of immortality!”

“Whether he’s a sinner or not, let’s not talk about that for now. Isn’t it true that Gu Tianlang successfully transcended his tribulation? Isn’t it true that he became King of the Immortal Path?”

“That was because he followed a deviant path. He is a demon; otherwise, with his talent and spiritual roots, he wouldn’t have been able to become an immortal, let alone the King of the Immortal Path, in ten thousand years. If not for this, why would the immortal judgement fall upon him?”

“The fact that Gu Tianlang became a demon happened after his tribulation. Others might not understand, but I know it clearly. His ascension to immortality was due to his own true abilities, all fought for with his life.”

Seeing that Elder Mu De wanted to retort, Elder Huo De waved his hand dismissively, “Enough, enough, I’ve argued about this with you for so many years and am tired of it. Go do whatever you need to do.”

“You!”

Elder Mu De huffed, flung his sleeves, and turned away.

Elder Huo De walked over, looking Gu Qingfeng up and down, then, without a greeting, grabbed Gu Qingfeng’s wrist and began to carefully examine him. His expression changed from surprise to delight and he exclaimed, “Good! Good! Good!”

No one knew why Elder Huo De repeated ‘good’ three times. Even Gu Qingfeng was puzzled and couldn’t understand what the old man was up to. He asked, “What’s good about it?”

“Heh heh!”

Elder Huo De grinned, rubbing his chin, and said, “Kid, although you failed the foundation establishment, it’s not impossible to resume cultivation. I have a method. Do you want to try?”

“Oh?”

Gu Qingfeng hadn’t expected the old man to come up with such a statement. While it’s true that failing the foundation establishment isn’t absolutely prohibitive of cultivation, as Gu Qingfeng himself had methods, he was curious to hear what Elder Huo De had to offer. But when he inquired, the old man just chuckled mysteriously, “Don’t worry about the method. Just tell me if you want to try it.”

“Is there such a good thing?”

Just as Gu Qingfeng was pondering, he noticed an interesting phenomenon. When Elder Huo De mentioned ‘trying’, the surrounding disciples looked more peculiar than the next, and then they all fled as if they had encountered something terrifying. Not only the disciples, but even some of the sect’s officials hurriedly took their leave.

At that moment, Gu Qingfeng heard a secret transmission from Ouyang Ye.

“You must absolutely not trust Elder Huo De!”

“Don’t agree to his proposal at any cost! Recently, Elder Huo De has been immersed in researching formations and often asks disciples to test them. Many who have helped returned with nightmares for months, and one even suffered a mental breakdown. Please, don’t agree to his request!”

Hearing Ouyang Ye’s warning, Gu Qingfeng felt speechless. He hadn’t expected that even after so many years, Elder Huo De still had this bad habit. When he was doing menial work at the Cloudy Rosy Heaven Sect, he was once deceived by Elder Huo De into testing a formation, which nearly cost him his life. Surprisingly, even after more than five hundred years, Elder Huo De hadn’t changed.

Yes, the same old habit.

Gu Qingfeng almost certain that Elder Huo De had found some ancient cave dwelling and couldn’t unlock its mechanisms, thus continuously seeking a solution.

Even after five hundred years, this fellow was still up to his old tricks!

“How about it, young man? This is a rare opportunity! Seeing how you dared to scold Elder Mu De today, I find you quite impressive. That’s why I want to help you.”

Observing Elder Huo De’s feigned compassionate expression and his persuasive tone, Gu Qingfeng could hardly contain his laughter. This scene reminded him of the past when the old man had used the same demeanor to trick him into testing a formation. Thinking about it, it seemed like Elder Huo De hadn’t even changed his lines. Struggling to hold back his laughter, Gu Qingfeng nodded, “Of course! Who would miss such a great opportunity?”

Hearing Gu Qingfeng’s agreement, Ouyang Ye became anxious and started to send a secret transmission to dissuade him, but before she could finish, Elder Huo De’s shrewd eyes swept over and he said with a smile, “Ouyang girl, why whisper in secret? Is there anything you can’t say in front of me?”

“Ah…”

Caught off guard by Elder Huo De detecting her secret transmission, Ouyang Ye stuttered, “Grandfather Huo De*, he is… my friend… Please don’t…”
*”火德爷爷” (Grandpa Huo De) indicates a respectful and possibly familial-like relationship, though not necessarily blood-related.

“Don’t what! Girl, I’ve always treated you well… Besides, do you really think I’m deceiving him to test a formation?”

“Is it… not?”

“I’ve just thoroughly examined him. The situation within this young man is very peculiar, not as simple as a failed foundation establishment. I need to take him back for a detailed investigation.”

“Really… or not?”

Ouyang Ye was doubtful.

“What do you mean ‘really or not’? Do I need to deceive a young girl like you?” Elder Huo De waved his hand, “Alright, come find me in three days. I guarantee to return this young man to you safe and sound.”

After saying this, Elder Huo De took Gu Qingfeng and left.

(End of Chapter)