Chapter 447: The Old Shepherd's Teacher Also Came

"Uncle Sun Qiang?" Wei Yuqing was about to offer an explanation when he heard those words, and his lips twitched so hard he almost bit his tongue.

To be the head of the Poison Hall, one must possess immense power and exceptional poisoning skills. Even Hall Master Xie Jiuchen himself would likely not be guaranteed a victory against such a person.

When encountering such a formidable expert, even Wei Yuqing had to show the utmost respect and dared not treat them lightly.

Yet this fellow, the moment he opened his mouth, declared, "Uncle is here!" Where did you get the right to say that? Even if Gu Mu is Master Yang's grand-disciple, what does that have to do with you? A mere cultivator in the Dingli realm, calling a peak-level expert 'uncle'… And doing so with such pomp and intimidating arrogance…

Wei Yuqing's face went green. He had expected a simple task—just coming to find someone—but he hadn't anticipated this fellow would be so utterly unreliable.

"What did you say?" "Where did this imbecile come from!" As expected, hearing such arrogant words from this fellow, the crowd immediately erupted.

Hall Master Gu Mu was incredibly powerful and had always been their idol. When did he suddenly acquire an uncle? And even if he did have an uncle, he would surely be a formidable expert in the Mortal Transformation realm, not a scruffy-looking fellow like you, who is only in the Dingli realm!

"Presumptuous!" Sun Qiang, long accustomed to such scenes, raised an eyebrow, radiating an imposing aura without even needing to get angry. "Bring the person out quickly to avoid trouble. Otherwise, if you provoke my ire, do you believe I'll have that brat Gu Mu tear you limb from limb?"

"That brat Gu Mu?" Wei Yuqing's lips twitched once more. He felt that if he continued listening, he would surely suffer a heart attack.

"You…" The group of young men were also seething, their faces pale. Just as they were about to inquire what was happening, a stern voice cut through the air. "What's going on? Who else has arrived?" They turned to see a formidable-looking young man striding purposefully towards them. The great bell had just rung a short while ago; how could it be ringing again so soon? When did the Poison Hall start attracting so much trouble?

"Poison Master Wu Xi, you've arrived at the perfect time! This fellow, who appeared out of nowhere, is claiming to be Hall Master Gu's uncle…" The crowd rushed forward and quickly explained the entire situation.

"My teacher's uncle? My teacher never mentioned having any other relatives!" Wu Xi frowned, approaching with a look of utter bewilderment. Despite his confusion, he did not act rashly. Cupping his fists, he spoke, "I am Wu Xi, and my esteemed teacher is Hall Master Gu Mu. May I inquire about your name and origin, so I may properly inform my teacher?"

Seeing the man's respectful demeanor, Sun Qiang nodded with satisfaction. "What to call me? I am your teacher's uncle, so simply call me Grandfather!"

Wu Xi's eyebrows shot up, and his body swayed. As the Hall Master's direct disciple, his seniority in the Poison Hall had always been considerable. Now, a mere Dingli realm cultivator, who had seemingly appeared from nowhere, was calling himself his grandfather... He felt a surge of breath caught in his chest, threatening to burst. Nevertheless, he also acknowledged that if the person truly was his teacher's uncle, then the form of address would indeed be appropriate.

"You claim to be my teacher's uncle, but... do you possess any token of proof?" he asked, cupping his fists and suppressing his burgeoning anger.

"Here!" With a flick of his wrist, Sun Qiang threw the token Zhang Xuan had given him.

"It's my teacher's token..." Wu Xi's expression shifted as he recognized it. He had seen his teacher's unique token before; there was only one. To see it produced by this stout man... Could this unassuming fellow truly be his teacher's uncle?

"Please wait, Senior, I will go inform him immediately!" His expression grew solemn, his previous demeanor gone. He quickly cupped his fists, changing his address from 'Your Excellency' to 'Senior.'

"Yes, go ahead!" With a dismissive wave of his hand, Sun Qiang exuded arrogance.

Seeing Wu Xi, who was usually so imposing, transition from haughty to humble, the young men were left dumbfounded. They had all assumed this fellow was boasting, but to their surprise, it was true.

Earlier, someone claiming to be the Hall Master's teacher had arrived, radiating an unparalleled aura that left no room for doubt. Now, another uncle had appeared? And, most surprisingly, with such low cultivation and an utterly unremarkable appearance?

Inside the Poison Hall's main hall, Gu Mu sat respectfully in his seat. In the twenty-plus days since they last met, his strength had become more robust, his aura subtly refined. He was now only a single step away from reaching the Half-Mortal Transformation realm. It appeared that, with a little more time, he would soon be able to take that pivotal step, undergoing a complete metamorphosis, like a carp transforming into a dragon.

Before him sat a white-bearded elder, whose aged eyes were like deep, unfathomable pools, exuding an air of profound mystery.

Beside the elder was a teenager, dressed in white and holding a folding fan. His lips were a healthy red. Upon closer inspection, he was several times more handsome than Young Master Ji Mo, who prided himself on his dashing appearance.

Indeed, compared to the teenager, Ji Mo was vastly inferior in both temperament and looks, not even in the same league.

His skin, in particular, was remarkably smooth and fair, making even Zhang Xuan, who had cultivated the Heaven's Path Golden Body to its second stage, seem slightly less refined. Only Zhao Ya could truly rival it.

Sitting quietly on the stool, the young man, though silent, exuded an oppressive presence. Even the white-bearded elder treated him with the highest regard, daring not to speak excessively.

"Teacher, this is the Scarlet Flame Lotus Seed. Consuming it can boost a Half-Mortal Transformation cultivator's chances of successfully breaking through to the Mortal Transformation realm by an additional twenty percent!" With a flick of his wrist, Hall Master Gu Mu handed a jade box to the elder.

The jade box opened, revealing a blood-red item, the size of a peanut, that emanated an astonishing spiritual aura. Just a single whiff of it could instantly clear one's mind and invigorate the spirit.

The Scarlet Flame Lotus Seed! A treasure he had obtained back in the Red Lotus Mountain Range.

"Mhm," the elder nodded, taking the box and handing it to the young man beside him. "Young... Young Master!"

"You came here just for this?" The young man, referred to as 'Young Master,' gave it a brief glance before closing the jade box. The Scarlet Flame Lotus Seed, a priceless treasure in the eyes of others, seemed of no consequence to him; he showed no interest.

"I heard this item would be beneficial for your health, Young Master..." the elder hastily explained.

"You went to great lengths," the 'Young Master' acknowledged, hearing it was for him. He nodded, put away the jade box, and said no more.

"Well done!" The elder breathed a sigh of relief, seeing the 'Young Master,' who was typically very discerning, accept the Scarlet Flame Lotus Seed. He then turned to Hall Master Gu Mu and nodded with satisfaction.

"Teacher's benevolence toward me is as vast as a mountain; it is only proper for a student to show respect and filial piety!" Gu Mu quickly rose and cupped his fists. The person before him was indeed his former teacher, Jin Conghai, a Four-Star Poison Master.

His teacher had taken him as a student when he was still a Three-Star Poison Master, nurturing him continuously. Later, Jin Conghai broke through his limitations, left this place, and was gone for twenty years.

It could be said that Gu Mu's current achievements were inextricably linked to his teacher's guidance. Otherwise, he might still be lingering at the Two-Star level, unable to progress, let alone reach the peak of a Three-Star Poison Master.

After obtaining the Scarlet Flame Lotus Seed, and realizing it was a rare and invaluable treasure, Gu Mu had sent word out, prompting his teacher to make a special detour to visit.

"Now that we have the item, let's depart quickly!" The 'Young Master' paid no heed to such pleasantries. With a flick of his folding fan, he rose to his feet.

"Yes, Young Master!" Jin Conghai nodded.

"Teacher, may I ask... where are you headed in such a hurry? If there's anything your student can do, I will certainly spare no effort..." Hall Master Gu Mu hesitated for a moment, then couldn't help but inquire.

He had hoped his teacher would stay for a while, perhaps offering guidance to help him break through his current limitations and reach a higher cultivation realm. To his disappointment, his teacher was leaving almost immediately after arriving.

"The Young Master is heading to a first-tier kingdom under the Xuanyuan Kingdom. There's nothing you need to do, so simply remain here and rest assured!" Jin Conghai smiled and waved his hand, politely declining.

"There are twenty-seven first-tier kingdoms under the Xuanyuan Kingdom. May I ask which one the Young Master and Teacher intend to visit? I am quite familiar with all of them." Knowing that his teacher prioritized the 'Young Master's' wishes, Hall Master Gu Mu quickly offered.

"Tianwu Kingdom!" Jin Conghai replied.

"Tianwu? I just returned from there a few days ago! To be honest, this Scarlet Flame Lotus Seed was obtained from their branch there! If the Young Master and Teacher are heading that way, I can certainly guide you!" Hall Master Gu Mu's eyes lit up as he eagerly spoke.

He had only returned from the Tianwu Kingdom about ten days prior, making him an ideal guide for his teacher.

"You just returned?" Hearing this, the 'Young Master,' who had previously seemed indifferent to everything, turned his head. "Very well, I have something I'd like to ask you."

"Please, Young Master, speak!" Hall Master Gu Mu replied respectfully.

The 'Young Master' paused, about to inquire further, when urgent footsteps were heard approaching. Moments later, Wu Xi appeared in view. "Teacher!"

"What is it?" Hall Master Gu Mu's expression darkened, concerned his student had interrupted the 'Young Master's' question and might incur his displeasure.

"There's someone outside claiming to be your uncle and insisting on entering..." Wu Xi quickly explained.

"My uncle?" Gu Mu was completely baffled. "When did I ever acquire an uncle?" His father had been an only son; how could an uncle suddenly materialize?

"But... he has your token," Wu Xi quickly said, handing over the token Sun Qiang had given him.

Seeing the token, Gu Mu's expression turned serious. "Could it be that Martial Uncle-Grandmaster sent him?"

He had given that token to only one person: the mysterious 'Martial Uncle-Grandmaster.' Though not old, this individual possessed unfathomable abilities. Gu Mu's rapid progress to near the pinnacle of the Supreme realm in just over twenty days was precisely due to the guidance he had received from this senior.

This person had resolved hidden issues within Gu Mu's body, helped him tame the Lava Beast, enabling him to avenge his wife, and granting him renewed time and hope. Frankly, his gratitude towards this mysterious elder was as profound as that towards his current teacher.

"What Martial Uncle-Grandmaster?" Jin Conghai, who was nearby, couldn't help but turn and look upon hearing Gu Mu's murmur.

"I was just about to report this matter to you, Teacher..." Hall Master Gu Mu quickly stepped forward. "May I ask... Teacher, do you happen to have a martial uncle who appears quite young?"

As this person was his own martial uncle-grandmaster, they would naturally be Jin Conghai's martial uncle.

"Martial uncle?" Jin Conghai was utterly perplexed. "Not old? What is his name?"

"His name is Bai Chan... however, that's likely an alias. I don't know his true name!" Gu Mu explained.

Liao Xun had later investigated the name Bai Chan, finding it belonged to an ordinary physician in Tianwu Royal City. It was likely an identity borrowed by the Martial Uncle-Grandmaster to conceal his true identity, whose real name remained unknown.

"Where is he now?" Jin Conghai pressed, seeing Gu Mu's vague explanation.

Every cultivator has numerous teachers throughout their life, but most offer only partial guidance. The one who truly imparts knowledge and great kindness is typically singular.

His own teacher had passed away many years ago, and he had never heard of any junior martial brothers or the like. What did this suddenly appearing 'martial uncle' signify?

"After we parted ways in the Red Lotus Mountain Range, I haven't seen him since. However, I gave him a token, and someone is now holding it, so it should be his descendant or student!" Gu Mu continued.

Since the person referred to himself as 'uncle,' he must be a junior relative of this Martial Uncle-Grandmaster.

"My teacher, Mr. Jin Chengxue, passed away thirteen years ago and never discussed the lineage of our sect with me, so I'm not entirely clear. However, if he belongs to our line, I should be able to recognize him..." Jin Conghai frowned, desiring to ascertain the true origins of this purported martial uncle. After a moment of hesitation, he looked towards the 'Young Master.'

"My journey to the Tianwu Kingdom is simply on a whim; a delay of a few days will not matter. Since this concerns your sect, it is only proper to investigate thoroughly to prevent any imposters from mingling among us!" The 'Young Master,' understanding his unspoken request, waved a hand dismissively.

"Thank you, Young Master!" Seeing that the 'Young Master' was not displeased by the delay caused by this personal matter, Jin Conghai's eyes brightened. He then turned to give an instruction.

"Let them in. I would like to see for myself if this martial uncle you mentioned is genuine..."

"Yes!" Gu Mu nodded, gesturing to Wu Xi. The young man exited, and a short time later, two figures followed him into the hall.

Leading the way was Sun Qiang, a corpulent man of only Dingli realm strength, who walked with his hands clasped behind his back, head held high, and a faint air of arrogance.

Behind him was an elder, a peak Supreme realm expert, whose aura was steady and gaze sharp as lightning. This was Elder Wei Yuqing.

As the three entered, before Wu Xi could make introductions, Sun Qiang's eyes swept over them. "Which one of you is Gu Mu?" he demanded.

Wu Xi and the others looked displeased, observing this fellow's utter lack of etiquette, his direct addressing of the Hall Master by name, and his arrogant demeanor.

"That would be me!" Gu Mu replied, frowning slightly and cupping his fists.

"You must have seen the token. Our master wishes for you to make a trip to Xuanyuan Royal City." Without any trace of politeness, Sun Qiang strode directly to the main seat and settled in, waving his thick hand dismissively. "Hurry up and prepare!"

"May I ask, Martial Uncle-Grandmaster, what is the purpose of my journey to Xuanyuan Royal City? What preparations should I make?" Gu Mu inquired.

With the token serving as proof, the person was undeniably legitimate. Furthermore, Gu Mu had previously vowed that anyone presenting the token would receive his full assistance with whatever request they had.

Sun Qiang's expression turned serious. "As a mere servant, I dare not involve myself in my master's affairs, and I advise you not to inquire too deeply... Once you arrive at the destination, our master will naturally inform you, and all will be revealed!"

"This... Understood!" Gu Mu nodded.

Elder Wei Yuqing's eyes rolled back in disbelief, watching a man who hadn't even reached the Aperture Opening realm address the formidable Hall Master of the Poison Hall, a peak Supreme realm expert, not only without a hint of fear but with an undisguised scolding tone.

He had assumed this fellow, with his low cultivation and provincial background, was an inexperienced bumpkin. As a peak Supreme realm expert and Beast Hall Elder, Wei Yuqing had intended to offer guidance and broaden his horizons... Yet, in comparison, it was Wei Yuqing who felt like the unsophisticated one.

Facing the Poison Hall, a place so fearsome that merely speaking its name instilled dread, Wei Yuqing was too intimidated to say much. Yet, this other man spoke unreservedly, utterly unconcerned, even scolding the Hall Master at will and showing him no deference... He was incredibly bold! Where did such confidence originate? Did he truly believe they wouldn't resort to killing?

The 'Young Master,' typically indifferent to all matters, also widened his eyes, looking somewhat dumbfounded.

He had encountered foolish individuals, but never one quite this foolish. With such meager strength, any apprentice could easily crush him, yet he spoke here with such composure and utter fearlessness. Could it be that the figure behind him was truly formidable, so certain that Gu Mu wouldn't dare to make a move, thus allowing him such audacity?

"My friend, may I inquire about your master's name?" Jin Conghai asked, unable to contain himself.

The man's sheer confidence and self-assurance left Jin Conghai feeling genuinely perplexed.

If he were truly an imposter, he would undoubtedly be blustering and timid, which would be obvious. But this individual exuded genuine confidence from within, utterly devoid of fear. This indicated absolute backing... a quality an imposter could never possess.

"Presumptuous! Who are you to interrupt when I'm speaking with Hall Master Gu Mu?" Sun Qiang's eyebrow shot up.

"Good heavens!" Elder Wei Yuqing swayed, almost spitting blood on the spot, and instinctively turned to flee.

Sun Qiang's cultivation was too low to perceive the elder's immense power, but Wei Yuqing had noticed it the moment they entered: his aura was perfectly contained, his demeanor unruffled—an undeniable super-expert in the Mortal Transformation realm!

It was precisely because of such a formidable presence that Wei Yuqing hadn't dared to move or utter a single word. Yet this fellow... he had outright insulted him!

It's over! He had believed that simply finding someone here would be the easiest task imaginable, but now, it seemed he might very well perish in this place...

It wasn't just Wei Yuqing with that expression; the 'Young Master' and Gu Mu also nearly bit their tongues.

A minor figure at Martial Artist 5-dan Dingli realm, speaking to a Mortal Transformation realm expert in such a manner... This was beyond mere boldness; it was outright insanity.

"You..." Jin Conghai's face turned ashen from the direct rebuke. He flicked his sleeve. "I am Hall Master Gu Mu's teacher, Four-Star Poison Master Jin Conghai. Do I have no right to speak then?"

"Gu Mu's teacher? A Four-Star Poison Master?" Sun Qiang was taken aback.

He had assumed the man was merely a casual observer, not someone so formidable. Yet, he remained unfazed, his eyes widening slightly as he stared.

"So what if you're a Four-Star Poison Master? Even Four-Star Master Teachers Su Fan and Ling Yuheng must show deference to our master, bowing like students and never daring to refute a single one of his scolding words. So... are you somehow more pompous than a Four-Star Master Teacher?" Sun Qiang retorted. "Are you trying to intimidate me? Let me tell you, Brother Qiang has seen his share of the world. Back then, 'Little Su,' a Four-Star Master Teacher, had to bow and scrape before our master, not daring to raise his voice, and I myself was given absolute authority. You're just a poison master; no matter how formidable, can you truly be stronger than the world's foremost profession? Are you forgetting your place? What are you trying to prove!"

"Su Fan, Ling Yuheng? Are you referring to Master Su, Elder Su, and Master Ling, Elder Ling, from the Master Teacher Pavilion of the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance?" Jin Conghai's expression changed, just as he was about to erupt in anger, upon hearing those names.

As Four-Star Master Teachers, Su Fan and Ling Yuheng were renowned throughout the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance. They were not only powerful, but more importantly, as elders of the Master Teacher Pavilion, their status was in no way inferior to even the most influential nobles of the Myriad Kingdoms Alliance's royal family.

Two such esteemed and powerful Master Teachers performing student's etiquette before Sun Qiang's master... Was this real? If it were true... who exactly was this 'master'? Someone so formidable? Jin Conghai's expression instantly became grave.