Chapter Thirty-Three: The Celestial Master's Manor

"Master Zhang, it's been a long time. You suddenly barging in like this—though it is your own residence—don't you think it's rather disrespectful to us farmers?" Tian Meng questioned calmly, neither humble nor arrogant, confronting Zhang's imposing arrival.

"My apologies, I acted out of impatience. I was eager to meet the new leader of the heroes. I hope the hall masters will forgive me," Master Zhang replied, bowing in apology.

Seeing that their host had already shown sufficient respect, Hua Feng broke the awkward tension, bowing slightly, "Junior pays his respects to the Master."

"Please, I dare not accept such courtesy. The disciples of the farming clan are spread across the world. The lineage of Shennong has endured for a thousand years. Facing the descendant of the Flame Emperor, who grants life to all and never dies, I dare not presume upon my seniority," Master Zhang hastily returned the bow.

Sensing that Master Zhang's cultivation was likely at the peak of the Yuan Sovereign realm, Hua Feng acknowledged himself as a junior. Since Zhang had already spoken so, as the leader of the farming clan, he dispensed with further pleasantries and went straight to the point: "Regarding the kidnapping of cultivators by extraterrestrials, what is your opinion? Do you think there is any chance they are still alive?"

Master Zhang invited everyone to sit, pouring each a cup of pre-rain tea. "Don't just stand there, have some tea." After everyone was seated, he answered, "I exchanged news with Dan Qiu Sheng, the Alliance Leader, quite early. We both believe that only by venturing into the tiger’s den will we discover the truth. Mere speculation is useless. So, as soon as the Martial Dao Conference concludes, we plan to organize a group of Yuan Sovereign-level experts to make a foray into Australia, to see what exactly those aliens are up to."

"That would be best. If the farming clan is needed, we will not shirk our duty," Hua Feng promised immediately.

"Hua Feng, isn’t your agreement a bit hasty? The hall masters haven’t spoken yet. Shouldn't you consult their opinions?" Yun Meng reminded him.

"You worry too much, Madam. We follow the leader, and besides, we lost over a dozen experts in this incident; it’s only right we contribute," Shen Qiu spoke on behalf of Tian Meng and Wang Yue.

"In that case, I ask the hall masters to spare no effort in providing intelligence support, and, if convenient, experts to accompany us. Our journey across the ocean is fraught with uncertainty, so we agreed that I and Dan Qiu Sheng will lead the expedition—one of us at the peak of Yuan Sovereign, the other mid-level Yuan Emperor, level sixty-six. Even if we cannot conquer the aliens’ base, we can at least withdraw safely. How does that sound, Hero Leader?"

Hua Feng was stunned to hear that Dan Qiu Sheng was also a Yuan Emperor, and couldn't help but wonder how he compared to his own master. "In that case, the farming clan must do even more. I will join you myself, but on the condition that the two of us be admitted to the Unity Dao Alliance."

Tian Meng, Shen Qiu, and Wang Yue, hearing their leader's intention to go personally, were about to protest when a hearty voice rang out, "Indeed, youth breeds heroes. Since the new Hero Leader is so bold, as the Alliance Leader of the Unity Dao Alliance, I hereby grant your request." Before Dan Qiu Sheng finished speaking, he had already arrived.

Another high-profile expert making a grand entrance—Hua Feng felt a sudden distaste for such theatrics, even if the man was a Yuan Emperor. But given the circumstances, he suppressed his displeasure and replied, "That is excellent. With the Alliance Leader’s guarantee, we are honored."

"Why does the leader insist on joining the Unity Dao Alliance?" Wang Yue asked in confusion.

Seeing the same question reflected in Dan Qiu Sheng, Zhang, Tian Meng, and Shen Qiu’s eyes, Hua Feng feared he might give something away. He took a sip of tea to steady himself and answered, "After Yun Meng and I retired, we felt suddenly cut off from our organization. Having grown used to being among people, we inadvertently entered the cultivation world again, and just wanted a place where we could communicate with others like us."

"I see. That’s perfectly understandable. Once on the path of cultivation, it’s hard to return to an ordinary life. I understand," Dan Qiu Sheng nodded. "Recently, the World Cultivators Association sent word that some magicians and holy knights, even a dragon knight, have gone missing."

"Dragon knight? Magician?" Hua Feng felt as if he had wandered into a novel, his worldview constantly shaken by recent events. "Yun Meng, what do you think?"

"I follow you. If you say we should go to Australia, I’ll accompany you," Yun Meng replied.

"You needn't worry too much. Their side will send investigators as well, but the affairs of Chinese cultivators are for China to solve. When necessary, we can exchange information with them, since, after all, we are all human. Now that extraterrestrial beings threaten us, we must unite against our common enemy!" Dan Qiu Sheng added.

"Well then, that settles it for now. The Alliance Leader and I must go host the opening ceremony of the Martial Dao Conference. We’ll discuss the details later," Master Zhang said, then left with Dan Qiu Sheng.

Watching them depart, Hua Feng turned and sat down. "Which of you three hall masters is willing to accompany me to Australia?"

"We are willing!" the three answered in unison.

"I’m not joking, nor do I want you to brush me off. The risks are immense. Though you all have reached mid-to-high Yuan Sovereign levels, we know nothing about our opponents—the extraterrestrial visitors. Tomorrow morning, I’ll return to the farming clan headquarters. Hall Master Shen will come with me. The other two will lead our disciples in the Martial Dao Conference," Hua Feng decided after careful consideration.

Shen Qiu, Tian Meng, and Wang Yue exchanged glances and replied together, "Understood!"

Once he had sent off the three less familiar hall masters, Hua Feng finally relaxed. "Yun Meng, our challenge has arrived."

"It doesn’t matter; we’ll face it together. I heard the farming clan’s true strength isn’t in the six halls we see, but in the semi-retired Elder Council. Are you planning to consult them?" Yun Meng closed the doors and windows and came to sit beside Hua Feng.

"Yes. Hopefully, all goes well. Let’s not join the festivities outside. We should rest, and then cultivate our energy," Hua Feng said, his calm voice tinged with resignation.

The path must be walked. How far one travels, what one sees along the way—sometimes, it isn’t up to oneself.