The voices, though distant, rang clearly in everyone’s ears, showcasing the profound cultivation of the visitors.
However, upon hearing the words, Huang Yaoshi’s expression changed drastically!
Dragon and Wood Island Masters!
These were the two masters of Xia Ke Island, unquestionably Land Immortal-level experts. Though their reputation in the Jianghu wasn’t particularly widespread, Huang Yaoshi knew them well. Xia Ke Island was known for periodically sending emissaries to invite renowned Jianghu experts to the island.
Just a few days ago, he himself had been invited.
That day, Zhang San and Li Si had come to extend the invitation. If not for Ning Changge’s overwhelming presence scaring them off, Huang Yaoshi might not have been able to handle the situation so easily.
The two Land Immortals had personally come to extend an invitation. This was enough to send waves of shock through Huang Yaoshi’s heart.
He instinctively glanced at Ning Changge, his eyes filled with concern.
The others were equally uneasy.
Living on Peach Blossom Island, they were somewhat familiar with the reputation of Xia Ke Island.
Only Ning Changge remained unfazed.
He simply looked toward the sky with a calm expression.
Two figures approached side by side. Though they were still over the sea, in the blink of an eye, they stood before the group. One wore a green robe, the other a yellow robe, both appearing as elderly men.
“Dragon and Wood of Xia Ke Island greet the Little Immortal. We apologize for the intrusion and hope for your understanding,” they said in unison.
The Dragon and Wood Island Masters discreetly observed the young Daoist before them, their hearts trembling. The youth seemed to be favored by the heavens themselves. Still surrounded by the lingering aura of his recent breakthrough, Ning Changge exuded an ethereal presence, as if he were one with the heavens and earth.
Their respect deepened.
The rumors were true.
Though Ning Changge had not yet reached the Land Immortal realm, he was already on par with them. Showing respect to a peer of equal standing was only natural.
Ning Changge calmly studied the two before him.
He could already guess their purpose. Despite this being a world of martial arts, many events followed familiar patterns. Their visit was undoubtedly to invite him to Xia Ke Island to study the Tai Xuan Scripture engraved on the stone wall.
To be honest, Ning Changge was somewhat intrigued by the Tai Xuan Scripture. In this wondrous world of martial arts, the scripture might have been left behind by a peerless expert from thousands of years ago. After all, it had produced two Land Immortals.
“What brings the two of you here?” Ning Changge asked indifferently.
The Dragon and Wood Island Masters exchanged glances before speaking solemnly.
“We have come to invite the Little Immortal to Xia Ke Island for a discussion.”
Ning Changge replied without hesitation, “I’m not going.”
His decisive refusal left everyone stunned. Huang Yaoshi and the others were momentarily dumbfounded. Such a resolute rejection—especially directed at two Land Immortals—was shocking.
Yet amidst their shock, Huang Yaoshi felt a hint of satisfaction.
This was the demeanor of a peerless expert—free-spirited and unyielding, even to Land Immortals. ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ novel·fiɾe·net
He recalled the earlier invitation from Zhang San and Li Si. If he had possessed such strength, he could have driven them off with a wave of his hand, sparing himself the indignity of their prolonged presence.
The Dragon and Wood Island Masters were taken aback. They hadn’t expected Ning Changge to refuse so swiftly and decisively. A flicker of irritation crossed their faces. After all, they had shown him considerable respect, and such a curt dismissal was undoubtedly a slight.
However, they restrained themselves. The Dragon Island Master remained silent, while the Wood Island Master stepped forward and said, “Little Immortal, there’s no need to refuse so quickly. Our invitation is made with sincerity, and perhaps the rumors about Xia Ke Island have given you a misunderstanding.”
He paused before continuing, “To be honest, the Jianghu rumors about those we invite to Xia Ke Island are untrue. None of them were imprisoned or killed. They remain on the island entirely of their own volition.”
His words were startling.
Huang Yaoshi and the others were taken aback. Huang Yaoshi couldn’t help but question, “If that’s the case, why would these people willingly stay on the island for decades without leaving?”
Ning Changge’s presence gave him the confidence to question even Land Immortals.
Of course, the Wood Island Master’s claim was indeed implausible, and the group’s skepticism was evident.
Seeing that Ning Changge remained unmoved, the Wood Island Master revealed their trump card.
“The reason,” he said slowly, “is that Xia Ke Island has a stone wall engraved with a peerless martial art. Those invited to the island are allowed to study this martial art, which offers the chance to ascend to the Land Immortal realm. Given such an opportunity, why would they willingly leave?”
“We two were fortunate enough to encounter this opportunity on Xia Ke Island in our youth. Through years of diligent cultivation, we eventually reached the Land Immortal realm. However, our aptitude is insufficient to fully comprehend the martial art. Thus, we decided to gather the wisdom of heroes from across the Jianghu.”
“This is why we periodically invite experts to Xia Ke Island. When we sent Zhang San and Li Si to Peach Blossom Island, it was because we recognized Island Master Huang’s exceptional talent. There was no malicious intent.”
His explanation finally revealed the truth, leaving Huang Yaoshi and the others in shock.
They hadn’t expected the invitations to Xia Ke Island to be for such a reason. Huang Yaoshi couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. The chance to ascend to the Land Immortal realm—what a powerful martial art it must be.