Free Web NovelChapter 2125: Chapter 2162: Being an Island Master Isn’t Easy
Although the Second Elder and others were worried, there was no use in fretting since the situation had reached this point. Regardless, there was no way the Herr Family would act against the Skeleton Sect, after all, the Skeleton Sect is only a Second Grade power, and the Herr Family where Daozhen Trade Firm was located is a Fifth Grade power, bound by their own rules not to attack forces lower than two grades below them.
Anyway, Moon Mist Island would not act against the Skeleton Sect, which put the Martial Artists of the Skeleton Sect greatly at ease. Soon, Daozhen Trade Firm would send over the ten Tigertooth Apes they bought, so the Skeleton Sect wouldn’t have to worry too much.
No longer fearing any attacks, the Skeleton Sect began considering cultivating the Crimson Flame Bodhi. At this point, they were not afraid of exposure, creating a large herb field and constructing a massive Blood Pool. Unlike last time, the Second Elder ordered a castle larger than the Blood Pool to conceal it.
Wu Qingxia agreed not to disclose the Beast Tooth matter to Ding Fan, so the Second Elder and others were unaware Ding Fan cultivated the Crimson Flame Bodhi with a Beast Bone Pendant. They believed Ding Fan relied on a mysterious formula to yield high-quality Crimson Flame Bodhi, thus hidden the Blood Pool to protect his secret.
Ding Fan was delighted by their arrangements and asked the Second Elder to build a small building on a mountain named Jingshan near the Blood Pond Stone Fort, resembling his residence on Xinkai Island, to reside with Sirius to cultivate well and give Sirius a place to play.
On hearing Ding Fan’s words, the Second Elder felt pleased; it seemed things aligned with his assumptions that Ding Fan had no interest in managing the Skeleton Sect, and since Wu Qingxia wouldn’t manage it either, it would still be Song Chuanfeng in charge.
The Second Elder immediately gathered hundreds of people to earnestly build a grand and luxurious castle for Ding Fan, furnishing it with maids, chefs, guards, and even a Tigertooth Ape for protection.
With so many hands at work, the castle was completed in less than two days, appearing magnificent. The Second Elder really put effort into this castle.
At this time, Ding Fan’s injuries had mostly healed. After everything was built, Ding Fan inspected it, feeling quite pleased and satisfied. However, he did not keep the guards, leaving only the maids and Tigertooth Ape, as those guards were merely at the First Level of the Divine Realm, hardly able to protect Ding Fan; it would be more accurate to say Ding Fan might protect them.
Sirius was overjoyed with the new environment because the animals here were more plentiful than in Tieling, offering more entertainment.
Jingshan was not far from Tie Family Fortress, barely half an hour’s walk. Its proximity to the herb field meant there would be hardly any disturbances, pleasing Ding Fan as it allowed him quiet cultivation.
So Ding Fan settled into the Jingshan Castle, intending to cultivate quietly. However, his serene intentions were short-lived; he had practiced for less than five days when Wu Qingxia came to report new visitors.
Ding Fan stepped out of his Stone Chamber for this, understanding that Wu Qingxia must have a good reason. If it were merely ordinary guests, she wouldn’t bother him, indicating the visitors must be rather significant.
Indeed, upon meeting, Wu Qingxia informed him that Xu Guotao’s eldest son Xu Jianqiang and Xingying had arrived. Some days ago, when the Second Elder visited Moon Mist Island, the Xu Family mentioned sending people to extend their regards, and within less than a week, they indeed sent someone, dispatching an elder son and a young lady, a generous gesture towards Ding Fan.
Given their courtesy, Ding Fan couldn’t ignore them and followed Wu Qingxia to Skull Fort, originally Tie Family Fortress, now the main hall of the Skeleton Sect referred to as Skull Fort.
The group walked for nearly half an hour before reaching Skull Fort, where numerous Stone Castles stood; Ding Fan proceeded to the guest castle. freёwebnoѵel.com
As he arrived, before any conversation, Ding Fan’s eyes attracted by two individuals, one a handsome gentleman, the other a charming and beautiful young lady.
The gentleman was in his twenties, with a handsome appearance and slightly scholarly air, dressed in silk, embodying the demeanor of an aristocratic youth.
The young lady appeared younger, about seventeen or eighteen, donned in an elegant goose-yellow gown with gemstone earrings, showcasing fine red lips and white teeth; she truly possessed charisma, unmatched by Wu Qingxia.
Though young, both were Legacy Warriors, bearing leaf-like legacy marks around their necks, sparking Ding Fan’s interest; however, unfamiliar with these legacies, he couldn’t discern their specific heritage.
Seated, the gentleman and lady were accompanied by two Divine Realm Third Level experts behind them, two elders exuding formidable presence, underscoring their extraordinary status.
"Xu Jianqiang is at the Divine Realm Third Level Mid Stage, Xu Xingying at the Divine Realm Second Level Peak Stage. Truly remarkable, children from a Fourth Grade force, possessing such strength at a young age as Legacy Warriors, ensuring outstanding future accomplishments.
Ding Fan sensed their aura, internally marveling at their prowess.
And when Xu Jianqiang and Xu Xingying sensed Ding Fan’s arrival, their gazes turned towards him, both momentarily left speechless at the sight of Ding Fan.
At this moment, Ding Fan was dressed in a dark robe, his realm merely at the Divine Realm Second Level Middle Stage, and he lacked the commanding presence expected of a distinguished family member. Instead, he seemed like a rural youth, completely devoid of the well-educated demeanor of a noble descendant.
The Xu siblings hailed from a great family and were quite shrewd. As they saw Ding Fan approaching, they immediately rose to their feet. Xu Jianqiang cupped his fists towards Ding Fan and said: "You must be Young Master Ding. I’m Xu Jianqiang from Moon Mist Island, and this is my younger sister, Xu Xingying."
Hearing Xu Jianqiang’s introduction, Xu Xingying smiled and nodded slightly towards Ding Fan. Ding Fan immediately nodded and bowed towards them, saying, "This humble Ding Fan greets Master Xu and Miss Xu. As the honored guests arrive, I apologize for being late. I hope the two of you will not take offense!"
After speaking, Ding Fan, without any courtesy, sat directly on the central chair, which left the Xu siblings even more speechless. They remained standing while this host had already seated himself, clearly indicating a lack of proper education.
Not to mention, the Xu siblings were practically the masters of the Skeleton Sect, which was now an affiliate of Moon Mist Island. It was unheard of for a host to be seated while the guests were standing.
The Second Elder responded quickly, smiling as he addressed the Xu siblings, "Master Xu, Miss Xu, please have a seat. Someone, bring our esteemed guests some fine tea."
Xu Jianqiang seemed entirely unfazed by Ding Fan’s rudeness, merely smiling as he said, "Island Master Ding, we heard that you were injured, but it seems you’re almost recovered now. Although we were informed about your conflict with the Tie Family, both of you are our subordinate forces, and it’s not our place to intervene. I trust Island Master Ding isn’t upset with us!"
"Of course not, how could I be upset? I’m embarrassed that you’d even worry about me, Master Xu. My injury is indeed almost healed. I had planned to visit Island Master Xu, but you arrived first, so I must ask Master Xu to convey my apologies to him."
Ding Fan said to Xu Jianqiang, while the Second Elder accompanying them nodded lightly. The Xu siblings showed no anger towards Ding Fan, and his words also gave the Xu family some face, making some progress, however slight.
Xu Jianqiang nodded in agreement with a smile. At this moment, Miss Xu Xingying also spoke, her eyes lively as she directly addressed the matter everyone wanted to know. She asked Ding Fan, "Island Master Ding, I heard that Lord Chi Yan also came on the day of your battle and even knelt to acknowledge you as his master. Is this true? Hehe... I speak my mind; I hope you won’t be offended."
Her words, with a hint of innocence, seemed devoid of any ulterior motives. However, once her voice faded, nearly everyone in the hall focused their eyes on Ding Fan, clearly eager for his response.
"Haha... Miss Xu, why would I be upset? However, I really can’t say much about this matter. Lord Chi Yan allows me to tell others if they want to know—to personally ask him. So, I hope Miss Xu can forgive me."
These words were cleverly said. He directed Xu Xingying to ask Chi Yan herself, but how could she dare? Besides, even if she dared, she must be able to find him first.
Who was Chi Yan? A solitary person whose whereabouts were unknown. Asking Xu Xingying to seek him out—even if she did encounter him—never mind the Xu siblings, even Lord Xu Guotao of Moon Mist Island wouldn’t dare question him, would he?
Xu Xingying had nothing more to say, though disappointment flashed across her eyes. Meanwhile, Xu Jianqiang and the two Third-Level Divine Realm martial artists were all deep in thought. The three reacted quickly, picking up from Ding Fan’s words that there was certainly some connection between him and Chi Yan, though whether he was indeed Chi Yan’s young master was uncertain. After all, how could a master call a servant ’Lord’?
Given Ding Fan’s statement, however, the Xu siblings couldn’t press further, and Xu Xingying, the young girl, was a bit displeased with such an answer from Ding Fan. She unhappily sealed her lips and ceased speaking altogether.
The atmosphere cooled momentarily, as Xu Jianqiang engaged in a slightly awkward conversation with Ding Fan before feeling there was nothing more to say and decided to take his leave.
However, as he exited the reception room, Xu Jianqiang seemed to remember something suddenly and said to Ding Fan, "Island Master Ding, see how forgetful I am? I almost forgot. Next month on the 15th is my father’s birthday. Our island is hosting a longevity banquet for the elder, and I hope Island Master Ding can grace us with your presence. I’ll have the invitation sent to you later!"
"Oh! Such a significant event, I will definitely attend. Please rest assured, Master Xu."
Ding Fan readily agreed, but after Xu Jianqiang and his group boarded the ship and left the island, his face darkened. It seemed he had underestimated things; being an island master wasn’t easy. There were far too many social obligations, which he genuinely disliked.
Reflecting upon it, he felt dismayed, pretending to be enthusiastic greeting and chatting with a group of barely acquainted people—it was exhausting.
Now, in Ding Fan’s heart, the foremost priority was cultivation, to elevate his realm. He felt an urgent desire to visit Xia Mengqing at Jade Goshawk Palace in Tongzhou. Countless times in the dead of night, memories of the events during that battle at the Wu Family Fortress in Great Python Mountain would replay in his mind.
