Big Data Cultivation
Chapter 1104: Simple Journey

Chapter 1104: Chapter 1104: Simple Journey

Feng Jun and Huang Fu Wuxia stepped out of the courtyard gate and saw a blue-clad youth standing there, his appearance radiating an indescribable handsomeness and vigor.

Upon seeing the two, Lu Wanfeng raised his hand in a greeting gesture, smiling as he spoke, "I pay my respects to Mountain Master Feng and Chairman Huang Fu."

Before the pair could respond with customary politeness, they felt a divine sense transmission in their minds, "You need not stand on ceremony, my master prefers not to draw attention to her visit."

Feng Jun and Huang Fu Wuxia were startled: Could it really be that Master Sumiao herself had come?

After exchanging a glance, it was Huang Fu Wuxia who spoke first, "It’s an honor to meet you, friend Lu. May we invite you inside for a chat?"

Lu Wanfeng nodded, then gestured with his hand, "Chairman Huang Fu, after you."

This guy’s behavior was somewhat contradictory; he mentioned that his master did not want attention, but then he was dressed so flamboyantly in his dazzling blue outfit, oozing charisma. Anyone with a decent memory would recognize he was Taqing Lu Wanfeng.

Moreover, his demeanor was carefree and confident. Even if others couldn’t discern his cultivation level, how could they underestimate him seeing how composed he was in the presence of two esteemed individuals?

However, Feng Jun and Huang Fu Wuxia, despite not having much interaction with him, were aware of his eccentric nature and didn’t take offense, instead inviting him inside.

Huang Fu Wuxia was about to order tea to be brought, but Lu Wanfeng gestured dismissively, "Let’s skip the formalities. My master is already at a pavilion twenty li away. There’s no need for me to elaborate on what kind of person she is... It’s a great honor for you to be called out to receive her in person—quite a gesture of respect."

"We are greatly honored," Feng Jun and Huang Fu Wuxia replied in unison—being invited by a Golden Core Master to receive her was indeed a mark of esteem!

Lu Wanfeng continued, "My master is keeping a low profile on this visit, so there is no need for you to feel constrained. Just treat it as a casual visit, though, of course, try to stay within appropriate bounds regarding the details."

Feng Jun and Huang Fu Wuxia nodded in agreement, speaking in unison, "Of course."

After exiting the courtyard gate, Feng Jun produced a business van, driving it himself with the two others along.

The roads outside the mountain gate were not as smooth as those on the inside, but with many caravans passing through, Mount Zhige still maintained them adequately. The roads were laid with crushed lime, dust-free on sunny days and mud-free on rainy ones—a rarity indeed.

And as the van had a high chassis, it managed the journey without any issues.

In no time, they arrived at their destination twenty li away, where a pavilion lay not far from the roadside. Midsummer’s harsh sun made this a favored spot for several people to cool off in the shade.

Lu Wanfeng glanced around before pointing at a big tree, "The one in the pale green robe is my master."

Underneath the tree stood two young women dressed in pale azure and pale green, their attire that of common folk. Yet upon closer inspection, one could sense a subtle distinction from ordinary hemp fabric.

The demeanor of both women was rather ordinary, and their looks could only be described as plain. However, Feng Jun’s instinct told him that these were likely not their real faces.

Feng Jun and Huang Fu Wuxia stepped out of the van and stood beside it, offering a respectful salute from afar without saying much.

Approaching them, Lu Wanfeng whispered a few words and then brought the women over. He then took a seat in the last row by himself, allowing the two women to sit in the middle row.

Feng Jun closed the car door and spoke softly, "We are honored to meet you, Master. We apologize if our presence is an imposition amidst your preference for discretion."

The woman in the light azure dress waved her hand indifferently and replied, "No trouble at all. It is common practice for a Golden Core to tread lightly in the Mortal Realm."

Indeed, true masters do not typically show off in the Mortal Realm; the very fabric of this world is too fragile. A fierce encounter between those in the Ascension phase could alarm the commoners. As for a true master, any frivolous use of spiritual energy could harm themselves and even cause disturbances in the surrounding spiritual energy.

For those in the Nascent Soul Realm, residing long in the Mortal Realm is particularly problematic; their Nascent Souls might even turn murky.

Master Sumiao’s past reluctance to visit Mount Zhige stemmed not only from the pride of being a Golden Core Master but also from the fact that traveling to the Mortal Realm brings no great benefits to a true master, let alone one who is unwell.

Feng Jun did not want to visit the Taiqing Sect, and most Taiqing disciples could likely guess his reluctance—as once there, they probably wouldn’t let him leave easily.

Now with Master Sumiao personally visiting Mount Zhige, she was understandably somewhat displeased, but she understood the concerns of the other party.

Seeing her polite response, Feng Jun smiled and asked, "May I know how your accommodations have been arranged?"

Master Sumiao did not respond, but Lu Wanfeng spoke instead, "Mountain Master Feng is quite guarded. My master is not one for pomp. She brought only her basic belongings and will rest near your mountain gate—that would be sufficient."

Hearing this, Feng Jun smiled and conveyed his thanks, "I am grateful, and I hope you will excuse the modesty of my dwelling, which is unfit to host such an honored guest."

Master Sumiao replied lightly, "The simplicity I carry likely surpasses that of your humble abode."

The business van then drove all the way to the mountain gate, where thankfully, Huang Fu Wuxia had cleared all the houses within a one li radius, leaving plenty of open space.

Looking for a place with an abundance of trees, Lu Wanfeng stepped forward and threw out an Array Plate. Not long after, a faint white mist arose among the woods, but if you didn’t look closely, you wouldn’t notice anything odd.

Then Master Sumiao released a small traveling palace. But what surprised Feng Jun was that this traveling palace was — truly quite simple. Originally, he thought Master Sumiao was just subtly mocking him.

Three rudimentary thatched cottages, a small vegetable garden in front, surrounded by a bamboo fence, and nothing more.

When Feng Jun encountered Lang Zhen in Small Lake Village, even the Lang Family’s lodging conditions were better than this — at least the Lang residence had a kitchen.

However, it truly was very modest. Feng Jun stared dumbfounded for a while before finally clearing his throat and saying, "It’s indeed a return to simplicity and true nature."

Master Sumiao glanced at him indifferently, "These traveling quarters are incredibly luxurious. This shabby thing was specifically borrowed by me before I came down to The Secular World. I don’t like returning to simplicity and true nature, not at all."

Feng Jun chuckled awkwardly, thinking to himself even as a Golden Core Master, you always speak such blunt truths, isn’t it too much to make fun of a junior like me?

However, thankfully, he was accompanied by Huang Fu Flawless who, with a smile, spoke up, "For a person of such stature as Master to consider the commoners, it is indeed something we juniors should admire."

But Master Sumiao simply replied expressionlessly, "I’m not considering them; it’s for my own sake."

Huang Fu Flawless, with her nimble wit, was rendered speechless for a moment before she uttered, "Master has taken a long and arduous journey to get here; perhaps you should rest first. I shall take my leave now. If you need anything, just send someone to instruct me."

She couldn’t avoid the formalities of greetings, but now Feng Jun was about to discuss his illness with the Master, how could she dare to remain?

——Feng Jun had a compelling reason to stay; she was not keen on exposing herself to such peril.

Master Sumiao glanced at her, "There is no need to hurry away. I won’t say anything inappropriate for your ears. I have met your Ancestor Huang Fu twice; why would I trouble a junior like you?"

Huang Fu Flawless was deeply embarrassed, and at that moment, she realized how courageous Feng Jun must have been to stand his ground before someone like Ji Buseng, whom he had met only once — it was as if he regarded his own life and death as nothing.

Master Sumiao paid her no further attention and entered the small courtyard circled by the bamboo fence, then gestured for them to come over with a wave of her hand.

Feng Jun and Huang Fu Flawless had no choice but to brace themselves and enter.

Master Sumiao spoke indifferently, "Do not judge this traveling palace by its plain appearance. It was left by a Taiqing Sect predecessor during his Golden Core phase to endure Worldly Trials. Once activated, not even a Sword Cultivator Master could break through with one or two strikes."

Huang Fu Flawless nodded but did not speak, sensing that the words might have an implied meaning.

Feng Jun’s feeling was even more evident, how could a Golden Core Master bother with such idle chatter related to early stage ascetics, especially about privacy?

So, he suspected that Master Sumiao might also regard the fictitious sect behind him with some degree of caution.

However, seeing Feng Jun’s silence, Master Sumiao glanced at him, "You have quite the nerve to enter my traveling palace; do you really think the face of Tianxin Platform will work on me?"

She had mentioned her acquaintance with Ancestor Huang Fu, so it was natural for Huang Fu Flawless to enter, but this young man showed no restraint, and that irked her — Do you think because you have Ji Buseng’s support, I won’t dare to deal with you?

Yet Feng Jun just smiled, "You jest, Master. I entered because I trust in the Master’s magnanimity. As for Master Buseng, I have never set foot on the Tianxin Platform, so I’m afraid his irritation with me might be even greater."

Upon hearing this, Master Sumiao showed a rare flare of anger, "You dare to reject Ji Buseng’s offer of recruitment? So you think... you have the right to look down on him?"

Her feelings toward Ji Buseng were mixed. In essence, she thought — I can criticize him, but you, an ant at the threshold of ascendance, what gives you the right to disrespect him?

Feng Jun smiled wryly, then bowed his hands, "Master is right in her reproof. I am feeling unwell today and must retire early. Please excuse me, Master."

He didn’t want to argue with this woman, stating that he temporarily had not considered joining Tianxin Platform, because when a woman becomes biased, she is unreasonable. Instead of wasting his breath, it was better to make an exit.

Master Sumiao laughed in response, "Heh, you dare to give me attitude, young man. I admire your courage."

With determination, Feng Jun decided to go all-in — now that he couldn’t escape, why feign submission?

He had the means to extricate himself, which was the card up his sleeve. Furthermore, having transferred the 290,000 Spirit Stones he had recently received back to the Earth Plane, with over 300,000 Spirit Stones in his possession, he could at least advance to high-rank ascension solely within the Earth Plane.

So, why should he humble himself? Besides, he conjectured that the Master, suffering from a difficult illness and expecting his help, could not afford to fully offend him.

Thus, he answered straightforwardly, "I’m not giving you attitude. If you continue to treat me this way, Master, then perhaps it’s best we refrain from speaking further in the future. You may leave after a couple of days."

You’re the patient, and I’m the physician. If you can’t even take a comment, how can you expect me to treat you?

Upon hearing this, Lu Wanfeng immediately frowned, "Mountain Master Feng, you are being insolent... How can you speak to my Master like that?"