"Young friend Chu Feng, still as confident as ever." Suddenly, a laugh rang out as Hong Qiang appeared silently beside Chu Feng.
"Elder Hong Qiang, you always come and go without a trace — you give everyone a startle every time." Su Rou smiled sweetly. She had a good impression of Hong Qiang because she knew he treated Chu Feng well.
"This girl is no ordinary creature either. You two are a fine match — talented scholar and beautiful lady," Hong Qiang said with a smile.
"To be honest with you, Elder Hong Qiang, Xiao Mei really is my lover," Chu Feng said.
At those words, Su Rou froze. She hadn't expected Chu Feng to announce their relationship right in front of Hong Qiang.
"Xiao Mei, it's fine. Elder Hong Qiang is someone I trust," Chu Feng said.
"Understood — you want me to keep it secret, right? Don't worry, my lips are sealed," Hong Qiang said with a grin.
Hearing that, Su Rou's little face flushed red. She looked at Chu Feng and said, "Brother Chu Feng, it seems Elder Hong Qiang has business with you. I won't keep you — I'll go find the others to hang out."
With that, she hurried off in the direction Sima Ying and the rest had gone.
"That girl really is something. You've got quite the fortune with women," Hong Qiang said with a laugh.
"Elder Hong Qiang — did you succeed?" Chu Feng asked.
"How did you know?" Hong Qiang replied.
"You're so happy, it wasn't hard to guess," Chu Feng said.
"Enough nonsense — nobody's sharper than you. Your powers of observation are just too keen," Hong Qiang shot him a look, then pulled a Universe Bag from inside his robe and handed it to Chu Feng. "I've finally completed the mission."
"Thank you, Elder Hong Qiang." Chu Feng took the Universe Bag, and excitement surged across his face. He knew what was inside — lotus seeds, and unsealed lotus seeds at that.
"I don't know what you need these for, but at least I've finished the job," Hong Qiang said.
"Elder Hong Qiang, the Nine Powers Hunt is over. Are you planning to return to the Falling Leaves Bamboo Forest?" Chu Feng asked.
"No. There's nothing left there for me to hold on to," Hong Qiang replied.
"But what about the Falling Leaves Bamboo Forest? You're still its Sect Master, after all," Chu Feng said.
"I've already chosen a successor. You'll be the new Sect Master of the Falling Leaves Bamboo Forest," Hong Qiang said.
"Wait — me?" Chu Feng was startled.
"Ha ha, I'm joking. I know a little place like the Falling Leaves Bamboo Forest can't hold you. So before I left, I wrapped everything up — I picked two suitable candidates to take over my position as Sect Master and your post as the Colorful Bamboo Grove Master."
"But if you ever need to go back in the future, they wouldn't dare stop you," Hong Qiang added.
"As expected of Elder Hong Qiang — always thinking ahead," Chu Feng laughed as well. If Hong Qiang was no longer around at the Falling Leaves Bamboo Forest, he certainly had no desire to maintain ties with the place.
However, there was still something back there — a crystal coffin containing a mysterious corpse. Chu Feng didn't know who it was, but he had a feeling that sooner or later, he would return.
"So what about you? Any plans? Are you going to stay at Green Wood Mountain?"
"You're the treasure of Green Wood Mountain now — nobody dares bully you anymore," Hong Qiang asked.
"No. In a few days, I'm leaving. I have business in the Cursed Earth Domain," Chu Feng said.
"The Cursed Earth Domain? In the ancient ruins, you forced twenty disciples of the Cursed Earth Gate to forfeit. Knowing their nature, they must hold a deep grudge against you. And now you want to go to the Cursed Earth Domain? If the Cursed Earth Gate finds out, they won't let you off," Hong Qiang said.
"I know, Elder, but I have a friend who was captured by the Cursed Earth Gate. I have to rescue her," Chu Feng said.
"What?" At those words, Hong Qiang's expression changed. He glanced around before grabbing Chu Feng and saying, "Walls have ears — let's talk inside."