"That was all? Senior Huangfu — did he not say anything else to you?" Chu Feng pressed, unwilling to leave it at that.
But Qiushui Fuyan shook her head and smiled. "He has always been fearless. Though he was only a Holy Son, his strength had already surpassed that of the Cult Master. Who in the Eastern Sea could match him?"
"Yet when he came to see me back then, his face was pale with terror, as though he had been frightened beyond measure."
"I cannot fathom what manner of thing or what sort of event could have reduced him to such a state. But of one thing I am certain — all the answers lie within the Heavenly Path."
"Junior understands. Thank you for your guidance, Senior." Chu Feng was no fool; he grasped the meaning behind Qiushui Fuyan's words. Whether it was whatever Huangfu Haoyue had encountered, or what Chu Feng's true origins were, the only way to find out was to enter the Heavenly Path.
Though Qiushui Fuyan had been unable to give Chu Feng any concrete answers, she had provided a vital clue — just as Chu Feng had previously speculated, Huangfu Haoyue had indeed met with some calamity inside the Heavenly Path, and his own origins would most likely only be revealed there.
"All right, Chu Feng. It's getting late — get some rest. We set out at dawn tomorrow," Qiushui Fuyan said.
"Senior, where exactly are we going tomorrow?" Chu Feng asked.
"Have you ever heard of the Ethereal Immortal Peak?" Qiushui Fuyan replied.
"I have." Chu Feng nodded. Of course he had heard of the Ethereal Immortal Peak — he knew that an immensely powerful recluse dwelled there, known as the Ethereal Fairy.
But Chu Feng had not heard of the Ethereal Immortal Peak because of the Ethereal Fairy herself. It was because of the Fairy's four disciples.
The Ethereal Fairy's four disciples were not only prodigies of martial cultivation, but also women of breathtaking beauty, each bearing a name drawn from the seasons: Spring Dance, Summer Rain, Autumn Bamboo, and Winter Snow.
These four women possessed exceptional cultivation and were masters of the zither, Go, calligraphy, and painting, as well as unrivaled in song and dance. In the hearts of countless men, they were nothing short of perfect goddesses.
Among them, Autumn Bamboo in particular was considered a beauty who could rival Yafei herself, and was praised by the world as one of the Three Great Beauties of the Eastern Sea.
"Good — I'm glad you've heard of it. The Ethereal Fairy is an old friend of mine. She is exceptionally skilled in the art of barrier formations and has extensive knowledge of all manner of strange and exotic demonic creatures. I believe that if she lends her aid, she will surely be able to save your friend," Qiushui Fuyan said.
"Senior, there is one more thing I wish to ask," Chu Feng said.
"Go ahead," Qiushui Fuyan replied.
"I am not Senior Huangfu's disciple, and in truth have little direct connection to you. Now that you know the truth, why are you still willing to help me?" Chu Feng asked.
"Heh." Hearing Chu Feng's words, Qiushui Fuyan chuckled once more, then said, "Setting aside whether I am helping you or not — your friend has a demonic creature clinging to her. I would intervene regardless, even without any connection to you. I would not stand by and do nothing."
"Besides, though you are not Huangfu Haoyue's disciple, you are a disciple of Senior Qiu Canfeng. I have some acquaintance with Senior Qiu Canfeng, and for his sake alone, I ought to look after you."
"Junior understands." Chu Feng cupped his fists in a grateful salute, then withdrew from the room.
But the moment Chu Feng departed, Qiushui Fuyan's expression shifted abruptly. She let out a soft sigh, then gazed in the direction Chu Feng had gone and murmured to herself: