"Greetings, Hero Ding!"

Laudeno was tasked with welcoming Ding Ling, and he felt extremely tense.

His gaze towards Ding Ling was filled with awe and fear.

But he was careful to hide those feelings.

He hadn’t anticipated that he, planted as a pawn within the Huashan Sect, would see the Mountain Guardian Level figures from the Mount Song Sect, including Zuo Lengchan, being killed by Ding Ling before he even had the chance to shine.

Thinking of the might of Zuo Lengchan and the others.

And looking at Ding Ling.

Laudeno’s back started to sweat profusely.

He had actually recognized Ding Ling early on, but at first, he couldn’t quite believe it. When it was confirmed to be Ding Ling, he was scared nearly to death, grateful that he hadn’t exposed his secret. If Ding Ling found out he was from the Mount Song Sect, he might be killed with a single slap.

Thinking about it.

Laudeno shuddered, becoming even more respectful and cautious towards Ding Ling.

Behind him, Yue Lingshan noticed and was also amazed, pondering:

"Even though I’ve recognized Ding Ling as that mysterious powerhouse we encountered outside Fuzhou City earlier, Second Senior Brother doesn’t have to be so respectful to him.

It seems like Second Senior Brother isn’t even that respectful to my parents."

Although Yue Lingshan was puzzled in her heart.

She was nonetheless curious, fearful, and cautious of Ding Ling.

Not long ago.

When Linghu Chong secretly met with her upon returning to the Huashan Sect, he told her everything about Ding Ling, instructing her to be wary of him.

She especially listened to Senior Brother, treating Ding Ling as a nemesis, keeping a constant distance from him.

Qu Feiyan noticed it and was surprised but didn’t take it to heart, only thinking: ’This girl is fair-skinned, charming, and lovely. It’s best she doesn’t trouble my Brother Ding. That’s for the better.’

She instead felt relieved.

Previously, Ren Yingying was overly passionate towards Ding Ling.

Along the way, various attractive women would occasionally approach Ding Ling, asking for his contact number, even though she didn’t really understand, it was clear they were trying to flirt with her Brother Ding.

Qu Feiyan, naturally, felt both proud and satisfied with this. Why wouldn’t she be happy seeing her Brother Ding being so charming?

Yet there were so many demons eyeing her Brother Ding.

She still felt immense pressure.

Having arrived at Huashan.

Seeing a young girl actively staying away from her Brother Ding, Qu Feiyan was both surprised and relieved.

Taptap!

Laudeno and Yue Lingshan led the way.

Ding Ling and his party ascended the mountain.

They settled comfortably in the Main Hall.

Yue Lingshan, as the Sect Leader’s daughter, had to speak up:

"Please wait a moment; my parents will be here shortly."

"Alright."

Ding Ling nodded without saying much.

Yue Lingshan paused but obediently began serving them tea:

"This is top-grade tea from our Huashan Sect, please enjoy."

Ding Ling glanced at Yue Lingshan.

Yue Lingshan’s body stiffened, smiling awkwardly, placed down the teacup, and rushed out of the hall like a startled rabbit.

Ding Ling was puzzled.

Little did he know that due to Linghu Chong’s indiscreetness, Yue Lingshan already had considerable wariness towards him.

Even if he knew.

Ding Ling wouldn’t mind.

He didn’t take Linghu Chong seriously.

He merely picked up the teacup and sipped quietly, initially bitter but then sweet, with a lingering taste.

It was indeed top-grade, exquisite tea.

Yue Buqun was, at least, generous in this aspect.

Taptap!

After a short while.

Accompanied by a burst of hurried, disorderly footsteps, two figures appeared outside the Main Hall.

Leading was an elegant middle-aged man.

His chin was adorned with three floating strands of long beard, features were correct, eyes sharp and clear, dressed in a blue robe, holding a folding fan in his right hand, appearing graceful and possessing the demeanor of a gentleman.

Behind him was a bright-eyed, dignified, and beautiful middle-aged woman.

The two seemed to have rushed over, slightly sweating on their foreheads.

Scanning the guests in the hall, following Laudeno’s indication, they all turned their gaze to Ding Ling and greeted:

"Yue Buqun (Ning Zhongze) greets Hero Ding!"

"Sect Leader Yue, Lady Yue, you are too courteous."

Ding Ling stood up and returned the greeting, smiling slightly:

"I came unannounced, and haven’t yet apologized for disturbing you both."

"Haha..."

Seeing Ding Ling being polite and composed, neither arrogant nor humble, Yue Buqun’s eyes lit up slightly, thinking that Ding Ling wasn’t as prideful as the rumors suggested, which made things easier.

Thinking this, he laughed heartily and said:

"The humble premises of the Huashan Sect are graced by the presence of a world-renowned hero like Hero Ding, which is an honor that shines upon us; it’s three lives of fortune! Not to mention this visit, even if you choose to reside at the Huashan Sect for a lifetime, I’d welcome it with both hands!"

"Sect Leader Yue truly knows how to speak." 𝘧𝑟𝑒𝑒𝘸𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝓁.𝘤𝘰𝓂

Ding Ling chuckled, exchanged a few cordial words with the Yue couple, and then got straight to the point:

"To be honest, I am here to confront the seven trials arranged by Senior Feng Qingyang at the Reflection Cliff."

The faces of the Yue couple changed slightly, showing a hint of unnaturalness.

It was understandable.

Usually, people visiting Huashan to face the seven trials set by Feng Qingyang was understandable.

But for a person like Ding Ling to come to Huashan for Feng Qingyang!

Yue Buqun felt a bit melancholic.

Ever since Feng Qingyang emerged.

The Huashan Sect’s reputation soared, with no petty villains daring to challenge, and his position as Sect Leader became more stable.

But he felt as if he was cast aside, becoming a titular Sect Leader of Huashan.

He had let down his master’s expectations.

Especially when thinking of the Sword Sect vs. Qi Sect dispute.

Yue Buqun felt a pressing sense of urgency.

He didn’t want outsiders to only recognize Huashan Sect for the Sword Sect’s Feng Qingyang and not for the Qi Sect’s Yue Buqun!

The Sword Qi dispute might have already subsided.

But Feng Qingyang’s emergence, the return of Sword Sect descendants Cheng Buyou, Cong Buqi, Feng Buping, increased his pressure constantly. By this point, Ding Ling, such a notable figure, claims to be visiting Feng Qingyang.

Yue Buqun felt bitter inside, but outwardly pretended to be magnanimous, saying:

"Since it’s because of Master Feng that you’ve come. I, Yue Buqun, have no reason to obstruct you. Just wondering when Hero Ding plans to go?"

"To avoid prolonged delays, I’m planning to go now."

Ding Ling said seriously.

"Then I’ll personally escort Hero Ding there."

The Yue couple exchanged a glance, and Yue Buqun decisively said:

"After Hero Ding has faced the seven trials, perhaps you may wish to return and ponder over the solutions. During this pondering time, we will certainly treat Hero Ding well."

"Thank you, Sect Leader Yue, Lady Yue."

Ding Ling sincerely expressed his gratitude.

Whether or not Yue Buqun was a pretender.

If he treated Ding Ling with such caution and politeness.

Ding Ling certainly wouldn’t cause trouble.

It’s not like he’s got nothing better to do, right?