206: Chapter 86 Intrigue and Schemes

"Nianci, you're oversimplifying things. If Ouyang Ke masters it, that's when the real trouble begins."

"Why?" Mu Nianci asked, puzzled.

Meng Li explained, "Peach Blossom Island's greatest defense against outsiders is its Qimen Formations. If Ouyang Ke truly learns all of Island Master Huang's Qimen skills, this Peach Blossom Island will no longer pose any obstacle to him. By then, sneaking onto the island will be child's play."

"As a result, unless Island Master Huang stays on the island indefinitely, destroys The Lower Volume of the Nine Yin Manual, or carries it with him at all times, he'll have to constantly worry about his home being burglarized."

Mu Nianci was stunned.

Guo Jing was equally taken aback.

They were straightforward people and hadn't considered this angle at all.

Huang Rong, however, had anticipated this.

Medicine Master Huang had as well, which was why he remained silent for a long time.

Hong Qi and Ouyang Feng were both veterans of the Jianghu, so they naturally saw through the situation.

Hong Qi felt it was none of his business and focused solely on eating.

Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Ke were on the same side, quietly waiting for the outcome.

Seeing Medicine Master Huang's silence, Ouyang Ke realized it was a subtle rejection and settled for the next best thing: "Nephew sees the winding paths and magnificent Jade Palaces on Peach Blossom Island and is filled with envy. Therefore, I implore Uncle to let me stay on the island for a few months to carefully study the principles of creation and destruction within the Dao."

"I wonder if Uncle would agree?"

Medicine Master Huang glanced at Ouyang Feng. Seeing him remain silent, he knew the man wouldn't stop until he achieved his goal.

Furthermore, things shouldn't be repeated more than thrice.

Ouyang Ke had compromised repeatedly and made his request three times.

Medicine Master Huang had given his word earlier; if he refused again, not only would he be breaking his promise, but he would also seem cold and petty.

Thus, while Ouyang Ke's words seemed like a compromise, they were actually a calculated pressure tactic.

Realizing this, Medicine Master Huang gave a light chuckle, stood up, and whispered a few words to a servant nearby.

Seeing this, Ouyang Feng knew this step was successful. He stood up with a stern face and feigned a scolding of Ouyang Ke: "You truly don't know the heights of the heavens. This Peach Blossom Island is your Senior Huang's life's work; its layout and furnishings are extraordinarily profound."

"It is thanks to this that outsiders dare not invade."

"How could he possibly reveal its secrets to you?"

Ouyang Ke quickly admitted his fault: "It was my recklessness."

Hong Qi curled his lip, thinking to himself how hypocritical they were.

Turning back, Medicine Master Huang heard the pointed remark and said nonchalantly, "Even if Peach Blossom Island were just a barren rock, no one would necessarily be able to harm me."

Ouyang Feng immediately took the Opportunity to back down: "Then I have spoken out of turn. Please do not take offense."

Medicine Master Huang smiled but said nothing.

Picking his teeth, Hong Qi remarked, "That reverse psychology of yours was far too clumsy."

Just then, the servant who had received Medicine Master Huang's instructions returned carrying a scroll.

Medicine Master Huang took the scroll, opened it for Ouyang Ke to see, and explained, "This is the master map of Peach Blossom Island, containing the variations of the Five Elements' creation and destruction, and the Yin and Yang Eight Trigrams. Take it to Linan Prefecture and find a place to study it well. In three months, I will send someone to retrieve it."

Ouyang Ke received it with both hands.

Medicine Master Huang added, "Remember, you may only memorize it; no copying is allowed."

Ouyang Ke hurriedly agreed, "Your nephew will strictly follow your instructions."

Medicine Master Huang nodded.

Seeing his goal achieved, Ouyang Feng bid farewell once more: "Then we shall go and pack our things first. Farewell."

As the two reached the door, Hong Qi challenged Ouyang Feng: "Old Poison, the end of next year marks the time for the Hua Shan Sword Conference. Go back and take good care of yourself; we shall have a proper battle then."

Hearing this, Ouyang Ke cupped his hands and said, "Senior Hong, in my opinion, there is no need for you to waste your energy competing with my uncle."

"I believe the title of Number One Martial Artist in the World already belongs to someone."

"Belongs to someone?" Hong Qi was puzzled, then asked, "Could it be that Old Poison has practiced some peerless divine technique?"

Medicine Master Huang's interest was also piqued.

Ouyang Ke laughed, "The Martial Arts of our White Camel Mountain dare not claim to be number one in the world."

"I think it should be the expert who taught Young Hero Guo his Martial Arts."

Hong Qi didn't catch on immediately and instinctively replied, "Are you talking about me? This Old Beggar wouldn't dare claim that."

Ouyang Feng crossed his arms and said, "More than one person taught him Martial Arts. Could it be that you, Old Beggar, taught him the most profound skills?"

Hong Qi realized he was implying something else, so he stroked his stubble and asked Guo Jing, "Jinger, besides me and the Jiangnan Six Monsters, who else has taught you Martial Arts?"

Meng Li's eyes flickered slightly as he spoke first, "I've had some free time recently and gave Guo Jing some pointers."

"Senior Hong, is there a problem?"

Hong Qi was somewhat surprised, then said with realization, "Your Martial Arts are not inferior to this Old Beggar's. Being able to receive your guidance is his good fortune."

At these words, Ouyang Ke's face showed shock.

He knew Meng Li's Martial Arts were higher than his own, but he hadn't expected him to be comparable to the Four Masters.

Ouyang Feng was also secretly suspicious and surprised.

After a moment, he spoke, "Old Beggar, are you joking? This Young Hero Meng is barely in his early twenties. How could his Martial Arts possibly not be inferior to yours?"

Hong Qi curled his lip and said, "This Old Beggar has always been one to seek truth from facts. Is there any need to play such a joke on you? If you don't believe it, you're more than welcome to have a match with Young Hero Meng. Didn't you two have a bet before? If you can beat him within a thousand moves, I'll consider you impressive."

Ouyang Feng's heart sank.

Given Hong Qi's character, he indeed wouldn't make such a joke.

Therefore, the fact that Meng Li's Martial Arts were on par with the Four Masters was most likely true.

If the other party participated in the Hua Shan Sword Conference, there would undoubtedly be another obstacle on his path to becoming number one in the world.

This made Ouyang Feng's already foul mood, caused by his failure to obtain the Nine Yin Manual, even worse.

However, on the surface, he looked at Meng Li with a smile and praised, "Truly an Immortal Master who does not reveal himself, a hero emerging from the youth. I didn't expect Young Hero Meng to be able to compete with the Old Beggar at such a young age. I wonder what Martial Arts you practice?"

Meng Li said indifferently, "No comment."

Ouyang Feng was choked by the response and felt a surge of secret annoyance, but he didn't lash out. He simply flicked his sleeves and left.

After Ouyang Feng and Ouyang Ke left, Medicine Master Huang narrowed his eyes and asked Meng Li, "Young Hero Meng, was it you who taught Guo Jing the Nine Yin Manual?"

Meng Li nodded, "Indeed, I taught him. At the time, he knew you intended to betroth Huang Rong to Ouyang Ke. He was indignant and wanted to compete with Ouyang Ke. Huang Rong felt his strength was insufficient, so she asked me to guide him in his Martial Arts."

"I had a sudden flash of inspiration and found an Opportunity to teach him a portion of the Nine Yin Manual."

"I didn't expect that he wouldn't use the manual during the duel, but instead won a round in the literary exam you specially arranged."

"Such is the nature of Opportunity and coincidence, I suppose."

"Perhaps, as you said, Island Master Huang, Guo Jing is the son-in-law chosen by your late wife's spirit from the heavens."

Medicine Master Huang was startled and instinctively looked toward the tomb of his late wife, Feng Heng, calling out softly with a gentle gaze, "A'Heng."

Guo Jing was a bit dazed.

Because Meng Li's explanation differed from the truth.

He wanted to speak up and correct him, but the clever Huang Rong quietly stopped him.

Just then, the sound of a formidable fight echoed from the distance...