Chapter 1248: Hong Tianzhu (1/2)

Chapter 1248: Hong Tianzhu

While Li Qiye was still at the Rainbow Pavilion, Zhang Baitu was striking while the iron was hot in order to comprehend the grand dao he saw earlier.

Of course, Li Qiye was not in a rush to attend the birthday celebration. It was not his main purpose for coming here.

Hong Yujiao came as well. Her father was with her, along with some disciples from the lake. He was the current master of the lake, Hong Tianzhu. [1. Tianzhu = Celestial/Heavenly Pillar.]

Despite his domineering name, he was not a tall or muscular man. White hair could already be found on his head. Despite his humble stature, he gave off a shrewd and capable feeling instead of looking like a pushover.

“Young n.o.ble Li, this is my father.” Hong Yujiao introduced him to Li Qiye.

Li Qiye was sitting in the lobby and only nodded. He didn’t bother to stand up after seeing Hong Tianzhu. Hong Tianzhu cupped his fists and said: “Virtuous Nephew, your fame is thunderous. It is a type of fate to be able to see you today.”

At this time, Hong Yujiao left with the other disciples because she knew her father wanted to talk to Li Qiye.

However, before she could leave, Li Qiye interrupted: “Yujiao, stay behind. You need to listen as well.”

She was slightly dazed and looked over at her father before deciding to stay behind.

In just a moment, only the three of them were left in the lobby.

After everyone sat down, Li Qiye looked at Hong Tianzhu and spoke: “I heard Yujiao say that you wanted to meet me to talk about something. What is it about?”

Hong Tianzhu carefully took a glimpse at Li Qiye again. The guy was sitting there imperiously as if he was guarding the entire world. Anyone would feel an uncomfortable vibe after seeing Li Qiye’s att.i.tude. After all, he was only a junior, yet he was so arrogant. Not too many would appreciate this kind of gesture.

“There’s no need to think too much.” Li Qiye broke the silence: “Don’t think that I would give you more consideration just because you are the current master of Dongting Lake. I granted you this audience not because of how strong your lake is, but purely because of the blessing of your ancestors. I’m here to give Dongting Lake a chance.”

Such words would drive many people away in exasperation. After all, Hong Tianzhu was the leader of an entire region. He enjoyed a great status with his position, but today, someone told him that this meeting was only out of respect for his ancestors. This was simply demeaning and humiliating. No one would like to hear such words.

Hong Tianzhu’s expression slightly s.h.i.+fted after hearing Li Qiye. It would be a lie to say that he was unaffected by these claims. However, as an experienced leader, he didn’t become angry and feel the need to defend his prestige.

“Young n.o.ble Li, I respect your status and your character.” Even Hong Yujiao had to defend her father: “But please, show some respect to us and our Dongting Lake.”

Her displeasure was warranted. He might as well be pointing straight at her father’s face and criticizing him. As his daughter, she naturally had to uphold his dignity.

“Yujiao, the fact that I am sitting right here is showing respect to both you two and your Dongting Lake!” Li Qiye opened his eyes wider. A brilliance instantly blossomed like the flas.h.i.+ng of a star. The world floated around his divine throne that loomed above the nine heavens.

He glared at her and slowly uttered: “You think I would bother to correct some randoms on the street and give them a chance at a fortune?”

Hong Yujiao was shaken when Li Qiye glared at her like this. Even though he was only sitting there, she felt an immense pressure, rendering her breathless and giving her the urge to prostrate before him. This was a very strange feeling.

She heaved a sigh of relief once he took his eyes away. The suppressive atmosphere slowly dispersed and she woke up from this trance.

She couldn’t believe it. This Li Qiye ahead looked even younger than her. Despite his ordinary appearance, he could actually instill a primal fear in her, like an eternal existence.

Hong Tianzhu took a deep breath and subdued his displeasure. He cupped his fists again and said: “Virtuous Nephew, the truth is that I did come here today with a particular topic in mind.”

Li Qiye flatly replied: “Go ahead.”

Hong Tianzhu paused for a moment before speaking: “You are the disciple of the Peac.o.c.k Treefather, the current successor of Peac.o.c.k Land. My Dongting Lake wishes to formalize a pact with your land.”