Chapter - 185 Master of Taohua Island (1) (1/2)

Original translation by

foxs

What he saw was six people – five men and one woman entering the hall, they were the Six Freaks of Jiangnan. They have been wandering around the north and south, and on that particular day had arrived at the Tai Lake, where they met some Jianghu people on a boat who received them attentively.

They have left their hometown for such a long time that they did not know the current affair of the martial arts world. They weren't sure who these people were, so Zhu Cong exchanged some pleasantries with them. Turned out these people were Chief Zhang and his men from the Village of the Returning Wind.

They have received order from Lu Guanying to guard the lake and to report any unusual activities. They did not know who these six people were, and since these six wield weapons, they inclined to think these six were the enemies of the Old Village Master. Therefore, Manager Zhang acted in utmost prudence and received the six cordially, inviting them to enter the village; while at the same time sent report to the Village Master immediately.

Guo Jing however, was ecstatic to see his six masters. Quickly he knelt down and greeted them one by one, ”First Master, Second Master, Third Master, Fourth Master, Sixth Master, and Seventh Master! All of you are here! This really is wonderful!” He was rather boorish; but through his spontaneity everybody could see his sincerity and genuine delight.

The Six Freaks were angry with him over Huang Rong affair, yet in all honesty they loved him dearly. They were pleasantly surprised to see him and all angers simply vanished into the thin air.

”Child, where is that female demon of yours?” Han Baoju could not help scolding him.

Han Xiaoying however, had a pair of sharp eyes. She saw Huang Rong wearing men's clothing sat among the people. She tugged Han Baoju's sleeve and whispered, ”Calm down. We will talk this over later.”

Initially Village Master Lu also suspected that his enemies had arrived, but then he saw that these six were total strangers to him; moreover, Guo Jing had addressed them as his masters. He was relieved. Cupping his fists in respect he apologized, ”I am invalid on the legs; please forgive me for not standing up to welcome you,” and immediately gave order to prepare another banquet table for the guests.

Without wasting another second Guo Jing immediately introduced his Masters. Village Master Lu was delighted, he said, ”I have heard your illustrious names and admired you for a long time. It is very fortunate to finally meet you in person today.” His manner was very cordial.

Qiu Qianren on the other hand, did not show any interest in these six guests. He simply smiled faintly and kept eating and drinking.

Han Baoju was irritated and could not keep his temper. ”And who is this gentleman?” he asked.

”I am pleased to introduce to you, Six Masters,” Village Master Lu proudly said, ”This is the highly respected Senior of the Wulin world, the Taishan (Mount Tai) and the Big Dipper (or Big Bear) Constellation [meaning – the ultimate] of this present age.”

The Six Freaks were startled. ”Is he the Peach Blossom Island Master Huang Yaoshi?” asked Han Xiaoying. ”Could he be the nine-fingered divine beggar – Hong Qigong?” asked Han Baoju.