Almighty Genius

Chapter 2157 - 1651: Nine Fingered Sage

Second update, asking for subscriptions and votes~~~~...

Truly caught in one fell swoop…

Although the news has already spread, for now, it's still limited to the forces in the vicinity of the East Sea… Forces from the mainland of the Dragon Country, Japan, and various regions in Southeast Asia have yet to receive the news.

This poses a time lag issue…

Compared to the powerful foundations of the Dao Shen Sect in Japan and the ancient sects that have been inherited for hundreds or thousands of years in the mainland of the Dragon Country, the forces near the East Sea are much weaker. They are in a position similar to that of Chen Liang and his group right now.

Once the news is fully exposed, their plan to get a share of the spoils from this relic will be completely dashed.

So, they chose to capture all the explorers who went out to sea, trying their best to keep the news under wraps and to make another profit first… As for the participation of various major forces later on, that is something they cannot control anymore.

However, these people might not know that of all the members of the expedition team who went out, probably only Qin Fang and his three companions will make it out alive. The others are basically unlikely to survive, including Song Zhiwei from the Yunhai Sect and others…

Even though Qin Fang killed more than a dozen Fusang ninjas, there were still quite a few remaining on the island. Qin Fang simply didn't have the time to clear them all, and these people probably wouldn't spare Song Zhiwei and others, naturally making their chances of survival quite low.

Because of this, Chen Liang and his friends happen to be the sole survivors. Once the news breaks, they will become "treasures" that everyone fights for. The consequences… anyone with a bit of brain can foresee.

Don't expect to be treated like national treasures, more likely severe interrogations… Once they lose value, it's a dead end for them.

"Alright, that's about it, we should leave…"

Seeing that the three guys completely believed it, it was naturally unnecessary to linger any further. Qin Fang called out to them and prepared to leave.

"Yes, Uncle Master…"

At this time, Chen Liang and the other two had no other thoughts, obediently following Qin Fang's lead out.

"Young friend… hold on!"

Right at that moment, a somewhat aged man's voice called out from behind them.

"Old man, what's the matter?"

Qin Fang slightly paused, turned around with a smile to look at the old man who had called him.

To be precise, it was an old Taoist priest. Dressed in a tattered Taoist robe, appearing a bit scruffy, his hair was already gray, but his face was as rosy and delicate as a baby's, barely showing any wrinkles.

However, with that white goatee and the long hair flowing behind, along with the longsword he carried, he indeed gave off an immortal-like air…

Of course, the average person encountering such a Taoist priest would either see him as a realized master or a deceitful swindler… But Qin Fang and the other three clearly couldn't view him as ordinary people might.

"Nine Fingered Sage…"

Standing next to Qin Fang, Chen Liang couldn't help but exclaim. Although he realized his blunder afterward and urgently tried to suppress his tone, the words were already out.

"I didn't expect this young friend to recognize this old Taoist…"

The old Taoist glanced lightly at Chen Liang, his tone exceptionally indifferent, but his gaze remained fixed on Qin Fang, completely ignoring Chen Liang and his companions.

"I didn't expect the senior to be the renowned Nine-Fingers Daoist, my apologies…"

Qin Fang casually addressed him, his tone rather polite, while also starting to assess the old Taoist in front of him.

Chen Liang and the other two exchanged glances, their expressions indescribably complex, and an evident worry seeped through… Qin Fang might not know of Nine Fingered Sage's reputation, but as locals to the Little Island Martial World, they were certainly aware of this old Taoist's formidable fame.

Rumor has it, this person is regarded as the number one expert on the Little Island… Even the combined efforts of Supreme Elders from the Tian Nan Sect and Yunhai Sect cannot rival him!

He became famous decades ago and quickly ascended to Grandmaster level, becoming a genuinely top-notch expert on the Little Island… Decades have passed since then, his cultivation has become even more terrifying, though he might not have reached Great Grandmaster Level, he's probably not too far off.

This elder is both righteous and evil, with a particularly eccentric temperament; everything he does is based on personal preference… He may see someone pleasing and befriend them dearly, but if he takes a dislike, he might just beat them up very harshly.

If he encounters injustice, this elder might also lend a hand, and then… cut off a finger or toe from the villain as punishment. It is said this is the origin of his title "Nine Fingered Sage," leading many to gradually forget his real Taoist name.

This Taoist also has a very disagreeable habit, once he's interested in something, he will go to great lengths to get it settled… His tackle-efficiency is frighteningly notorious; on the Little Island, he's practically an entity everyone fears, truly due to his deeds being insufferably absurd.

Now, seeing him appear at this dock area, there's a chance he got wind of the relic on the Little Island and intends to make a move. If he learns of their identities, they might find it impossible to shake him off…

"Meeting is destiny, this old Taoist would like to invite young friend for a few drinks, would you grace us with your presence?"

The Taoist priest ignored Chen Liang and his companions, warmly extending an invitation to Qin Fang... His tone was quite amiable, displaying no hostility whatsoever.

"Uncle Master, we have other matters to attend to..."

Before Qin Fang could respond, Chen Liang's expression changed, and he quickly interjected.

"No problem... It's impolite for a junior to refuse an invitation from a senior! Please..."

However, Qin Fang waved his hand and accepted the old Taoist priest's invitation, nearly causing Chen Liang and the others to break down in tears.

"Please..."

Sadly, Chen Liang and his companions couldn't make their presence felt. The old Taoist priest didn't pay them any mind and instead led Qin Fang to a nearby hotel, truly intending to sit down and drink with him.

Seeing that they couldn't dissuade Qin Fang, Chen Liang and his companions reluctantly followed behind him.

They ordered a private room and sat down, and the food and beverages were soon delivered...

"May I ask, young friend, if your surname is Qin?"

The old Taoist priest was not the least bit reserved, pouring himself a glass of wine and downing it in one gulp... After finishing the drink, he suddenly asked.

"Hmm?"

Qin Fang was taken aback, looking surprised at the old Taoist priest, his body instinctively on guard... If he hadn't sensed no malice from the old Taoist, he might have taken some initiative.

Not only Qin Fang but even Chen Liang and the others stiffened, their eyes showing a hint of fear.

It was essential to know that Qin Fang, along with Chen Liang and his companions, had altered their appearances, looking completely different from their original visages. Yet, the old Taoist directly asked if Qin Fang's surname was Qin, which was utterly unimaginable.

"Yes, I am indeed surnamed Qin..."

Nevertheless, Qin Fang paused briefly before nodding in acknowledgment, carefully watching the old Taoist, waiting for what he would say next.

"I expected as much..."

After receiving Qin Fang's affirmative answer, the old Taoist priest smiled and joyfully downed another glass of wine before asking, "Is your grandfather's name Qin Siyuan?"

"Uhh..."

Even though Qin Fang had anticipated the old Taoist priest might have discovered something, he was still stunned when the question was posed. It was a matter he had only recently uncovered, yet the old Taoist stated it outright.

"Yes, indeed!"

The more Qin Fang was surprised, the more eager he was to understand what was unfolding.

"Good, good, good... Indeed, the grandson of Brother Siyuan. It seems this old Taoist's eyes are not completely blind! Come, boy, drink with me!"

The Nine-Fingers Daoist became exceedingly excited, directly pulling Qin Fang over to drink.

"It would be a pleasure to oblige..."

Still puzzled, Qin Fang realized one thing for sure: the Nine-Fingers Daoist seemed not to be an enemy, potentially a friend of his late grandfather Qin Siyuan, thus making him a senior to Qin Fang. Drinking a few glasses together was only appropriate, and Qin Fang accepted willingly.

So, Qin Fang accompanied the Nine-Fingers Daoist, drinking glass after glass...

At this time, Chen Liang and his companions were relieved. They weren't foolish; they naturally understood that the notorious Nine Fingered Sage seemed to have a close rapport with Qin Fang, ensuring no trouble would come their way.

"Ah, decades ago, upon hearing of Brother Siyuan's unfortunate passing, this old Taoist lamented the untimely loss of a peerless genius... Now, seeing this child, I feel relief for Brother Siyuan! So young, yet your cultivation has reached the master level peak... It won't be long before you reach the realm your grandfather once achieved!"

After several rounds of drinks, the Nine-Fingers Daoist spoke deeply moved.

His eyes slowly wandered, possibly reminiscing about those distant memories...

What's even more astonishing is the old Taoist's ability to discern Qin Fang's strength... This was the first time Qin Fang experienced someone pinpointing it so accurately; even someone as formidable as Yang Tianlin at the Great Grandmaster Level Peak could only sense an approximation, not as precisely as this old Taoist!

Moreover, Qin Fang was shocked by the information the old Taoist revealed about his grandfather Qin Siyuan... It seemed his grandfather's cultivation had reached an extremely astounding level, likely the Great Grandmaster Realm.

But this leads to a conundrum...

According to Elder Tang and Elder Chu, his grandfather Qin Siyuan died blocking bullets for both elders, but a Great Grandmaster-level expert's protective gang qi should have made him impervious to bullets. How could he have been shot to death? (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, feel free to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly tickets. Your support is my greatest motivation.)