The Supreme God

Murray also did share the feeling of surprise to see Austin.

"Austin, you've also come to the area surrounding Grand Desolation Mountain to practice."

"Yes, Steward Zhu. I know I'm too weak. Hence, I've been racing against the clock to practice, never daring to slack off."

Murray gave a satisfied nod, gratified that Austin had become the go-getter he once was. He had known for several years that Austin had only one thing in his mind—absolute determination to become stronger. That was the main reason why Austin became the number one among the outer disciples three years ago, and the primary reason due to which Murray appreciated him profusely.

"Is this young man a disciple of our Sun Sect?" asked a sonorous, strong voice.

The speaker was a lean, short old man with unusually sharp eyes. He was Richard Cao, an Elder of the Sun Sect who commanded great respect amongst his peers.

Austin hurried to them, made a humble bow and said in a respectful tone, "Elder Cao, Elder Li, I'm Austin Lin, an outer disciple of Sun Sect.

And this is my friend I met in the area around the Grand Desolation Mountain."

Austin pointed to Fanny and introduced her.

Richard Cao was mildly pleased with Austin's polite and deferential manner. He gave Austin a slight nod in response.

Ordinarily, it was a great honor for the Sun Sect's outer disciples to see him.

As for Elder Li, who dressed up as a Taoist nun, looked as cold as the frost in late autumn, coming across as distant and unapproachable.

She ignored Austin's salute. Apparently, she had no interest in even looking at an outer disciple.

with a reddish complexion. They stood beside the other three and

Austin, now 16 or 17 years old, was in his late teens and it was not unusual for

few quick glances at Fanny without attracting much

she behaved appropriately. Murray discreetly nodded appreciatively, honestly believing that she

Flaming Sun Valley," Murray stated, pointing to the middle-aged

is Elder Tan from the Joy Gang," Austin realized how low his position was, so he immediately put on a surprised look. He took a step toward the two men, bowed as low as he could and

and Elder Tan both

hurry just now?" Murray asked curiously. "We followed you to figure out what was the

"It's... because... "

Austin hesitated.

come to the area surrounding the Grand Desolation Mountain when they were occupied with the business

to see what the matter was which

would not, in general, have been so bored and unoccupied as to chase after

must have

mind raced to think for an apparently

how dare you hesitate to answer an elder's question? You actually have no regard for superiors! You are such a disgrace to our Sun

readily answer Murray's question, Elder Li of the

her words would embarrass Austin, rushed to

He may have acted differently because he is in awe of you two Elders and may have suffered

away

We come to the surrounding area of the Grand Desolation Mountain mainly to track down a

attacked and mysteriously disappeared. Our Sun Sect alone has lost more than a thousand disciples in the past two years, and amongst them were many of our elite disciples who are far better than the inner disciples. The other four sects are facing a similar situation. Therefore, the five major sects in our Violet Orchid Empire are now working together to

more than a thousand disciples?!" Austin cried out of disappointment.