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.

middle-aged man with a reddish complexion. They stood beside the other

his late teens and it was not unusual for him to have a relationship with a girl. After all, adolescent boys and girls always yearned for love.

shot a few quick glances at

not ordinary people. Hence, she behaved appropriately. Murray discreetly nodded appreciatively, honestly believing that she was well-behaved and pretty.

Xiao from the Flaming Sun Valley," Murray stated, pointing to

how low his position was, so he immediately put on a surprised look. He took a step toward the two men, bowed

Tan both gave

Murray asked curiously. "We followed you to figure out what was

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

Austin hesitated.

asked such a question. Elders and stewards were not supposed to come to the area surrounding the Grand Desolation Mountain when they were occupied with the business of the sect. However, now these

to see what the matter was

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

must have

raced to think for an

elder's question? You actually have no regard for superiors! You are such a disgrace to our Sun

Austin stutter rather than readily answer Murray's question, Elder Li of

that her words would embarrass Austin, rushed

may have acted differently because he is in awe of you

Li turned away with

come to the surrounding area of the Grand Desolation Mountain mainly to

major sects in our Violet Orchid Empire were 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 investigate this matter." Murray kindly briefed Austin on why they were there.

than a thousand disciples?!"