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.

purple robe, and a middle-aged man with a reddish complexion. They stood

17 years old, was in his late teens and it was not unusual for

few quick glances at Fanny without

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

Murray stated, pointing to the middle-aged

put on a surprised look. He took a step toward the two men, bowed as low as he could and said in

Xiao and Elder Tan both

followed you to figure out what was

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

Austin hesitated.

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 Elders and stewards of the three

see what the matter was

in general, have been so bored and unoccupied as to chase

must

think for

You actually have no regard for superiors! You are such a

stutter rather than readily answer Murray's question, Elder Li of the Sun Sect immediately expressed her disapproval to Austin

worried that her words would

angry, Elder Li. He may have acted differently because he is in awe of you two Elders and may have suffered a sudden lack of

turned away with a

area of the Grand Desolation Mountain mainly

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.

sect has lost more than a thousand disciples?!" Austin cried