The guide didn't dare linger. Before leaving, he shot Harvey Xie a look of utter disdain.
Every boss who comes to see the Old Immortal Sage is respectful and deferential. But today, this group is full of weirdos, spouting nonsense the whole way—like a bunch of lunatics.
Especially that blond kid—he really thinks he's some kind of big shot.
Not wanting to risk the Old Immortal Sage's wrath, the guide turned and left without another word.
On the other side, Uncle Victor's eyes suddenly lit up at those words.
The Fire Elder!
Rumor has it Medicine King Valley has five great Elders—Gold, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. Each one is a master of Daoist arts, wielding tremendous power and status, standing above ordinary people!
Originally, Uncle Victor thought the Fire Elder was just one of many formidable experts in Medicine King Valley. He never imagined this man would actually be the legendary Fire Elder himself!
As soon as the guide left, Harvey Xie looked straight at the Fire Elder and said, "Master, please."
"Mm." The Fire Elder nodded coolly. He strode ahead, posture proud, his face solemn—giving off an aura of absolute reliability.
Uncle Victor snapped out of his daze, excitement all over his face. He tugged Melissa Mu aside and whispered something in her ear. Melissa glanced at Harvey Xie, looking stunned at first, then a flash of wild delight crossed her eyes. She gave a soft laugh, nodded, and quickly caught up to the group.
As she moved forward, she deliberately shot a scornful look back at Evan Lin and the others.
"Brother Harvey, if the Old Immortal Sage gets angry later, I hope you'll look after a helpless girl like me." Melissa suddenly dropped her aloof act and became all soft and gentle, her voice sweet and full of affection.
Born into a wealthy family, Melissa had always been raised strictly and had high standards. At first, even knowing Harvey and the Fire Elder were from Medicine King Valley only made her feel a little closer to them. But now, hearing the elder was actually one of the Valley's legendary Elders—and Harvey was his disciple—she instantly dropped her pride and hurried over with a bright smile.
As she spoke, she even leaned in closer, deliberately brushing up against Harvey Xie, her fragrance wafting over and making him feel lightheaded.
Especially that "Brother Harvey"—it nearly made Harvey's bones go soft.
Looking at Melissa clinging to his side, Harvey chuckled, "Of course! Just stick close to me and no matter what happens, I'll keep you perfectly safe!"
After that, Harvey glanced back at Lynn Chen and Yolanda Fang, flashing a smile. "You two should come closer too. If anything happens, I can help you out."
"No thanks. Honestly, it's safer to stay away from you—after all, you just got beat up pretty badly." Lynn shook her head, and Yolanda nodded in agreement.
Their words made Harvey's face stiffen. His eyes turned cold, and he snorted, turning away.
Uncle Victor hurried after the Fire Elder, beaming. "I really didn't recognize greatness when I saw it—never guessed you were Medicine King Valley's Fire Elder!"
"It's fine. I rarely leave the Valley, so it's normal not to recognize me." The Fire Elder strode straight toward the village.
Evan Lin eyed the village ahead, feeling something off.
At first glance, the village just seemed peaceful, but a closer look revealed a faint aura of death lingering everywhere.
Evan frowned, deep in thought.
"This aura of death... It feels a lot like what I sensed at Jingnan Mountain."
From a distance, Evan watched the village—kids playing, village dogs chasing each other, all nestled among the mountains. At first glance, it looked perfectly calm and peaceful.
But unlike Jingnan Mountain, the deathly aura here was much weaker. Jingnan Mountain was shrouded in a sinister Seven-Star Yin Array, gathering dark energy to nurture the Four-Spirit Blood Pool. Here, though, the mountains were lush and the water clear—if he hadn't just walked that stone path lined with countless skulls, even he might not have noticed anything strange.
In front of the village, a bunch of well-dressed bosses were quietly lining up. Just by their bearing, it was clear these were people used to living the high life.
The Fire Elder walked right to the front, ignoring the line and heading straight down the path.
"Hey! Who are you people? If you want to see the Old Immortal Sage, don't you know you have to line up?" At the village entrance, a sweaty, obese man who'd been waiting forever wiped his brow and blocked the Fire Elder's path. "You look all high and mighty, but you don't even know the rules here!"
"Line up!"
He shouted at the Fire Elder, but before the Elder could react, Harvey Xie stepped forward, grabbed the man's collar with one hand, and lifted him clean off the ground.
The guy was huge—had to weigh at least two hundred pounds. Everyone watching was stunned by how easily Harvey picked him up.
"Line up? You're the first person ever to dare make my master line up!" Harvey tossed the fat man aside—he crashed straight through a mud-brick wall with a thunderous bang.
"No one is allowed to disrupt the village order in front of the Old Immortal Sage! If you won't follow the rules, then go back!" An elderly steward in plain long robes stepped forward, his eyes blazing with anger as he glared at Harvey.
"And who do you think you are? Even if your Old Immortal Sage showed up himself, he wouldn't dare talk to my master like that!" Harvey sneered, lunging forward to kick the old man.
Just then, a sigh echoed through the air.
As Harvey's foot shot out, about to kick the steward, he suddenly felt a surge of danger. An invisible force erupted from the void, slamming into him with a boom.
Caught off guard, Harvey's expression changed and he staggered back two big steps.
The Fire Elder remained calm, waved his hand at Harvey, and the force in the air instantly dispersed.
"Who ambushed me?" Harvey shouted into the village.
Uncle Victor and Melissa were instantly on guard, scanning the area—but couldn't spot the attacker.
Lynn and Yolanda were completely baffled. To them, it just looked like Harvey had randomly stumbled backward.
Only Evan quietly raised his head, looking toward the village, where a slightly hunched figure was slowly walking their way.