Gao Wu Da Qin: You don't want your secret to be known, do you?

Chapter 103, First Stop: The Blessed Land of Primordial Chaos

"Qin Feng!"

"Shen Jun!"

"They're in!"

Uncle's shout interrupted Shen Heibao and Qin Feng's thoughts.

The courtyard was quite lively. In the warm pavilion, with simple tea and rice, an old man and a scholar were drinking and chatting happily.

Before Qin Feng and his companion stepped onto the stage, the scholar rose and bowed, "Top of the Astounding Ranking! Descendants of Divine Beings! I am Yin Xi, and I have long admired your names!"

Qin Feng dared not be presumptuous, for this was a true disciple of Laozi. He respectfully said, "Greetings to the disciple of the sage, Lord Yin Xi."

Shen Jun clasped his hands in a fist salute and then bowed respectfully.

Once everyone was seated, the atmosphere on the large table became slightly serious, reminiscent of a department's morning meeting.

To Qin Feng's left sat Master Meng, and to his right sat Lord Shen. Further to the right of the Divine Lord was his uncle.

As for Yin Xi, he tactfully cleared away the food and drinks and sat to one side, just like a reporter at a conference.

Qin Feng cautiously glanced at Master Meng a few more times. Although he had chatted with Master Meng alone during the final of the Jinghong competition, he had never seen Master Meng's face.

Judging from his appearance today, Mencius was around eighty years old, but his face was not fleshy. Instead, he had sharp features, plain face, silver eyebrows, white hair, and a white beard that was more than a foot long. He had the air of a great man.

He was dressed in a blue robe and white gown, sitting upright on a futon, looking somewhat like an old scholar teaching in a neighboring village.

Master Meng glanced at everyone, his gaze finally settling on Qin Feng. With a mix of amusement and seriousness, he asked, "Young friend, how have you been lately?"

The look in Qin Feng's eyes at Master Meng was practically a veiled expression of mockery, as if to say, "How arrogant you were back then, how silent you are now."

Qin Feng raised an eyebrow and said with a smile, "I've been in a very good mood lately! Thank you for your concern, Master."

Mencius said, "What is a good way? Why don't you tell me?"

Qin Feng said, "Traveling the world and attracting worldwide attention, for a mere lad to be chosen by the Master is a blessing that cannot be attained even in eight lifetimes! This is the first good thing."

"To travel the world, to grasp the destiny of heaven, to become a saint on the spot, and to attain enlightenment in a mere sixty years—that is the second good thing."

"Thirdly, the Master took me traveling around the world, which broadened my horizons. With the Master as my support, I am safe and secure. This is the third good thing."

Upon hearing this, Master Mencius laughed and said, "Since you have mentioned three good things, then I will tell you three bad things."

"Firstly, being chosen by me is not your good fortune, but mine. I never intended to travel the world; it was only after meeting you that I had this intention. So it's not that I chose you, but that you chose me."

"Secondly, this immense destiny is not something anyone can simply seize. Don't you see that Zilu followed the Master from beginning to end, yet he never became a sage?"

"Thirdly, you are the one driving the carriage, while I am the one riding it. So, in this sense, you are the one who is taking me around the world and defeating all those who dare to challenge you. I will only take action when you are no match for me."

Faced with the Master's three denials, Qin Feng, who was well-versed in departmental meeting procedures, would not resort to sophistry.

Accountability of leaders is a standard opening topic at almost every meeting.

The leader singled out the troublemaker and gave him a dressing down, then used him as a warning to other troublemakers.

At this point, as a member of the department, you need to understand your place. Even if you are not wrong, you should assume that you are wrong, because the leader is never wrong!

Even though the team is small, you must maintain the correct leadership position. Just because the team is small doesn't mean you can be all over the leader and act like brothers. That would be breaking the rules.

Especially since the figure in front of him is the Second Sage of Confucianism in the Temple of Literature, he has the most Confucian rules.

Qin Feng nodded in agreement, looking every bit the honest, obedient child.

As expected, Master Meng stopped making things difficult for Qin Feng and then looked at his uncle beside him, "Ziming, please explain the mission!"

My uncle took out a file and slowly unfolded it.

This file is much more detailed and contains far more information than the wanted poster Qin Feng had seen before.

Mission Name: Restoration of the Primordial Abyss

Mission objective: Defeat the Qiongqi, a monster from the North Sea, and defeat the Lord of the Primordial Abyss.

Mission Location: Hongmeng Abyss

Mission Introduction: Hongmeng Abyss, once one of the eighteen blessed lands, is now the fastest developing blessed land and also the one with the greatest potential. Currently, it ranks among the top ten among the eighteen blessed lands, but it has the potential to break into the top three or even the top spot. Such a blessed land should be eliminated in its infancy.

Mission duration: five years.

Task Reward: Completing the task ahead of schedule will grant double the Qi bonus.

My uncle, holding the wanted poster, asked, "Gentlemen, what do you think?"

Shen Jun was the first to ask, "Who issued this? Why isn't there even a name on it? Is this some kind of arrogant person putting on airs in front of me? Does he have more influence than I do?"

"That's right!" Qin Feng chimed in. "They clearly asked Master Meng, the strongest among mortals, to wipe out the demons, yet they're still so arrogant and domineering. In my opinion, they're not taking us seriously at all. Uncle, you shouldn't accept these lists of divine beings anymore; it's embarrassing!"

Faced with the aggressive questioning from Shen Jun and Qin Feng, Master Meng simply stroked his beard and smiled without saying a word.

The old man looked at Shen Jun and Qin Feng, his voice calm, "The divine beings are still unaware of the Master's power, nor do they know the capabilities of the human contingent that is currently traveling the world, or whether they can pacify this blessed land. Therefore, there isn't much information available yet. Once we complete the Hongmeng Abyss, the divine beings are willing to increase their stakes. After all, Confucius had a similar task list back then!"

Shen Jun laughed: "That's easy for you to say, and you've covered your tracks so cleanly. First, you make us smash Hongmeng Yuan to pieces, then you ask for more money. If we smash it, they complain that we didn't do a good job, that it wasn't respectable enough, and they keep nitpicking and saying they'll pay next time. Next time, and the next time, and the next time after that, how many next times will there be! When will this ever end!"

Shen Heibao showed no respect to these superhumans. He was a superhuman himself, and he thought, "Why would I tolerate a bunch of trash like you?"

Faced with Shen Heibao's aggressive approach, even the strong-willed uncle couldn't sit still any longer. He looked at Qin Feng, as if to say, "You're my nephew, can't you give your uncle a way out?"

Qin Feng coughed. "Shen Jun, it's normal that they don't believe us, after all, it's our first time cooperating! Now that the gods and humans of heaven are joining forces with the powerful figures of the mortal realm to eradicate the demons underground, it's ultimately a great thing that benefits the Three Realms, isn't it!"

The uncle hurriedly added, "Qin Feng is right. The three realms of Heaven, Earth, and Man are now united to eliminate the calamity of Earth. This is a great thing! How can we talk about profit and money in such a righteous act? Wouldn't that be beneath our dignity?"

Shen Jun said, "But these gods are really going too far! They're bringing us, the wanderers of the world, a task from the time of Confucius and demanding we complete it! Are their minds stuck in the Spring and Autumn period, not evolved to the Warring States period?"

Is the world today still the same as it was during the Spring and Autumn Period?

"During the Spring and Autumn Period, humankind was still in an ancient civilization, a civilization that didn't even have gunpowder!"

"And now? Controlled nuclear fusion, light-speed spaceships—humanity's reach has extended beyond the Supervirgin Nebula! Even the Milky Way's six spiral arms aren't enough to go around!"

"They're still using those same demands from back then to expect things from us now. Is that even acceptable? Let whoever wants to do it do it! I'm not doing it!"

The uncle looked at Qin Feng, "Nephew, say something! Blood is thicker than water, after all!"

Qin Feng said, "What Lord Shen said is absolutely right. The difficulty of the dungeons has increased. The enemies in the blessed lands now are definitely not the simple ones from before. They are demons and monsters who may have learned new technologies from humans. Facing demons and monsters who are superior to us and facing newer technological challenges, we should increase the rewards to motivate us to do the quests. 💲🐼 🍬🎃"

"But we must also understand the difficulties faced by the Celestials. They are constantly fighting against the Earth Demons, and their finances are already stretched thin. It's unrealistic to expect them to produce a lot of treasures in advance, right, Uncle?"

The uncle said, "Yes! That's exactly the situation! Qin Feng is absolutely right."

Qin Feng continued, "So, I have a compromise suggestion: we'll continue accepting missions so as not to delay the 'Wandering the World' project! We'll do our best!"

"However, when this mission is halfway through, which is after we have demonstrated our sincerity, the Celestials must return all the rewards that should have been added to this mission as compensation!"

"Otherwise, the subsequent tasks may encounter the situation that Shen Jun mentioned, such as slow progress and the inability to complete the tasks as expected."

"Uncle, Shen Jun, what do you think?"

After pondering for a while, Uncle said, "We can do as you said, Qin Feng. The reward will be given when the task is halfway done, but the task must be completed as efficiently as possible."

Shen Jun scoffed, "That's not entirely wrong, but I seriously doubt those guys' character!"

Mencius clasped his hands together and said, "Since everyone has finished talking, I'd like to add something."

Everyone turned to look at Master Meng.

Mencius said, "In the past, when Confucius traveled to the eighteen blessed lands of the world, Zilu drove the carriage, and Confucius followed behind, visiting each blessed land one by one."

"During the Spring and Autumn Period, the eighteen blessed lands were not closely connected and were even isolated from each other. Now it's different; the eighteen blessed lands have united into an alliance!"

"If we continue to follow the same path as Confucius, we're undoubtedly courting disaster. We need to find a different approach!"

"I suggest that we first send someone to investigate the situation inside, and then make arrangements based on the specific circumstances."

The old man said, "The way the teacher arranged things will undoubtedly delay the entire project."

"No!" Qin Feng said from the side, "I think it will speed up the project! If we rush in without knowing anything, that's just suicide. Even if Master Meng's cultivation is invincible, so what? If he can't beat us, can't he seal us and hold us back? If the gods expect us to rush in and fight like we did in the Spring and Autumn Period, that's just wishful thinking!"

Master Meng gave Qin Feng an appreciative look. This kid knows how to change his tune depending on the wind!

Shen Jun, however, frowned and said, "But wouldn't it be too dangerous to send those who go in to scout ahead?"

Qin Feng laughed, "Traveling the world is inherently a dangerous task. If you're afraid of danger, then don't come!"

Qin Feng spoke with great confidence. As far as Qin Feng was concerned, he was saying, "I have to protect Master's side at all times, be his driver and secretary. This job is definitely yours, Shen Heibao. Why are you refusing?"

Shen Jun looked at Qin Feng, who had a smug expression on his face, and said with a strange expression, "Alright, since Young Master Qin doesn't think there's a problem, then I won't say anything more."

Shen Jun's words made Qin Feng realize something was wrong. What did he mean? What did he mean by "I don't think there's a problem"?

Did I do this job, or did Shen Jun do it?

Qin Feng looked at Master Meng and his expression suddenly changed. Master Meng was looking at him with admiration, and even wanted to give him a thumbs up!

Qin Feng stared stiffly at his uncle. "Uncle, wasn't it said that scouting was a messenger's job?"

The uncle looked at his nephew and said, "Yes, normally it's the messenger's job, but what you're talking about isn't scouting, it's provocation! The coachman's biggest task is to stir up trouble. Once a mission destination is confirmed, the messenger's job is done. He needs to investigate the next mission destination beforehand. Then, entering the current mission location, starting a war, and provoking the enemy's boss to come out is the coachman's job!"

"Back then, Zilu was known for his sarcastic face. Wherever he went, he would shout, and the boss on the other side would come out for a duel. Then Confucius would slap the boss to death, and then it would be the next person's turn!"

"Although you're not as scoundrel as Zilu now, you possess a cunning and ruthlessness that Zilu lacked. If you provoke them, you'll likely cause chaos in their society very quickly, and their boss will definitely scream and come out to kill you!"

Mencius said from the side, "When the time comes, I will take action, and your task will be completed."

Shen Jun said, "At that time, I can contact the heavens to issue a reward and then open a second blessed land."

Even Yin Xi, who was watching the scene from the sidelines, laughed and said, "In that case, great fortune!"

Great fortune, great fortune my ass!

Damn, isn't this job Shen Jun's?

How did it become mine?

If I had known it was me, I would never have flattered the boss or spoken up for him!

Damn it, the unspoken rules of officialdom have ruined me! I've driven myself to the brink of ruin, and I've put myself in the position of the vanguard.

Qin Feng looked at Master Meng and said, "Master, I truly don't know what provocation or mockery is. I'm afraid this task will be very difficult to complete. How about having Shen Jun come with me, or even my uncle..."

Shen Jun said, "Get lost!"

The uncle said, "Nephew, there's not much I can do to help with this!"

Master Meng, however, looked at Qin Feng with a benevolent expression and said, "If you say you can't be sarcastic, then who in this world can? When we enter the Hongmeng Abyss, tone it down a bit. Don't be too sarcastic, or you'll be controlled by the powerful being before I even appear!"

Qin Feng said, "If I go and mock or provoke them, who will drive the carriage?"

Master Meng said, "You need horses to drive the carriage. Leave the golden-scaled egg here and let Ziming train the horse to turn it into a dragon horse. When you've finished, you can come back to drive the carriage."

Qin Feng spread his hands, "So, does that mean I have to be the vanguard?"

No one spoke, but their eyes clearly said, "You're the one, kid. Don't overthink it. Let's put the sarcasm on full display!"

Seeing everyone's expressions, Qin Feng smiled nonchalantly and tossed the Qilin Fang over with his right hand, "Here! Uncle, it's your turn!"

The uncle took the Qilin tooth, saying, "Don't worry!"

Qin Feng picked up the teacup, drank it all in one gulp, and said, "Farewell, Master! Lord Shen! Uncle! Lord Yin Xi!"

"Let's go!"

Qin Feng bowed deeply to everyone present before leaving.

Dressed in red, she walked through the city gate where banners fluttered in the wind and snow.

Two giant soldiers slowly opened the outer city gate. As the wind and snow fell, the young man, undeterred, strode forward like a shooting star.

Under the pavilion, the group exchanged glances. Master Meng said, "For every person who stirs up hatred, there's someone who operates in the shadows. Messenger, cook, it's up to you."

Shen Jun and his uncle bowed in unison, "Understood!"

Shen Jun and his uncle immediately followed closely behind through the gap in the opened city gate.

Watching Qin Feng, Shen Jun, and his uncle's retreating figures, Yin Xi murmured, "Should the teacher leave now, or wait a while?"

Master Meng stood up and said, "It's already a great favor that you came to see me off. If I wait any longer, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you with all the arrangements."

"Let's go now!"

"I'll have to leave sooner or later!"

"They won't find peace of mind unless I enter the grotto!"

As soon as Master Meng finished speaking, an old carriage, without any wind, slipped out of the side room.

Yin Xi, standing to one side, respectfully pulled back the carriage curtain. "Please, Master, get in!"

Master Meng stepped into the carriage and said, "Thank you!"

Yin Xi chuckled and said, "Master Meng, why don't you leave a message on the city gate before you go?"

Master Meng smiled and said, "It's not too late to carve the words after I've finished my journey throughout the land!"

Yin Xi bowed and said, "Respectfully seeing off the Master!"

The carriage, without horses, clattered along, carrying Master Meng, and disappeared at the end of the city gate.

A new chapter begins! Explore the world, click to see the next chapter! Cyber ​​fantasy, mechanical nine-tailed fox, real nine-tailed fox—you name it, you can find it!

(End of this chapter)