CHAPTER 994: CHAPTER 471: CHANCE ENCOUNTER

Sipping on a drink and enjoying the delicious dishes, Lu Hong and Nuoshan looked through the window at the bustling crowd in the small town, chatting idly.

Just then, Lu Hong suddenly noticed two familiar figures, causing his gaze to freeze instinctively.

It was Gao Yue, Gao Yi’s sister, and beside her was a handsome young man. He appeared to be around the same age as Gao Yue, but Lu Hong could openly sense that the young man’s strength was nearing the Third Transition Peak, marking him as a young prodigy.

Is that Gao Yue’s boyfriend?

Lu Hong felt a bit puzzled, though not from jealousy; it’s not as if he didn’t have a wife. Despite Gao Yue’s good looks, Lu Hong wasn’t one to chase lustfully.

Lu Hong’s curiosity was piqued by Gao Yue’s presence. This Plum Mountain Gathering should logically be an internal matter for the Constant Domain, with Gao Yue backed by the Gao family of Mirror Domain. So, what was her intent coming to a Constant Domain event?

Nuoshan, sensing a slight shift in Lu Hong’s mood, glanced in the direction of Lu Hong’s gaze and chuckled, "What is it? Have you run into an old flame?"

"No, I’m just curious about seeing people from other domains here."

"Oh?" At this, Nuoshan also raised an eyebrow, his tone growing serious, "Are you sure?"

"Absolutely." Lu Hong pointed towards the wandering Gao Yue, saying, "That’s the third direct daughter of the Gao family of Broad Domain. As for the man beside her, I don’t know him."

Upon hearing Lu Hong’s explanation, Nuoshan furrowed his brows, pondering, "So, if that’s the case, this Plum Mountain Gathering might be more significant than we thought."

"What do you mean?" Lu Hong asked.

"Given the presence of outsiders in this domain, there’ll likely be a second and third. Hence, this Plum Mountain Gathering must have external domain influence, probably with many domains deploying representatives, seeking to influence the outcome and draw the Constant Domain into their fold."

Upon hearing this, Lu Hong immediately understood, "So you’re saying the Constant Domain has been targeted by other domains?"

"Correct, presently, our Constant Domain has most of its communication with external domains sealed by the Eighteen Realms, making us unaware of the current Nine Domain dynamics. Observing outsiders here suggests that the war has reached a stalemate. Hence, they’ve shifted focus to the Constant Domain, complicating our bid for the alliance leader position."

Speaking, Nuoshan drained his glass, losing words in thought.

Had it been an internal conflict within the Constant Domain, Nuoshan would have had the confidence to compete, but external forces make the prospect daunting; after all, one cannot cook without rice. If it’s beyond one’s means, there’s no point in contending.

Lu Hong caught the implicit meaning but didn’t dwell on it much, smiling, "No worries, just think of it as relaxation, and a chance to see the world. Besides, we can shift our goal away from the alliance leader role to stirring some trouble; that shouldn’t be a problem, right?"

"That seems feasible." With a slight smile, Nuoshan anticipated some notable drama at this Plum Mountain Gathering.

"Alright, enjoy your meal and drink; I’m off to meet some old friends." Lu Hong rose, heading outside.

Approaching Gao Yue, Lu Hong didn’t intend to reminisce but wished to inquire about Gao Yi’s situation and extract useful intel.

Maneuvering through the crowd, Lu Hong appeared suddenly before Gao Yue, startling her as she scrutinized him in confusion, "Who are you?"

"I’m Gao Yi’s sworn elder brother. Do you not recognize me?"

"Sworn elder brother of Gao Yi?" Gao Yue quickly realized, "You’re Lu Hong?"

"Indeed!"

"How come you’re here too?" Gao Yue found it puzzling; her understanding of Lu Hong was that he’s from Star Sea, possibly of some status. Yet here, it wasn’t wise to reveal him as from Star Sea, so she refrained.

"Just expanding my horizons; never expected to run into an old friend, thought I might as well say hello."

Upon hearing Lu Hong’s explanation, Gao Yue nodded then introduced him, "This is my fiancé, Li Zhaolong."

"Zhaolong, this is Lu Hong, the one my brother ceremoniously acknowledged as his sworn elder brother, Lu Hong."

Upon Gao Yue’s introduction, Li Zhaolong standing beside her briefly nodded at Lu Hong, maintaining his detached demeanor.

Observing Li Zhaolong’s manner, Gao Yue smiled, "Lu Hong, don’t take offense; it’s just his nature."

"No worries, I simply wish to congratulate you on finding your soulmate."

Gao Yue smiled slightly, "This isn’t the place for conversation; follow me."

Soon, the trio bypassed the crowd, arriving at a porcelain merchant’s shop. The shopkeeper, seeing Gao Yue, immediately greeted them and led the trio into a quiet backyard.

Accepting the tea Gao Yue offered, Lu Hong asked, "How has Gao Yi been lately?"

"He..." Discussing Gao Yi, Gao Yue’s expression turned somber.

Lu Hong sensed something amiss, promptly inquiring, "What exactly happened to Gao Yi?"

"In the battle against the Eighteen Realms, Gao Yi lost both arms, becoming a cripple and now spends his days drinking in his family, devoid of his former vigor."

"His arms severed?" Lu Hong’s heart tightened; such is the cruelty of war, where all life is equal on the battleground.

"Yes, though his life isn’t in danger. If you have the chance, I’d ask you to visit our family, to counsel him." Saying so, Gao Yue took out a token, handing it to Lu Hong, "When you visit our family, present this token and you can meet Gao Yi."

"Okay." Lu Hong nodded, pocketing the token.

Subsequently, he probed Gao Yue about more of Gao Yi’s matters until setting his mind at ease.

Thereafter, Lu Hong turned the topic to the Plum Mountain Gathering, "Miss Gao, I’m interested in why you’re attending this Plum Mountain Gathering?"

"Me? I simply came to check things out; where there’s excitement, I gravitate. Family won’t let a girl like me meddle in war affairs, so here I am!" Gao Yue laughed, revealing nothing further.

"Who do you think is most likely to become the Constant Domain alliance leader at this Plum Mountain Gathering?"

"I don’t know much about the powers of the Constant Domain." Gao Yue shook her head lightly, but then added, "For details on the Plum Mountain Gathering, you can ask my fiancé."

Saying so, Gao Yue glanced at her fiancé.

And at this juncture, Li Zhaolong, who had been silent, spoke, "Shuidong World."

"Shuidong World?!" Lu Hong found this answer bewildering. Since the decline of Black Heaven World and Sect World, Shuidong World, Pifu World, Zhen’an World, and Gushan World remained the strongest. But in terms of strength, Shuidong was the weakest; how could it possibly be poised to become the alliance leader?

"Shuidong World isn’t the strongest in Constant Domain locally; why is Li brother so certain it will emerge as alliance leader? Is there external support behind Shuidong World?"

Seeing Lu Hong’s astute speculations, Li Zhaolong didn’t conceal but nodded, "Your guess is correct, this Plum Mountain Gathering isn’t solely internal to Constant Domain. Constant Domain, being part of the Nine Domains, should unite with other domains against the Eighteen Realms. Hence, other domains have legitimate interests to seek suitable alliances rather than letting Constant Domain insiders struggle chaotically."

Upon Li Zhaolong’s explanation, Lu Hong nodded, "Thank you, Li brother, for the insight. I assure you I won’t mention this to others."

"It’s no big deal." Li Zhaolong waved off, "Each capable realm in the Constant Domain vying for alliance leadership has support from other domain forces. I merely favor Shuidong World; whether it becomes the leader isn’t guaranteed."

Goodness, so each Constant Domain realm has backing from external forces; this Plum Mountain Gathering really is a chaotic spectacle.

It’s growing more intriguing indeed!

Lu Hong smiled gently, raising his cup, "I wish the two of you happiness and unity for a hundred years."