Before Jiang Wang and the two companions could even enter the main hall, a cacophony of urgent voices assailed their ears.

“Master, Master! I implore you, I am trapped outside the gates of Heaven and Earth! How may I break free?”

A voice, deep and resonant, responded, “Pray, tarry a moment longer!”

“Master, I beg your aid! How can I dispel this ignorant fog that obscures my mind? Every time I seek enlightenment, I feel a force beyond my control, constantly fearing I shall lose my way.”

Before the previous voice could reply, another spoke, “Halt a moment!”

“Master, when may I open my meridians? Can you assess my current state and guide my refinement?”

Again, that voice responded, “Observe yet again!”

The replies were simple, yet each struck directly at the heart of the matter, brimming with profound truth that truly shook the senses.

“Truly, he is worthy of the name ‘Hard to Say Master’!” Jiang Wang heard the whispers of the surrounding crowd.

After these three questions and three answers, that voice resonated once more, “Today’s three questions are complete. All of you may rest!”

Then came the voice of Yang Liu, the true disciple of Fishing Sea Tower: “The Master, save for special invitations, answers only three questions each time he appears. This is a rule of a high person, not to be lightly broken. Do not block the path or cause further disturbance!”

Rounding the corner, Jiang Wang saw an elder wearing a round cat mask, his hair like white frost, moving with flowing sleeves, possessing an air of profound immortality. Surrounded by a throng of people, he walked towards the inner chamber.

This brown round cat mask was the symbol of the Hard to Say Master. This Master roamed the mortal world to aid others, not seeking fame, hence his choice to appear only in a cat face mask. Thus, he also earned another moniker – the Cat Immortal.

Yang Liu followed closely at his side, respectfully speaking with the Hard to Say Master.

Though reluctant, the crowd parted. On this small Crescent Island, few dared to offend a true disciple of Fishing Sea Tower, and even fewer were willing to offend the Hard to Say Master. Merely catching a glimpse of the Master was an exceedingly rare opportunity. Failing to be among the first three questioners left them with little to complain about.

“How do you gauge this person’s cultivation?” Li Longchuan transmitted his voice.

Jiang Wang shook his head. “He is ethereal and indistinct, impossible to truly perceive.”

“Indeed,” Li Longchuan’s voice was heavy. “This person is unfathomable.”

Li Longchuan, originating from a top-tier noble family in Qi Country, possessed extraordinarily keen insight. He had encountered countless strong individuals, yet remained unable to judge the Hard to Say Master’s strength. This spoke volumes about the Master’s terrifying power.

The main hall of the Suddenly Point Tea House was originally a vast tea room, partitioned into individual seating areas with screens for guests to enjoy tea. Now, the short tables and screens had all been cleared away. Only in the very center stood a Fishing Dragon Purple Firmament Wood table, accompanied by four Cloud Silk Sky Blue Cushions.

Clearly, Yang Liu had not prepared seating for anyone else. However, this did not deter the numerous tea guests who squeezed along the walls, sitting on the ground. The Hard to Say Master’s guidance, even if merely overheard, was immensely beneficial!

Without hesitation, the Hard to Say Master took the seat of honor. Seeking Dao Zhao Wuyan naturally sat opposite him. Zi Shu and Yang Liu took their places on the left and right.

Observe the rings of listeners squeezing along the walls. The once quiet tea room had become a place of profound instruction. Save for the burning jealousy in Xu Xiangqian’s heart, likely no one else had any complaints. Many present were not original tea guests but had flocked here upon hearing of the Hard to Say Master’s appearance. The owner of the Suddenly Point Tea House had been forced to seal the doors and announce a temporary closure to prevent the building from collapsing under the pressure.

The Hard to Say Master’s reputation was evident from this scene. To say that his single voice could draw a crowd of ten thousand was no exaggeration.

“Ahem.” Yang Liu settled into his seat, his spirits soaring. Reaching for the teapot, he spoke with flattery, “For the Hard to Say Master to grace us with his presence today truly leaves this Yang deeply grateful.”

Zhao Wuyan was quicker and took the teapot. “I shall attend to it.” As the seeker of the Dao, this task rightfully fell to her.

She scalded the cups, warmed the pot, performed the horse-dragon enters the palace movement, washed the tea leaves, and steeped the tea… Her movements were elegant and composed, a simply heartwarming and pleasing sight.

The smile in Yang Liu’s eyes deepened, and he did not contend with her. He merely addressed the Hard to Say Master, “Were it for my own matters, this Yang would not be so urgent. It is precisely my senior sister’s affairs that fill me with such burning worry…” He paused, then added, “I forgot to introduce her to Master. My senior sister is a student of the Dragon Gate Academy, a true heaven’s chosen one.”

Zhao Wuyan smiled at the opportune moment. “Junior Zhao Wuyan.”

The round cat mask obscured the Hard to Say Master’s expression but not his deep, vast eyes. He sat steadily, nodding slightly, seemingly indifferent to the name of the Dragon Gate Academy. He only said, “Though one’s teacher may hail from a renowned lineage, one must not be complacent.” Possessing the ability to perceive Chen Zhi Bo’s form, he naturally had the right to speak such words.

Zhao Wuyan momentarily paused her movements, lowering her head. “Junior dares not. I exert myself every day, through both cold and heat, without ceasing.”

The Hard to Say Master nodded lightly, seemingly approving of her attitude. After a moment of contemplation, he asked in a soft voice, “What matter troubles you?”

Zhao Wuyan, in a timely manner, presented the teacup with both hands. Once the Hard to Say Master had taken it, she clasped her hands in front of her body, speaking in a proper and measured manner, “Junior achieved the apex of the Outer Building realm two years ago, and holds promise for the future path of the Dao. However, when it comes to the Dao of God Arrival, I have always struggled with my choice. In the past two years, I have not only failed to clarify my path but have become increasingly confused. I truly do not know where the path lies!”

Jiang Wang and Li Longchuan exchanged glances, both seeing a sigh in the other’s eyes. Xu Xiangqian might not possess other admirable qualities, but his insight into women was truly first-class. Zhao Wuyan, who reached the apex of the Outer Building realm two years ago, needed no mention of her talent. Moreover, her words revealed that her struggle before reaching God Arrival was not due to an inability to find her own path, but rather that she was too talented, with too many potential paths, rendering her unable to choose! This struggle, for others, might seem like affectation. But Jiang Wang and Li Longchuan, both generations of extraordinary talent, could of course understand this demanding self-requirement. If one’s intentions were not firm, it was better not to embark on even the best Dao path. Without this heartnature of seeking perfection, how could one achieve the status of heaven’s chosen?

“Hard to say, hard to say,” the Master sighed. “Hard to say” was indeed this Master’s catchphrase, and the very reason he was called “Hard to Say Master.” The path of cultivation was indeed hard to articulate. Without insight that penetrated heaven and earth, it was exceedingly difficult to explain clearly. Strong individuals near the sea were as numerous as clouds, most bound by various matters. Hard to Say Master, who possessed the leisure to roam everywhere and guide others, was truly rare.

“Though it is hard to say, I still implore Master to speak,” Yang Liu spoke warmly from the side, and lightly pushed a square box forward. The box was inlaid with jade dots and pearls and adorned with carvings by a renowned artist. Without even opening it, one could tell the gift was of considerable value.

The Hard to Say Master did not even spare the box a glance. He only spoke to Zhao Wuyan, “One may take this, or take that, or encompass and include, or even abandon all and seek another path. All may not be the wrong choice. The Great Dao is like the boundless blue sky, without limit or edge. I offer only a single word of caution: The heart’s direction dictates the person’s actions.”

Zhao Wuyan seemed to have some understanding, yet also remained somewhat confused.

The Hard to Say Master then asked, “Does it seem as if you understand a little, yet also as if you understand nothing at all?”

Zhao Wuyan lowered her head in shame. “Junior is foolish and ignorant.”

“This indicates that your cultivation is not yet complete, and your Dao heart is not yet firm enough. You have not yet washed away the dust and seen your true self. You still need further comprehension,” the Hard to Say Master casually placed the square box from the table into his sleeve and sighed, “To speak further would be of no benefit.”