Every nerve in Hu Xiaotian's body went taut. Almost instantly, he recognized the voice as Liu Yuzhang's. Since the other man was speaking through Secret Voice Transmission, Shi Xuedong should not have heard him.
Hu Xiaotian said quietly, "Go outside. No one is to come in without my permission!"
As though a great weight had been lifted from him, Shi Xuedong turned and fled.
Hu Xiaotian went to the Medicine Storehouse entrance and pulled the doors shut. Then he turned around unhurriedly, searching for Liu Yuzhang.
A light suddenly flashed ahead. Beneath its pale yellow glow, a white-haired old man appeared in Hu Xiaotian's sight. His smile was kindly, his pale face beardless. Who else could it have been but Liu Yuzhang?
Although Ji Feihua had already told Hu Xiaotian that Liu Yuzhang was still alive, only today did he finally see the man with his own eyes. Looking at him, Hu Xiaotian could not help recalling their time together, all the care and kindness Liu Yuzhang had shown him, and the deep schemes with which he had deceived heaven and crossed the sea, then used Golden Cicada Sheds Its Shell to escape. This elder, whom he had once regarded as family, harbored unfathomable depths. Just how many secrets lay hidden in his heart? What intentions had he held toward Hu Xiaotian back then?
Liu Yuzhang smiled at Hu Xiaotian, his eyes full of gratification, like an elder looking upon a younger member of his family. His voice was warm and affectionate. "Xiaotian, you've grown up."
A faint smile touched Hu Xiaotian's lips. "I'm glad to see you're still alive."
Liu Yuzhang laughed. "You truly are extraordinary. Most people in this world would be frightened to see me."
Hu Xiaotian said, "What is there about Eunuch Liu that should frighten