However, the thought of returning to ask Luo Hao, the leader of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, made him even more hesitant.
He didn't dare ask Luo Hao, let alone even approach her. What if his Master became angry? The consequences were too terrible to imagine.
After a moment's hesitation, Lu Yinghua considered... Given Luo Hao's nature, anyone she would call a guest must be someone of similar status. In other words... it must be a Campione.
With this realization, Lu Yinghua immediately sought out the Holy Cult's intelligence department. As expected... he quickly learned that the seventh Campione, another Chinese individual, had arrived in China just days ago.
They were currently in Jiujiang City, near Mount Lu...
There was a ninety percent chance that the guest his Master mentioned was this seventh Campione.
"Lu Yinghua of the Holy Cult of the Five Mountains, paying respects to the New King."
Using intelligence from the Holy Cult, Lu Yinghua swiftly located Phoenix. As he gazed upon the extraordinarily handsome New King before him, a hint of confusion surfaced.
According to the intelligence, the New King should have been a celestial beauty of a young girl. Yet the King before him... was a youth who appeared infinitely more handsome than himself.
However... in the next moment, Lu Yinghua realized this New King was... a woman disguised as a man.
He hadn't anticipated she'd look so striking in male attire, but this worked to his advantage. Given his fear of women, facing the beautiful New King described in the intelligence might have made him lose composure.
As for why he showed such respect toward Phoenix, though he pledged loyalty only to Luo Hao, this didn't mean he disrespected other Kings. Except for Campiones and Heretic Gods, no one wanted to provoke a Campione.
"Luo Hao's disciple..."
The sudden appearance of Lu Yinghua didn't surprise Phoenix at all.
China was Luo Hao's territory, and she was currently operating near Luo Hao's residence. Moreover, Phoenix hadn't made any effort to conceal her presence. It would have been stranger if they hadn't been discovered.
"What does Luo Hao want with you?" Phoenix asked.
She had expected Luo Hao to personally confront her. After all, as fellow Campione, entering another Campione's territory without prior notice should have enraged her.
Yet instead, she'd sent her disciple.
"Master Luo Hao specifically instructed me to invite Your Majesty to a meeting at Mount Lu," Lu Yinghua replied with respectful deference.
"A meeting at Mount Lu? Since when has Luo Hao become so courteous? Though even without your invitation, I was already planning to visit."
"Then... that's perfect!" Lu Yinghua's eyes lit up at Phoenix's response. Successfully escorting the New King to Mount Lu for a meeting with Luo Hao would be ideal.
After all, when dealing with a "King" - regardless of who it might be - no one dared to provoke them.
However... with two Kings of China involved, who knows what might happen. Now that the two Kings have met, Lu Yinghua has no idea what to expect.
But... at least by inviting the New King, we can avoid immediate death for now.
"If possible, I'd like to request the New King depart immediately. My Master awaits your arrival."
Lu Yinghua hesitated before awkwardly repeating his request.
He couldn't comprehend why his Master wanted him to bring the New King. This behavior completely contradicted his Master's usual nature. By all rights, his Master should have already stormed the gates by now.
"Immediately? No need to rush..." Phoenix waved her hand dismissively. What was the point in rushing over there? Anyone might mistake her for surrendering to Luo Hao.
"New King..."
Hearing Phoenix's refusal, Lu Yinghua grew slightly anxious.
"We haven't eaten yet. There's no hurry to depart after a meal." Seeing Lu Yinghua about to protest, Phoenix cut him off.
"This... very well!"
With no alternative, Lu Yinghua could only acquiesce for the moment.
"Mr. Lu..."
Watching as Phoenix and Lu Yinghua concluded their formal conversation, Erica - standing beside Phoenix - smiled and greeted Lu Yinghua. It was clear she recognized him.
"It's been a long time, Miss Erica. I never imagined you'd become the New King's Knight."
Though his words were polite, Lu Yinghua's face remained rigid, his expression clearly showing disgust.
Well...As one of Italy's most beautiful young girls, it's only natural that Erica would be on Lu Yinghua's "disgust" list. Who can blame him for being a woman-hater?
If she weren't the New King's Knight, Lu Yinghua probably wouldn't even bother responding to her.
"You're still as much of a woman-hater as ever, aren't you?" Erica observed Lu Yinghua's stiff, disgusted expression, yet maintained her smile.
Being hated... rejected by Lu Yinghua... This proves how beautiful I am.So, Erica felt genuinely delighted.
"I'm completely focused on my training. I don't hate women - they simply don't interest me," Lu Yinghua replied coolly, turning his head away without looking at Erica.
"Then do you like men?"
Phoenix suddenly interjected with a curious question.
"Uh, King, you're overthinking it. I just never considered that perspective before," Lu Yinghua stammered, hastily waving his hand.
Though he'd developed a fear of women... that didn't make him gay!
"Oh."
Phoenix's response was a single, dismissive syllable, as if she didn't believe him at all.
This made Lu Yinghua feel like he'd swallowed a fly - utterly uncomfortable. Once upon a time, he'd been a young master of a noble family who loved beautiful young girls. But after several months of his master's "education," he now avoided women like the plague, wishing every last one would vanish from the world!
"It seems Luo Hao left quite a psychological scar on you," Phoenix said with a smile, studying him.
"..."
Lu Yinghua had bitter words stuck in his throat.
After their meal, Lu Yinghua led Phoenix and her three companions directly to the foot of Mount Lu.
Mount Lu, also known as Kuang Mountain or Kuanglu, boasted a unique landscape featuring towering peaks, flowing streams, cascading waterfalls, lush forests, and even glacial terrain. Its majestic and strikingly beautiful block mountain formation stood out as particularly distinctive.
Before her transmigration, Phoenix had once visited Mount Lu. The scenery was indeed impressive, living up to the classic ancient poem's description of "not recognizing Mount Lu's true form."
Of course, in this world, Mount Lu served as Luo Hao's residence. It could no longer remain a popular tourist destination. Only Luo Hao and those she permitted were allowed to ascend the mountain.
Any unauthorized intruders would be devoured by the countless man-eating plants and flowers cultivated through Luo Hao's power, leaving no trace behind.
Long ago, the combat-obsessed King of Swords, Salvatore, had challenged Luo Hao at Mount Lu. He was beaten half to death and thrown into the sea.
Even someone with Salvatore's temperament wouldn't dare set foot in China again, which speaks volumes about the situation.