Hong Changqing realized he was being deceived by Charlie once more. In that moment, despite the tricks Charlie was ying, he felt no anger—only fear.


    This fear stemmed from the deep understanding that Charlie’s power was no longer on the same level as his own; it felt like they were from entirely different worlds.<fn2eaf> ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ???? ???????s, ????s? ??s?? find·novel</fn2eaf>


    The ancient saying about a gnat attempting to shake a tree perfectly captured Hong Changqing’s state of mind.


    Instinctively, he took a step back, resembling a three-year-old caught in a mistake, and nervously pleaded, “I don’t know Taishan; I’ve offended Master Wade… I hope Master Wade can show mercy…” Charlie regarded him with a calm demeanor.


    “Go ahead, I’ll give you a chance to ask your question again,” he said.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Hong Changqing was momentarily taken aback. Quickly, he bowed deeply and said, “Master Wade, I am like an ant before you. How could I dare to offend you by inquiring about your identity?”


    Charlie smiled, remarking, “See, when you aren’t given a chance, you try to act boldly, but once the opportunity arises, you be timid. This is futile, Hong Tianshi.” The fear coursed through Hong Changqing, causing him to tremble.


    He knelt down abruptly and, in a quavering voice, eximed, “Master Wade, please remain calm… I truly wouldn’t dare to be presumptuous in your presence…”


    Charlie maintained hisposure, saying, “I’ve heard you came to Aurous Hill in search of clues about the Rejuvenation Pill?”


    At this revtion, Hong Changqing’s heart raced!


    In that moment, he grasped the reality: he had been targeted by Master Wade for quite some time. He had foolishly believed he had ensnared Dr. Simmons, only to find himself trapped by Charlie instead!


    Simultaneously, he pondered, “Very few know about my quest! Besides the An family, only Stefanie Sun, who brought the miraculous medicine to save An Qishan, was aware… Could it be that Charlie knows them?”


    As this thought struck him, a sudden realization dawned on Hong Changqing, and he stammered, “Master Wade… you… you are the one who created the Rejuvenation Pill?!”


    Upon hearing this, Charlie merely smirked, prompting Hong Changqing to bow with profound respect, stating, “Hong Changqing, the thirty-ninth generation descendant of Taizhen Dao, pays homage to his master!”


    Charlie shrugged, “I’m not part of your sect, nor am I a guru.”


    Hong Changqing was astonished. “You… you’re not from the Taoist sect?! But… the art of alchemy is a closely guarded secret of the Taoist sect! To refine a miraculous medicine like the Rejuvenation Pill must require true mastery of Taoist teachings. How could you not be a Taoist?”


    Charlie scoffed, “Alchemy isn’t exclusive to Taoists. Who says only they can master it? Besides, while you may be a Taoist, I question the reliability of the alchemy you practice. If it were all that effective, I wouldn’t have needed to save the old man of the An family that day, would I?” Hong Changqing felt a wave of shame wash over him. He lowered his head and admitted, “


    Master Wade’s words are indeed correct. I have merely been observing the sky from a limited perspective, unaware of the vast world beyond my door. I still hope you can forgive me, Master Wade…”


    Charlie nodded in acknowledgment. “I must say, although you’re not young, your attitude in admitting mistakes ismendable.”


    Hong Changqing felt his cheeks flush with embarrassment, but he continued to express, “As the sage said, recognizing one’s mistakes can lead to great change.”