"Senior brother Luo, you must be joking right?" The bald man could not believe the words that ca out of his superior's mouth. After all, the sect master was in seclusion, and everybody knew it. If he ca out just for this person, then they'd all be in trouble. He thought bitterly, scanning the face of the newcor, hoping to see so sign of humor. He hoped the man was simply ssing with him.
The man, however, simply ignored him. With a single flick of his finger, the chains fell, and Wen Ran hit the hard floor. Despite the fall, he still managed to stand on his feet. This, the newcor noted, was a test to see why this person had attracted the attention of the sect master. Amazing, he thought, his resilience and mind are on another level. Soone like him could be invaluable for the upcoming sect gathering…
The newcor couldn't help but feel frustration toward the bald man for making this talent suffer. What a fool, he cursed inwardly.
"Junior brother Wen, I'm sorry for this misunderstanding," the man said, his tone now more sincere. "I hope we can sohow repay you for the humiliation you've had to endure. I am Luo Feng, the core disciple and the trustworthy aid of the sect master."
Luo Feng bowed to Wen Ran with his hands cupped together, showing deep respect. This unexpected gesture caught Wen Ran off guard. After everything he'd gone through, he hadn't expected such treatnt. But Wen Ran wasn't naive enough to believe it ca without a price. In this world, nothing is free, he thought. This man is just another one of those who wears a fake mask pretending to be a saint in order to gain favor.
"Junior Wen Ran greets the senior, thank you for your help." Wen Ran returned the bow, but in his heart, he was already preparing himself. He feared that the sect master might have discovered his secret, and no matter which of his possessions they found, they would likely be worth so much that it could lead to a war.
"Not at all, after all, junior brother was treated unfairly." Luo Feng smiled approvingly at Wen Ran. He was taken aback by Wen Ran's mature behavior, impressed by his calmness despite the situation.
"Please follow to the bath. You should clean up before eting the sect master. After you et him, we can discuss how to handle the situation you've been through and how to compensate you."
Wen Ran's ears perked up. Did he say compensate? His mind quickly shifted gears. Well, then… I might as well act a little like a victim. He had already co up with a plan to take advantage of this situation, planning to plunder this place dry given the right opportunity.
"What about my items?" he asked, keeping his tone casual. When Wen Ran was brought here, his pouches and weapon had been confiscated. He was afraid they might have already discovered his treasures. He hoped the bracelet and the heaven-defying manual had so sort of protection array on them that would mask them from outsiders. Otherwise, he would not rest until he got new ones. Still, since he was alive, he thought it was likely they hadn't found anything yet. If they had, they would have silenced him long ago.
"Your spirit pouches are safely being kept in the vice master's office, and your weapon is secure in the armory," Luo Feng replied. "As compensation, sect master already instructed to lead you there later, and you may choose any artifact as long as you can handle it with your current power level."
"That…" Wen Ran found himself even more speechless. Had my techniques been revealed to the sect master? After all, why else would they be trying so hard to suck up to him? This didn't make any sense.
"I don't think I can accept such kindness," Wen Ran said, his voice asured. "After all, I haven't even contributed to the sect yet. This feels forced and would leave a bad impression on other fellow disciples who work hard for such opportunities." His words were a carefully crafted tactic, honed over many years of navigating the intricacies of human nature. It always worked when gaining favor and respect, and it did just that here.
"Junior brother is too reserved," Luo Feng replied, his smile never wavering. "It's okay to be a little selfish, but if that is what truly feels right to you, I must thank you on behalf of all the disciples in the sect. Am I right, junior brother Mo?" His gaze shifted to the bald man, who could hardly contain his discomfort. Listening to this conversation made him feel sick. He knew that Wen Ran had a sharp tongue, so where did this respectful and refined youngster co from? And Luo Feng—who had always been arrogant since he stood at the top—why was he suddenly trying to suck up to Wen Ran?
"Y-yes, that is right. Brother Wen is very kind, and I have no objections if he wants to pick an artifact. After all, I will lead him myself to do so. How about that?" Junior brother Mo scrambled to salvage what little dignity he had left.
"Well, if brother Mo himself does not mind, then…" Wen Ran bowed deeply to him. "I will gladly accept brother's kindness and even let you help choose one."
If anyone were to look at Wen Ran from the side right now, they would swear they saw a long fox tail attached to him. He was still a ss, but already, he was conning and manipulating those around him.
"Well then, how about that? I'm glad the two of you made up," Luo Feng said with a pleased smile. "After Junior Brother Mo finishes his punishnt, he will gladly accompany you."
The words hit Junior Brother Mo like a hamr. Any hope he had of being exempt from punishnt evaporated in that mont, leaving him with nothing but dread. His eyes showed a flicker of despair.
"Thank you so much, Brother Mo. I will never forget your kindness," Wen Ran said with a smile, though the way his lips curled told a different story. When the bald man saw that smile, the realization hit him imdiately—Wen Ran was speaking of a different kind of kindness.
I'm dood... the man thought, his internal despair growing. He knew that his days of being a high and mighty cultivator were numbered unless he found a way to get on Wen Ran's good side.
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