Chapter 365
by fanqienovelChapter 365: A Supportive Backdrop
“Ah?”
Miss Lian and Little Guizi were both momentarily stunned.
Just moments ago, Wang Chen had taken Miss Lian’s reward as the chosen one, and neither of them had any objections; instead, they felt a sense of relief.
This pile of spirit stones was never rightfully Miss Lian’s to begin with. If Wang Chen hadn’t stepped in gallantly to reveal his identity, Miss Lian would have faced severe humiliation that night.
Moreover, Wang Chen had also helped Miss Lian reclaim her magical contract.
Such a profound kindness was beyond repayment, even if they toiled like oxen or horses!
But then, to their astonishment, Wang Chen swiftly handed the storage bag back to Miss Lian and instructed them to leave Lian City.
A cascade of unexpected events left them both bewildered.
Wang Chen explained, “In a few days, I will be departing from Lian City. Staying here might bring you trouble.”
While Wang Chen was in Lian City, his status as an inner sect disciple of the West Sea Sect deterred anyone from harassing two minor figures like them.
However, once Wang Chen left, the scenario would change drastically.
First, there was the humiliated Lu Pengze; a man of his stature wouldn’t take such an insult lightly.
Especially since he had already parted with one hundred thousand spirit stones as compensation.
Lu Pengze wouldn’t need to dirty his own hands to restore his dignity; there would be plenty willing to take risks on his behalf.
They could easily eliminate Miss Lian and Little Guizi and then vanish. Would Wang Chen return from the West Sea Sect to hunt down the perpetrators?
That was out of the question!
Therefore, the best course of action for both of them was to leave Lian City immediately and live incognito elsewhere.
The quick-witted Little Guizi was the first to grasp the situation, saying, “I understand! I’ll purchase tickets tomorrow and escort Miss Lian away from Lian City.”
“Mm.”
Wang Chen nodded, “I will spread the word that I have taken all of Miss Lian’s reward.”
“Ah!”
Miss Lian gasped, her face flushing a deep red.
She hastily tried to return the storage bag to Wang Chen, stammering, “M-Master, I can’t possibly accept this…”
“Take it! Just take it!”
Wang Chen’s expression darkened, “Once I give something away, I never take it back.”
Miss Lian shrank back, too intimidated to speak further.
Little Guizi, however, had fully comprehended the situation.
Wang Chen had deliberately kept the storage bag containing the reward close to him to mislead the manager of The Spring Pavilion, making others believe he had taken the spirit stones.
Otherwise, if it were known that two insignificant figures like them were carrying over a hundred thousand spirit stones, they would be inviting disaster!
Little Guizi immediately pulled Miss Lian down to kneel, declaring, “Your great kindness will never be forgotten by Little Guizi!”
“Go on.”
Wang Chen waved his hand, saying, “Take care of yourselves.”
After seeing the two off, Wang Chen also left The Spring Pavilion and found a decent inn nearby to stay.
At the same time, in the ancestral hall of the Lu family in Lian City, a heavy slapping sound echoed.
The disrobed Lu Pengze lay on the ground, exposing his bare back, while two strong servants wielded water-fire sticks, striking him repeatedly.
The eldest son of the Lu family had his magical powers sealed. Although his physique was stronger than that of an ordinary person, he could not withstand the force of the water-fire stick. Soon, blood soaked his body.
He clenched his teeth tightly, refusing to cry out.
This was because dozens of Lu family direct descendants were watching. If Lu Pengze showed weakness under the family discipline, he would never be able to hold his head high in the family again!
Even though he was a Purple Palace cultivator.
After enduring a hundred strikes, the punishment finally ended.
Lu Pengze’s face twisted in pain, but he managed to stay conscious.
A man in a purple robe asked in a deep voice, “Lu Pengze, do you yield?”
“Yes, I yield.”
Lu Pengze forced out a few words.
“There are people beyond people, and realms beyond realms. Above the upper realm, there are even more realms.”
The man in the purple robe sighed deeply, “The outcome today is a result of your past actions. After this experience, I hope you remember well and do not underestimate anyone.”
“Even if the other party is just a lowly maiden!”
Lu Pengze’s eyes were bloodshot. “I understand.”
As soon as he finished speaking, he finally passed out.
“Someone!”
The man in the purple robe waved his hand, saying, “Take him down to heal.”
Immediately, someone came to support Lu Pengze and took him for treatment.
At that moment, a middle-aged man asked, “Elder Brother, what should we do now?”
“What else can we do?”
The man in the purple robe sighed bitterly, “Prepare a substantial gift, and I will go to the South Domain Palace to apologize to True Master White Crane!”
Lu Pengze had acted arrogantly; he was not completely ignorant before, but he had taken things lightly.
To be fair, he was also partly responsible!
Actually, this matter wasn’t too big or too small; it all depended on how to handle it.
The man in the purple robe was worried that their rivals would take the opportunity to cause trouble.
So his actions must be swift!
Tonight in Lian City was bound to be anything but calm.
Meanwhile, Wang Chen, staying in the inn, was unaware of all this.
What Wang Chen did not expect was that the next morning, he received a message delivered by a flying sword!
The content of the letter was succinct, merely a single line.
Upon reading it, Wang Chen immediately hastened to the South Domain Palace.
This flying sword message was unmistakably from True Master White Crane!
At the pinnacle of the nine-story white tower, Wang Chen once again encountered the chief elder of the palace.
“Disciple Wang Chen, paying respects to the Elder!”
Having officially entered the immortal registry, Wang Chen now bowed as an inner sect disciple.
“Hmm.”
True Master White Crane gave a slight nod, “I heard you made quite a scene at The Spring Pavilion last night.”
Wang Chen was mortified!
Making a scene at The Spring Pavilion!
That was hardly a compliment; it sounded rather improper, especially coming from a true master.
Rarely did Wang Chen blush, but he lowered his head, “Disciple acted rashly; please punish me, Elder.”
When one errs, one must own up to it and face the music!
In the face of a Golden Core true master’s inquiry, making excuses is the gravest mistake.
“Punish you?”
True Master White Crane chuckled, “Why would I punish you? You’ve done nothing wrong!”
“Uh…”
Wang Chen was momentarily bewildered.
This was not the reaction he had anticipated!
“It’s natural for the young to admire beauty and seek pleasure.”
True Master White Crane spoke leisurely, “In my youth, I too frequented places of beauty and pleasure, encountering all sorts of enchanting individuals.”
He wore a faintly amused expression, “Though your preferences are somewhat unique.”
Before Wang Chen could express his embarrassment, the true master continued, “That Lu lad was quite insolent; he was merely a bit cunning. Upon returning home, his father nearly beat him to death.”
“His father had some discernment, but alas, his potential is limited, destined to be nothing more than a withered bone in a grave.”
True Master White Crane turned his gaze back to Wang Chen, “I summoned you here today to remind you that our West Sea Sect disciples are not to be trifled with by just anyone; you must embody the dignity of an inner sect disciple!”
Wang Chen’s heart clenched: “Disciple understands!”
He was acutely aware that the elder found him too “soft.”
Simultaneously, Wang Chen felt a profound sense of relief, thinking, “At last, I have a formidable ally!”