Chapter 82

Chapter 82: We Were Close Friends

Lin Guang’s anger was a very normal thing.

Because he was very clear about his situation; the longer he stayed at this new spiritual mine, the slimmer his chances of leaving became.

When the Great Elder had commanded him to come here originally, he had said that after completing the task, he would find a way for him to leave.

But now, if everything remained without progress, the more time dragged on, the more anxious he would become.

The moment he thought of that old friend’s experience, Lin Guang couldn’t help but feel a chill run through his body.

He was sitting on a wooden chair, his somewhat turbid eyes fixed on Xu Changsheng, his face ashen.

"Master, I’ll do it as quickly as possible," Xu Changsheng said cautiously.

"Hmph, if you can’t do it, don’t even think about leaving here in this lifetime," Lin Guang said sternly.

Hearing these words that approached a threat, Xu Changsheng dared not harbor the slightest resentment and could only become more respectful.

Seeing that he had no other movement, Lin Guang raised his voice and said, "Hurry up and get out."

Xu Changsheng hurriedly saluted and left.

After walking out of the door, he took a deep breath, looked towards Zhou Luo’s house not far away, his face full of conflict.

In the end, he still walked over.

Bang bang—

"Come in," Zhou Luo’s voice came from inside the room.

Xu Changsheng pushed the door open and entered, looked at his friend who was refining potions, and said with an apologetic tone, "Sorry, I’m bothering you again."

Zhou Luo didn’t reply, quietly completing the final step of refining the potion.

Soon, a fragrant aroma of potion wafted out, and the potion formation was completed.

At the bottom of the furnace lay several middle first-level potions.

He collected them, placed them in a jade bottle beside him, and poured Xu Changsheng a cup of spiritual tea.

"Kicked out by your master again?" Zhou Luo asked as he sat down.

From their conversations over these days, Zhou Luo knew that although Xu Changsheng had apprenticed under a formation master, thus saving his life that way.

But that person had a fiery temper and extremely strict requirements; if he was the least bit dissatisfied, he would berate him fiercely. It felt like he treated him not as a disciple, but more like a servant.

When he first learned about this matter, Zhou Luo was greatly shocked.

Because in his view, since Xu Changsheng actually had talent in formations, shouldn’t the family nurture it properly?

Later, he also realized that not everyone was like his own master, nor was everyone as gifted as he was.

Xu Changsheng’s talent in formations was ultimately only slightly above average, far short of a true genius.

Moreover, the reason he had become that person’s disciple originally was due to the main family’s behind-the-scenes arrangements.

Xu Changsheng said with an embarrassed expression, "Brother Zhou, you must be laughing at me."

Zhou Luo slightly shook his head, reached out his hand, and gently patted Xu Changsheng’s left shoulder, "From that group of people back then, only the two of us remain. Between you and me, there’s no need to be so distant."

Hearing these words, a wave of warmth flowed through Xu Changsheng’s heart.

He nodded heavily, unable to help but sigh with feeling. "It’s not easy to have a true friend to share all his thoughts in this day and age."

"Brother Xu really considers me such a close friend?" Zhou Luo let out a doubtful sound, his expression showing a trace of surprise.

Xu Changsheng laughed. "Of course. Back when we first met, I felt Brother Zhou was no ordinary man, worth befriending deeply. What’s more, we aren’t that different; both of us are outsiders in our families."

"True. We are, after all, outsiders."

Zhou Luo’s gaze deepened slightly, deliberately emphasizing the words "outsiders."

Before Xu Changsheng could speak, he abruptly changed the subject, looking earnestly at the other with a serious expression and voice. "Since Brother Xu is so sincere, I have a question I want to ask you."

Xu Changsheng hadn’t expected him to suddenly turn so serious. He instinctively sat up straighter. "What is it you wish to ask, Brother Zhou?"

"Why exactly are you here?" Zhou Luo stared fixedly at his face.

Xu Changsheng’s expression froze, a flicker of panic flashing in his eyes. He forced a smile. "Brother Zhou, I’ve always followed my master. I genuinely don’t know why I’m here."

"So it’s like that?" Zhou Luo echoed calmly.

He wasn’t angry; his tone remained even. "For the past days, you’ve come here practically every day to chat with me."

"Though the conversations revolved around trivial daily matters or past events, seeming like casual friend-to-friend talks… yet, don’t you feel your visits are somewhat overly frequent?"

"Brother Xu, though we are friends, we haven’t reached that level of intimacy yet. Besides, how could your master possibly tolerate you running over to my place all day long?"

Zhou Luo’s voice wasn’t loud, but landing in Xu Changsheng’s ears, it struck like thunder.

"My master says the path of formations emphasizes comprehension, and besides, we aren’t usually busy with anything anyway," Xu Changsheng attempted to explain.

"But Brother Xu should understand," Zhou Luo pressed, his eyes, bright and piercing as stars, boring into him as if they could see through everything, "this place has abundant spiritual energy. It is an excellent spot for cultivation. Judging by my understanding of you, unless you had a specific purpose, you absolutely wouldn’t do something so obviously detrimental to your cultivation."

Over the past few days, Zhou Luo had pondered this deeply.

He had ultimately concluded that there was definitely something suspicious about Xu Changsheng’s behavior; he just hadn’t yet discovered what the exact intention was.

Now, by speaking out plainly, he hoped the other would open up in return.

So, after saying this, Zhou Luo added meaningfully, "Brother Xu, you must realize, we two are the outsiders."

Xu Changsheng’s body jolted, a complex expression flitting across his face.

He didn’t dare meet Zhou Luo’s gaze, only hanging his head in wordless silence.

Zhou Luo continued, "Brother Xu, I know you must have difficult-to-disclose matters. So I won’t force you. But the fact that I’m willing to say this to you shows I truly regard you as a friend."

That sincere statement finally stirred something in Xu Changsheng.

He sighed deeply. "Brother Zhou, I really had no choice."

"I understand," Zhou Luo said. "You and I are the same. Both just trying to survive. I don’t expect you to tell me everything. But at least let me know… which side you belong to."

Xu Changsheng pressed his lips together, his face contorted with inner conflict.

He was uncertain whether to tell Zhou Luo the truth.

But if he didn’t speak now, after today, Zhou Luo would probably never see him again.

Then, the tasks entrusted by both sides would certainly fail.

Having this thought, Xu Changsheng took a deep breath, raised his head to look at Zhou Luo, and with the gravity of a major decision, spoke with utmost seriousness. "Brother Zhou, it’s true. Everything was arranged by the Great Elder."

Having said that, without holding anything back, he recounted everything the Great Elder had instructed him to do.

Zhou Luo sat there, listening quietly, his gaze growing ever more profound.

Indeed, behind his coming to the spiritual mine, there really was the shadow of the Great Elder.

Xu Changsheng’s arrival now was precisely to probe whether he knew the secret of the spiritual mine.

"Brother Zhou, I’m just a pawn in the hands of a powerful man. Please don’t blame me." Xu Changsheng stood up, his plea utterly heartfelt.

"Brother Xu, I can understand." Zhou Luo beckoned for him to sit down again.

Once seated, Xu Changsheng shook his head again. "I truly didn’t expect Brother Zhou would actually value me so much. Had I known, I would have spoken to you about this sooner."

"It’s not too late to speak of it now." Zhou Luo didn’t harbor anger over the concealment.

After all, if their positions were reversed, he would certainly have done the same.

Xu Changsheng nodded, then leaned closer toward Zhou Luo and lowered his voice. "But Brother Zhou, the Great Elder has already guaranteed it. As long as you reveal the secret of the spiritual mine, he can ensure we both leave this place safe and sound."

"He won’t pursue the matter of the formation master’s death. Once it’s done, we’ll both be prioritized for training by the clan."

Upon hearing this, Zhou Luo raised an eyebrow slightly, then looked completely bewildered. "The spiritual mine has a secret?"

"The Great Elder said you knew about it." Xu Changsheng’s face also registered surprise.

"I have no idea," Zhou Luo replied, full of helplessness.

"But he said the formation master must have told you, only then choosing to end his life to protect you," Xu Changsheng insisted.

"He absolutely did not…" Zhou Luo wore an utterly baffled expression.

Then, his face twisting with bitterness, he said, "Back then, I truly was just testing pills for that senior. Who knew such a disaster would occur? The entire time, that senior lay there, poisoned and unable to move. How could he possibly have told me any secret?…"