NOVEL NEXT Chapter 129: Conning His Way Out
The two were so close that soon enough, Wen Ran noticed a group approaching behind the ice wall. Who are they? His instincts flared, sending a rush of adrenaline through his veins. Trouble had a way of finding him, and once again, someone was about to spoil his moment. Do they know about the inheritance? He didn't know, but either way, he would have to think quickly to navigate this situation.
The group remained oblivious to Wen Ran's presence, all their attention fixed on the woman in front of them. Wen Ran didn't waste a second, sensing the opportunity to blend in. He focused and forced the heat from his body, allowing the cold to settle in, though the pain was sharp. He'd appear as a fire cultivator now, a perfect disguise that would keep them from suspecting anything.
The ice wall thinned with every passing second, its structure breaking down under the woman's power. She stepped forward, sensing the barrier weakening. With a swift motion, she placed her hand on the wall, and in an instant, all the ice was absorbed into her body. Her form pulsed with newfound strength, radiating energy. But before she could revel in the power she had just gained, her gaze fell upon the youth sitting in the corner.
Wen Ran sat there, barely conscious, shivering violently. His face, sharp and delicate, held an intense handsomeness that would undoubtedly make anyone falter. His pale skin and the cold that seemed to freeze him to the core was a stark contrast to the raw power in the woman's form. She froze in shock, realizing how close he was to death and if he wasn't saved soon, he would succumb to the unforgiving cold.
"Who is that?!" The man behind the woman suddenly rushed toward Wen Ran, his intent clear, ready to strike. However, he was halted abruptly by a delicate hand, as white as milk, gripping his arm and stopping him cold.
"Junior Brother Cheng Kai, take a step back, and cool your head a little. This man is dying, and we need to help him. This is no place for those who do not possess the element of ice," the woman spoke softly, her eyes locked on Wen Ran. He remained in the corner, his body trembling, trying his best to conceal the ice element within him.
"But senior sister—!" Cheng Kai began, his voice rising in protest.
"Enough!" The woman's voice cut through the air like a blade, sharper than he had ever heard it. For the first time in Cheng Kai's life, his beloved senior sister raised her voice against him. It was a shock, a nightmare, even. All of it, he believed, was because of the boy in the corner, the one who had ruined his perfect image. Or at least, that's how he saw it in his twisted mind. In reality, however, it was his own actions, his obsession with her, that had tarnished his image long ago. But she, always kind and considerate, had let him stay, brushing off his obvious feelings like they were nothing, while his mind spiraled further.
Just you wait... I will hunt you down to the edge of the world if I have to. You are the reason today I looked bad in front of my Xue Feng... Cheng Kai's mind churned with fury, but his fists clenched in frustration as he had no choice but to obey.
"Yao Li, please, help the boy out. Check his body and carry him outside. Take Huan Ling and Ying Yue with you. After you make sure he's safe, come back to me. I will stay here for a month. You know why," Xue Feng commanded, her voice clear and decisive. Her juniors immediately moved to carefully assist Wen Ran, helping him to his feet.
"Thank you, fellow Daoists... This favor, I, Zhen Yan, will repay when the opportunity arises," Wen Ran said with a composed voice, quickly concocting a false name. His real identity remained hidden, not trusting them enough to reveal his true name.
"No need to thank us, but before you go, could you explain how you ended up here, trapped behind this ice?" Xue Feng's voice was soft, yet there was an underlying sharpness to her tone, as if probing for any sign of deception. Her eyes studied Wen Ran's every movement, watching closely for any shift in his expression.
Wen Ran, however, was no stranger to such scrutiny. A practiced master of deception, he kept his expression calm and composed, the lie flowing effortlessly from his lips.
"Sister, I really have no idea what happened. I found this cave while I was foraging in the area," Wen Ran began, pulling out the Moonlit Herb as evidence. "But when I ventured deeper, I was blocked by this ice wall that followed me wherever I went. If not for my flame energy and the timely intervention of your powerful and beautiful group, I would have frozen to death." He made sure to flatter them, particularly Xue Feng, as he highlighted their beauty and power, all the while omitting any mention of the single man in their group who had let his killing intent seep out.
Xue Feng observed Wen Ran with a thoughtful expression, noting his composure and the way he carried himself. She could see that he was no coward, and she quietly admired that about him. But the more she observed him, the more she felt a subtle discomfort. His Yang energy was too pronounced, too fiery. Yin cultivators like herself were typically not fond of those with such explosive energy, often seeing them as arrogant and reckless. Yet, there was something different about Wen Ran, something that didn't quite fit that mold. He was not as arrogant as most Yang cultivators she had encountered. This complexity left her conflicted.
The rest of her group, however, had made their feelings clear. They didn't trust Wen Ran, nor did they particularly care for him. But they were all bound by the senior sister's order, and so, they had no choice but to assist him.
"I see... you may go now," Xue Feng finally said, her voice calm and measured. She had no interest in keeping him around. After all, she was confident that Wen Ran had no chance of reaching her inheritance, let alone stealing it from her. His cultivation level was too low, and she knew he couldn't threaten her in any way. As she dismissed him, she watched as Wen Ran was carefully helped away by the three girls, giving his final thanks and bidding his goodbyes with a grace that, despite his circumstances, left a lingering impression. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire