The two men stood across from each other, their gazes sharp enough to cut through steel, blades practically manifesting from their eyes. The tension in the room was thick enough to choke the air, and for a moment, it seemed like they were about to tear each other apart. But before either of them could make a move, the situation was swiftly controlled by the venerable Pill Immortal, whose presence seemed to cast a calming yet authoritative aura over the room.
Wen Ran, despite knowing he could not win this fight and understanding that it would be considered treason against the sect, felt an unexplainable force urging him to stand his ground. A part of him wanted to flee, to protect his life, yet another part refused to yield. This force was powerful, almost primal, a driving force that made him feel like there was more at stake than just the immediate situation. He didn’t know why, but something deep within him rejected the idea of backing down.
Little did Wen Ran know that the very body he inhabited—this fourteen-year-old frame—was part of the reason for his reckless behavior. Though his soul had lived for countless years, his mind was still that of a youth, young and impulsive, unafraid of consequences. That youthful recklessness was what pushed him into confrontations like this, without a second thought. But there was more at play beneath the surface, far darker and more sinister forces resting deep within him, waiting for the right moment to emerge.
The old man watched the two of them, his gaze flicking between Wen Ran and the Vice Sect Master with a mixture of frustration and resignation. He didn’t understand why the Vice Sect Master had targeted Wen Ran to this extent. What had made him act with such unprovoked hatred? He sighed deeply, realizing this issue couldn’t be ignored any longer. He’d have to speak with the Sect Master the next time he emerged from his cultivation session. Right now, the Sect Master was at a crucial juncture, aiming to reach a realm beyond the Nascent Soul Stage. If successful, it would bring the glory back to the sect—something everyone was eagerly anticipating.
But that future would be compromised if the sect continued to be torn apart by petty feuds.
"Since this matter is now settled," the old man spoke, his voice still calm but firm, "we will take our leave. I hope the Vice Sect Master will now refrain from interfering with juniors and will only discipline them when necessary. Am I clear?" His words weren’t outright threatening, but the message was unmistakable. If the Vice Sect Master dared to plot against Wen Ran again, the old man would not hesitate to retaliate.
There was a heaviness in the air after his words, a silence that seemed to stretch on forever. The Vice Sect Master, his pride bruised and humiliated, didn’t dare to respond immediately, his face flushed with anger and frustration. But he knew better than to challenge the authority of the venerable Pill Immortal. With his head lowered, he nodded begrudgingly, unable to refute the old man’s decree.
The old man turned with a final, lingering glance at the Vice Sect Master, and motioned for Wen Ran to follow. Without another word, they left the room, the silence between them carrying a weight that both of them understood. Wen Ran, knowing better than to speak just yet, scanned the spirit pouch he had received. Relief washed over him as he confirmed that all of his original items were intact. Not only that, but the pouch was of a much higher grade than the one he had stolen before. It had a greater capacity, allowing it to hold more than he had ever expected.
His gaze brushed over the spirit stones inside, and he couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer amount—easily enough to pile into three small mountains. Though he had no immediate need for the wealth, his mind was already working, planning how to make use of it. He would invest it in medicinal herbs when the opportunity arose. He had learned over the years that power came from knowledge, and that knowledge often came from resources—resources like these spirit stones, which could fuel his journey to greater strength.
As they left the hall of the elders, the Pill Immortal summoned a multicolored cloud that radiated a rich, medicinal scent. Without a word, he stepped onto it, rising slowly into the air, as if the world itself were parting to make way for his ascent.
"Wen Ran," the old man’s voice broke the silence, calm but carrying an unmistakable warning. "The next time you cross the line, I will not be able to save you. So watch yourself, and show more respect to the sect. Even if the sect does not respect you, you might think it’s unfair. But when you grow older, you will understand. This world is inherently unfair. Without power to support you, you will never be right in front of absolute power. Winners write history, and losers pile up in the mountains of corpses. So choose wisely, which side you want to be on. If you want to reach the top, you must first keep your life, work hard on your strength, and focus on your alchemy. That way, you will be able to rise to the top."
Wen Ran listened intently, a knowing smile forming in his heart. He understood exactly what the old man meant. After all, Wen Ran had once been at the very top of the world, where his words alone had commanded armies and empires. People like the Vice Sect Master had groveled at his feet, desperate to cling to their pitiful lives. The old man’s advice resonated with him on a deep level, one that transcended time and experience. He had walked that path, and the lessons of power were ones he had learned through countless lifetimes.
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Looking at the back of the Pill Immortal, Wen Ran bowed deeply, a sense of respect filling him. He would never forget this favor, and if the day ever came when he could repay it, he certainly would.
"Brother Wen Ran!" A voice called from the side, and Wen Ran turned to see Luo Feng rushing towards him, his face a mixture of concern and confusion. Wen Ran had completely forgotten that his so-called sworn brother was with him just moments ago.
"Are you okay? Just what the hell happened back there?" Luo Feng’s concern was genuine, and for a brief moment, Wen Ran was struck by the unspoken bond between them. He didn’t understand why someone who barely knew him would care whether he lived or died, but the sincerity in Luo Feng’s eyes was unmistakable.
Wen Ran patted his shoulder, offering him a reassuring smile, though his heart was heavy with the weight of everything that had just transpired. "I’m alright, brother," he said, his voice steady. "I’ll tell you on the way. Let’s get out of here first."