Chapter 1602: Chapter 941: Token of the Outer Elder
Very soon, as the gate to the treasury vault was opened, a chill surged from the storeroom, inside were rows of long shelves with metallic boxes of varying sizes placed upon them.
Undoubtedly, these boxes contained ownerless Resentful Eyes, a rough estimation put the total number stored within this Treasure Vault at no less than a hundred pieces.
As Yang Xiao and Nalan Shuo stepped inside, two Yi Sect disciples followed closely behind them.
Once everyone was inside, the large door shut behind them.
Previously Yang Xiao had entered the Yin Temple Secret Sect’s Treasure Vault; compared to that, the magic artifacts here gave Yang Xiao a much more normal feeling; mostly blades and swords, no human bones or flesh items were found, although maybe there were some, just not presented by the Yi Sect.
After all, both of them were directors from the Patrol Defense Office, upright officials, Yi Sect people were somewhat mindful of their influence.
Following Nalan Shuo’s instructions, the two wandered around for nearly two hours, eventually pretending to leave with a regretful expression, as if they hadn’t found anything satisfactory.
Upon seeing this, the elder waiting outside from the Yi Sect didn’t say much, just furrowed his brow and had Yi Sect people escort Yang Xiao and Nalan Shuo back to their room.
"Director, there was a long spear in there I quite fancied." Yang Xiao first checked every corner of the room with a Ghost Lantern after returning, confirming no issues before revealing his true intentions.
"No rush, suitable magic artifacts can be found anywhere." Nalan Shuo brewed a pot of hot tea, poured a cup for himself and Yang Xiao, sipping slowly in hand.
Gradually, Yang Xiao sensed something, Nalan Shuo seemed to be waiting for someone.
Moments later, light footsteps sounded outside the door, followed by a knock.
Upon opening the door, there stood Elder Shao Changyin Ji from Yi Sect; after sitting down, she spoke straightforwardly: "Director Nalan, Director Yang, I heard from the elder overseeing the vault that you two didn’t take any magic artifact, is none to your liking?"
"The items are nice, just none caught my eye." Nalan Shuo shook his head with a smile, appearing rather regretful.
"Our Yi Sect also has some good elixirs, you two can go pick some." Elder Shao Changyin Ji continued.
"Thank you for your kindness, the two of us have just stabilized our condition now, afraid they’ll be of no use." Nalan Shuo rejected both politely.
Elder Shao Changyin Ji pondered silently for a moment, seemingly made up her mind, took out a Jade Token from her bosom, "Director Nalan, Director Yang, we must reciprocate your helping hand, if you don’t mind, please accept this Jade Token; it’s a Token of our Outer Elder, recognized by all Yi Sect disciples."
At the sight of the Jade Token, Nalan Shuo suddenly fell silent.
"Director Nalan, you being from the Patrol Defense Office, if it feels inappropriate, then let it be." Elder Shao Changyin Ji did not press.
"I find it inappropriate, however, Little Yang is often out and about, soon about to work at the Provincial Office; he could carry this to avoid much trouble." Nalan Shuo tilted his head towards Yang Xiao, "Little Yang, you should take it, this is Elder Yin Ji’s kind gesture, remember not to forget their kindness in the future."
Actually, at the moment the Director fell silent, Yang Xiao already understood today’s setup; it was the Director’s calculation of the Yi Sect folks wanting to repay them; it wasn’t truths to reject this and that, what he truly wanted was this item, this Token.
This was the Director’s planning for himself, aiming for the maximum benefit.
Therefore, Yang Xiao accepted the Token at Director Nalan’s request, the feeling was akin to receiving red envelopes from visiting relatives during New Year, and he didn’t forget to express gratitude towards Elder Yin Ji after obtaining it.
Without delay, seeing Yang Xiao accept the item, Elder Shao Changyin Ji left promptly.
After confirming the other party had left, Yang Xiao took out the Token, "Director, I get it now, refusing those were false, you were waiting for this thing, weren’t you? Your schemes run deep!"
Upon hearing this, Nalan Shuo received the Token, fondling it, sensing its warm texture, sighing in admiration, "I know Yi Sect folks hate owing favors; you’ve saved that young woman twice, they’ll repay us, but... but I didn’t expect them to give this thing, Little Yang, you’ve struck it rich."
"What’s the use of this?" Yang Xiao only knew it was a Token of Outer Elder, sounded fairly decent.
"It’s a symbol of identity; with this, you’re recognized as an Outer Elder of the Yi Sect, its significance isn’t low; as far as I know, no one in our Jiangbei Province Office owns this item." Nalan Shuo’s tone carried both surprise and appreciation.
Once, this young man who always needed his guidance, has truly grown, about to step onto a broader stage.
In his youth, Nalan Shuo too had ideals and aspirations, and now, these will unfold in the young man before him, indeed a remarkable coincidence.
"Still, Director, your tactics are profound." Yang Xiao exclaimed, taking back the Jade Token from Nalan Shuo’s hand.
Nalan Shuo leaned back, resting on the soft sofa back, laughingly saying, "They’ve schemed against us numerous times, I merely schemed them once, that’s not too much, is it?"
"Not too much at all, twice more would be good." Yang Xiao gloated after gaining an advantage, "My admiration for you flows ceaselessly like a mighty river, unstoppable like the Yellow River floods, I..."
"Enough!" Nalan Shuo raised his hand making a fist, indicating the end.
"Oh, no need to say, as long as you understand my sentiment." Yang Xiao chuckled.
Leaning against the sofa, Nalan Shuo sighed, "Yi Sect has stood for years, clearly for good reason; Little Yang, why would Elder Yin Ji possess Outer Elder’s Token?"
"She brought it deliberately, those elixirs were all disguise; she originally wished to gift this Token." Yang Xiao, insightful, realized it too.
"Good, you understand, Yi Sect people have placed their bet on you." With that said, Nalan Shuo stopped speaking, leaned back, looked up at the ceiling, lost in thoughts.
Elsewhere, as Elder Shao Changyin Ji left Nalan Shuo’s room, soon seated in an elevator, as it started, a figure materialized beside her like a ghostly phantom; yet Elder Shao Changyin Ji seemed to anticipate it, unfazed.
"The item... given to him?" The aged voice carried a hint of authority.
"Yes, just as you predicted, they accepted without a word, neither wanted magic artifacts nor elixirs, they were waiting for this item." Elder Shao Changyin Ji relayed.
"It’s all Nalan Shuo’s idea, he wishes to pave a future for that lad, understandable." The Great Elder spoke calmly, "It’s beneficial to us as well, Yang Xiao’s background is deep, even the few magic artifacts he carries elude my grasp, he surely encountered some fortuity; coupled with his cunning and ruthless nature, fearless of reputation, he handles himself well, such a person, provided he doesn’t perish, will surely achieve great heights, especially if aided by a benefactor, stopping merely at Provincial Office level is unlikely."
"And his longstanding friendship with Luan’er, combined with the Yi Sect’s Outer Elder status, when Luan’er vies for Sect Hierarch’s position in the future, his nature will definitely prevent him from standing idly by." The Great Elder added.
"I understand, now that we’ve given the Token, it’s akin to binding both sides together, each fulfilling their needs." Elder Shao Changyin Ji warily noted, "But I fear this might also bring trouble, as you know, the Second Elder and they have long resented us, already hinting at an alliance to overthrow us."
"To achieve great things, you cannot be timid, remember, investment involves risks, this phrase."
