Just that the Nangong familyâs wings have hardened, and they no longer heed the advice of these old Taoists. Moreover, since the Heavenly Platform Monk from the North arrived, he naturally became Nangong Ouâs number one confidant, the strategist. He hosts all the ceremonies and plans. Indeed, the current Master Huang has grown old; when youâre a Nascent Soul, why compete with Divinity Transformation? Itâs best to retire, and so he quietly exited from the decision-making level and became a hermit practicing tolerance for many years.
Naturally, when a small character like Chen Xuantian came for trouble, the Master of Tiantai stepped out to face the disaster.
However, over the past three months when the master wasnât around, Master Huang hasnât stepped back into leadership. Every day, he faithfully resides in his room during the day to kindle fires and refine elixirs; at night, he looks at the moon and the stars in the yard, with all daily needs taken care of by the deaf and mute Taoist by his side. You could say heâs weak since heâs a Nascent Soul, or you could say heâs strong as heâs a recluse, to the extent that even the Nangong family has no choice but to look after him, treating him as an old dog.
So this time, rather than saying he came to settle karma with the Nangong family, itâs more like Chen Xuantian set up a game to test the old manâs details. No need to worry about him not taking the bait, given that those two are around.
Of course, the Nangong mother and son may not be wise enough, but theyâre certainly not oblivious fools.
Chen Xuantianâs rescue attempt and desire to join forces is clearly displayed; Li Hu couldnât possibly conceal it, and Nangong Che himself is the subject, and Nangong Ou has been in charge for a long time, and obviously sees through his intentions for negotiations clearly.
But instead of hastily establishing relations, the mother and son pair deliberately left him aside for three months until Chen Xuantian came knocking himself, repeatedly probing, simply because they had preconceived judgments that led to initial impressions.
Indeed, they merely suspect the previous demon kidnapping was orchestrated by Chen Xuantian himself. They worry this kid harbors ulterior motives, coveting some of the Nangong familyâs resources. Of course, itâs no wonder the Nangong family is cautious, as people grow stronger by practice, thus had they been wary early on, the family wouldnât have been reduced to just the two of them.
Itâs just human nature, and as those in higher social positions, palace people, the Nangong family probably have long been accustomed to such eager attempts at forging connections and self-elevating methods. Knowing that since youâre here to join and share, I naturally can deliberately tread and suppress you, even using you as a dog, you still have to try hard to please. Because isnât your intention just to be used by the Nangong family?
The world doesnât really have that many sincere friendships or absolute reciprocation anymore.
Thus, at the end of the day, Chen Xuantianâs voluntary visit this time probably indicates that he finally soften up in the eyes of the others.
Nangong Ou is certainly deliberately setting up such scenes, revealing her strengths, trying to deter Chen Xuantian and the person behind him from having any devious thoughts, while also displaying the power of the Nangong family, seeking better deal terms.
Unfortunately, what she doesnât realize is that the most crucial card has been secretly cooked by Chen Xuantian, and in this scenario, naturally a mage is necessary to hold the fort, but the trashy Golden Core cultivators really are not presentable, hence reluctantly, Old Huang, who had been cold-stored, is forcibly made to stand out.
Old Huang being pushed forward is helplessly so; since many eyes are watching, he reluctantly takes out a tortoiseshell, grabs a pile of copper coins, shakes them around and spills them out, glances at the divination, calculates on his fingers, scratches his head.
"Hmm... Master Tiantai... seems to be here... or seems not... seems to be in the Beast Cage... or seems not... seems to be in Yun Meng... or seems not... seems to be in Jiangdu... or seems not..."
Old Huang spreads his hands, smiling ingratiatingly,
"This poor Taoist canât decipher it; truly the master is profound~~"
Nangong Ou glared at him, probably thinking if not for him taking care of her in childhood, she would have kicked him.
Chen Xuantian smiled and looked deeply at him.
Already figured it out...
But it was Li Hu who couldnât watch anymore, wondering whatâs with this? This isnât the way to probe someone, is it? After all, they have helped you greatly!
Now that Master Wulian has come visiting, revealing their background! Instead of inviting them for a seat, standing idle like that, itâs rather overboard, isnât it? Enough already! Donât make it so terrible!
Immediately, he stepped forward, bowing his fists, speaking up,
"Reporting to the Madam, itâs due to my inadequate guarding that led to the Young Masterâs peril! Fortunately, the young master stepped in to help! Thank you for your great kindness disregarding my faults, I have a humble request. Please allow me to gift the gains from this hunting teamâs distribution to the young master to express gratitude!"
As soon as he spoke, those around could not help but glance over, some frowned, some sneered, some disdained. Clearly the relationship among the tigers was also not great, which is expected, as the scene really suggests a competitive palace drama...
Li Huâs reaction was within expectations, considering he was the only one who truly understood the concept of Foundation Establishment Little Fatty casually slaying two Nascent Soul demons, knowing what three monthsâ parting and reunion with Core Formation means, aware of such ability still smilingly being stepped on merely to settle karma.
Damn it, heâs practically terrified now!
With the same expression as Old Huang, who attempts to speak but refrains, appears to have wanted to suggest something to Nangong Ou but couldnât state it plainly, knowing well her temper, especially aware that in these current emotions sheâs upset with no outlet for her nameless anger, having displeased her just now, fearing that saying more could worsen things, thus after much calculation, held his tongue.
Unexpectedly, at this moment, Pan Zhang stepped forward and said,
"Thatâs absolutely right! Master Wulianâs power is profound! I greatly admire! Our hunting team is just short of a protector, why not invite the master to join our group!"
Nangong Ou still didnât glance at Chen Xuantian, but finally spoke up, addressing her son,
"Cheâer, what do you say."
This Nangong Young Master who had been silent and wished to be invisible, quickly bowed respectfully,
"At motherâs command."
Nangong Ou snorted,
"Humph! Such a grown man, yet without any opinions! Even if youâre sitting in my place, can you truly hold the position?"
Nangong Che hurriedly apologized,
"Errant son, please punish."
Nangong Ou gave him a look,
"Whatâs there to punish, youâve achieved great deeds! How much did it cost? Enough to hand you the Southern Seal?"
"Even granting you the title to open an office, no wonder youâre smiling so blissfully!"
"Youâre quite capable arenât you! Stealing the army, sealing the mark, wanting to open an office! Your wings have really hardened havenât they! Canât wait to be self-righteous, to make a stunning appearance huh!"
"From now on, the Nangong family will rely on you, mother will have to request your punishment!"
Nangong Che promptly kneeled on the ground and kowtowed,
"Che demonstrated arrogance; elation over success led to indiscretion. Please mother, calm your anger!"
Nangong Ou ignored him and turned to glance at Li Hu,
"Li Hu, the Nangong family doesnât lack your offerings! Donât need you to buy peopleâs hearts for the General of Southern Pacification!"
"I wouldnât dare!"
Li Hu hearing this was an immediate "Oh no" moment, quickly kneeling in apology, unexpectedly discovering the court was causing trouble at this critical juncture, a seal was fine but what does holding an office for the Southern Garrison mean!? Provoking disaccord between the mother and son evidently!? Damn the Three Constellations...
Nangong Ou looked irritably at the master and servant who were continually bowing, finally, she slanted her gaze at Chen Xuantian watching from the side,
"You saved my ungrateful son; according to reason, you should be grandly thanked, but as you see, the kid is ambitious! The two hundred thousand coins for the general arenât enough to satisfy him! Such a big matter without consulting the family!"
"I understand now, Iâm old! Iâm seen as annoying, blocking him, wishing me away! If I autonomously reward you, it may sever bonds, ruin his plans! Do you agree?"
"The errant son wouldnât dare!"
Nangong Che kept kowtowing, the surrounding people watched without expression.
"Namo Great Aspiration King Bodhisattva."
Chen Xuantian smiled,
"Itâs not the right time for this monk to arrive."
Nangong Ou snorted coldly and lifted her tea,
"Enough of the laughter! Who am I, a mere woman, to make decisions, risk touching their wealth! Only can grieve you, first to work under Pan Zhang, then wait for the General of Southern Pacification to personally reward you!"
Watching this scene unfold, offering tea as courtesy, knowing well, they will converse between mother and son, and have no time to care for oneself, Chen Xuantian also remained silent, folded his hands together in prayer and said,
"In that case, this monk will first take his leave."