The moment a question entered their mind, they were willing to voice it out. “Earlier on, Divine Physician Bai said that we must not waste Young Master Guan’s efforts and should make use of both the routes. Who would be using the other route?”
Bai Luochu looked at Cai Ling beside her and at the silver-haired man who was like an invisible existence standing in the corner, she then said, “Since I am a member of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence, I have to do my part too. I cannot let everyone do the work while I enjoy all the benefits.”
“Master, are you keeping Guan Yue behind so that he can head over to the Falling Cloud Mountain Range with you?” Ying Lan assumed that Bai Luochu was keeping Guan Yue behind for this purpose. When Guan Yue heard Ying Lan’s words, he thought Bai Luochu already had a plan for him. A hopeful light instantly appeared in his eyes.
When Bai Luochu saw the change in Guan Yue’s expression, she couldn’t bear to disappoint him. However, she still announced her decision.
“You have already taught Cai Ling the fundamentals. It’s about time for her to head out and learn through practical experience.”
Ying Lan opened his mouth and was about to retort but Bai Luochu quickly interrupted him. “I know about your concerns. However, if you are worried about my safety, you can rest easy. He is going along as well....”
After the words left Bai Luochu’s mouth, she raised her hand and pointed at the silver-haired man. Everyone looked over and they felt some surprise when they saw him standing there. Why would Divine Physician Bai bring along the mysterious man and not Guan Yue? Some of them turned to look at Guan Yue and noticed that other than a disappointed expression, his face was as black as the bottom of a pot. Everyone immediately withdrew their gaze as they lowered their head in silence.
In the main hall of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence, there was a stifling and discontented atmosphere as Ying Lan and Guan Yue both had something to say.
Bai Luochu knew that when she picked the silver-haired man, not only would Guan Yue be embarrassed, even Ying Lan would be dissatisfied. However, she had plans of her own.
Ying Lan couldn’t contain himself and he hurriedly voiced his disapproval, “Master, please forgive this subordinate’s opinion. This person might have offered a lot of help during the construction of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence, but he isn’t a member of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence. He might have other intentions and he seemed to be really clear about our actions. I cannot believe that he has no ulterior motives and I don’t agree with your decision to bring someone with unknown origins along for this mission.”
Ying Lan immediately became agitated when he heard the silver-haired man speak after remaining silent all this while. He yelled out, “You have been quiet all this while, but now that we are about to mess up your plan, you start to speak out... Master, it is better not to keep such a person by your side.” Ying Lan didn’t forget to persuade Bai Luochu at the end and hoped that she wouldn’t make use of him.
“Ying Lan, going to the Falling Cloud Mountain Range is one of his conditions. We cannot burn the bridge after crossing it. It seems like he made huge contributions when constructing the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence. Don’t go against him just because you don’t like him.” When Bai Luochu saw how Ying Lan was treating the silver-haired man, she felt that Ying Lan was a little excessive and tried to mediate the quickly deteriorating situation.
“Master, it is fine if he wants to go to the Falling Cloud Mountain Range, he will have to follow me. In fact, there is no problem for him to go with any other member of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence. However, he cannot be beside you. Besides, Cai Ling has just entered the path of cultivation, if this person suddenly acts against you, how is it possible for both of you to survive?”
“How are we going to do it then? Won’t our journey be more dangerous if Cai Ling and I travel on our own? The rest of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence will have to be split up into two groups. The first group will be with Meng Luoping and the other group will have to guard the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence. Even with the support of my array at the foot of the mountain, how can we allow the massive mountain gates to be empty?!”
For a long time now, Ying Lan had always followed Bai Luochu’s orders obediently as Bai Luochu accepted Ying Lan’s suggestions in a straightforward manner. But right now, the two of them were quarreling because of an unknown individual. Everyone started to hesitate and none of them knew what to do.
After Bai Luochu fell silent, the whole hall was filled with a heavy and stifling atmosphere. At the end of the day, Bai Luochu was the true leader of the Palace of Brilliance Resurgence.
Bai Luochu closed her eyes as though she was taking a short rest, but in fact, she didn’t want to see the unpleasant expression on Ying Lan’s face. It would only make her more frustrated. Ying Lan still had a hostile expression and would constantly glance at the silver-haired man while rolling his eyes. Of course, there was also Guan Yue whose face was as black as a thundercloud. Those who weren’t clear of the situation might think that they owed him 800 taels of silver.
A long time passed and Bai Luochu nearly fell asleep. Cai Ling’s knees were starting to turn numb when Bai Luochu finally opened her eyes. She turned around and said, “Ying Lan, I know that you are worried for me but the manpower we have right now is extremely limited. He is the best candidate here strong enough to protect me on this journey. No matter how you persuade me, I won’t change my mind. You should save your efforts.”
When Ying Lan heard Bai Luochu’s statement, he sucked in a few mouthfuls of breaths before calming himself down. Ying Lan understood that once Bai Luochu made her decision, there was no way to change it. A respectful expression appeared on his face once again and he spoke, “Since that is the case, this subordinate shall obey. This trip will be a long one and this subordinate will not be able to serve by your side. I hope that Master will take good care of yourself.”