"Uh..."
"As an honorary guest, you needn't do anything. I'll only seek your assistance in specific situations."
"However, since you're unwilling, let's just disregard my request and act as though it was never mentioned."
Jiang Chen smiled faintly. He had already anticipated that Lin Feng would not acquiesce, and he harbored no expectations.
The reason for his repeated overtures of goodwill towards Lin Feng was simply to exhibit his magnanimity and benevolence in front of Ning Xian.
Enhancing Ning Xian's favorable impression served as his strategy for dealing with Lin Feng!
"Young Master Jiang."
"I still have queries regarding my cultivation that I must discuss with my master, so I shall not engage in further conversation with you."
With these words, Lin Feng grasped his tea and rose to take his leave.
This action,
Immediately caused Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi to frown subtly.
Jiang Chen had just aided Vast Spirit Residence in resolving issues with the Di Clan; driving people away now seemed rather impolite.
However, before the two could speak up,
Jiang Chen rose to his feet and gracefully adapted to the situation.
He retrieved a transmission jade token from his storage bracelet and placed it on the table, remarking with a smile:
"In that case, I shall take my leave."
"Should you encounter any predicaments you cannot resolve, feel free to use this transmission jade token to reach out to me."
Having said this,
He offered a slight bow, hands clasped before him, and departed from the Vast Spirit Residence.
"This..."
Ning Xian opened her mouth and sighed softly, feeling somewhat discourteous on her part.
Fortunately, Jiang Chen was generous and appeared untroubled.
"Very well."
"With the Di Clan crisis resolved, our Vast Spirit Residence can now reopen the pharmacy."
"Before that, Lin Feng, I will impart to you some alchemy manuals and cultivation techniques..."
Qiu Liaoxi turned her gaze to Lin Feng, a smile gracing her aged visage.
Though Lin Feng had been slightly impolite, she was quite forgiving and delighted that he had not opted to return to the Starry Abyss Sect.
"Understood, Master!"
Lin Feng, elated, quickly added, "By the way, Master, this disciple still requires some spiritual herbs to nourish my dantian..."
"At this time,"
"Let's concentrate on studying the alchemy manuals first."
Qiu Liaoxi replied with a faint, wry smile, "As for spiritual herbs, we must await the reestablishment of our supply channels."
"Alright."
Lin Feng's spirits dampened slightly, but he nodded in acquiescence.
Simultaneously,
In a courtyard not far away,
"Ning Xian!"
"I, too, can protect you; we don't need Jiang Chen's protection!"
"He harbors ill intentions; don't be deceived by him!"
"He's aware of your exceptional background, and all of today's events are undoubtedly orchestrated to get close to you and achieve his own objectives."
"Consider this: the Red Sun Seven Flowers Pill is exceedingly rare. How could he just happen to possess one and coincidentally have a cousin afflicted with Purple Extreme Yin Devouring Syndrome!?"
Lin Feng was agitated and somewhat anxious, "This isn't mere coincidence; it's a meticulously designed snare!"
Upon hearing this,
Ning Xian was taken aback.
Not far away, Jiang Chen subtly raised his eyebrows.
"Drat, the protagonist truly is difficult to contend with. Merely connecting a few dots, and he can identify every minute inconsistency."
"The Red Sun Seven Flowers Pill is extraordinarily valuable, and even Qiu Liaoxi only has a fragment of the formula. It's genuinely hard to believe that I just happen to have one in my collection when, in reality, I had to rely on the System Mall to acquire it."
"Additionally, the Purple Extreme Yin Devouring Syndrome is exceptionally rare. The two occurrences coinciding, both originating from my end, do indeed arouse suspicion."
"Thankfully, I've managed to cover my tracks. Don't let me down, astute Ning Xian."
Jiang Chen stroked his chin, a faint smile materializing at the corner of his mouth.
As anticipated,
After being momentarily stunned,
Ning Xian shook her head at Lin Feng.
"Lin Feng."
"Have you forgotten that Jiang Chen confessed to having a secret?"
"It's probable that he encountered some sort of fortuity and acquired various precious pills."
"The Red Sun Seven Flowers Pill is merely one of them, not an item he deliberately sought because he knew about Jiang Yuqian's ailment."
"Moreover, the Purple Extreme Yin Devouring Syndrome is exceedingly rare, and most alchemists cannot diagnose it, as it isn't documented in the majority of alchemical texts."
"Only Master can accurately identify this disease in Autumn Glory City."
"Thus, this isn't a trap; it's simply a coincidence."
Having said this, Ning Xian pivoted and walked towards the room where Qiu Liaoxi awaited.
"Ning Xian..."
Lin Feng opened his mouth but couldn't find words to counter her, and he also caught a fleeting glimpse of disappointment in Ning Xian's eyes as she turned away.
On the other side,
[Ding! You have successfully diminished Ning Xian's favorable impression of Lin Feng, and you have gained 300 points of Villain Value!]
"Hehe."
"Another 300 Villain Value points earned; regrettably, I couldn't reduce Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value."
"It seems I must persist in driving a wedge between Ning Xian and Lin Feng!"
Jiang Chen's lips curled slightly, and his current Villain Value had exceeded 1200, reaching 1500 points!
Within the Vast Spirit Residence, the door to the room closed, and a formation that obstructed divine senses was promptly activated.
Instantly,
Jiang Chen's divine sense was barred from entry, leaving him unable to perceive anything.