"Master!"
"Ning Xian!"
"You believe in me, don't you?"
Lin Feng turned his head to face Qiu Liaoxi and Ning Xian, his voice raspy.
"..."
Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi lapsed into silence for a moment.
Indeed, Lin Feng had opportunities.
Reaching the Heavenly Origin Realm was also a possibility for him.
This was precisely why Qiu Liaoxi had chosen to pass her mantle onto Lin Feng.
However, to claim that he could surpass the Heavenly Origin Realm...
They had yet to discover any exceptional qualities in Lin Feng.
Primarily because of Jiang Chen's interference, Lin Feng had scarcely managed to make an impression on the master and disciple duo.
As a result, Lin Feng was unable to enhance Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi's acknowledgment of his abilities.
Thus...
To claim that they believed Lin Feng could surpass the Heavenly Origin Realm and attain a higher level would have contradicted their true feelings.
As Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi were immersed in their thoughts,
"What?"
"You don't believe in me either?"
Lin Feng gazed intently at Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi before offering a wry smile.
"Lin Feng!"
"Please, manage your emotions."
With a worried expression, Jiang Chen presented a high-grade medicinal pill. "This is the Grand Extremity Reviving Spirit Pill. Consume it immediately. I fear you might suffer a Qi deviation."
"Be gone!"
"It's you who's experiencing a Qi deviation!"
"You incessantly try to make others your followers! It's truly infuriating! Begone!"
Lin Feng's eyes widened as he glared at Jiang Chen, bloodshot veins pulsing on his eyeballs. Then, with a swift slap, he sent the medicinal pill in Jiang Chen's hand soaring!
Ning Xian cried out, "How could you behave this way!"
"I will demonstrate that I, Lin Feng, am correct!"
Lin Feng cast a brief look at Ning Xian and Qiu Liaoxi before dashing headlong into the nearby woods.
"Lin Feng! Return!"
Witnessing this, Qiu Liaoxi instantly desired to pursue Lin Feng.
"Alchemist Qiu, he requires time to regain composure!"
Jiang Xingtai caught Jiang Chen's subtle gaze and restrained Qiu Liaoxi.
"Understood."
"Allow him some time to cool off."
"After all, we are near the city, and there isn't any genuine threat here."
Du Bailei also spoke, his tone laced with annoyance, as his opinion of Lin Feng was incredibly unfavorable.
Upon hearing their remarks,
Qiu Liaoxi recognized the wisdom in letting Lin Feng regain his composure, so she ceased her pursuit.
"Alas."
Jiang Chen sighed while observing Lin Feng's retreating silhouette.
However, deep down, he was actually elated!
For a system notification still reverberated in his mind.
[Diing! You have successfully driven a wedge between Lin Feng and the master-disciple duo, Qiu Liaoxi and Ning Xian. Lin Feng's Heavenly Fate Value has diminished by 200 points!]
"Alright!"
Ning Xian blushed and nodded her head.
Being borne on Jiang Chen's back, Ning Xian initially resisted out of bashfulness typical of a young lady.
However, both instances had legitimate justifications.
The first occasion was to urgently save Lin Feng, and the second was to track Lin Feng and avert any potential trouble.
As the adage goes, familiarity engenders acceptance.
Ning Xian's reluctance gradually waned in her heart.
Subsequently.
On the journey back, in order to maintain pace and not lose sight of Lin Feng, Jiang Chen once again carried Ning Xian on his back.
It wasn't until they reached the city gate.
Only then did Jiang Chen set her down.
The city was a safe haven.
And Lin Feng was unlikely to face any further difficulties.
Hence.
"Alchemist Qiu has already returned to Vast Spirit Residence."
"Once Lin Feng regains composure, he will undoubtedly return on his own, so I'll escort you back first."
Jiang Chen smiled at Ning Xian beside him, and the lingering scent of her presence seemed to hover at the edge of his nostrils.
"Mm-hmm."
Ning Xian smiled and did not decline Jiang Chen's offer.
Shortly.
Vast Spirit Residence.
Within the room, the aroma of tea permeated the air.
Three individuals were seated around the table.
Ning Xian occupied one side, while Jiang Chen and Qiu Liaoxi faced each other.
This scene felt so familiar.
Not long ago, it had transpired with Lin Feng, and now it was Jiang Chen's turn!
"Young Master Jiang Chen."
"I am truly grateful for your assistance today."
"My disciple Lin Feng displayed some impertinence, so I, as his master, extend my apologies to you on his behalf!"
Qiu Liaoxi rose, offering Jiang Chen a formal bow.
Ning Xian also stood up.
"It's all right, there's no need to thank me!"
"I understand Lin Feng quite well. He likely endured significant psychological distress within the sect after his dantian was shattered."
"Thus, I have no intention of holding it against him!"
"Besides, I fully comprehend his desire not to rely on anyone. This matter won't be mentioned again."
Jiang Chen promptly stood up, assisted Qiu Liaoxi to her feet, and stopped Ning Xian from offering further apologies.
The plan to recruit Lin Feng as a subordinate had initially been a pretext to get closer to him and Ning Xian.
However.
When Lin Feng erupted over being 'recruited,' the pretext became untenable.
Persisting with it would have been perceived as bullying and could have tarnished the reputation Jiang Chen had established for himself.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen, Ning Xian, and Qiu Liaoxi had already grown acquainted.
Numerous valid reasons existed for them to engage with one another.
Consequently.
Jiang Chen naturally and sensibly discarded the initial pretext.