Despite Zhu Geng’s curiosity about how Lin Chen would deal with Qing Qizheng’s provocation, he couldn’t help but feel angry at Qing Qizheng’s arrogance and decided not to remain silent any longer.
Zhu Geng looked towards Lin Chen and sighed to himself, choosing not to approach, seemingly worried about getting involved in the conflict.
Lin Chen had attracted far too much attention. He not only obtained an abundance of treasures in the ruins but also Heaven and Earth Treasures like the Sixth-Grade Spirit Medicine.
As a result, who knows how many within the Formation Sect were watching him. Zhu Geng didn’t want to get too close to Lin Chen at this time, lest he get dragged into the situation.
Zhu Geng was already aware that Lin Chen had caught the attention of two major powers: the Tang Family and the Ouyang Family.
He speculated that Qing Qizheng approaching Qiu Ya might not be coincidental, but rather orchestrated by someone behind the scenes trying to start with those close to Lin Chen.
Zhu Geng cursed the person behind this, as it implicated the reputation of the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion.
If he didn’t intervene, Qing Qizheng’s actions might encourage others to follow suit, which would be detrimental to the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion.
Zhu Geng knew well that the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion was backed by a powerful force, and if push came to shove, the consequences would be unthinkable.
"Yeah, I thought something exciting was going to happen!"
"Everyone, just disperse, it’s boring!"
The crowd around felt somewhat disappointed as Zhu Geng stepped forward to resolve the issue with Qing Qizheng because they missed out on the anticipated spectacular duel.
Lin Chen, noticing Qing Qizheng’s departure and that Zhu Geng stayed away from him, understood that this matter was likely more complex than it seemed on the surface.
He recalled Dongfang Yun’s warning and realized that being too active within the Formation Sect might invite trouble, so he decided to go into seclusion to cultivate.
Lin Chen had the Second-Class Merit Command, which acted like a protective order, preventing those significant figures from directly targeting him.
They could only send underlings to probe, for fear of upsetting the higher-ups.
The Great Elder of the Formation Sect had stepped in to protect Lin Chen, possibly in the Sect’s interest or because of Lin Chen’s performance in the ruins.
For the higher-ups of the Formation Sect, Lin Chen being targeted by many was likely a test.
They granted Lin Chen the Second Class Honor Achievement, to prevent him from being attacked directly by other significant figures.
But at the same time, they didn’t overtly protect Lin Chen, allowing him to face those challenges on his own.
If Lin Chen could survive this ordeal, he would naturally grow; if he failed, then he wasn’t suited to become the talent that the Formation Sect needed.
"Heh, interesting, if you want to target me, Lin Chen, let’s see if you have the fortune to succeed."
A smile curled up on Lin Chen’s lips as he thought to himself.
The Second-Class Merit Command did indeed offer protection to Lin Chen, but that was contingent upon Lin Chen not making any serious mistakes.
If Lin Chen erred, the Second-Class Merit Command would gradually offset his wrongdoing, eventually being revoked.
At that time, even if those influential figures acted against Lin Chen, it would be difficult for the higher-ups of the Formation Sect to intervene much.
After all, within such a vast force as the Formation Sect, with several ancestors, whether they are united is anyone’s guess.
"Sister Apprentice Qiu Ya, what brings you to the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion today?"
Lin Chen’s gaze fell on Qiu Ya as he asked. Thᴇ link to the origɪn of this information rᴇsts ɪn novel⦿fire.net
He didn’t suspect Qiu Ya was there to scheme against him; instead, he was worried that someone might have used her as a pawn.
Sure enough, following Lin Chen’s questioning, Qiu Ya also realized there was an issue.
Her visit that day had been manipulated.
"Brother Apprentice Lin Chen, what... what can I do for you?"
Qiu Ya looked at Lin Chen, filled with worry.
She knew of Lin Chen’s reputation within the Inner Sect, but she didn’t understand why the bigwigs of the Formation Sect would harbor animosity towards him.
"There is indeed something you can help with, just come sleep over at my place tonight," Lin Chen said to Qiu Ya, speaking indifferently.
Qiu Ya’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but she had no other thoughts; she understood Lin Chen’s intention was to protect her.
Afterwards, the two left the Spiritual Treasure Pavilion and headed towards Lin Chen’s residence.
However, shortly after they descended the mountain, they were surrounded by a group of people.