"How will you decide?" Lin Canglang's gaze remained fixed on Ling Feng without a single blink. A subtle yet commanding aura emanated, creating an imposing sense of pressure.
Standing to the side, Li Liang chuckled and remarked, "Ling Feng, do you really need to think twice about this? Duanmu Qingshan is just a lone individual, but by siding with us, you'll have the backing of an entire sect!"
A subtle curve adorned Ling Feng's lips. Undoubtedly, the offered conditions were quite tempting. Yet, probing his own heart and reflecting, he was resolute in not betraying his master.
"So, what does the sect leader want me to do?" Ling Feng didn't give a straightforward answer; instead, he responded with a question.
"You're a smart individual," Lin Canglang evidently misconstrued Ling Feng's intentions. A hint of amusement flashed in his eyes as he continued, "You don't have to do anything. Simply return to Duanmu Qingshan's side. Once he has passed on all his profound techniques to you, you can then return to my side and officially become my direct disciple."
Ling Feng couldn't help but feel a sense of disdain. The fact that the leader of such a prestigious sect would resort to such tactics to deceive Duanmu Qingshan and acquire his sword manual seemed rather undignified.
Truly deserving of the title "exemplary sect leader" from the Wenxian Sect!
"I believe I have a rough idea of what needs to be done," Ling Feng said with a composed expression. "May I have a few days to contemplate?"
"Absolutely not!" Lin Canglang's gaze was insistent and unyielding.
"Since you're now aware of the situation, either accept the terms or face death here," Lin Canglang's voice was chilling. "Don't harbor illusions of retrieving the sect leader's token. I foresaw Duanmu Qingshan's potential moves, and I've already modified the mountain protection array of the Wenxian Main Peak. The token's effects cannot reach the main peak."
Crafty old fox, that was quite a ruthless move! Ling Feng muttered inwardly, his face still showing no emotion. "It seems like I have no other choice."
"No, your choices are life and death," Lin Canglang said with a cold smile. "Now, how will you choose?"
"I don't want to die," Ling Feng breathed in deeply, uttering his words slowly.
"Very good, you are indeed a clever person," Lin Canglang remarked as he flicked his hand, and a brown pill landed in Ling Feng's palm. "This is the Golden Silkworm Gu[1] Poison. Once you swallow it, I can place complete trust in you."
"Golden Silkworm Gu Poison?"
A subtle change crossed Ling Feng's face. He knew that by ingesting the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison, at regular intervals, the venomous insects would gnaw at his heart, causing an excruciating pain that would leave him unable to live or find release in death.
"If you take it, and as long as you obey my commands, I will grant you an antidote every month. Once you acquire Duanmu Qingshan's The Flower-Transposing Jade-Burying Sword manual, hand it over to me. I will then remove all the poison for you. At that point, you'll become the third direct disciple under my guidance, and in the future, you might even have the opportunity to become the next leader of the Wenxian Sect!"
With a nonchalant shrug, Ling Feng wasted no time and ingested the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison.
In this instance, Lin Canglang was fated to be a move behind, ending up with a complete loss.
While the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison was undeniably potent, it proved no match for Ling Feng, the heir to the Medical Saint. To him, handling such mere poisonous gu was a piece of cake.
Ingesting the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison and outwardly pledging loyalty to the sect leader served as a temporary strategy. At least for a short period, Ling Feng wouldn't need to concern himself with potential troubles from Lin Canglang and others.
The day Duanmu Qingshan breaks free from the array after Ling Feng fully heals him will mark the demise of the old cunning fox!
"Excellent! Truly commendable!" Lin Canglang rose from his seat, expressing, "You have indeed lived up to my expectations!"
"Selecting a suitable tree branch to roost, just as the sect leader emphasized, is a trait of intelligence. I see myself as a discerning individual," Ling Feng remarked with a faint smile.
"Starting today, you'll be treated as a direct disciple. Since Duanmu Qingshan is confined to Little Bamboo Peak, you may act however you want when with him. Your main goal is to gain his trust, and when you reach the Pulse Formation Realm, he's likely to pass on that sword technique to you."
Speaking, Lin Canglang retrieved four or five white jade bottles, and he said slowly, "These are Qi-boosting pills reserved for direct disciples. Take them back with you, consume one pill daily, and I believe within half a year, you'll advance to the Pulse Formation Realm!"
"Thank you, sect leader!" Ling Feng took the porcelain bottle, a quiet joy filling his heart. Naturally, he wouldn't turn down such a valuable offering.
"Alright, you're free to go. You should be aware of whose hands your life is in. When dealing with Duanmu Qingshan, be cautious with your words. I trust you're well aware of that," Lin Canglang's sharp gaze focused on Ling Feng, as if trying to see through him to the very soul.
"I'm aware," Ling Feng acknowledged, taking the medicinal pills. He then turned on his heels and exited the grand hall, swiftly soaring toward the direction of Little Bamboo Peak.
Observing Ling Feng gradually fading into the distance, Li Liang finally voiced his thoughts, "Sect leader, can we trust this kid?"
"In the thriving world, everyone seeks their own interests, and in the tumultuous world, pursuits are driven by individual gains."
With hands behind his back, Lin Canglang stood confidently, a self-assured smile gracing his face. "He's just a mere fledgling. As the sect leader, I've promised him the chance to ascend. How could he not be tempted? Moreover, the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison is always a looming threat to his life. Soon, the poison should take effect. If he still dares to betray me after tasting the bitterness of a near-death encounter, I'll give him credit for his courage!"
"Brilliant, senior brother is truly brilliant!"
Li Liang chuckled and gave Lin Canglang a thumbs-up.
"Alright, go and take care of Xiao Qingfeng's body."
A hint of coldness flickered in Lin Canglang's eyes. In reality, Xiao Qingfeng was his distant relative, and Ling Feng's act of killing him had stirred a murderous intent within Lin Canglang towards Ling Feng.
Upon receiving the sword manual for The Flower-Transposing Jade-Burying Sword from Ling Feng, and once he loses his utility, not to mention becoming a direct disciple, he will undoubtedly be the first to face the consequences!
"What a cunning and ruthless leader the Wenxian Sect has."
Descending the main peak of the Wenxian Sect along the mountain path, Ling Feng sprinted all the way. Upon reaching Sunset Slope, he couldn't help but let out a muttered curse.
At this moment, the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison within him began to take effect. Despite Ling Feng's extensive experience with various herbs, granting him high resistance to toxins, he still convulsed in pain almost immediately.
"What an incredibly potent poisonous gu!"
Gritting his teeth, Ling Feng persevered until he reached Little Bamboo Peak. There, he found a shaded spot under a tree, sat cross-legged, and took out a golden needle. He thrust it directly into his dantian, temporarily suppressing the effects of the Golden Silkworm Gu Poison.
Following that, Ling Feng's trembling hands ceased their shaking. Only then did he muster the courage to commence the needle technique. Under the Profound Art of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, eliminating the poison was, in essence, an effortless task.
Within a brief half-hour, the poisonous gu completely dissipated, no longer posing any threat to Ling Feng.
"Hu..." Ling Feng slowly expelled a breath, his complexion slightly pale. Yet, a trace of satisfaction lingered in his heart. He sneered, saying, "Lin Canglang, in the end, you were still outsmarted by me. Thanks to your Qi-boosting pills, when I reach a higher level of cultivation, I'll make sure to properly "repay" you!"
After speaking, Ling Feng rose slowly and made his way toward the bamboo tower of Little Bamboo Peak with deliberate steps. It was crucial to promptly inform Duanmu Qingshan about the day's events.
1. Gu Poisons are often created by refining venom from various creatures, including insects. Refer to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gu_(poison) ☜