hhnovel Chapter 146: Criticism at the Cave’s Entrance
Chapter 146: Criticism at the Cave’s Entrance
As Fang Yuan sought advice from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning in the peaceful surroundings of his cave mansion, outside, a contrasting scene was taking place. A group of newly arrived disciples had congregated around Jiang Chen, their faces adorned with eager smiles.
At this moment, a female disciple looked toward the still shut entrance of Fang Yuan’s dwelling and said with frustration, "Why hasn’t Fang Yuan shown up yet? Considering that Senior Brother Jiang Chen has been here for quite a while, it’s really rude of him."
"Exactly," another added, agreeing with her, "having just regained his normal cultivation ability, he should have anticipated this crowd of visitors. Unprepared despite knowing this, Fang Yuan’s hospitality certainly falls short."
Thus, this group of disciples, many of whom were women, found themselves unable to hold back their growing indignation. They began to openly criticize Fang Yuan for his extended absence and questioned how he could keep their esteemed Senior Brother Jiang Chen waiting outside for so long.
Understandably, those connected to or members of the Fang Clan were deeply upset by the severe criticisms against their young master, believing the disciples had taken it too far.
However, restricted by Jiang Chen’s presence, the Holy Lord’s direct disciple, they didn’t dare to express any objections. Fearing they might anger him, they had to suppress their complaints and keep their dissatisfaction to themselves, silently enduring the unfair comments.
Just then, a keenly observant male disciple, who epitomized the typical clan young master with his followers around him, saw this as his chance to make things more difficult for Fang Yuan, whom he despised.
Approaching Jiang Chen with his group, he bowed respectfully and suggested smoothly, "Senior Brother Jiang Chen, let me call Fang Yuan for you." While his words seemed polite on the surface, he was ready to barge in and forcibly drag Fang Yuan out if needed.
However, unfortunately for the scheming disciple, Jiang Chen had already seen through his little ploy.
Understanding this as simply Heavenly Fate at work, Jiang Chen immediately waved off the suggestion with a casual gesture and responded calmly, "No need. If I were in Junior Brother Fang Yuan’s shoes, having faced a long period of inability to cultivate and then suddenly regaining that ability, I too would need to focus deeply on my cultivation."
"He’s not intentionally avoiding us; we can afford to wait a bit longer," he added reassuringly, his face displaying a warm and kind smile.
Upon hearing this, the male disciple was momentarily at a loss for words, as things hadn’t gone as he had planned. Jiang Chen’s decisive response closed off any opportunity for further discussion or for the disciple to advance his hidden agenda.
Ultimately, feeling dissatisfied internally but maintaining a show of reverence outwardly, he respectfully conceded, "Yes, Senior Brother!" Then, leading his cronies, he withdrew from the scene.
Jiang Chen was pleased to see that Fang Yuan’s Heavenly Fate Value had decreased by one thousand five hundred points. However, he recognized that this reduction was, relatively speaking, minor.
’At this point in Fang Yuan’s storyline, if I aim to significantly reduce his Heavenly Fate Value, then swaying Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning to join my side seems like the best strategy. The impact would surely be greater than winning over Ji Ruxue!’ Jiang Chen thought to himself. However, he knew all too well that this would be easier said than done.
The two women were always by Fang Yuan’s side, literally attached to him, which made his usual strategies of isolating and influencing heroines—as he had done previously with Ning Xian and was currently attempting with Ji Ruxue—unfeasible.
’Well, trying to win over two heroines at the same time, especially right in front of the protagonist, hehe, this will certainly be an interesting challenge,’ Jiang Chen mused silently as he shifted his gaze to check on the panels of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, which remained the same.
Meanwhile, upon making his appearance, Fang Yuan first greeted the crowd with a fist-and-palm salute, then, wearing an apologetic look, he said, "I hope everyone will forgive me for keeping you waiting for so long."
"As you already know my situation," he continued, "I had to spend a brief period in secluded cultivation."
With a hearty laugh, Jiang Chen was the first to respond. "Haha, it’s understandable, completely understandable. When you think about it, the fault really lies with us for interrupting your seclusion." His demeanor was so caring and his voice so sincere that if Jiang Chen himself had told the crowd he was acting, no one would have believed him.
Of course, Fang Yuan was the exception!
Although Fang Yuan’s senses confirmed that Jiang Chen was speaking the truth, an instinctive feeling in his heart hinted at the opposite. However, unable to pinpoint why he felt this way, he kept it to himself.
Allowing a smile to appear on his face, Fang Yuan replied, "Senior Brother Jiang Chen, you are being too humble!" Then, with a gesture of his hand, he added, "Please, join me in my cave mansion for further discussion."
Fang Yuan’s invitation, extended exclusively to Jiang Chen, was met with no objections from those present. They saw this exclusivity as entirely appropriate, considering Jiang Chen’s higher status.
"By all means," Jiang Chen replied, giving Fang Yuan a nod of acknowledgment.
Then, the two men walked side by side into the cave mansion carved into the mountain face.
Behind them, with a whoosh, the protective formation reactivated, creating a barrier against the outside world and sealing them off from the curious and watchful eyes of the crowd outside.