Chapter 90 Cultivating Trusted Men
1198 Words
Entering her familiar cave dwelling and sitting in her familiar spot, Xie Ruolan crossed her legs and looked at Lin Haoming, who was now dutifully recounting what had happened.
Lin Haoming himself felt that this scene was rather strange.
After all, this was supposed to be his cave dwelling, but it seemed as if he had come here to report to Xie Ruolan, just like before.
But Lin Haoming knew he had to face reality. Before, they were both Qi Refining stage disciples, no match for Xie Ruolan. Now, she could easily kill a Foundation Establishment stage senior. What else was there to say?
The events were actually quite simple. Lin Haoming only concealed part of the matter concerning his connection to the Dharma Affinity; everything else was told without any concealment.
At first, Xie Ruolan didn't react when Wu Hongfei clamored for revenge.
But when she heard him say that Ling Shengjie had actually swindled two Foundation Establishment Pills after receiving the sect's rewards, Xie Ruolan's face darkened instantly.
She interrupted Lin Haoming, coldly asking, "You honestly gave him the Foundation Establishment Pills?"
Lin Haoming shook his head, saying, "I didn't give him the Foundation Establishment Pills directly, but I went to the Treasure Pavilion and exchanged them for two high-grade spirit stones, which I used to get him VIP status!"
"Hmm? Treasure Pavilion VIP! You?" Hearing this, Xie Ruolan's expression completely changed, and even the way she looked at Lin Haoming became strange, her tone even somewhat disbelieving.
Lin Haoming himself didn't know why Xie Ruolan was looking at him like that. Her gaze was so direct, it gave him the feeling that she wanted to strip him naked and study him thoroughly.
Although Lin Haoming admitted that he had dreamt a couple of times about having something happen with this stunningly beautiful woman, in those dreams he at least displayed his masculine prowess. This kind of gaze made him feel extremely uncomfortable. He scratched his temple somewhat awkwardly and asked, "Uncle Xie, is there a problem?"
"Let me see the jade pendant!" Xie Ruolan commanded directly.
Seeing how seriously she took it, Lin Haoming immediately took out the jade pendant and handed it to her.
When the jade pendant was placed in Xie Ruolan's hand, Lin Haoming suddenly noticed that Xie Ruolan's once fair and delicate hands seemed somewhat different. Although her hands were still fair and delicate, her originally pink, petal-like nails had now turned black, and a glossy, dark black at that. While it still looked beautiful, it gave off an eerie feeling.
Lin Haoming was certain that the color of her nails was definitely not intentionally painted that way; it was most likely a result of practicing some kind of cultivation technique.
Of course, Lin Haoming wouldn't interfere in such matters. Watching Xie Ruolan carefully examine the jade token, he obediently stood aside without saying a word.
Xie Ruolan examined it carefully for a while, confirming it was indeed the jade token from Jubaoge, before tossing it back to Lin Haoming, saying, "It really is! You're quite lucky, kid, to have caught Jubaoge's eye."
"Uncle Xie, what do you mean by that? Does that mean you've also been noticed by Jubaoge?" Lin Haoming immediately sensed something from the word "also."
Xie Ruolan hadn't paid attention to her earlier slip of the tongue, but now, hearing Lin Haoming's question, she didn't deny it, simply nodding and saying, "You know it, just don't tell anyone!"
"Of course!" Lin Haoming immediately nodded in agreement. Then he asked, "Uncle Xie, is being noticed by Jubaoge any special significance?"
"You don't know yourself?" Xie Ruolan was somewhat surprised by Lin Haoming's puzzled expression.
Lin Haoming nodded seriously. He vaguely sensed that the reason he had been chosen by the Treasure Pavilion was mostly due to his transaction with that strange Senior Qin.
"The Treasure Pavilion has always stood neutrally among the major sects of the continent. This is because, besides the rumored existence of a transcendent being at the Nascent Soul stage, the more important reason is that this sect, which specializes in business, secretly helps disciples who aren't highly regarded by their sects. I think you probably caught their eye because you won first place in the Red Leaf Mountain competition!" Xie Ruolan explained her thoughts.
Lin Haoming understood somewhat, but he didn't believe it was because of his outstanding performance at Red Leaf Mountain. After all, he knew his own aptitude best; without so many resources and the help of the Merit Pearl, he was nothing.
Seeing Lin Haoming deep in thought, Xie Ruolan's dark eyes flashed with a sly glint. "Last time I gave you one Foundation Establishment Pill, and you still have one left over from your sect merits. Two Foundation Establishment Pills aren't enough for you. I have one more. If you can't establish your foundation with two pills, come find me!"
Lin Haoming hadn't expected Xie Ruolan to suddenly say something like that. He scratched his head and said, "Uncle Xie, Wang Chen… he said he'd give me any extra Foundation Establishment Pills he had!"
"I forgot about that. That would be best. If you achieve Foundation Establishment, I'll try to find you a capable master and a good cultivation technique. Maybe with hard work, you'll even have a chance to reach the Golden Core stage!" Xie Ruolan said, thinking as she spoke.
Lin Haoming felt that Xie Ruolan had changed her ways. Why wasn't she exploiting him anymore, and was she completely thinking of him? Could it be because he had caught the eye of the Treasure Pavilion?
Lin Haoming thought this, and Xie Ruolan, seemingly able to read his mind, knew his doubts and said directly, "Don't be surprised. Although I personally think your aptitude isn't very good, since Jubao Pavilion values you, I believe their judgment isn't too bad. It's an investment in you. After all, Jubao Pavilion would never interfere in the affairs of major sects, and their investments in cultivators are based on certain transactions. The convenience they offer is simply that once you have spirit stones, they can sell you what you need at a lower price."
"I understand!" Lin Haoming had witnessed Jubao Pavilion's rules and knew that bargaining with them was impossible; at least his status was far from sufficient.
Just as Lin Haoming nodded in agreement, Xie Ruolan continued, "Since you've been chosen by the Treasure Pavilion, it means you have some potential. I'll give you opportunities. In return, when I reach a certain level, you must fully support me within the sect, understand?"
Previously, Xie Ruolan had been somewhat secretive in front of him, but now she was completely open. Her words were practically saying, 'I'm cultivating a trusted confidant, you know?'
Since she'd made herself so clear, Lin Haoming naturally wouldn't refuse. He patted his chest and said, "Don't worry about that. If you feel unsure, I can even sign a Heart Demon Contract!"
After saying this with a look of unwavering loyalty, Lin Haoming muttered to himself, "Anyway, I can dissolve the power of the contract with merit after I swear an oath. Who's afraid of who!"
- Writer
