In the dim and damp dungeon, Liu Feng's hair was dishevelled, and he looked exceptionally dishevelled. Only he knew how he had spent those three days. Here, no one cared about him, and no one came to check on him, as if he had been abandoned by everyone. His resentment was all focused on Li Yiran, hoping to be able to exact his revenge. However, Liu Feng now felt shocked because he saw the person he had despised the most and least wanted to see during that time.
“Young Lord Li, as per your instructions, Liu Feng has been detained here during this period." Led by one of the disciples, Li Yiran followed, stepping into the area.
"Understood, you may leave."
Li Yiran remained expressionless, calmly observing Liu Feng's current state. It was evident that Liu Feng had suffered greatly during those three days of captivity. To please Li Yiran, the guards hadn't even provided him with a drop of water. The once proud Liu Feng now looked pitiful. However, there was no trace of pity in Li Yiran's gaze. After all, if Liu Feng had the chance, he wouldn't have shown any mercy either.
Li Yiran's tone was cold, and he said, "Liu Feng, do you regret your actions now?"
"Why are you here, Li Yiran?"
Liu Feng shouted, feeling the hostility in Li Yiran's presence. He instinctively believed that Li Yiran had come to kill him.
"I'm here, of course, to see you," Li Yiran replied.
"Oh, no, I meant to see your Sifu."
Li Yiran smiled casually and straightforwardly exposing Liu Feng's secret.
"What... what are you talking about? I don't understand what you mean."
Liu Feng's face changed slightly, and he felt a sudden panic.
Li Yiran's words shattered Liu Feng completely. His most closely guarded secret had been effortlessly uncovered by Li Yiran, leaving him feeling utterly hopeless. At that moment, all his self-confidence and arrogance crumbled, and he felt like a shattered man facing impending doom.
"How... How did you find out?" Liu Feng stammered, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.
Li Yiran chuckled and continued to mock him, saying, "Do you think your secrets can remain hidden forever, senior? No matter how deep the secrets are, they will eventually be revealed. Why torment yourself like this?"
While Li Yiran spoke, his eyes remained fixed on the necklace hanging around Liu Feng's neck.
"Why does young Lord Li have to torment the last remnant of my soul?"
“Sifu” Liu Feng shouted, his voice filled with concern as he looked at the ethereal figure dressed in red. His master had always remained shrouded in mystery and had never appeared in person before. This unexpected presence made him feel both uneasy and surprised.
Li Yiran acted unconcerned about this faint figure that suddenly appeared as if he didn't care about the mysterious Sifu. His coldness and indifference made Liu Feng feel even more helpless.
"Ah, so this is what you look like, Senior," Li Yiran remarked, his expression unchanged. He thought to himself,
"Liu Feng's luck really isn't bad. Your master is powerful, but he will soon be mine."
"I wonder why Young Lord Li has come. What brings you here?"
Yan Xi asked in a cold, soft voice, his tone icy. He had shown up because he had no other choice. If Li Yiran had already discovered his existence, it was clear that he had the means to force him to appear. So, instead of playing a waiting game, he chose to come forward willingly.
"It's not really a matter of importance; I was just curious to meet the person behind Liu Feng, someone who has a powerful figure supporting him."
Li Yiran's response was casual, making it difficult for others to discern his true intentions. Liu Feng had long suspected that Li Yiran harboured ill intentions, his eyes filled with anger, hatred, and a desire for vengeance. Yan Xi, too, felt perplexed as he didn't understand Li Yiran's true motives and remained cautious of this formidable opponent.
"Since Young Lord Li has seen me now, I am nothing more than a wisp of lingering soul, hardly deserving to be called a 'powerful figure," Yan Xi responded coldly.
"To think that someone as foolish as Liu Feng could be cultivated into what he is today by a master like you, why should you be so modest?" Yan Xi continued his tone still devoid of warmth.
"Clever gems can be covered in dust, and wise ministers need to choose the right master," Yan Xi stated, his voice carrying a hint of indifference.
"Keeping your talents by Liu Feng's side, wouldn't that be constraining your abilities?"
Li Yiran casually responded with a smile that revealed a hint of sincerity. He tried to test the waters, contemplating seizing Liu Feng's necklace, but he immediately felt a dangerous sensation as if some invisible force was warning him against it. However, his expression remained unchanged.
"Li Yiran, who are you calling a foolish fool..." Yan Xi sneered with a hint of displeasure in his tone.
This statement immediately caused Liu Feng's face to flush with anger. Although he was infuriated, he couldn't find a way to retort. Li Yiran's words were sharp as a blade and struck right at Liu Feng's vulnerability. This left Yan Xi feeling somewhat puzzled. While Liu Feng may have appeared foolish at times, he also possessed qualities like determination, courage, and resilience. Yan Xi remained calm, fully aware that Li Yiran was not to be underestimated, and his words concealed clever traps, making them difficult to handle. So, he chose to observe and wait for an opportunity.
What did Li Yiran mean by saying such words?
"Sowing discord?"
Yan Xi's face changed slightly, he quickly understood what might be Li Yiran's real purpose. However, he also understood that it might not be easy for Liu Feng to notice, ultimately confirming the word "stupid" that Li Yiran had said.