When the Panlong Clan Lord saw that both
Young Master
Young Master
"What's so strange about that? I was the one who gave you that talisman — it carries my unique aura. The moment he walked in, I sensed it. You little rascal, if you wanted to ask for another one, you could have just said so directly. Beating around the bush like that — thoroughly cunning."
The Panlong Clan Lord appeared to scold him, but a smile hung on his face. It was obvious he intended to give Young Master
Young Master
The Panlong Clan Lord's smile faded, and his expression turned serious. "Save the flattery. I'm giving you things because of the conversation you two had at the gate — open, upright, and aboveboard. If you'd been two-faced or saying one thing while meaning another, you would have gotten nothing at all."
Young Master
The Panlong Clan Lord gestured for
The Panlong Clan Lord sighed. "Undying Heaven is powerful. Though they can't compare to Radiant Celestial City, a matter of this scale is beyond what a single clan like ours can overturn on your behalf. However, providing you with some measure of protection and convenience within Radiant Celestial City — that much we can certainly do."
The Panlong Clan Lord wasn't trying to shirk his responsibility.
Undying Heaven was, after all, a first-tier sect. While they couldn't match Radiant Celestial City in overall strength, they were still far more powerful than the Panlong Clan.
Radiant Celestial City, though formidable, was roughly equivalent to two or three first-tier sects at most. Moreover, its strength rested primarily in the Seven Great Emperors.
The Panlong Clan, while the foremost clan within Radiant Celestial City, was ultimately only a second-tier power. It simply couldn't compete head-on with a first-tier sect.
Of course, within the territory of Radiant Celestial City, the Panlong Clan Lord's word carried enormous weight. Shielding
Furthermore, neither Undying Heaven nor the Nine Suns Heavenly Sect would dare cause a public scene within Radiant Celestial City. If they angered the Seven Great Emperors, the consequences would be catastrophic.
So what if they were a first-tier sect?
Offend Radiant Celestial City, provoke the Seven Great Emperors into a thunderous rage, and wiping out a first-tier sect entirely was entirely within the realm of possibility!
Avenging his grudges and rebuilding his sect would certainly require external support, but he first needed to possess enough strength to make others willing to lend him their power.
If his own strength fell far short, no outside force would pay a heavy price to assist him.
And what
However, his talent in alchemy had added considerable value to his standing.
Young Master
A glimmer of hope entered the Panlong Clan Lord's eyes. He was different from Young Master
"Young Friend
"Oh? Not particularly difficult to refine?" A trace of joy flickered through the Panlong Clan Lord's eyes upon hearing this.
"My master's alchemical abilities are heaven-defying. What's easy for him might be an impossible task for other alchemists to accomplish in their entire lifetimes."
He knew that having fabricated the mysterious figure of his "master," he had to maintain the ruse consistently — it could never be dismantled under any circumstances.
The Panlong Clan Lord gazed into the distance, lost in admiration. "Your master must surely be a grand elder in the world of alchemy. For a young friend to receive such a gift of fortune — your blessings are truly profound."
Young Master
The Panlong Clan Lord nodded. "As a man on the brink of death, there's no need for me to mince words. If the Pine Crane Pill can bring me back from the edge, then you, Young Friend, will be my savior — and the savior of the entire Panlong Clan. In the future, I swear to grant you an even greater fortune! Should I break this oath, may the heavens strike me dead!"