"Bai Cang, a disciple of the Tianhe Sect, greets True Lord Yao!"
Bai Cang entered the hall with his head held high. Before even seeing the person, he bowed slightly in greeting.
However, the moment he looked up, he couldn't help but pause for a moment in surprise.
This is because the image of Yao Zhenjun, the leader of Heshan Sect, is indeed somewhat different from what he imagined.
It's not a perfect match, but it's also worlds apart, completely different.
He had sideburns like halberds, piercing eyes like a leopard, and dark skin—a perfect replica of the fierce Zhang Fei, only lacking a ten-foot-long spear.
Moreover, he wore black armor with colorful stripes on the hem of his dark brocade robe, giving him a heavy, mountain-like yet strangely beautiful appearance.
The entire armor was constructed from jet-black scales, covered with dense, multicolored patterns that intertwined to form eerie inscriptions, flowing like a cluster of ten thousand snakes, exuding an indescribable ferocity.
The elbow, knee, and fist armor, as well as the beast-swallowing parts on the shoulders, have sharp spikes that faintly reveal a chilling light, resembling Xuanming bone spikes or the fangs of ferocious beasts.
It is immediately obvious that this is a purely practical weapon of killing.
However, given Yao Zhenjun's cultivation level, it's hard to say how useful such armor would be if it weren't a magical treasure.
One can only discern a fraction of his character from this appearance alone.
"The word 'armor' means sturdy and heavy, and is also called armor."
Seeing where Bai Cang's gaze fell, Yao Zhenjun was not displeased by his "offense," but instead showed a smug expression and said:
"This Xuanming Heavy Armor was made by me personally slaying the ancient ferocious beast Bashe, taking 1,888 scales and 36 fangs, and mixing its snake skin with the essence of clouds and mist to create this armor."
"Since the day I attained enlightenment and completed the elixir, three hundred and twenty years have passed. It has helped me defeat nine True Monarchs and kill three others of the same realm."
"Young friend Bai, what do you think of this armor?!"
Yao Zhenjun's voice is rough and hoarse, like the clash of metal and stone. Combined with his image, it naturally gives people the impression of being reckless, fierce, and combative.
However, as the leader of a sect that has been in charge of Heshan Dao for hundreds of years, Bai Cang does not think that such a temperament is the true nature of the other party.
Therefore, he did not agree with what Yao Zhenjun said, but simply smiled and said, "Please forgive my dullness, I was unable to see the clues."
"It's just that men are fond of fighting and love nothing more than weapons and killing. They can't help but be happy to see this. But if we're talking about my own preferences, I prefer sword-ball fighting. I'm clumsy in close combat, so I'm not qualified to judge the quality of this armor."
Bai Dashanren, who started out as a close-quarters fighter and had killed many formidable enemies with his hammer, spouted nonsense without batting an eye.
However, his words were also laced with hidden meaning.
First, they avoided asking Yao Zhenjun's question and did not comment on his proud "Xuanming Heavy Armor".
Secondly, they avoided direct confrontation but found another way, not focusing on the difference in cultivation levels between the two to avoid commenting on the "Mysterious Nether Heavy Armor".
Finally, there was a hint of deliberate arguing, and a slight probing.
If Yao Zhenjun is truly impetuous and belligerent, he will react upon hearing this. Otherwise, it means that everything he did before was a deliberate act.
Most importantly, Bai Cang avoided the issue of the difference in cultivation levels between the two, but subtly expressed his "arrogance" of not being willing to be inferior to others.
This was yet another test, a probe to gauge Yao Zhenjun's magnanimity.
Such a subtle and nuanced thought process could only be understood instantly by an old silver coin dealer who was cunning and extremely shrewd.
However, Yao Zhenjun's expression remained unchanged upon hearing this, but his eyes flickered slightly, clearly indicating that he had "read" all of Bai Cang's unspoken meaning in an instant.
"Haha, Chonggu is right, young friend, you are indeed a wonderful person."
Yao Zhenjun first mentioned Yao Chonggu, indicating the close relationship between the two.
Then, as if casually, he said, "Young friend, why are you so late?"
"I'm so tired of hearing your name these days."
"You alone have made the entire younger generation of Heshan pale in comparison!"
After saying that, Yao Zhenjun paused for a moment, then pretended to "blame" him, saying, "It's all because of you that recently some people have been blaming me for being an incompetent sect leader."
"Tell me, how should I hold you accountable?"
Yao Zhenjun's words were impeccable, showcasing his competence as the leader of the Heshan Dao sect to the fullest.
First, they tried to build a closer relationship, and then they intentionally or unintentionally pointed out the difference in their social status.
The final word, "accountability," not only deflected all of Bai Cang's probing but also planted a seed of doubt in his mind.
But ironically, his entire speech was full of praise for Bai Cang, extolling him to the skies, making it impossible for anyone to find fault with him.
It appears to be a joke, but in reality, the words are like knives, capable of drawing blood and killing without shedding a drop of blood.
To put it bluntly, it could even be translated as: Who do you think you are? How dare you probe into the true nature and thoughts of this venerable one?
If Bai Cang doesn't handle this well, Yao Zhenjun will teach him a lesson, and no one can say he's wrong.
After all, according to common sense, Bai Cang's actions were not just "rude," but downright "offensive."
If it were a more short-tempered True Lord, it wouldn't be impossible for him to be killed on the spot.
Of course, Bai Cang is of extraordinary status and has a deep and close relationship with Heshan Dao.
Therefore, Yao Zhenjun did not argue with him, but gave him a subtle but sharp response.
He not only preserved his position and magnanimity as a leader of a sect and a True Lord of the Solid Pill, but also gave Bai Cang a subtle but firm rebuke.
You could even call it a show of force!
If Bai Cang were sensible, he would follow Yao Zhenjun's advice and directly address himself as a "junior," and everything would be easily resolved.
But this also means that Bai Cang has to relinquish his say.
During their subsequent conversation, Yao Zhenjun, as an elder, naturally made some arrangements for him.
However, Bai Cang seemed not to notice, and simply smiled and said, "True Lord, you flatter me!"
"The Heshan Daoist sect is full of talented people; how could I possibly suppress them all by myself?"
Upon hearing this, Yao Zhenjun couldn't help but raise an eyebrow.
Bai Cang's two sentences, seemingly casual, are actually as sharp as a sword.
First, it was pointed out that the only difference between the two was their cultivation level.
Secondly, there is the seemingly humble but actually sharp "provocation": Is there no one in the vast Heshan Road?
Finally, he made no attempt to conceal his "arrogant and domineering" attitude, subtly suggesting that he was going to challenge Yao Zhenjun and vie for the right to speak.
How could Yao Zhenjun not be moved by this?
Even with his good temper and deep cunning, he couldn't help but feel a little angry in the face of Bai Cang's repeated "provocations".
You're really asking for it, aren't you? You really think I can't handle you?
However, Yao Zhenjun did not show any of his anger.
Instead, he put on a "kind" smile and laughed, "What a fine young man! Young people should be spirited. If they're not spirited, are they still young?"
After saying that, he suddenly changed the subject without warning, "It's been years since we last met, and I've missed you dearly. How is your teacher doing?"
Bai Cang slightly turned to the side, cupped his hands in a gesture towards the direction outside the hall, and said calmly with a smile, "Thank you for your concern, True Lord. My teacher is doing well."
"Now that we have escaped our tribulation, in twenty or thirty years at the shortest, or thirty or fifty years at the longest, we will surely attain the Dao of the Primordial Spirit and achieve immortality!"
Yao Zhenjun: ? ? ?
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