Chapter 112: This Young Master Isn't 'Friends'

Chapter 112: This Young Master Isn't 'Friends'

That got attention. The air shifted with the sudden flaring of qi as the warriors pulled out their weapons. The black-eyed warrior locked onto Chen Haoran and finally revealed his cultivation level. Liquid Meridian Realm Third-Layer. Just as suddenly as it shifted, the air unnaturally stilled. A deadly tension hung over their heads.

Please stay calm, Jiang Lei said to the warriors, as he raised his hands placatingly. He and Wang Xiao took several steps back. He shot Chen Haoran a consternated look. Chen Haoran, what are you saying?

He could hear the faint outrage in Jiang Leis voice. Chen Haoran had to admire Jiang Leis composure. It was what made him reliable in times of danger and, at the same time, so difficult to read. Wang Xiao was far beneath his Senior Brother in this regard, visibly purpling with anger. He had enough sense not to speak, at least. Had their positions been reversed, Wang Xiao would have no doubt let the situation come to blows immediately. Though, violence wasnt completely out of the equation just yet.

Chen Haoran, Jiang Lei said. Im not sure what youre misunderstanding here, but its not helping.

Misunderstand what? That you wanted me to bring you to the Basin and use my friendship with Xie Jin to bring you inside?

Thats not

Im sure you would have convinced me to come here eventually after you lowered my guard, Chen Haoran interrupted. He sighed. If you didnt get greedy and rush me here, I might have even believed in you.

Jiang Lei pursed his lips and fell silent. It was all the confirmation Chen Haoran needed. He sighed again. He didnt even have the heart to enjoy being right.

Jiang Leis talk of wanting to study his Harmonization had always been a crock of shit. A powerful Harmonization alone wasnt enough to want to become friends with someone you just met. It didnt warrant giving them valuable spirit stones on their first meeting. It wasnt more valuable than the wealth Chen Haoran carried on his body and openly showed. It certainly wasnt enough to make a Liquid Meridian Realm want to ingratiate a Qi Realm to them. Chen Haoran had done nothing and shown nothing to Jiang Lei during their first meeting to warrant a reaction like that. Jiang Lei didnt do it because of the Chen Family either. It was clear that Jiang Lei knew nothing about Chen Haoran, yet he wanted to be connected to him. There was only one possible answer.

Xie Jin.

Chen Haoran wasnt special, but he was traveling with someone who was. Shamans were a special existence in Zumulu, both valued and treated warily by the locals and the Empire. The abilities their Gu possessed made them dangerous and hard to deal with for the average cultivator. Xie Jin was not just a shaman; however, he was a Black Bone Shaman. Chen Haoran still wasnt sure what that distinction meant, but it was clear that the label was a significant one. If it was for his friendship with Xie Jin, then Jiang Leis actions began to make sense.

Still, all that had just been a suspicion until Jiang Lei and Wang Xiao convinced him to seek safety in the Basin. Chen Haoran could recognize a good cop bad cop routine when he saw it. Jiang Lei and Wang Xiao wanted an in with the Black Bone tribe. They wanted Xie Jin to be that in, and Chen Haoran would be the bridge that connected them.

Bastards, Xie Jin growled. His Gu dripped purple miasma that withered the ground where it fell. The Black Bone warriors were poised with promised violence.

We do not mean any harm, Jiang Lei said. I assure you we did not come here with ill intent.

Theyre Peach River Swordsmen, apparently, Chen Haoran said.

It was like he threw a boulder into still water. The Black Bone warriors carefully controlled qi fluctuated in surprise. The black-eyed warrior stepped around Xie Jin and stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Chen Haoran.

Impossible, Xie Jin whispered, wide-eyed.Follow current novels on novelb((in).(com)

Wang Xiao could hold it in no more. Chen Haoran, you dare! He pulled out his sword.

There was a screeching of steel as the warriors drew their weapons as one. The black-eyed warrior unsheathed a wicked-looking obsidian blade. Xie Jins sleeves glowed purple. Phelps hissed.

Slowly, he raised his head and looked up. A man stood there, standing in the air unsupported as if it were ground. He was tanned, with short black hair and a large beard streaked with white and braided with small black bone ornaments. Over his black robes was a mantle of colorful bird feathers that shifted colors like a dozen chameleons. On both arms were black bone rings.

Grandfather, Xie Jin called out in surprise.

Xie Jins cousin Ren and the other warriors bowed their heads. Grand Elder.

Chen Haoran reached out with his sense and couldnt feel any qi from the man. Despite that, by his casual appearance in the air, his realm was obvious.

Crystal Transformation.

Xie Jins grandfather nodded at them and looked at Jiang Lei and Wang Xiao. Peach River Swordsmen. To think its been 400 years since I last saw your kind. He stroked his beard as he mused. That old bat Xi Wangmu has worked hard, it seems.

Jiang Leis composure slipped, and Chen Haoran, for once, saw him genuinely flustered. He and Wang Xiao quickly clasped their hands and bowed to Xie Jins Grandfather. I have seen Senior Xie Ling. Disciple Jiang Lei pays his respects.

Disciple Wang Xiao pays his respects.

Chen Haoran quickly found himself to be the odd one out. Did he bow as well? Would it be awkward if he did? Xie Jins grandfather was floating directly above him. Would it be a bad look if he got into a better position to bow?

I wonder what brings you little ones to this old mans home.

Jiang Lei hesitated. This Senior.

Xie Ling sighed. Well, since its been so long since an honorable sword of the Peach River has visited, I will hear you out.

Jiang Lei immediately brightened. Thank you, Senior, he excitedly said.

Not today, however, Xie Ling said. Rener. Take these two and give them lodgings for the night.

Yes, Grand Elder.

Chen Haoran relaxed now that the situation seemed to be settled. Whatever happened from this point on was out of his hands. His relaxation was short-lived, however, when Xie Lings eyes drifted over to him.

Chen Haoran floundered for a moment before clasping his hands together and bowing. Hello He quickly coughed. This junior has seen the Senior.

Xie Ling observed Chen Haoran for a single uncomfortable moment that felt like an eternity. Chen Haoran shivered. It was not pleasant to know you were under the eyes of someone stronger than you.

Finally satisfied with whatever hed seen. Xie Ling nodded.

You, come with me.