NOVEL WEB Chapter 98: Missing items
"Vice Sect Master, please calm down!" One of the elders shouted urgently, stepping forward with the others. "He is only a junior, and the Sect Master favors him. Please, let your disputes be bygones."
The seven elders rushed to block the vice sect master's overwhelming aura, their bodies braced against the pressure. They feared the vice sect master would lose himself in his rage and not only harm Wen Ran but also endanger Luo Feng. That could not be allowed. The sect master's orders had been clear—protect Wen Ran and Luo Feng with their lives, no matter the cost. Though the elders didn't fully understand the Sect Master's decisions, they trusted his judgment more than they trusted even their own blood.
"Don't stop me!" The vice sect master's voice roared like thunder, booming with fury. "I'll make sure to end that little bastard before the Sect Master exits his seclusion. Can't you see? He's brought nothing but trouble to the sect! Next, he might even bring about the downfall of the sect!" His words were so forceful that it felt as though the world itself would bend to his will, as if his anger could destroy anything in its path.
But the seven elders were not pushovers. They stood their ground, their expressions resolute. Each of them had sworn an oath to protect the sect, and their loyalty to the Sect Master was unshakable. Though they might not fully agree with his decision, they would never allow someone—especially someone as volatile as the vice sect master—to wreak havoc in the sect. The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of the conflict hanging like a sword above them.
The struggle between the vice sect master and the elders stretched on for what felt like an eternity, the tension thick in the air. But in the end, the vice sect master had no choice but to submit to the combined will of the others. Reluctantly, he had to accept that Wen Ran would be entering, though his anger simmered just below the surface.
One of the seven elders, a middle-aged woman with an air of quiet strength, moved swiftly to the main entrance to greet Wen Ran and Luo Feng. Luo Feng's hair was disheveled from the sudden outburst, his usually composed demeanor slightly shaken, but Wen Ran's attention was drawn to the woman's commanding presence.
"Juniors, please, forgive him for treating you unfairly," she said, her voice calm yet filled with an undeniable authority. "The Vice Sect Master has had a difficult week and is currently unable to see you. But we will attend to your needs, whatever they may be."
Her words were kind, yet carried the weight of someone who would not be easily defied. The aura she gave off was a mix of friendliness and subtle dominance, as though she ruled not just by title, but by her presence alone.
Wen Ran couldn't help but notice the purity of her appearance. Her hair was as white as snow, strikingly beautiful, and emanated a faint, icy aura. He could feel the chill radiating from her, but it wasn't cold in the way he expected. There was a purity to it, a mastery over the ice powers that few could ever hope to achieve. Cultivating such an element while maintaining a warm and welcoming demeanor was no easy feat, and yet, she wore it effortlessly. Her warm smile made the frost that surrounded her seem almost inviting, rather than cold and distant.
"Juniors greet the elder," Wen Ran and Luo Feng said in unison, bowing deeply with respect. Despite the tension in the air, they followed the formalities expected of them.
"We are here to collect some of the personal items of disciple Wen Ran, which were mistakenly confiscated by the Vice Sect Master on the day he joined the sect. Would you please lead us to his office to collect them?" Luo Feng spoke with an unexpected humility, his voice calm and polite. It was a stark contrast to his usual aloof, almost arrogant demeanor that he displayed with Wen Ran.
Wen Ran couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at the shift in Luo Feng's behavior. Just who is this idiot playing at? Wen Ran thought, a wry smile tugging at his lips. One moment, he's the most arrogant young master, and the next, he's pretending to know his place. It was strange, almost comical, watching Luo Feng behave so deferentially.
Some people... Wen Ran cursed inwardly, but he couldn't help but reflect. He was no better than Luo Feng in his own way, sometimes playing roles just as fluidly, shifting between arrogance and respect, depending on the situation.
The woman smiled even more warmly, her expression softening with a gentle kindness that made Wen Ran feel as though the air around them had lightened. "Follow me then, and please, be quick. We don't want the Vice Sect Master to lose his temper again," she said, her voice steady yet laced with a hint of concern. She paused for a moment before turning to Wen Ran, her eyes narrowing slightly. "And Junior Wen Ran…"
Wen Ran looked up, catching the shift in her tone. She hesitated just a second before continuing, her smile still intact, though now it carried a weight of caution. "Be careful out there. It pains me to say this, but some people in the sect are slightly jealous of you, and you are never truly safe. I hope that doesn't scare you off."
Her warning was spoken with sincerity, but it was her laugh that caught Wen Ran's attention. It was the most warm and beautiful laugh he had ever heard, full of genuine amusement and kindness. It was almost as if the very sound of it could melt any fear he might have had.
"This junior does not dare to accept such praise, and I understand well," Wen Ran replied, his voice smooth as silk. "I am always watching my back, and with such a powerful, young, and beautiful big sister watching over me, I am not afraid to even challenge the heavens."
Luo Feng shot Wen Ran a weird look, clearly surprised by the unexpected compliment and the way Wen Ran had expertly turned the conversation to his advantage. He hadn't expected his friend to be so cunning with his words, and for a moment, it threw him off balance.
The woman let out another laugh, her voice filled with warmth. "You are a clever one, Junior Wen Ran. It's good to know you're not easily frightened."
Soon, the three of them arrived at a small room. The air inside was heavy with the weight of forgotten treasures. In the corner sat a pile of confiscated items, including one familiar pouch. Without wasting a second, Wen Ran rushed over, not giving the other two time to process what was happening. He grabbed the pouch, his heart thundering in his chest, and tore it open. His fingers rifled through the contents with urgency, but as he searched, a deep sense of dread slowly crept into his mind.
Not there... he thought, his heart sinking. The pouch was empty of what he had hoped to find.