C23 The Village Chief Is a Cunning Person

The old Village Chief implied that he was aware of the Master or the beast tide Qi Yuan had previously mentioned. Our village has surely angered the Green Mountain Sect with today's events. The Sect will no longer offer us protection. Furthermore, Chai Yuan, who has departed, may very well return with reinforcements. And if disciples from the Green Mountain Sect arrive, how could we, mere commoners of North Mountain Village, stand a chance against a group of martial cultivators?

Thus, the old Village Chief wanted to keep Jiaang Lin around because he could safeguard North Mountain Village.

But I suspect that's not the old Village Chief's true intention.

His real plan is to shift the blame onto Jiaang Lin when the Green Mountain Sect arrives to seek retribution, accusing him of inciting rebellion against the Sect. This would alter the Sect's position, leaving Jiaang Lin to be betrayed by the Village Chief.

Jiaang Lin had long recognized the old Village Chief's cunning nature. With every shift of his eyes, a myriad of devious schemes must be crossing his mind.

Take today's incident with Qi Yuan's attack; the old Village Chief feigned a fainting spell, only to miraculously recover after the skirmish, lively yet unsteady. He certainly didn't seem like a man on his deathbed.

This old man is sly indeed. In a past life's game that Jiaang Lin played, this man would undoubtedly be the last one standing.

Internally, Jiaang Lin scoffed at the old man, but outwardly, he maintained a beaming smile. After all, as long as he didn't show his anger, they could remain on friendly terms.

Besides, there's a woman in North Mountain Village whom Jiaang Lin would hate to lose—Qiu Xiya.

Just the thought of Qiu Xiya sent a shiver through Jiaang Lin's heart.

Without hesitation, Jiaang Lin declared earnestly, "Rest assured, old Village Chief, I will protect North Mountain Village to the very end!"

"As long as I'm here, North Mountain Village will be under my protection!"

With that, he invoked his Leadership skill.

Jiaang Lin exercised his leadership skills at just the right moment. Suddenly, a mix of awe and fervor appeared on the faces of all the villagers, as if they had found someone to fervently follow. The only exception was the old village chief, who remained noticeably composed.

"It seems that even though it's a skill, some are still immune to its effects!"

Jiaang Lin narrowed his eyes, inexplicably filled with wariness towards the frail old village chief.

Perhaps this was a premonition from his maximum level skill—Passive Sensory Perception.

Just then, Qiu Xiya approached and took Jiaang Lin's hand, reverting to the bubbly demeanor she had when they first met. Her vivacity was evident, and all the villagers smiled warmly at her, clearly fond of Qiu Xiya.

No one could fathom how Qiu Xiya had grown to be so stunningly beautiful; her allure was beyond words.

Yet, such a radiant figure had emerged from a humble village!

"How odd," Jiaang Lin mused to himself.

"Alright, dear elders and uncles, please don't trouble the Immortal Master any further. He's exhausted from battling those bandits. Let's give him a moment to rest, shall we?"

Without waiting for a response, Qiu Xiya swiftly led Jiaang Lin away by the hand.