C19 It Was a Good Opportunity to Test These Two Little Brothers

How exactly should I test the loyalty of these two underlings? That's the real question.

Watching them both gaze at me with such eagerness, I can't afford to show any weakness. It's only natural to assume the air of a sage.

"Just because you two come from humble beginnings doesn't automatically mean you're of good character."

I'm in dire need of help, but it's better to assess them thoroughly first. Haste makes waste, after all.

"For now, you two will follow me. Based on your future conduct, I'll decide whether to officially take you on."

It's not that I'm looking for trouble with them; I simply don't know them well enough.

And having dealt Hee Wudao a heavy blow, who knows if that kid might send someone to take me out in retaliation.

They didn't push the issue, which was probably for the best. If Su Ping'an had taken them on without question, one might wonder about his judgment. Caution is the better part of valor, and it's what keeps a leader alive.

After bidding Su Ping'an farewell, they left his courtyard, scurrying off eagerly.

Once they were gone, Su Ping'an continued with his business, donning the Heavenly Silkworm Treasured Armor. Surprisingly, it felt no different than wearing nothing at all—a testament to the system's exceptional craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, in Sect Master Yang's quarters, a storm of emotions raged within him. The fact that this young upstart had acquired his Junior Brother's secret flame technique was astounding.

It seemed the time might come to continue his Junior Brother's legacy, though whether the Elite Wound Sect could contain this young talent was another matter.

But for now, he dared not lay a finger on the boy, especially since he'd recently gained notoriety.

Any move against him could provoke an uproar throughout the Elite Wound Sect, a risk not worth taking.

Then it struck him—the Zhao family from Xuantian City had sought his protection for their daughter. What an opportune moment to strike at Su Ping'an.

With a sly grin, Yang Qingtian summoned someone to fetch Su Ping'an, plotting his next move.

Upon Su Ping'an's arrival, Yang Qingtian greeted him with a door wide open and a warm, welcoming smile. Yet, the old man's sudden shift in demeanor suggested a more sinister nature lurking beneath the surface.

"Ping'an, your alchemy skills are commendable, but remember, a solid foundation is key. You mustn't neglect your cultivation," Yang Qingtian advised, his face beaming with a smile.

Su Ping'an felt a twinge of suspicion at Sect Master Yang's words, wary of the old man's potential schemes. Staying composed seemed the wisest approach.

"Sect Master, I'm curious about how you plan to help me enhance my strength. I haven't yet had the opportunity to study the sect's secret scriptures," Su Ping'an inquired, feigning confusion.

Playing the fool seemed the safest bet around this old man, who clearly wasn't as benevolent as he appeared. A misstep could easily play into his hands.

Yang Qingtian's eyes narrowed, frustrated that Su Ping'an hadn't taken the bait. The young man proved to be a slippery opponent, as elusive as an eel and just as difficult to grasp.

They say with age comes cunning, but Su Ping'an was proving to be an enigma, difficult to predict and control.

Still, it was worth probing the young man's capabilities, especially with the Zhao family's generous offer on the table.

"This mission requires you to guard someone, and you'll face grave dangers along the way. True growth comes from the heat of battle," Yang Qingtian said, his tone gentle.

Su Ping'an was taken aback, having braced himself for another of the old man's traps. Perhaps he had been overly cautious.

[Beep! Mission issued: Protect Miss Zhao and ensure a safe retreat. Reward: the complete recipe for the One Breath Pill.]

A surge of excitement filled Su Ping'an. At last, he had the chance to concoct a truly formidable pill.

This miraculous pill promised a full recovery with a single breath, akin to gaining an extra life. The risk seemed well worth the reward.

Yet, the system's caveat about a safe retreat lingered in his mind. Was Yang Qingtian plotting against him after all?

Armed with his Other Shore Stage expertise and treasured armor, Su Ping'an felt prepared for whatever dangers lay ahead. He was determined not to retreat without a fight.

At this point, Su Ping'an felt at ease, smiling as he nodded in agreement.

"Thank you for your thoughtful guidance, Sect Master. I'll take on the mission, but may I request one small condition?"

He hadn't anticipated the young man asking for more. Perhaps he was angling for additional benefits?

But since the agreement was already in place, any further conditions he proposed wouldn't upset the overall plan. If anything happened to him, all would be returned to Yang Qingtian anyway.

So, Yang Qingtian gestured magnanimously and said with a hint of bravado.

"Speak freely, there's nothing we can't discuss between us, master and disciple. Just don't ask for my position as Sect Master."

Yang Qingtian was jesting, but there was an underlying truth to his words.

If this youngster discovered that his junior brother had died by his hand, he might seek revenge. Yang Qingtian would have to play it by ear.

Su Ping'an was startled by the comment. He had no desire for the old man's seat, but the fact that Yang Qingtian mentioned it suggested he might be wary.

This caused Su Ping'an to wonder about the old man's true intentions.

He knew he had to make his stance clear, or Yang Qingtian would become even more cautious.

Feigning deep concern, Su Ping'an said with a look of alarm, "Sect Master, you're not trying to send your disciple to his death, are you? Please, no jokes—I'm not nearly capable enough for that."

Yang Qingtian's guard dropped slightly at Su Ping'an's reaction; the young man was clearly unaware of the full situation.

"Tell me your condition. If it's within my power to fulfill, consider it done."

Su Ping'an was surprised by the old man's generosity, which warmed him slightly to Yang Qingtian.

Yet, considering the peril involved in protecting someone, even if it posed no risk to him, he saw an opportunity to evaluate the two who wished to join his sect.

"Sect Master, since Wang Ning and Zhao Xiaohua are both outer sect disciples, I think they should be able to join me without issue."

"Sect Master, I merely thought that having Wang Ning and Zhao Xiaohua, two outer disciples, accompany me wouldn't be too much of an issue," Su Ping'an proposed.

Yang Qingtian was taken aback by the modesty of Su Ping'an's request; he hadn't anticipated such undemanding conditions. Moreover, the names of these two disciples were unfamiliar to him, suggesting they likely weren't recognized for exceptional talent.