Chapter 60

Mentioning Lin Xun, Mu Wansu, who stood to one side, immediately felt a surge of annoyance.

She took a deep breath and said, "It's true, but that boy is nothing but trouble, and in the end, we, the Stone Cauldron Studio, have to clean up his mess. His intentions are truly despicable."

Shi Xuan was taken aback, "What do you mean?"

Mu Wansu didn't hide anything and recounted the events of that day, finally sneering, "Young Master, don't you think this boy is particularly despicable? He's using others' power to bully, but not even in the right way!"

Shi Xuan fell into deep thought, and after a long while, he clapped his hands and laughed heartily, "What a Lin Xun! I used to think he was just a promising young talent, but now it seems I underestimated him. A boy of thirteen or fourteen with such depth and skill is truly remarkable!"

His voice was full of admiration.

This made Mu Wansu almost doubt if she had heard correctly. She couldn't help but ask, "Young Master, this boy is shameless and cunning. Why are you praising him so much?"

Shi Xuan's smile faded, and he sighed, "Let me ask you, was this boy entering the Qingyang Tribe for the first time that day?"

Mu Wansu replied, "Indeed."

"Let me ask you again, when he first entered the Qingyang Tribe, instead of being cautious, he publicly killed Feng Dog Wu Jie and others. Do you know why?"

Mu Wansu, indignant, said, "There's no need to guess. He must have already decided to make us, the Stone Cauldron Studio, stand up for him, which is why he acted so recklessly."

Shi Xuan laughed, "You're right, but you've misunderstood one thing. That token was a gift from me. If he didn't use it, what value would it have for him?"

Mu Wansu was taken aback and then frowned, "But even if he wanted our help, he could have informed us first. Instead, he acted first and reported later, putting us, the Stone Cauldron Studio, in a passive position. What kind of conduct is this?"

She paused, her teeth clenched, and continued, "What's even more infuriating is that after entering the Stone Cauldron Studio, he didn't lower his stance but instead started a fight, making everyone lose face. If I hadn't been there, it would have surely caused a big mess."

Shi Xuan sighed, "This is exactly what he intended."

Mu Wansu's frown deepened. She suddenly realized that no matter how much she had said, it hadn't changed Young Master's opinion at all. Instead, it seemed he appreciated Lin Xun even more.

This made Mu Wansu feel frustrated, and she said, "I know he did it on purpose, to draw out the shopkeeper Yan Zhen!"

Shi Xuan shook his head, "That's just one of his goals. More importantly, he wanted to tell everyone that he, Lin Xun, is in the Stone Cauldron Studio!"

Mu Wansu was thoroughly stunned, "Why would he do that?"

Shi Xuan countered, "If Lin Xun had come to us and asked the Stone Cauldron Studio to deal with the Wu Family Business, would you and Yan Zhen have agreed?"

Mu Wansu hesitated. Although she was unwilling, she had to admit, "We probably wouldn't. He's just a country boy. Even with Young Master's token, we would at most protect his life. If we were to confront the Wu Family Business for his sake, it wouldn't be in the best interest of the Stone Cauldron Studio."

Shi Xuan nodded, "Yan Zhen would certainly do the same. So, Lin Xun had to take a bold move, using this action to draw the Wu Family Business to the Stone Cauldron Studio, forcing you to make a decision."

"If the Stone Cauldron Studio backed down, it would become a laughingstock in the Qingyang Tribe, damaging the reputation of the entire studio. If the Stone Cauldron Studio chose to avoid trouble and only protect Lin Xun, it would seem petty and afraid of the Wu Family Business, which would also damage our reputation."

Shi Xuan couldn't help but laugh, "As you can see, the Wu Family Business was forced to admit defeat, and Lin Xun became the ultimate winner."

Hearing this, Mu Wansu recalled Lin Xun's actions that night and, combined with Shi Xuan's words, felt a chill run down her spine. She asked, "Young Master, are you overestimating him?"

Shi Xuan calmly replied, "I know you have a grudge against Lin Xun, but if you really calm down, you won't think so."

Mu Wansu fell silent, her heart unable to calm down. She silently pondered Lin Xun's actions that night but still found it hard to agree with him.

"Remember, he's a boy from a remote village, only thirteen or fourteen years old. On his first visit to a place like the Qingyang Tribe, he could turn the tide in one night. All he relied on was a token that means little to me."

Shi Xuan sighed, "Not simple, not simple at all."

Mu Wansu was clearly disheartened but still不服气, "But it's your token, Young Master. How could it be useless? Without this token, he would have been torn apart by the Wu Family Business long ago."

Shi Xuan frowned and glanced at Mu Wansu, "Without this token, based on Lin Xun's intelligence and skills, he would have found other solutions. At the very least, he wouldn't have exposed himself to the Wu Family Business so quickly. Remember, never act out of emotion, or you will surely suffer in the future."

Mu Wansu's expression turned serious, and she nodded, "Young Master's teachings are well taken. I will keep them in mind."

Shi Xuan thought for a moment and suddenly asked, "Wansu, have you ever been to the Forbidden City?"

Mu Wansu shook her head, "That's the capital. I doubt I will ever have the chance to enter."

Shi Xuan continued, "If one day you have the chance to enter the Forbidden City, but are immediately targeted by some enemies who want to kill you, and these enemies are very powerful, so you have no strength to fight back, what would you do?"

Mu Wansu pursed her lips, "Either run away or seek protection from others."

Shi Xuan asked, "But what if others are also unwilling to offend these enemies?"

Mu Wansu's expression changed.

She suddenly understood. Shi Xuan was comparing her to Lin Xun.

Indeed, Lin Xun entering the Qingyang Tribe from a remote village was like her entering the Forbidden City from Donglin City. In the same situation, what would she do if she faced the same circumstances as Lin Xun?

Mu Wansu finally understood. She took a deep breath and bowed, "Thank you, Young Master, for your guidance."

In her heart, Mu Wansu still harbored a grudge against Lin Xun. He had taken too many advantages over her, making her suffer repeatedly. How could she forgive him so easily?

Mu Wansu had made up her mind. While Young Master might appreciate Lin Xun, she would never give him another chance to use her.

Shi Xuan smiled and waved, "This is a minor matter. Just be more careful in the future. Lin Xun is still young and lacks experience. It will take a long time for him to rise. If he can one day enter the Forbidden City, perhaps I will personally invite him to the Stone Cauldron Studio. For now, let's just form a good connection with him. Whether he becomes a dragon or a snake, it all depends on him."

Mu Wansu nodded repeatedly, "That's right."

Shi Xuan glanced at her and shook his head. He knew Mu Wansu's grudge against Lin Xun would be hard to resolve, so he didn't say more.

Suddenly, Shi Xuan seemed to remember something and pondered, "Now that Xie Yutang has killed the Golden Flame Beast and taken the Origin Spirit Crystal, he will likely return home to have his elders refine the Spirit Pattern Battle Armor. If he succeeds, his combat power will become even more terrifying. At that time, the top thirty rankings in the empire will likely change again..."

Mu Wansu was surprised, "This Spirit Pattern Battle Armor is that powerful?"

Shi Xuan nodded, "It's a secret technique of the Xie Family from Wuyi Alley. When used, it can produce incredible power."

With that, Shi Xuan stood up, his expression resolute, "I should return home as well. Xie Yutang has his own opportunities, but I can't just give up."

Mu Wansu hurriedly said, "Young Master, if you leave, what about the 'Ultimate Treasure'? Should we just give up?"

Shi Xuan shook his head, "There's no need to investigate further. If my judgment is correct, this treasure might not even exist. Even if it does, it has likely already been obtained by someone. Don't forget, the 'Ultimate Treasure' mentioned by the Celestial Priest of the Capital's Star Observation Platform was just a guess, not a fact. Since that's the case, it's not worth wasting more energy."

With that, he pushed the door open and left gracefully.

That day, not only did Shi Xuan leave, but many other top figures who had found nothing in the Three Thousand Mountains also left, disheartened.

The storm caused by the 'Ultimate Treasure' quietly came to an end after Xie Yutang killed the Golden Flame Beast.

However, the turmoil in the Three Thousand Mountains didn't end there. The uproar caused by Liu Yukun's death was just beginning.

But for now, none of this had anything to do with Lin Xun.

After another day of travel, Lin Xun finally saw the familiar Fiyun Village at dusk, and his heart, which had been on edge, finally relaxed.

The journey had been smooth except for a few encounters with fierce beasts.

"Uncle Lin Xun is back!"

A group of children playing at the village entrance saw Lin Xun and immediately burst into cheers, running to spread the news.

Soon, Village Chief Xiao Tianren and the villagers gathered, their faces filled with excitement and joy.

Lin Xun felt warm inside. Perhaps only in Fiyun Village could he enjoy the warmth that others couldn't provide, making it all the more precious.

Lin Xun dismounted and introduced Gao Guiyong and Zhou Quan to Xiao Tianren, briefly recounting their journey's success, then hurried home, leaving everything behind.

He hadn't seen Xia Zhi's figure, and although only four or five days had passed, he was genuinely worried about how the little girl had been.

When he pushed open the door and entered the courtyard, he saw Xia Zhi sitting at a stone table under a weeping willow, eating alone.

The setting sun cast a golden glow, enveloping the little girl, making her look particularly serene and holy.

Seeing Lin Xun, Xia Zhi stood up, took a set of bowls and chopsticks from the kitchen, and filled a bowl of spirit rice for him, placing it on the opposite side of the table, saying, "Eat."

There was no excitement, no cheers, not even a word of concern.

But Lin Xun smiled, his heart filled with warmth. If he remembered correctly, this was the first time Xia Zhi had taken the initiative to get him a bowl and chopsticks, and the first time she had served him a meal.

This was how Xia Zhi welcomed him back, in her unique way.

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PS: Thank you, Xia Zhi and Teng Xiao, for your support and encouragement!