Chapter 90

Entering his familiar cave, Xie Ruolan sat in his usual spot, crossing her legs and looking at Lin Haoming, who should be the new master of this place. At this moment, he was narrating the events that had occurred in front of her in a proper manner.

Lin Haoming himself felt that the situation was somewhat odd.

After all, in name, this was now his cave, yet it felt as if he was still reporting to Xie Ruolan as he used to.

But Lin Haoming also knew that everything had to face reality. In the past, they were all Qi Condensation disciples and were no match for Xie Ruolan. Now, she could easily dispose of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment senior, so there was nothing to argue about.

The events were actually quite simple. Lin Haoming only concealed a part related to the Dharma connection, while he did not hide anything else.

At first, when Wu Hongfei shouted about seeking revenge, Xie Ruolan showed no reaction.

However, when she heard that after receiving the sect's reward, Ling Shengjie had extorted two Foundation Establishment pills from him, Xie Ruolan's face immediately darkened.

She directly interrupted Lin Haoming and coldly asked, "Did you honestly give him the Foundation Establishment pills?"

Lin Haoming shook his head and said, "I didn't directly give him the Foundation Establishment pills, but I exchanged two high-grade spirit stones for him at the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, in return for a VIP status there!"

"Huh? VIP of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion! You?" Upon hearing this, Xie Ruolan's expression completely changed, and her gaze became somewhat peculiar, even sounding somewhat disbelieving.

Lin Haoming himself didn't understand why Xie Ruolan was looking at him like this. Her gaze was too direct, making him feel as if she was about to strip him and study him.

Although Lin Haoming admitted that he had once or twice dreamed of something happening with this beautiful woman, in those dreams, he was always the one showing off his manliness. This gaze made him feel very uncomfortable, and he scratched his ear, asking somewhat awkwardly, "Senior Aunt Xie, is there a problem?"

"Show me the jade token!" Xie Ruolan directly ordered.

Seeing how serious she was, Lin Haoming immediately took out the jade token and handed it to her.

When the jade token reached Xie Ruolan's hand, Lin Haoming suddenly noticed that her previously white and tender hand seemed different. Although it was still white and tender, the originally pink, petal-like nails had now turned black, with a glossy and crystalline appearance. Although it looked beautiful, it gave a somewhat eerie feeling.

Lin Haoming was certain that the color of her nails was not intentionally painted this way but was likely due to practicing a certain cultivation technique.

Of course, facing such a situation, Lin Haoming would never ask. He watched as Xie Ruolan carefully examined the jade token, standing quietly on the side without a word.

Xie Ruolan carefully examined it for a while and confirmed that it was indeed the jade token of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion. She then threw it back to Lin Haoming and said, "It's true. You, little guy, have quite a bit of luck to be favored by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion."

"Senior Aunt Xie, does that mean you were also favored by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion?" Lin Haoming immediately caught on from the word "also."

Xie Ruolan had spoken without thinking and did not deny it when Lin Haoming asked. She directly nodded and said, "You know now, but don't tell anyone else!"

"Of course!" Lin Haoming immediately nodded in agreement. He then asked, "Senior Aunt Xie, being favored by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, does it have any special significance?"

"Do you not know?" Xie Ruolan was somewhat surprised by Lin Haoming's puzzled look.

Lin Haoming nodded seriously. He vaguely felt that the reason he was favored by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion was likely due to his transaction with that peculiar Senior Qin.

"The Treasure Gathering Pavilion remains neutral among the major sects on the continent. Apart from the legend that there is a transcendent existence at the Soul Transformation stage within the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, more importantly, this sect, which specializes in business, has always secretly helped some disciples who are not highly regarded by their sects. I think you might have been chosen because you won the top spot in the Red Leaf Mountain competition!" Xie Ruolan shared her thoughts.

Lin Haoming listened and understood somewhat, but he still didn't think it was because of his outstanding performance at Red Leaf Mountain. He knew his own abilities best; without so many resources and the help of the Virtue Pearl, he would be nothing.

Xie Ruolan, seeing Lin Haoming's thoughtful expression, her dark eyes flashed with a hint of cunning and said, "Last time I gave you a Foundation Establishment pill, and you still have one left from the sect's reward. Two Foundation Establishment pills are still not enough for you. I have one more in my possession. If you can't achieve Foundation Establishment with two pills, come to me!"

Lin Haoming didn't expect Xie Ruolan to suddenly say this. He scratched his head and said, "Senior Aunt Xie, Wang Chen... he said he would give me a Foundation Establishment pill if there are any left!"

"I almost forgot. If that's the case, it's the best. If you achieve Foundation Establishment, I will try to find you a capable master. Then, you can choose a better cultivation technique, and with hard work, you might have a chance to enter the Golden Core stage!" Xie Ruolan said, thinking aloud.

Lin Haoming listened and felt that Xie Ruolan had changed. Why was she not exploiting him and was completely thinking for him? Could it be because he was favored by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion?

Lin Haoming thought this, and Xie Ruolan seemed to have the ability to read minds, knowing his doubts. She directly said, "Don't be surprised. Although I personally think your talent is not great, since the Treasure Gathering Pavilion values you, I believe their judgment is not bad. They are also investing in you, after all, the Treasure Gathering Pavilion will never interfere in the affairs of major sects. Their investment in cultivators is based on certain transactions, and the convenience they offer is that you can buy what you need at a lower price once you have spirit stones."

"I understand!" Lin Haoming had seen the rules of the Treasure Gathering Pavilion and knew that bargaining with them was impossible, at least not with his current status.

As Lin Haoming nodded in agreement, Xie Ruolan continued, "Since you are favored by the Treasure Gathering Pavilion, it means you have some potential. I will give you the opportunity. In return, when I reach a certain height, you must support me with all your might in the sect. Do you understand?"

In the past, Xie Ruolan was somewhat reserved when facing him, but now she was completely open. Her words were almost a direct statement: "I am grooming a confidant, do you understand?"

With such clear words, Lin Haoming naturally wouldn't refuse. He patted his chest and said, "Rest assured, if you feel it's not secure, I can sign a Heart Demon Pact directly!"

After saying this with a loyal expression, Lin Haoming muttered to himself, "Anyway, after I swear, I can use the Virtue to dissolve the pact's power. Who's afraid of who?"

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