Fortune Favors the Bold

The Outer Sect Hall of the Fallen God Palace.

Many elders were discussing plans for revenge. As the voices pledging action gradually died down, all wore expressions of shared hatred and grief. Whether sincere or not, they had perfected the performance for appearance's sake.

Just as they were about to disperse and leave.

Suddenly!

An aged figure slowly appeared at the entrance of the great hall.

The newcomer was none other than Liu Runan, an Inner Sect Elder.

Within the entire Fallen God Palace, and even throughout the Land of the Fallen Gods, he was a figure of significant renown. Before this person, most of them were mere juniors, not daring to show the slightest disrespect.

Gazing upon that weathered face, all the elders rose in unison, a brief shock flashing in their eyes as they clasped their fists in salute!

"We pay our respects to Elder Liu!"

Their varied expressions were hidden deep within, as concealed as their secret thoughts. All the elders bowed and waited quietly, their attitudes extremely humble and reverent.

Even so.

Liu Runan's stooped figure showed not the slightest movement, and his turbid eyes did not scrutinize anyone. With just an indifferent sweep across the hall, he saw through the intentions of these juniors.

It was nothing more than putting on a show to curry his favor.

Before him, these Outer Sect Elders, revered as deities by the outside world, were merely insignificant juniors. Their attempts at schemes and cunning were rather immature; such tricks could not deceive his eyes.

Though old in body, his heart was clear as a mirror.

After just a few moments of his silent gaze, everyone felt considerable pressure, as if facing their former masters, their hearts filled with anxiety.

After much deliberation, the Outer Sect Grand Elder had no choice but to bow and speak.

"Elder Liu gracing our Outer Sect with your presence is a great honor. Your esteemed son worked alongside us for many years, and his unfortunate demise at the hands of a vile traitor is a tragedy. We will definitely investigate the truth and apprehend the murderer!"

As soon as he spoke, the other elders chimed in agreement.

Observing the united front of the crowd, Liu Runan lowered his eyelids and spoke coldly.

"Oh?"

"My worthless son has been dead for a full day, and yet there is still no news? Is this the camaraderie you speak of?"

"If this matter were to spread throughout the world, where would the prestige of our Fallen God Palace stand?"

A few low-spirited questions instantly startled everyone, their knees going weak!

Before they could offer excuses.

Liu Runan spoke again, his tone now clearly carrying a trace of anger!

"For tens of thousands of years, our Fallen God Palace has dominated Lan Star. Such a disgraceful incident has never occurred before. While my son's death is a minor matter in itself, the fact that you have taken no action whatsoever up to now—does this befit your status as elders of the Fallen God Palace?"

"It seems the Outer Sect has been resting on its laurels for too long, no longer what it once was. This matter can only be reported to the Star Lord for investigation by the Inner Sect!"

As soon as the words fell.

All the elders were frightened pale, kneeling on the ground in unison!

"Elder Liu, please forgive us!"

"We will investigate this matter immediately, apprehending the murderer without rest!"

"Elder, have mercy! You must not report this to the Star Lord!"

"We beg for your forgiveness, Elder. Please, consider our many years of working alongside your esteemed son and show us leniency!"

Watching all the elders pleading for mercy, Liu Runan remained composed and steady.

Back in the day, when he rose to power through his own methods, these people didn't even know where they were; some weren't even born yet. Such petty schemes, daring to show off their meager skills before an expert?

Ridiculous!

Having manipulated the elders with just a few words, Liu Runan then allowed a trace of emotion to show on his face.

He feigned magnanimity and sighed.

"Ah, enough, enough..."

"Considering your regard for fellow sect members and your concern for the sect's honor, this old man will temporarily refrain from reporting to the Star Lord. However, this matter must be resolved quickly. Otherwise, it will not be settled lightly, and I will definitely hold you accountable for negligence in the investigation!"

Hearing this was like receiving a pardon. The elders repeatedly agreed and nodded.

"Elder Liu is magnanimous. We are endlessly grateful!"

"Of course, of course..."

Only the Outer Sect Grand Elder, after expressing gratitude, showed a troubled expression.

Hesitating for a few moments, he tentatively clasped his fists and rose.

"Elder, your generosity fills this junior with immense gratitude."

"However, your esteemed son perished in the outer regions. The Divine Land is vast and boundless, and we currently have no leads on how to investigate. Could you grant us a few days' grace..."

"Three days! Within three days, we will mobilize all our treasures and connections to get to the bottom of this and capture the true culprit!"

Hearing this, Liu Runan nodded slightly with approval.

"Hmm..."

Suppressing the delight of having hooked his fish, he generously released information again.

"That is reasonable."

"However, this matter is not too difficult. Through my son's soul flame report, this old man has already learned of the murderer's whereabouts and origins. Are you willing to accompany me to apprehend the true culprit and redeem yourselves?"

The elders were pleasantly surprised and immediately responded respectfully.

"We would dare to die ten thousand deaths without regret!"

"With the Elder personally going, we will certainly clear the path and capture the murderer together!"

"Thank you for your generosity and guidance, Elder. This junior is eternally grateful!"

With just a few words, a group of Outer Sect Elders was perfectly manipulated.

What should have been their chance to earn a favor had, in the blink of an eye, turned into them owing Liu Runan a favor. They even had to feel grateful and exert effort to help capture Yi Feng.

This was the terrifying aspect of an Inner Sect Elder.

Looking at the crowd of eager pawns, Liu Runan finally revealed a trace of a gratified smile. The progress matched his plan exactly; everything was within expectations.

...

Northern Desert Barren Domain.

Yi Feng had secretly slipped back, setting up a tent and leisurely drinking tea.

The previous drinking session had indeed been carefree and comfortable, but he would absolutely not abandon his great undertaking of seeking death. Having stirred up this invincible hornet's nest, he must not implicate anyone. Facing it alone was the only choice.

After drinking a few cups of clear tea, Yi Feng's mind settled considerably.

No matter when the so-called experts from the Divine Palace arrived, he would simply wait here. Aside from being a bit bored, he was accustomed to everything else.

After waiting half a day with no sign of anyone, he could only look towards Mantou.

"Hey, do you think those people will come for revenge? That Fallen God Palace sounds so impressive. They probably wouldn't just let a murderer like me roam free, right?"

He asked several questions in a row.

Mantou remained its usual lifeless self, slowly wriggling in the sandy ground nearby, true to its name. It turned its dead-fish eyes to glance back, blowing emotionless bubbles from its mouth.

"Blub blub..."

Judging by its demeanor, it probably didn't have much intelligence. Asking was a waste of breath.

Then again, not everyone could understand the intricacies and dangers of the great death-seeking plan.

Yi Feng sighed helplessly, looking up at the sky and praying aloud.

"Old Liu, oh Old Liu, you must come..."

At the same time.

Within the void, Liu Runan led a group of Fallen God Palace elders forward, arriving in the Northern Desert Barren Domain in the blink of an eye. Gazing at the solitary figure on the ground, they gradually showed puzzled expressions.

Hearing the few details Liu Runan shared, many were shocked, their faces changing dramatically!

"Barren Realm?!"

"Elder Liu, how could we be a match for a Barren Realm expert?!"

"This..."

A group of elders suddenly felt they had been tricked, but dared not voice their anger.

Half-step Barren Realm and Barren Realm might sound similar, but in reality, they were worlds apart. Once one entered the Barren Realm, they could wield true Primordial Barren power, capable of shaking heaven and earth, moving ghosts and gods.

In confrontations of this level, a spar might be barely possible, but in a life-or-death battle where true trump cards are used, the gap was significant, far from something numbers alone could bridge!

Liu Runan, however, stood calmly with his hands behind his back, a smile on his face, appearing completely in control.

"There is no need for panic."

"All you need to do is utilize your movement techniques to circle and stall this person. I will set up a grand formation from the periphery, and we are certain to defeat him in one fell swoop!"

"Once this is done, I will not pursue any charges of negligence, and I will also remember the favor you all show me today."

Hearing this, many already showed hesitation on their faces.

Although this task was truly quite difficult, as long as they could delay for a while, they could not only redeem their past failures but also gain a favor from an inner sect elder. It was worth a try!

As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. With sufficient benefit at stake, anyone would be willing to take a risk. Moreover, with Elder Liu Runan overseeing things, the risk shouldn't be too great. They might regret it if they didn't give it a shot.

These men were all hardened characters. Seeing Liu Runan speak with such conviction, they immediately clasped their fists in agreement!

"Agreed! It's a deal!"

A dozen or so men exchanged solemn looks, gritted their teeth, and charged straight toward the sandy ground!