Chapter 618: Slap in the Face

Yan Buji knew well that whether it was Yao Wen or Feng Yue, behind each stood an Inner Gate Elder backing them, while he was merely a pawn in their struggle.

But Yan Buji also knew that because of the Delicious Pill affair, he had already caught the attention of Elder Ximen, and to them he was no longer a pawn they could toy with at will.

Precisely for this reason, no matter which side, Yan Buji could rely on this connection to gain a slight foothold and would not be drawn into danger by a careless move in their feud.

So Yan Buji pondered, then cupped his hands and said, "I too am visiting Paolong Sacred Land for the first time, working at Lian Dan Tang, so I am not entirely clear on what my current position is."

Elder Ximen wore a strange expression as he looked at Feng Yue: "Didn't you say he was your subordinate Alchemist?"

"That's right." Feng Yue narrowed his eyes and looked at Yan Buji.

Although Yan Buji's words were vague, they actually gave Feng Yue plenty of face; what remained was his feud with Yao Wen.

Yao Wen chuckled: "Isn't that wrong? Elder Feng publicly proclaimed that Fellow Daoist Yan is the new Hall Master of Lian Dan Tang, didn't he?"

"Oh? What evidence?" Feng Yue retorted, insisting on denying it.

"So you mean Elder Feng hasn't arranged for Fellow Daoist Yan to serve as Hall Master of Lian Dan Tang?" Yao Wen asked again.

"What's it to you? Besides, the Hall Master position at least requires approval from the Inner Gate; how could we arbitrarily assign it?"

Yao Wen smiled, looking at Yan Buji: "Fellow Daoist Yan, you heard that too. Elder Feng's words can't be trusted; earlier he told you something else."

"I merely said the paperwork hasn't come through yet, not that I'm lying. Yan Buji, you also know the Sacred Land's power isn't something a few of us can decide; naturally we need the Inner Gate Elders' consent."

Yan Buji said: "It's entirely up to Elder Feng."

Elder Ximen also figured it out: this Yan Buji isn't a native of Paolong Sacred Land, but a pawn Feng Yue brought in from outside to meddle in Lian Dan Tang.

But after observing Yan Buji's performance, Elder Ximen felt this guy might also be scheming, trying to tiger-skin his banner and use his name to gain a foothold.

"Hmm, if that's all there is to it, helping him a bit is fine. However, I'd rather not get involved in their feud..." Elder Ximen thought, then immediately said:

"In that case, I'll go to the Inner Gate and mention this matter, arrange something for Yan Buji, also as thanks for curing my daughter's illness."

Feng Yue breathed a sigh of relief; Elder Ximen saying that also counts as helping him out of a tight spot.

This way, Yan Buji's status is set in stone; even I would find it hard to interfere further.

Although this might risk letting that old fellow slip from control, it's still better than being attacked by Yao Wen using this opportunity.

Yao Wen suddenly smiled: "Elder Ximen, I think this matter is already settled. This is a document sent from the Inner Gate, already approving Yan Buji as Hall Master of the Outer Gate Lian Dan Tang!"

Yao Wen produced the document; Feng Yue's face changed drastically: "You, when did this happen?!"

"Elder Feng, you've known Fellow Daoist Yan longer than I have, so why haven't you given him the document yet? I went to the Inner Gate to inquire, and in the process helped Fellow Daoist Yan with this." Yao Wen laughed.

"You!" Feng Yue darkened his face, turned his head to look at Yan Buji.

Yan Buji also froze for a moment, thinking this guy moves fast—indeed he offers more benefits than Feng Yue did.

"Thank you, Elder Yao!"

"Hall Master Yan, no need to be polite; this time you not only aided Elder Ximen but also proved your ability, so the appointment document is naturally yours." Yao Wen walked over and handed it to him.

Afterwards, Yao Wen smiled at Feng Yue: "Please, Elder Feng, register Hall Master Yan."

Feng Yue darkened his face, gritted his teeth: "Fine!"

Elder Ximen's expression was strange.

"Feng Yue completely fails to grasp Yan Buji's value, so Yao Wen got ahead of him? No matter what, Yan Buji now shares some affinity with me; out of respect for this connection, if I can help him I will, so their goal is still about me?" Elder Ximen thought to this point, then saw no need to say more.

How could someone of my status treat the person who cured my daughter's illness with utter indifference, disregarding his life or death?

If I really did that, I doubt he could get by in Paolong Sacred Land at all.

Therefore, no matter what Elder Ximen does, he cannot stand by and watch Yan Buji face danger; likewise, even if that old fellow is also scheming, it's merely a dispute of interests, which to him isn't a big deal.

So even if Elder Ximen's mind is clear as a mirror, he won't say much more; instead he smiles at Yan Buji: "Congratulations, Yan Buji, you have become Hall Master of our Paolong Sacred Land's Outer Gate Lian Dan Tang."

"Thank you, Elder Ximen!"

"Hmm, if anything comes up, take this token to the Inner Gate to find me. By the way, remember to send the Delicious Pills over each month!"

"Yes, I will certainly do so!"

Yan Buji was deeply grateful that Elder Ximen spoke up now, which would to the greatest extent prevent Feng Yue and Yao Wen from keeping their eyes fixed on him. No matter what, he now has a connection to Elder Ximen, which is far stronger than having no backing before!

This is the benefit of connections!

Because he still has to deliver the Delicious Pills each month, they definitely won't use him as fodder during this period; in fact they'll have to help him manage Lian Dan Tang affairs.

If he delays Elder Ximen's affairs, that won't be his problem but theirs!

Yan Buji laughed aloud; from this moment on he need not fawn over those two, as long as he maintains good relations with Elder Ximen, even if it doesn't last long it's still a karmic bond, and in Paolong Sacred Land no one will look down on him.

Now Elder Ximen is practically his backing, so it doesn't matter how those two feud.

Of course, Yan Buji also knows that with both sides backed by others, his time here is too short and his foundation shallow, so naturally he should avoid provoking them if possible.

Yao Wen got him an identity document, which is literally riding on Feng Yue's back and slapping him in the face!

Seeing the tension between the two sides growing, Elder Ximen shouted: "You all step out for a moment; I have something to say to Yan Buji."

"Yes."

A group of people left the hall; Elder Ximen walked down and glanced at Yan Buji a few times.

"How old are you this year?"

"Replying, Elder, I am already five hundred thirty-six years old." Yan Buji said.

"Hmm, five hundred thirty-six, practicing Martial and Law Dual Cultivation, not bad." Elder Ximen patted Yan Buji's shoulder: "However, Paolong Sacred Land will see various developments lately; you, as Hall Master of Lian Dan Tang, had best not meddle in anything."

Yan Buji didn't understand, so he asked: "Please, Elder, clarify."

"Recently the Inner Gate has seen major changes, plus some impending events; Paolong Sacred Land will be at a critical turning point. If you had the ability it'd be fine, but unfortunately your cultivation is too low." Elder Ximen sighed, implying as much.

"That's the case, thank you for the advice, Elder."

"Hmm, as long as my daughter's illness is cured, I will promise you one thing—anything within my power, just say the word."

"Thank you, Elder!!"