https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-161-The-Pitfall-is-Complete-Escalating-Conflicts-We-re-the-Professionals-Part-1-/12963922/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-162-New-Combination-All-Are-Losers-New-Protagonist-Dragon-King-Part-1-/12963927/
Chapter 161: The Pitfall is Complete! Escalating Conflicts, We're the Professionals~ (Part 2)
Chapter 161: The Pitfall is Complete! Escalating Conflicts, We're the Professionals~ (Part 2)
When he visited his own Immortal Mansion, he was casual and didn't bother with formalities, but when entering Elder Lu's place, he suddenly became so polite?
But the Second Elder ignored Gu Qingyun's disdain and cheerfully said, "Elder Lu, oh dear, I'm embarrassed."
"When we met the other day, I had just returned to the sect, so I didn't even have time to prepare a gift."
"As a result, it was you, Elder Lu, who gave me a set of pills when we first met, making me feel ashamed."
"So, I've collected some small gifts for Elder Lu."
"I hope Elder Lu won't reject them."
He presented the gifts.
It was a storage bag.
What was inside, Elder Gu Qingyun was curious.
But at this moment, he felt rather annoyed.
Damn it!
I came first, shouldn't gifts be given in the order of arrival?
You're being too hasty!
He quickly took out a storage ring as well: "Hey, I was just speaking casually. Elder Lu, we don't need to waste words, right?"
"After all, back at the inn, we've already communicated spiritually for a while..."
"Actually, I've also brought some gifts."
"..."
“Absolutely not! You mustn’t refuse!”
“Actually, I should have given this to you when we first met at the inn, but I was too anxious then and didn’t have the time to prepare. Please forgive me, forgive me~”
Lu Ming: “What?!”
He was genuinely surprised.
This situation... it could still be considered within the plan, but barely.
According to the plan, these elders should have come one by one, asking him to help them refine pills.
Yes, they did come.
Their purpose was undoubtedly to have him refine pills for them.
But why are they all giving gifts?
And directly giving a storage bag and a storage ring... they can’t be empty, right?
There must be something inside, and not just one or two items!
Otherwise, why would they use a storage bag?
You guys are making me feel so awkward!
Lu Ming pondered slightly, looking at the two of them, somewhat dazed.
The two of them simultaneously broke into radiant smiles: “Please accept them, Elder Lu.”
“If you don’t accept them, it means you look down on us!”
“Right, and me too!”
“I also...”
“The day I received the pills from Elder Lu, I felt truly guilty, but I had nothing prepared then. Now I’ve made up for it. Elder Lu, you won’t be angry and refuse to accept them, right?”
One by one, the elders arrived.
Each of them was courteous and smiling, either holding a storage bag or a storage ring.
When the elders looked at each other, they all smiled and nodded.
But the sparks in their eyes were almost tangible.
Fine, fine, fine, you all want to play this way, huh?
Lu Ming actually wanted to accept them all.
But it wasn’t appropriate!
If he accepted, he would have to agree to refine pills for them.
If he agreed to refine pills for them, how could he incite any conflict?
“Not right!”
He straightened his face and refused sternly: “How can it be like this?!”
“Could it be that you elders look down on me, Lu?”
“Elder Lu, why do you say that?” The elders were anxious: “We absolutely have no such intention!”
“Giving gifts upon the first meeting is only proper.”
“That’s right, if we looked down on you, Elder Lu, we wouldn’t have given you gifts.”
“Please don’t think too much of it!”
“Since you don’t look down on me, then take these gifts back!” Lu Ming said, his face stern: “I’m just a wandering cultivator.”
“Only after entering the Bright Moon Sect and being treated sincerely did I feel like I have a home.”
“You are all my family!”
“Refining pills for family is only proper!”
“Moreover, when I joined the sect, I received many benefits. If I were to ask for a reward just for refining a batch of pills for you, wouldn’t that make me a heartless and spineless person, worse than beasts?”
“So, please take them back!”
“If you come to chat or visit, I, Lu, would naturally be very welcome.”
“But if you’re just here to give gifts, hum, I won’t see you off!”
Everyone looked at each other, feeling a myriad of emotions.
Elder Lu is such a good person!
But if you don’t accept the gifts, how can we ask you to refine pills?
You can’t possibly think we’re really just here to give gifts, right?
Or...
He’s already guessed our intentions, and he’s refusing just because he doesn’t want to refine pills for us. After all, it’s hard to refuse when you’ve accepted a gift.
They were all shrewd.
After a moment’s thought, they all concluded that Lu Ming was in the second situation.
He didn’t want to refine pills for them!
That won’t do!
Even if you don’t accept others’, at least, you should accept mine, right?
They were all anxious.
Competing to be the first.
But the Great Elder ultimately had the most authority: “Be quiet, let me speak a few words!”
“Elder Lu is overthinking it. Giving gifts upon the first meeting is an unwritten rule of the Bright Moon Sect!”
“Moreover...”
“Just take a look.”
“Just a look~”
Gu Qingyun was very confident.
As long as you take a look~
I don’t believe you won’t be tempted!
The other elders were equally confident.
“Your kindness is hard to refuse, Elder Lu, I...” Lu Ming laughed bitterly: “Then, I’ll take a look?”
“Look!”
“Of course, take a look.”
“Come, come, come, take a look.”
Then,
They opened their storage bags and storage rings slightly, allowing Lu Ming to take a look.
Once he saw, Lu Ming’s eyes went wide in shock!
This wasn’t an act.
These were all good things!
Truly good things!
Either rare spirit herbs, materials beneficial to cultivation, or precious treasures that greatly aid pill refinement!
Each one of them was a treasure.
If he accepted them all and took them back to the Moon Embrace Sect, it would instantly boost the sect’s resources!
Unfortunately...
He couldn’t accept them.
Accepting them would mean he couldn’t take them back for a while, otherwise, once exposed, it would bring calamity, not just to himself but to the Moon Embrace Sect as well.
But...
Pretending was still possible.
Lu Ming’s eyes were so wide, that yearning, that greed, Gu Qingyun and the others saw it clearly.
But in the end, he very reluctantly withdrew his gaze and sighed: “Your intentions, I...”
“I understand them.”
“But I really can’t accept them.”
Can’t accept them?
Gu Qingyun and the others were surprised.
You looked so eager, yet you won’t accept them?
That greedy expression, could it be fake?
No!
Wanting but still refusing, means there must be a hidden reason!
Gu Qingyun pondered for a moment, then cleared his throat and said: “Elder Lu, actually, I’m not just here to make up for the gifts, but to ask for a favor.”
“If you don’t accept them, I... really can’t bring myself to say it!”
Can’t bring yourself to say it? You’ve already said it, haven’t you?
If you don't open up soon, I'm getting tired of this act.
Lu Ming sighed inwardly and then looked at the others, "Surely the other elders aren't also..."
"We also have a request!"
Although the gift hadn't been given yet, the Great Elder was already prepared to reveal the truth. How could they lag behind?
"So that's how it is!"
Lu Ming suddenly realized, and a smile flashed across his face, but it quickly turned into a vigilant expression. He didn't accept the gift but said, "I don't know, elders, what brings you here?"
This was a bit suspicious.
You're a Great Alchemy Master, and we've come to you. What else could it be?
But everyone present was shrewd, and they wouldn't expose this act.
Instead, he awkwardly laughed, "Hehe, well, it's embarrassing to say."
"Embarrassing, indeed."
"It's just that...they, these matters, are unknown to this old man." Gu Qingyun, relying on his status and position, was the first to speak up, "But in my current realm, I've been stuck for hundreds of years."
"Hundreds of years, ah."
He sighed deeply, "Although our cultivators have long lifespans, being stuck in a minor realm for hundreds of years without a breakthrough is almost like seeing the end of the road."
"If there's no other opportunity, it's ultimately a dead end."
"I don't want to die."
"I want to live on, and even more, I want to witness the higher and more magnificent realms, so..."
"I can only thicken my face and ask Elder Lu to give me a way out~!"
Damn, this old man is shameless.
Relying on his higher status, he was the first to speak, and he even only talked about how miserable he was, excluding them as if their days were much easier.
They couldn't hold back and spoke up one after another.
"Elder Lu, you're wrong. You've indeed been stuck in your current realm for hundreds of years, but have we had it easy?"
"Yes!"
"It's difficult for all of us."
"Every family has its own difficult sutra to recite."
"Indeed, my last breakthrough was over a decade ago, and I'm also younger than you, but Elder Lu, don't forget that my realm is also significantly lower than yours! If we truly calculate it, if we can't move forward, and our lifespans run out first, it's actually me who will perish first."
"That's right, Elder Lu, you can't just talk about your difficulties and ignore us!"
"Elder Lu, it's embarrassing to say, but we're all here for the same reason."
"..."
Lu Ming blinked and then patted his chest, "Don't worry, everyone, don't worry."
"I understand what you mean."
"I originally thought it was something major, but it turns out you just want me to help refine pills. What's the difficulty in that? I'm an alchemist, and pill refining is my duty."
"Moreover, I joined to refine pills for all of you."
"There's no need to fight over it!"
"And no need to ruin the harmony."
Everyone was overjoyed.
"Elder Lu is so generous!"
"I knew Elder Lu was unparalleled!"
"Since Elder Lu has agreed, then this gift..."
They were excited.
But they didn't forget their original intention—to give gifts.
Many gifts aren't a problem!
Although he agreed readily, who knows what he'll do after turning his back? But if they give the gift, it's different. As the saying goes, it's hard to refuse a gift."
As long as he takes their gift, he'll have to refine pills for them sooner or later!
Only then will they feel more at ease.
"Yes, yes, Elder Lu, accept it!"
"We don't have any other intentions; it's just a token of our appreciation."
"That's right, it's just a small token, and we're a bit embarrassed."
"With such insistence..."
Lu Ming's eyes gleamed with greed, and his smile became even brighter, "If I refuse further, it would be impolite."
"Moreover, how can I refuse the kindness of my elders? Strictly speaking, you are all my seniors. To refuse further would be difficult to justify."
"I'll thicken my face and accept..."
Lu Ming extended his hand.
Gu Qingyun and the other elders were delighted and passed him their prepared storage bags and storage rings.
They were about to successfully give their gifts.
But Lu Ming suddenly hesitated, and the smile on his face froze.
Then, in their bewildered gazes, he struggled to retract his hand.
"This..."
"After careful consideration, I still can't accept it."
"Still can't accept it? Why?!"
They were stunned.
Are you toying with us?
Sometimes accepting, sometimes refusing.
What's going on?
You're making our moods fluctuate, and it's very uncomfortable!
"Sigh, it's embarrassing," Lu Ming sighed.
Everyone: "..."
Alright, now it's your turn to be embarrassed?
But then they heard Lu Ming continue, "Refining pills for you elders is indeed my duty, and logically, I should never refuse and should do my best."
"But now, I can't agree to your request right away."
"Why?"
"Yes, why?"
"Is there an urgent matter?"
Gu Qingyun waved his hand, "If so, Elder Lu, just say it, no, Elder Lu, just command us, and we'll definitely solve it for you in the shortest time!"
"Indeed~"
The elders nodded in agreement.
"This matter...you can't help me with it."
Lu Ming was a bit conflicted, but after a moment, he said, "Sigh, never mind."
"Since you elders are so sincere towards me, if I still hide it, I'd be too much."
"The matter is like this."
He explained with a bitter smile, "You elders should all know that I have some connections with your sect's Seventh Sequence Tang Wu, and our relationship is excellent."
"He just came looking for me."
"Please help him refine pills."
"Considering my extremely good relationship with him, as close as brothers, and now that we are fellow disciples, it's only natural to not refuse. So, I readily agreed to his request."
"I thought that refining the pills he needed wouldn't take too long, and after completing them, I could then refine pills for the other elders and disciples in the sect."
"But who knew that I agreed too soon."
"The pills Tang Wu needs, I can't refine them in a short time."
"Sigh!"
With a sigh, Lu Ming continued, "Even the pills for just one person, I can't refine them in a short time, so how dare I casually agree to the elders' requests?"
"This is not appropriate, not appropriate at all!"
"It's better for the elders to take these gifts back."
"After I finish refining the pills for Tang Wu, I'll refine them for you all, how about that?"
He perfectly portrayed the mindset and expression of being bitten by a snake and fearing the rope for ten years, wanting the gifts but also worrying about being scammed.
A group of old foxes couldn't find any fault with it.
Instead, they felt it was reasonable.
Isn't this how things should be? If not, what other explanation could there be?
That Tang Wu, he's not a good person.
A petty man! How despicable!
He actually dares to take advantage of his good relationship with Elder Lu to scam us!
Elder Lu treats him like a brother, and this is how he repays him, by scamming his brother?
After being scammed, we are now left without any pills.
Are you even human?
They exchanged a glance, their eyes flashing with cold light.
"A mere Seventh Sequence dares to be so bold, it's truly unreasonable."
"We don't even know how many pills he asked Elder Lu to refine, and it will take a considerable amount of time to complete them."
"It's not about the quantity but the quality, which must be exceptionally high!"
"Hmph, who cares how many he wants? Right now, Bright Moon Sect is ultimately controlled by us old folks. Those young ones want to stand out, but it's still too early. Why should they occupy the resources?"
"We must teach him a lesson."
"Agreed!"
"The advancement of a Seventh Sequence is nothing compared to us, the backbone of the sect."
"This is a Golden Age, a time when talented individuals are needed. Even if we only advance a minor realm, it's still more useful than their advancement of a major realm."
"You know what to do, right?"
"Of course!"
"Since that's the case, I won't say more."
"I'll take my leave first, don't let Elder Lu be troubled."
"As for Tang Wu, we'll slowly refine his pills."
"..."
......
"So that's how it is."
After the telepathic transmission ended, Gu Qingyun laughed, "So that's how it is."
"It's not a big deal, what's the difficulty?"
"Wait for Elder Lu to finish his task, then refine pills for us!"
"I'll leave the gift here, and there's no rush for the refining. Elder Lu can do it whenever he's free."
"This old man has other matters to attend to, so I'll take my leave."
After saying this, he directly left.
He didn't give Lu Ming a chance to refuse.
The other elders followed suit, leaving behind their storage bags and rings.
Before the Second Elder left, he said with a smile, "Elder Lu, don't worry. I believe it won't be long before Tang Wu's pills are refined."
"Farewell."
He cupped his hands and quietly departed.
Soon, the entire Immortal Mansion was left with only Lu Ming.
Looking at the storage bags and rings scattered on the ground, Lu Ming sighed.
After setting up arrays and restrictions, he swept them all away like autumn leaves.
"How can I be so shameless?"
"It's a pity that these things can't be exposed for now."
"Otherwise, Moon Embrace Sect would soar to new heights!"
According to his estimation, the value of these items was almost equivalent to the entire wealth of a Seventh or Eighth Realm powerhouse!
"But I can use them now."
"I can use them to improve myself. After refining them into pills, as long as no one finds out, I can distribute them."
"Hmm?"
"Wen Ruyu has arrived and is quietly waiting outside the Immortal Mansion, even preparing a meditation cushion to cultivate at the door?"
Lu Ming frowned, "Is she here to monitor me?"
"They shouldn't have any suspicions about me now. Instead of saying Wen Ruyu is here to watch me, it's more like the elders, knowing about Tang Wu's matter, are afraid of similar incidents and asked Wen Ruyu to keep watch."
"In that case, let her stay."
Lu Ming smiled slightly.
Then, he began to cultivate on his own.
Refine what pills?
Tang Wu, your good days are coming to an end~
Even if I refine good pills, you won't be able to handle it!
"Tang Wu, give it your all~"
"I'm looking forward to it."
"You must unleash your own power and characteristics, let us witness your strength!"
......
"That Tang Wu, he's too greedy!"
"Even Elder Lu can't refine them in a lot! You're so kind!"
"Get Wen Ruyu to keep watch! Why is she so clueless?"
"Let's go find Tang Wu, but keep it low-key, don't make a scene."
"If this spreads, it won't sound good for us elders to pressure a junior for pills."
Gu Qingyun and the other elders left to find Tang Wu.
(End of Chapter)
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