A Gentleman’s Grace, Hidden Sharpness

As Wang Quan returned to the outer sect of Cloud Sky Gate, stepping through the twilight hues of the setting sun, his heart had grown calmer after the life-and-death experience in the crystal cave. He brought back great gains from his journey, thinking he could lay low for a while. However, awaiting him was an inevitable confrontation: Li Cang had returned to the sect.

"Li Cang is back..."

Wang Quan's brows furrowed slightly. He understood this was a confrontation that could no longer be avoided. Although he had risen quickly within the outer sect, Li Cang was a prominent inner disciple of the sect, already at the ninth level of Qi Refining. Li Cang was also known for his meticulous strategies and ruthless methods. This would be no easy fight.

Returning to his humble thatched hut, Wang Quan was ready to rest. Yet, just as he stepped across the threshold, he heard the soft sound of approaching footsteps.

"He's here."

Wang Quan calmly sat down, his mind calculating the situation. Not long after, several figures appeared at the door. Leading them was none other than the protagonist of this confrontation—Li Cang.

Li Cang appeared to be in his early twenties, with a tall and slender frame. His handsome face radiated an air of refinement, and his every movement exuded elegance. Wearing a long, flowing green robe, Li Cang seemed almost one with his natural surroundings. There was an undeniable air of nobility and grace about him.

"Indeed, he lives up to his reputation as one of the sect's prodigies."

Wang Quan sized him up, having heard much of Li Cang's fame but never having met him in person. Seeing him now, Wang Quan felt a trace of respect for Li Cang's bearing.

Li Cang stepped into the hut with a warm smile, his gaze gentle and without hostility. Behind him, several disciples followed respectfully, clearly showing his authority. Standing beside him was Li Daoguang, who had a sour expression and a glint of unwillingness in his eyes.

Wang Quan narrowed his eyes and smirked inwardly.

"Li Cang certainly carries himself differently from ordinary cultivators."

After stepping inside, Li Cang cupped his hands in a polite gesture, his smile still warm as he said, "Junior Brother Wang, I've long admired your name. Today, I've come to pay a visit. I hope my arrival doesn't cause you any disturbance."

Wang Quan was momentarily taken aback. He hadn't expected Li Cang to speak so courteously, completely different from the hostile accusation he had anticipated. Remaining calm, he returned the gesture, "Senior Brother Li, you flatter me. I'm just an outer disciple. It's an honor to have you here."

Li Cang's smile remained unchanged as he continued, "In fact, I came today with a request." As he spoke, his expression shifted slightly as he glanced at Li Daoguang standing beside him, his smile softening.

"My younger brother, Daoguang, has acted recklessly in the outer sect and failed to build a proper relationship with you. I'm afraid he may have offended you." Li Cang's voice remained calm, but there was an unyielding authority behind it. He then turned to Li Daoguang and said, "Daoguang, apologize to Junior Brother Wang."

Li Daoguang's face grew even darker, but under Li Cang's gaze, he dared not resist. Finally, he grudgingly stepped forward and lowered his head. "Wang Quan, I was rude and acted hastily toward you before. I apologize." His tone was filled with humiliation, but under Li Cang's pressure, he had no choice but to apologize.

Wang Quan's eyes flashed with admiration for Li Cang's methods. Forcing Li Daoguang to apologize in person was not only a display of Li Cang's authority as an elder brother but also a way to give Wang Quan face.

"Interesting... A master of 'soft before hard.' Quite clever."

Wang Quan chuckled coldly and replied, "Senior Brother Li, you're too serious. We're all fellow disciples of Cloud Sky Gate—there's no such thing as offense."

Li Cang nodded slightly before retrieving a storage pouch from his robe and handing it to Wang Quan. "Junior Brother Wang is truly magnanimous. Here are some spirit stones and Qi Refining pills as an apology from my brother. I hope you'll accept them."

Wang Quan took the pouch, inspecting it briefly. Inside, there was a substantial amount of spirit stones and several bottles of Qi Refining pills—clearly a generous offering. Though everything appeared cordial, Wang Quan knew this visit was far from simple.

Nodding slightly, Wang Quan replied, "Thank you, Senior Brother Li, for your kindness."

Li Cang's smile remained, but his gaze sharpened as the conversation turned serious.

"Junior Brother Wang, by any chance, have you heard of the whereabouts of Huang Hu and the others?"

Though his tone was still warm, there was a subtle hint of pressure hidden in his words.

Wang Quan's heart tightened. He knew this was when Li Cang would reveal his true intentions. The disappearance of Huang Hu and Yan Qing hadn't been public knowledge, but Li Cang, being sharp, had clearly deduced part of the truth. Maintaining his composure, Wang Quan replied with a cold smile, "Senior Brother Li, what do you mean? Huang Hu and Yan Qing have their own matters to attend to. I've not heard of their whereabouts."

Li Cang narrowed his eyes slightly, a glimmer of coldness flashing within them. It was clear he didn't believe Wang Quan's words. With a sigh, he said, "Junior Brother Wang, your talents and strength are indeed impressive. However, Huang Hu and the others were under my care. Though their actions were reckless and without my approval, they were still my subordinates. There must be an explanation for this matter."

Wang Quan sneered inwardly. Li Cang's words sounded noble, but he knew that what Li Cang sought was dominance. Li Cang's true intent was to use his subordinates as an excuse to force a confrontation with Wang Quan and reassert his authority in the outer sect.

"Indeed, soft before hard."

Wang Quan's eyes grew cold as he stared at Li Cang, his tone hardening. "Is Senior Brother Li suggesting a duel?"

Hearing this, Li Cang's smile remained, but a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He nodded slightly. "Since Junior Brother Wang has said so, I, Li Cang, will gladly accompany you in a friendly spar. Let us see how strong the rising star of the outer sect has truly become."

The tension in the air thickened instantly, with the mood turning hostile. Li Daoguang smirked coldly from the sidelines, his eyes filled with anticipation.