No way out

Nothing could ever shake Wen Ran as much as the fact that he had been exposed. His first instinct was to flee—his leg twitched, ready to dash at the first opportunity. But he was smart enough to know that if the old man truly wished for his death, he would already be lying lifeless on the ground.

Wen Ran took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly, releasing his frustration and fear, grounding himself in the present.

"What exactly do you want from me?" Wen Ran demanded, his gaze locking with the old man's. He glared into his so-called master's eyes, searching for any hint, any clue that might reveal whether he would live or die today.

"Since I'm still breathing, I assume I have something that you want." His voice was calm and steady, but sharp at the same time.