The old man stood frozen in place, his expression blank as he tried to comprehend what had just happened. He could have sworn he heard his disciple curse him, but that wasn't possible, right? No... that can't be real, he thought, trying to convince himself. His excitement had been so overwhelming that perhaps he was just hearing things.
But then, it struck him—This damned brat... who does he think he is?
His fury ignited in an instant. "Wen Ran," the old man hissed, his voice tight with rage, "you have a very thick face. Do you know who you're speaking to? Who in the world would dare curse their own master and disobey me? Aren't you afraid of the heavens punishing you?" His voice boiled with indignation, but beneath it all, there was a begrudging truth: he couldn't harm Wen Ran, not yet. He needed him. And that only made him angrier.