Urban Peerless Expert
Chapter 2384 - 2404: It Seems Like I’ve Come at a Bad Time

Chapter 2384: Chapter 2404: It Seems Like I’ve Come at a Bad Time

Shangguan Wenyin’s expression showed a subtle change for a moment when he heard of Lin Chen’s visit, but it quickly returned to calm.

He felt no guilt in his heart.

Shangguan Wenyin stared calmly at Wei Deyuan, "I took the initiative to get to know Lin Chen because during the incident at sea, he saved the child of the Three Sects, indirectly clearing our sect of suspicion. As the Saint Child, it was my duty to express my gratitude."

"Lending the Sea Tide Pearl was because his wife, Nalan Wushuang, has the Innate Dao Body, possessing the phenomenon of ’Azure Sea Bright Moon’, which is almost the same as the tidal force of the Sea Tide Pearl. I wanted to compare and feel the difference between the two."

"The Sea Tide Pearl and Nalan Wushuang’s phenomenon, when overlaid, released a huge amount of spiritual power. Indeed, I had the power to stop it, but I was curious to see what would happen, so I did not intervene, ultimately leading to a loss of spiritual power in the Sea Tide Pearl."

"Afterward, when Lin Chen became a disciple of Master Floating Cloud, worried that the Sea Tide Pearl incident might cause misunderstandings, he took the initiative to visit and made it clear that we could readjust the contest format, eliminating the confrontations of the first-generation disciples. The impact of the Sea Tide Pearl on my strength exists, but it’s not significant, so I refused."

"All my dealings with Lin Chen have been public, with nothing I would not discuss openly with others. Whether or not I return the Sea Tide Pearl, I couldn’t stop Xuanhe’s desperate strike, just as you couldn’t stop the blow from Kurong who had fallen into demonhood."

"I know you are in charge of this contest, and you have to take responsibility. You fear the Sect Hierarch’s punishment, you don’t want to be accountable, so you want me to take the blame."

"Fine, I can take it. You can report to the Sect Hierarch and put all the blame on me. I won’t argue."

Shangguan Wenyin spoke calmly, silencing the room. Everyone’s expressions varied, and for a moment, no one spoke.

Shangguan Wenyin was proud, his statements calm yet forceful.

Even those who were originally dissatisfied with Shangguan Wenyin or had their own schemes subconsciously chose to believe him.

Wei Deyuan, do you say that because Shangguan Wenyin lost the contest? Have you forgotten how badly you were beaten by Kurong, left without any power to fight back?

At least Shangguan Wenyin won a match, whereas you, representing the strongest of the Sea God Sect, lost so miserably. How can you have the face to shift the blame?

Of course, these thoughts are ones that people only dare to keep inside; no one would voice them aloud.

Wei Deyuan’s face turned ashen from Shangguan Wenyin’s words. Being so soundly defeated by Kurong without any chance to retaliate was indeed a great humiliation. Now, being called out by Shangguan Wenyin in front of everyone felt like a slap in the face, didn’t it?

"Let Lin Chen come in, bring him here. I really want to hear what he has to say."

"Yes!"

Shangguan Wenyin remained calm; he didn’t care.

His interactions with Lin Chen were clear and upright; he wasn’t afraid.

He had also speculated about Lin Chen’s purpose for coming—presumably, it was because he heard that Shangguan Wenyin had lost, so he came to discuss their previous agreement.

He looked around at the people with various thoughts, furrowed his brows, and suddenly had a change of mind.

Originally, he had truly hoped that geniuses like Lin Chen and Nalan Wushuang with boundless prospects would join the Sea God Sect, but looking closer, what were Heaven’s Chosen like them actually doing?

Fighting overtly and covertly, each harboring their own schemes...

Should he bring them into the fold to compete with others and even become the targets of envy, to be dealt with through cunning schemes?

In that moment, Shangguan Wenyin felt a trace of cold disillusionment.

Lin Chen was led inside, and seeing so many people in the big tent, he paused.

Wow, such a crowd—is this a gathering?

I merely came for a private visit with Shangguan Wenyin, so why have I been brought here?

Lin Chen’s gaze quickly swept the room, and finally settled on Shangguan Wenyin’s face as their eyes met.

Shangguan Wenyin looked calm: "Friend Lin, what brings you here?"

Lin Chen’s mind raced, sensing that the atmosphere was off.

Shangguan Wenyin’s gaze was calm, devoid of his usual smile, yet not cold or guarded. It seemed more like a deliberate demeanor.

Looking at how the others were eyeing him, their gazes hostile and even a bit schadenfreude, it was apparent that they relished the discomfort passing between him and Shangguan Wenyin.

Shangguan Wenyin stood at the center of the tent, with everyone else to the sides.

The middle-aged man seated in a higher position wore an expression of cold hostility, making no attempt to conceal his enmity.

Being in a position of authority, this man must be the Vice Sect Hierarch of the Sea God Sect, Wei Deyuan, right?

So, why does this scene look like Shangguan Wenyin is being harassed by everyone?

Seems like my visit is ill-timed.

Lin Chen’s mind raced, yet he answered with a smile on his face, "I was in Closed Door Cultivation and missed the contest. Hearing that you were injured by Xuanhe, I came to see how serious it was. After all, this was just a contest, not enmity..."

Shangguan Wenyin breathed a silent sigh of relief internally and replied calmly, "There’s no need to worry about that. If we’re talking about injuries, Xuanhe’s are far worse than mine."

Lin Chen said with a laugh, "It’s just the aftermath of using the Mount Long Secret Technique. Some rest and recuperation will suffice."

Wei Deyuan watched the two converse and sneered, "Your Dragon Mountain Sect is truly generous. You’re injured like that, yet you still think of checking on your opponent’s condition..."