novelE2F Chapter 164: A Token of Atonement
Chapter 164: A Token of Atonement
Jiang Chen’s words struck a decisive blow, rendering Fang Yuan speechless and without any rebuttal.
The logic in Jiang Chen’s argument was sound and clear.
If Fang Yuan were to care for Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing using the Soul Embodying Ring, it would effectively confirm the presence of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning at his side.
Under such circumstances, even the least astute leaders of the Purple Heaven Holy Land would inevitably piece together the unusual situation of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
The assumption that no one would foster harmful intentions upon discovering this was dangerously optimistic!
Fang Yuan found himself unable to refute Jiang Chen’s argument, but a lingering unease about Jiang Chen’s intentions still gnawed at him.
"Hmph! Your arguments are solid," Fang Yuan conceded. "But you had previously vowed not to reveal the presence of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan!"
"It hasn’t been long, and you’ve already compromised their privacy! Though you haven’t exposed the specifics of Senior Nangong and Senior Shangguan’s condition, you’ve still placed them at considerable risk!"
"Jiang Chen, your duplicity is nothing short of scandalous!" Fang Yuan’s tone grew increasingly agitated, culminating in a thunderous roar.
This vehement outcry provided Fang Yuan a momentary reprieve from the oppressive unease weighing on his heart.
At this juncture, Jiang Chen lowered his head, his gesture one of contrition. "I confess, I erred in mentioning the presence of the two seniors without their consent and in making rash promises to Holy Lord Ji Mingxiu."
Yet, this apology cost him little; he was not the protagonist of this tale, but merely a villain grappling with the daily precariousness of his own survival.
"Heh!" Upon hearing Jiang Chen’s remorseful admission, a cold laugh involuntarily escaped Fang Yuan.
However, before Fang Yuan could formulate a response, Jiang Chen continued, his tone earnest, "I am acutely aware of my mistakes and deeply regret them. Therefore, I hope this Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill will serve as an atonement for my actions."
He then produced the Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, which he had prepared earlier, uncapped the vial, and placed it before Fang Yuan—in full view of Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning.
Fang Yuan’s lips quivered as he braced himself to craft a rebuttal to Jiang Chen. But before he could speak, Jiang Chen’s expression shifted to one of profound sadness, his gaze piercing as he looked directly at Fang Yuan. His voice, heavy with disbelief, broke the tense silence. "Junior Brother Fang Yuan, I was under the impression that we shared the same sentiments.
I initially believed that you would join me in seeking the two seniors’ assistance..."
Faced with the imminent prospect of being branded as someone who remained indifferent to others’ suffering, Fang Yuan quickly interjected, "No, Jiang Chen, hold your tongue! I wouldn’t stand by idly while Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing succumb to the corrupting influence of the Demonic Spiritual Qi. I’m not that kind of individual! I simply am not!"
Promptly, a sigh of relief escaped Jiang Chen, and a knowing smile graced his visage. "I knew I wasn’t mistaken about you!"
"Earlier," he continued, "I presumed that you would not remain indifferent, and you would surely implore Senior Nangong Wan and Senior Shangguan Ning to intercede. That’s why I made such a decision and pledged my word to Holy Lord Ji Mingxiu."
"Furthermore, this course of action, though revealing the existence of the two seniors, wouldn’t insinuate their association with you, much less expose their current condition." Jiang Chen’s explanation was measured and reassuring, intended to mitigate any concerns about the potential risks his actions might have imposed on the seniors.
After digesting Jiang Chen’s assertions, Fang Yuan’s expression subtly shifted, reflecting a mix of contemplation and reluctant acceptance. He found himself at a loss for words.
Now, not only did Jiang Chen appear to be free from blame, but he also seemed to have executed a commendable service. Had Fang Yuan himself directly sought the intervention of Senior Sisters Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, it would have not only exposed their presence but might also have revealed their current vulnerable state.
Jiang Chen, however, had navigated these treacherous waters with finesse. He had managed to ensure the necessary assistance without directly implicating Fang Yuan or compromising the seniors’ concealment.
This strategy indeed posed the least risk to Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning while ensuring the safe rescue of Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing. Fang Yuan was forced to consider that perhaps, in this intricate network of choices and actions, there might not be any significant disadvantages after all.
By publicly declaring Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning as formidable figures who had reached the apex of the Third Step—the Void Tribulation realm—Jiang Chen had skillfully cast their presence in a light that inspired respect rather than exposing weakness. Without revealing their current vulnerabilities, outsiders were left to only admire them.
Furthermore, Jiang Chen’s gesture of offering the top-grade Heavenly Pearl Soul Nourishing Pill, a prized item of the Inquiring Journey rank, as an apology, seamlessly reinforced his image as blameless.
In this light, Jiang Chen appeared completely irreproachable.
At that moment, Shangguan Ning, with a tone of endorsement, said, "Jiang Chen, your actions reflect kindness and integrity. You show both courage and cleverness, and your decisions are praiseworthy!"
Nangong Wan also expressed her approval, noting, "Indeed, considering the severe circumstances, Jiang Chen has done everything possible to minimize all risks."@@@@