"Why... why did this happen...?!"
The old cultivator known as Elder Ku had blood staining the robe across his chest. He stared blankly at the treasure pearl now covered in cracks, unable to understand what had happened. In a daze, he was escorted back to the platform by the other cultivators to tend to his injuries. His head was full of questions no one could answer. Everything had been fine; there had been no warning whatsoever, yet his spell had suffered an unimaginable backlash. He himself had been gravely wounded and had nearly destroyed the treasure pearl.
The Strange Person in Green and Yellow Clothes standing nearby frowned.
This old bastard had bragged far too much. After all that effort, he had merely coughed up a mouthful of old blood. Was he pretending to be injured so he would not have to exert himself in the coming operation? Or did he have some hidden grudge against the young master and get set up?
On the surface, the two appeared deeply devoted to one another, leaning on each other for support. Behind the scenes, though, they were filthy as could be, stabbing each other in the back.
The treasure pearl had been produced by the young master.
Yet Elder Ku, who had activated it, had somehow ended up in such a miserable state. The young master was highly suspicious.
The cultivators exchanged covert looks, remaining wary of this lofty young master. The Lazy Young Master also realized that the situation was turning against him. The casual laziness vanished from his face, replaced by a dark and ugly expression. No evidence was needed for this; in the Cultivation World, speculation was often the strongest evidence of all.
After his grief and fury, Elder Ku said nothing. He closed his eyes and focused