Lin Taichu deliberately put on a moved expression and patted Tang Kun on the shoulder. "Good brother! To be honest, falling out with Tang Yun this time hasn't felt good for me either. I thought I still had a few people in the inner sect I could talk to, but now..."
He did not continue. He simply picked up his bowl and drained it in one gulp, looking utterly dejected. Tang Li hurriedly consoled him. "Senior Brother Lin, don't be sad. Senior Brother Tang Yun doesn't know how to appreciate kindness, but we're willing to follow you. Wherever you go from now on, we'll go too. No hesitation."
Lin Taichu sneered inwardly, though he looked relieved on the surface. "Good. With those words from you, I can rest easy. Come, let's have another drink!"
The three drank and chatted. Lin Taichu deliberately avoided the subjects of sentries and poison, speaking only of trivial matters within the inner sect and basic cultivation issues.
He knew he could not rush things yet. He had to earn the trust of the two first. Tang Kun and Tang Li gradually lowered their guard and chatted quite happily with Lin Taichu, occasionally complaining about the inner sect's strict rules and unfair resource distribution.
Halfway through their conversation, Tang Mei arrived as well. A flicker of surprise appeared on her face when she saw Lin Taichu. Tang Kun quickly introduced her, "Tang Mei, come over. This is Senior Brother Lin. Senior Brother Lin is drinking with us."
Tang Mei stepped closer and bowed to Lin Taichu. "Senior Brother Lin."
Lin Taichu waved a hand and said with a smile, "No need for formalities. Come sit with us. We're all one of our own, so don't be so reserved."
Tang Mei hesitated briefly before sitting down. Lin