"Elder Kurong, you truly are magnanimous. I knew I had not misjudged you."
Song Wen spoke with a broad smile, looking at Kurong as though he were a dear friend he had known for years.
"You flatter me, Elder Extreme Yin," Kurong said with an ingratiating smile. "Though you and I have reconciled, Elder Ying Wu has yet to learn of it..."
"Rest assured, Elder Kurong," Song Wen said. "I will speak to Ying Wu myself."
"Excellent." Satisfaction appeared on Kurong's face. "Elder Extreme Yin, should you encounter any difficulties in the future, simply let me know. I dare not boast that I can solve every problem you face, but I have cultivated diligently in the Divine Blood Sect for ten thousand years, and everyone in the sect will show me some measure of respect. Whether you have a dispute with a fellow sect member or are searching for some natural treasure, I can offer what little help I can."
"Then allow me to thank you in advance, Elder Kurong."
As he spoke, Song Wen cupped his hands casually, as though he truly regarded Kurong as someone he could bare his heart to.
Then Song Wen changed the subject.
"Speaking of which, there really is something I need your help with."
The smile on Kurong's face immediately stiffened.
His claim that he could help Song Wen resolve his difficulties had merely been an offhand courtesy.
Who would have thought that Song Wen would actually ask him for a favor?
"Elder Extreme Yin, please speak freely. So long as it is within my power, I certainly will not refuse," Kurong said against his true wishes.
After humoring Kurong for so long, Song Wen had finally steered the conversation toward his real business. Even so, he did not readily reveal his purpose,