Greed and Delusion (2)

Wang Rong slowly raised his eyes and looked toward the setting sun sinking beyond the horizon. Warm orange afterglow spilled over the courtyard walls, gilding the lush life within with an illusory halo, yet it could not warm the silence shrouding him.

Just then, approaching footsteps sounded by his ear—not hurried, not slow. Each step fell with clarity, carrying a deliberately displayed steadiness.

Before long, a tall, straight figure passed through the moon gate and entered this overly meticulous courtyard. The breeze stirred by his steps lightly brushed the delicate flower branches along the path.

The newcomer was Ling Zhao, Azure Rock Sect's second disciple. Whether in reputation or cultivation, he was unquestionably second among the younger generation of the sect, with no shortage of followers behind him.

He stopped several steps from the corridor, his gaze almost tangible as it swiftly swept over Wang Rong, who sat leaning against a pillar—

Over his loose black hair cascading like an ink waterfall, over his face so pale it was nearly translucent, its faint blue veins visible beneath the skin, before finally settling on the hand hanging limply over his knee from weakness, lingering on the hair ribbon loosely held within it.

A flash of swift, complicated emotion crossed his eyes. There was concern, mockery, disdain, and undisguised displeasure—but more than anything, there was the scrutiny he had suppressed for years and no longer needed to fully conceal, along with... resentment.

"Senior Brother."

Ling Zhao swiftly reined in the surging emotions in his eyes, his face already restored to normal. His gaze seemingly casually swept across the flower-filled courtyard, his tone calm and unreadable:

"The junior brothers and sisters have kept this courtyard quite nicely. The flowers and trees are flourishing; it is well suited for recuperation."

His gaze returned to