Dongfang Zhi offered him praise and expressed his expectations, then had the two guards and Lin Shan lead Fang Qianyuan away for the time being to handle his registration.
After they left, a middle-aged scholar who looked like an adviser emerged from behind the hall and asked with some puzzlement, "Valley Master, why do you value this Guang Hao so highly?"
Dongfang Zhi said, "I had people investigate his origins. There is indeed a strong possibility that he escaped from that island, but the Earth Baleful Gate's account alone is not enough to establish his credibility. I will send warriors from that same island to test him. If no doubts remain, I will confirm his status as a guest elder."
Understanding dawned on the scholar. "So you intend to put him at ease first, Valley Master!"
He thought for a moment, then added, "That is indeed the right approach. Most warriors are sensitive and wary, and few take pride in that identity. Though some become smug after suddenly obtaining great power, more remain deeply guarded, sealing their true selves beneath ice..."
He knew something of demonized warriors and understood that many among them had suffered discrimination, or even painful torment.
Some warriors underwent failed refinement. Along with their newfound power came many unforeseen aftereffects, leaving both their bodies and minds extremely unstable.
As for the many more whose transformations failed completely, there was no need even to mention them. They had long since become severed limbs and rotting flesh, buried in unknown corners.
Power did not come without a price. At least for now, this was a cursed power, nowhere near as wonderful as Wu Lianyi and the others proclaimed.
Dongfang Zhi nodded. "With people like these, it is best to recruit them through a gentle approach, gradually win their