Ru Nan changed his attitude with remarkable speed. Without saying much, or even consulting the Buddhas beside him, he made his decision.
The auspicious clouds turned, and Ru Nan led the way out.
However displeased or astonished the other Buddhas felt, they could only follow Ru Nan away now.
At the very least, none of their dissatisfaction should be displayed before outsiders, especially since Ru Nan was the Buddhist Sect's Venerable Buddha and held a transcendent position.
Naturally, the Buddhas were not the only ones astonished.
Huang Miao and the others did their best to keep their expressions composed. Only after the Buddhist Sect's auspicious light had completely departed did they turn puzzled looks toward Yuankong.
Yuankong was rather dazed himself. He had prepared his sophistry long ago, but never imagined he would have no occasion to use it.
Cui Hao glanced at Yuankong a couple of times, seemingly understanding something, then turned toward his master with a smile.
Chu Xingchen shrugged. Although he had made plenty of preparations beforehand, he truly had not needed to open his mouth at the crucial moment. He turned and patted Yuankong's shoulder with a smile.
"Well done. I'll treat you to something good."
Yuankong shook his head. "There's no need. I gained quite a bit myself. Compared with what I did, I feel I still owe you something."
"Treating you means I'm giving you face. It's not about owing favors." Chu Xingchen gave Yuankong's shoulder another hard pat. "Are you refusing to give me face?"
Chu Xingchen's hand was none too gentle.
Yuankong bared his teeth in pain and hurriedly nodded.
"I'll eat, I'll eat."
Chu Xingchen nodded in satisfaction, then turned toward the Tribulation Transcendence cultivators with their varying expressions and cupped his hands.
"Please join me in the hall to discuss