Lavish Rewards

At the greeter's words, Ling Feng raised an eyebrow as he stood guard at the main entrance.

What?

So Yuguang was actually the head of the Inner Cabinet. That really was an incredibly high position.

No wonder the so-called First Swordsman of the Land of Fire had backed down the moment he saw him.

The head of the Inner Cabinet was essentially second only to the Daimyo.

Above everyone but one man, with immense power at his command.

As he pondered this, the procession reached the entrance.

Yuguang stepped down, with Kiryū Sanki behind him, now wearing a fresh set of clothes.

After all, this was a major occasion. Wearing those scorched clothes would hardly have been appropriate.

Ling Feng and the Konoha Sannin all stepped forward to welcome the highest-ranking person attending the meeting.

"Ling Feng, go stand at the front."

Orochimaru nudged Ling Feng from behind, then the three of them moved to the rear. They were clearly trying to make Ling Feng stand out and catch Yuguang's attention.

Ling Feng saw right through their little scheme. They were plainly trying to cause trouble, forcing him into the middle of the walkway where he would obstruct the honored guest.

"Is this the nice little arrangement you made for me?"

Ling Feng turned to the three of them and asked coldly.

Faced with his question, the Konoha Sannin were momentarily at a loss for words. They had not expected Ling Feng to remain so composed in this situation. Wasn't he supposed to hurry back?

Meanwhile, Yuguang approached with Kiryū Sanki.

"Heh, this brat is in for it. Kiryū Sanki is notorious for stirring up trouble."

"Exactly. Ling Feng is still standing right in the middle of the path. Kiryū Sanki is bound to give him trouble."

Hearing the discussion behind him, Ling Feng frowned slightly. It seemed they knew about Kiryū Sanki.

But what happened next left the Konoha Sannin stunned.

Just as Kiryū Sanki, who had been walking down the middle of the path, reached Ling Feng, he stepped aside and dipped his head in a slight bow to show his respect.

Yuguang followed, showing no concern over where Ling Feng stood. He simply gave him a warm smile and walked past.

The two men entered the meeting room.

The air at the entrance seemed to freeze.

Ding! Gained 90 points!

The Konoha Sannin's shock had earned him another batch of points.

Without even glancing at them, Ling Feng returned straight to his post.

"How... how is that possible?"

After Ling Feng left, Orochimaru spoke in disbelief.

Jiraiya and Tsunade looked equally astonished. "How could that brat make Kiryū Sanki treat him with such respect?"

"And Lord Yuguang too. He acted as though they were on very good terms."

"What do we do? If he really is close to Lord Yuguang, haven't we just brought trouble down on ourselves?"

Jiraiya spoke with a worried look.

"What's done is done. There's nothing we can do now. With our strength, we've made enormous contributions to Konoha. I'm sure Lord Yuguang won't give us trouble."

Tsunade patted Jiraiya on the shoulder as she spoke.

At her words, both Jiraiya and Orochimaru rolled their eyes.

You're a descendant of the Senju Clan. Your lineage is far more prestigious than ours!

Even if we're held accountable, you'll definitely get the lightest punishment!

"All right, why are you two looking so miserable? Are you really going to let a brat defeat you?"

"We've only suffered a setback this once. We just won't bother him again."

Seeing their worried faces, Tsunade gave a couple of dismissive huffs, then turned and left.

Jiraiya and Orochimaru had no choice but to hurry after her. They still had guard duties to carry out.

Inside the meeting room, everyone had taken their seats.

Ling Feng had also taken his position beside the door.

When the Konoha Sannin entered and saw the Third Hokage there, their hearts sank.

After all, they had done something underhanded. Facing the Third Hokage's gaze left them feeling uneasy.

Only Ling Feng stood straight, his expression calm.

"Since everyone is here, let's begin."

With that instruction from Yuguang, the meeting officially began.

Clang!

The doors shut, signaling that this meeting was confidential.

Although Ling Feng and the others were present, a barrier would be erected during the meeting to prevent anyone outside it from eavesdropping.

Only someone with exceptional abilities could likely slip inside undetected.

But anyone who tried would find the guard detail of the Konoha Sannin and Ling Feng close at hand. Faced with such a powerful lineup, no intruder could expect to escape unscathed.

Two hours later, Ling Feng saw someone stand up, preparing to leave.

The barrier was then lifted, and several important attendees left one after another. In the end, only the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Yuguang, head of the Inner Cabinet, remained.

"Ling Feng, come here."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Ling Feng with a warm smile.

Ling Feng walked over.

Then Hiruzen Sarutobi shifted his gaze to the Konoha Sannin behind Ling Feng, and a trace of anger entered his eyes.

That gave all three of them quite a fright.

It seemed Hiruzen Sarutobi had seen everything that happened at the entrance!

"Lord Third, what can I do for you?"

Ling Feng bowed slightly as he spoke.

Hearing him, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately withdrew his gaze and turned back to Ling Feng.

"Hehe, I don't need anything. Lord Yuguang just wanted to speak with you again."

Ling Feng raised an eyebrow slightly and looked at Yuguang. "Lord Yuguang."

"There's no need to be so formal. Ever since you saved my life that day, I've wanted to thank you. But you were so focused on your mission that you left."

"Now that we have the chance, tell me. What would you like?"

Yuguang's face was full of smiles. Like the Third Hokage, he looked at Ling Feng as though he had found a treasure.

Ling Feng knew they simply felt he had potential and was worth nurturing.

As figures at the very top, they knew better than anyone how far the current situation had deteriorated.

In truth, Ling Feng had no intention of standing on ceremony. If something was being offered for free, why turn it down?

Unfortunately, everything Ling Feng wanted was beyond their ability to give.

I can't exactly say I want to learn every Forbidden Technique kept in Konoha, can I?

The Third Hokage would certainly be the first to refuse.

Forbidden Techniques were called forbidden for a reason: they were immensely powerful, extremely dangerous, and uncontrollable.

He would be better off focusing on earning points.

"Lord Yuguang, there's nothing I want," Ling Feng said bluntly.

At those words, everyone turned to look at him.

Especially Kiryū Sanki and the Konoha Sannin.

Seriously? Nothing he wants? Isn't he laying it on a little thick?

But Ling Feng remained completely calm and unconcerned. "Protecting you is simply my duty, my lord. I have never had any other motive."

Ling Feng truly did not want anything.

But Yuguang took those words very differently. He burst into laughter and clapped his hands.

"Hahaha! Now this is an outstanding ninja of our Land of Fire!"

"Even if you say that, I can't simply take you at your word. I hear you live alone, and your living conditions are rather modest."

"So I've decided to reward you with a grand estate, equal in size to those of the Uchiha Clan and the Hyuga Clan, along with fifty servants! And considering your age, all expenses will be covered!"