Tianlin stayed in Gengxin City for two days, mostly teaching Lou Gao forging techniques except for his cultivation.
Lou Gao's initial reason for apprenticing to Tianlin was just for the Soul Infusion Guiding Technique. But after a few days, he realized Tianlin knew hundreds of divine weapon forging techniques and rare ore locations he'd never heard of.
If he could learn all Tianlin's skills, his own would reach unprecedented heights. Now he wholeheartedly called Tianlin "Master."
Though Tianlin insisted they could just be friends, Lou Gao was stubborn. The ceremony was done, and Tianlin had given him knowledge—he was a real master in name and in fact.
Lou Gao also gathered a group of advanced blacksmiths to return to the sect for cultivation. But he left his prized disciple Si Long behind, as he'd passed the Blacksmith Association presidency to him.
After all, he couldn't leave the Association leaderless. Lou Gao ordered Si Long not to relinquish the presidency unless he, too, trained a worthy successor.
These days, Lou Gao constantly urged Tianlin to return to the sect, since Tianlin only brought a small part of Shu Mountain's forging arts; the main body would be taught at the sect.
But Tianlin was waiting for a friend.
Qian Renxue didn't let him down. Less than two days later, she arrived in Gengxin City.
"Xiao Tian, we finally meet again. Last time at the Glazed Tile Sect, we were enemies, but this time we can talk openly, right?" Qian Renxue knew Tianlin well—if she didn't come with hostility, he wouldn't treat her as an enemy. At least today, they could be friends as before.
As for their grudge from the soul hunt, Tianlin had already avenged himself, and his family was safe. Any grudge was settled.
For Qian Renxue, it was even simpler. In her world, there were only two kinds of people: those inside and outside her circle. To those inside—her grandfather, and Tianlin—she was genuine.
The difference was, Qian Daoliu was at the center, and Tianlin at the edge. When they conflicted, she'd stand by her grandfather without hesitation, even if it meant killing Tianlin.
But even so, Tianlin was far more important than outsiders. Outsiders were divided into useful and useless.
Porcupinefish, Demon Bear, and others had been useful, but now dead, they no longer mattered. She'd never hate Tianlin, who was in her circle, over those who could no longer benefit her.
To outsiders, she was ruthless and realistic—this was Qian Renxue.
The recent incident was the talk of the town—Meyers's cowardice had become a laughingstock.
He'd been too arrogant and domineering before; now, everyone delighted in his misfortune.
If only a few people knew, he could silence them, but the whole city knew—he couldn't massacre the city.
He'd forbidden discussion, but Tianlin hadn't left. Anyone sent to warn the people was beaten back, and Tianlin declared, "freedom of speech."
He was arrogant, but Tianlin was even more so. What else could he do but stay home?
Now the elders had heard. Meyers knew he was doomed.
He immediately knelt, pleading, "My lords, I was forced that day. Jun Tianlin had his foot on my head—if I didn't yield, I'd have died."
"So your life is worth more than Spirit Hall's reputation?" Ghost Leopard Douluo coldly replied. "No spirit of martyrdom at all—how can you be our Hall's master? After you said those words, Tianlin spared you, but did you think you'd live? I'll clean the house myself today."
Ghost Leopard prepared to kill him. Meyers kowtowed desperately. "Spare me, my lords! It wasn't cowardice—I had to survive to get news of Jun Tianlin here to Spirit Hall! He is our greatest enemy. That day, he insulted both our Popes. I endured humiliation for the greater good!"
"Insulted both Popes?" Qian Renxue frowned. Since when did Spirit Hall have two Popes? Unless… the previous one—her father.
"Meyers, Xiao Tian, he—"
"Ahem!"
As Qian Renxue began to ask, She Long coughed, signaling her not to use such intimate nicknames in front of others.
She awkwardly straightened up and resumed a serious tone. "So, what did Jun Tianlin say to insult the Popes?"
"My lady, he not only called the current Pope by name, but even spoke of the previous Pope as…" Meyers hesitated, then replied angrily, "I dare not repeat such disrespectful words. In short, Jun Tianlin's actions are outrageous. Please, my lords, uphold justice for Spirit Hall!"