Godslayer: Reincarnated with SSS Rank Cultivation System-Chapter 154: An Awkward Relationship
Wen Ran's eyes met his master's — a gaze he hadn't expected to find awake.
"A touching dream, huh?" The old man's voice was weak, barely above a whisper, yet his familiar chuckle still carried that teasing edge. His breath rattled as if his flame would soon be extinguished.
"I have those sometimes too," his master added with a faint smile, one that seemed far too calm for someone hanging by a thread.
Wen Ran rolled his eyes. "I guess you could say so." His tone was dry, but deep down, he knew the old man was watching him more closely than he let on.
"I can't explain how," Wen Ran said, his voice dropping to a casual tone, "but I have the Ice Spirit Lotus."
The moment those words left his mouth, his master's eyes widened in disbelief.
Nine days… It's only been nine days... How did he get to the north and back so fast?
The old man's gaze sharpened, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
Wen Ran noticed — of course he did — but he didn't bother to explain. Not that he could, even if he wanted to. The power inside him… whatever it was… no mortal or immortal could ever know. If anyone found out, they'd stop at nothing to tear it from him — whether by torture, deceit, or death. And the worst part? Even Wen Ran himself didn't know if this mysterious power existed within his body or if it was some external technique forced upon him. It was simply too unpredictable to understand.
His master seemed to recognize this, offering a silent nod before tossing a spirit pouch toward Wen Ran. He knew better than to pry — especially with this disciple of his. The boy had enough secrets to give even an ancient elder a headache.
"Do you have the strength to guide me through the process?" Wen Ran asked, his consciousness already scanning the materials inside the pouch.
His master let out a raspy chuckle, his pale face and bloodshot eyes betraying the false bravado that followed.
"I've got more strength in me than you youngsters can imagine. I could live another million years if I wanted to... hahaha!"
Despite the bold words, his breath hitched at the end — frail and unsteady. The color in his face seemed to drain even more as he spoke, and for a brief moment, Wen Ran wondered if the old man believed his own lie.
Stubborn old fool… Wen Ran thought, yet somehow… that stubbornness made him feel a little less alone.
"We need to wait until night to craft this," his master said, his voice raspy yet firm. "Rest a little longer... there's no point in rushing. I'm not going to die so easily." He tried to sit up, but his body betrayed him, leaving him too weak to lift himself.
"Alright." Wen Ran gave a small nod before glancing around the cave.
His stomach twisted slightly, a reminder that he hadn't eaten in a while. Although Wen Ran didn't need food as often as before — his cultivation now sustaining him for the most part — food still held nourishing properties, and until he fully shed his mortal body, he couldn't ignore those basic needs.
Visit freewebnoveℓ.com for the best novel reading exp𝒆rience.
"Hungry?" Wen Ran asked as he slowly stepped toward the entrance.
"A wild pig would do well, hahaha," his master chuckled, masking his frailty with forced laughter.
"Got ya…" Wen Ran muttered, feeling strangely awkward. This peace between them was... unsettling. In the sect, they had constantly bickered — sharp words and heated fights were practically their way of bonding. Now, this unexpected calm left him feeling uneasy… yet oddly, it wasn't so bad.
His body still ached, but he moved like the wind, slipping through the trees and scouting the area. Soon enough, he spotted a wild pig rummaging in the dirt with its snout.
Perfect...
His fingers flicked sharply, forming a thin ice arrow, no thicker than a needle. With a swift motion, the frozen arrow shot forward, piercing the pig's skull with chilling precision. The beast slumped to the ground without resistance.
"This should do…" Wen Ran muttered, slinging the boar over his shoulder. "But I should cook it somewhere far away so the smoke doesn't attract beasts or enemies to the cave."
After finding a secluded spot by a running river, he laid the boar down and let out a sigh.
"Sorry about this…" he murmured to his sword before unsheathing it. The blade, sharp as a winter's breath, sliced through the pig's flesh with precision. Wen Ran worked quickly, cleaning and butchering the meat before lighting a fire with his palm.
The flames danced steadily in his hand, their heat warm yet controlled — a skill few could match. Carefully, Wen Ran cooked the meat, ensuring it was tender and charred just enough to give it flavor. Without seasoning, it wouldn't be perfect, but at least it wouldn't be bland.
Once the meat was cooked, Wen Ran retrieved a large clay jar from his spirit pouch — crude and uneven, but enough to keep the pork warm and moist. He rarely bothered with storage tools, preferring to eat whatever he found on the spot, but for once, he was glad he'd kept this jar.
Before heading back, Wen Ran's gaze swept the surroundings with sharp precision, his senses heightened to ensure no unwanted eyes were lurking nearby. Satisfied that he was alone, he slung the jar onto his back and sprinted back toward the cave.
"I'm back," Wen Ran called out casually, setting the jar down beside his master before squatting next to him. "Eat, old man. As much as you need — I've already eaten." His face betrayed no signs of deceit, masking the fact that he hadn't touched a bite.
"I'm okay—"
Before his master could finish his excuse, Wen Ran grabbed a juicy piece of pork and shoved it straight into his mouth.
"Shut up and eat," Wen Ran growled, his voice cold and sharp. "You need to regain your strength, so don't waste my effort here... or I'll kill you myself and feed you to the wild tigers." His glare was fierce, and it was clear he wouldn't take no for an answer.
For once, the old man didn't argue. With a muffled grunt, he chewed slowly, giving Wen Ran a look that was both grateful and amused.