Chapter 1356: Waiting
Although Xiang Chuan usually gave off an unserious vibe, his lack of seriousness was always situational, not an across-the-board trait.
For instance, in a situation like the present, no matter how frivolous he might naturally be, he forced himself to adopt a solemn demeanor. He understood that in this context, seriousness was paramount; if he failed to be serious now, he might never get the chance to be serious again in his life.
Knowing full well the stakes involved, the fact that he dared to offer Yang Haoran such a guarantee in front of so many people indicated his absolute certainty. Otherwise, given his cunning nature, he would never have acted this way.
Xiang Chuan's capabilities as a Pharmacist were universally recognized. Not only Yang Haoran but everyone else present was acutely aware of this, and both Yang Haoran and the others held Xiang Chuan's skills in this area in the highest regard.
It was precisely for this reason that Yang Haoran harbored no doubts whatsoever about Xiang Chuan's assurance. He believed Xiang Chuan possessed this ability, and even more so, he believed Feng Xiao possessed it.
Although Feng Xiao remained silent, sometimes Xiang Chuan's words inherently conveyed her sentiments, a fact Yang Haoran also recognized.
"With Bai Xue entrusted to the two of you, the stone hanging heavy in my heart can finally drop. From now on, just focus on treating Bai Xue; you don't need to worry about anything else."
Yang Haoran spoke in a low, grave voice. He directed these words to Feng Xiao and Xiang Chuan, who naturally understood and immediately nodded in assent. After receiving their firm and straightforward replies, Yang Haoran continued speaking without delay.
Yang Haoran's voice was soft, his expression utterly unchanged, his face still grim. Yet, those few brief words made everyone present sense the intense, suppressed fury seething within him.
Xiang Chuan lowered his head, unable to stop himself from letting out a silent sigh of relief. At that moment, he truly didn't want to spend another second by Yang Haoran's side. Fortunately, he and Feng Xiao were exempt from the meeting, which for him was practically akin to being granted a reprieve from death.
The other trusted subordinates present respectfully affirmed. They knew the purpose of Yang Haoran's meeting and had long anticipated that he would make such arrangements, so they felt neither strange nor surprised.
"Boss, Emperor Luo Yao arrived in the Guardian District before your return, and he's still waiting for you in your private living room. Divine Emissary Yun also hasn't left, as she was too worried about you."
Old Master Wu stepped forward, bowing as he addressed Yang Haoran. He merely reported the facts, offering no advice on how Yang Haoran should proceed, not even a single suggestion.
Upon Yang Haoran's return to the Guardian District, his first action was to bring Bai Xue to the Medicine God Society for treatment. His trusted subordinates had not been summoned by him, but had come on their own after sensing his return. Therefore, they hadn't had the chance to report certain matters that occurred after Yang Haoran's departure, nor had Yang Haoran given them the opportunity. Furthermore, Bai Xue's severe injuries had left them feeling suppressed, and they knew Yang Haoran's entire focus was on Bai Xue, which was why no one had dared to interrupt him.
However, the situation was now different. Yang Haoran was preparing to convene a meeting with his trusted subordinates, and there was no telling when it would conclude. Emperor Luo Yao was still waiting in the living room; ignoring him would undoubtedly bring only disadvantages to Yang Haoran, with no benefits. This was why Old Master Wu had chosen this moment to step forward and report the matter to Yang Haoran.
Hearing this, Yang Haoran's brows furrowed slightly, then he nodded gently, indicating his understanding.
"Go to the war room and wait for me; I'll be there shortly."
With those words, Yang Haoran tore through space and departed the area, vanishing under the gazes of the assembled crowd. After Yang Haoran left, all the other trusted subordinates, except for Feng Xiao and Xiang Chuan, dared not delay for a moment. They immediately headed to the war room as Yang Haoran had instructed.
Although none of them knew when Yang Haoran would return to the war room, they understood that hurrying there immediately was the correct course of action. Their waiting for Yang Haoran and Yang Haoran waiting for them were entirely different concepts.
There was more than one living room in Yang Haoran's Guardian District, varying in size. There was a living room for the Flock of Demons Society, one for the Medicine God Society, and a common living room. The common living room was also the largest in the entire Guardian District, being the very hall where Yang Haoran and Xu Meijing's wedding was held today.
In addition, some prominent figures within the Guardian District possessed their own private living rooms, such as the high-ranking members of the Flock of Demons Society, the Medicine God Society, and some of Yang Haoran's trusted subordinates. Since they had their own residences within the Guardian District, they naturally had their private living rooms as well.
As the preeminent figure in the entire Guardian District, Yang Haoran naturally also had his own private living room, but not just anyone was permitted entry.
Upon arriving at his private living room and not seeing the figure who was always on standby, a touch of sadness welled up in Yang Haoran's heart. In the past, Xiujuan had managed this place single-handedly. After he sent Xiujuan to Honghai City, although he found someone to take over her duties, he hadn't intended for anyone else to permanently take Xiujuan's position, because in his eyes, that role belonged to Xiujuan alone.
Yet, before Xiujuan could make a triumphant return, she had met the fate of Soul Transformation. Now, seeing no familiar figure in this familiar place, the rise of sorrow in his heart was inevitable.
Taking a deep breath, he tried to stabilize his emotions as much as possible, temporarily pushing aside thoughts that would affect his mood. Excessive emotional fluctuation was not good for him; it would cause him to lose his characteristic wisdom.
Slowly exhaling, Yang Haoran's mood improved slightly. He cast his gaze in one direction, where two people were seated, drinking tea. One was Luo Yao, Yang Haoran's direct superior, and the other was Yun Yao, who had the appearance of a young girl.
Yang Haoran felt a pang of surprise. Yun Yao was merely a Soul-Sower of the Yin Division, while Luo Yao was a Great Emperor of the Jingling Continent Yin Division. Their statuses were worlds apart, yet these two were actually seated across from each other—one daring to do so, the other willing to accept. This defied all logic. Had he not witnessed it with his own eyes, Yang Haoran would certainly have harbored doubts.
It was no wonder Yang Haoran was astonished. Let alone a mere Soul-Sower, even other Soul-Sowers did not possess the qualification to sit as equals with a Great Emperor like Luo Yao. Even if they could sit down in Luo Yao's presence, it was only permissible during a meeting, which was an entirely different matter from sitting as equals. If he had encountered such a situation, he would have dutifully stood behind Luo Yao, not dared to sit across from him.
Despite his surprise, Yang Haoran quickly regained his composure. Since this scene, which ought not to have occurred, was genuinely unfolding before his eyes, it clearly indicated an underlying reason he was unaware of. However, at that moment, he wasn't interested in the reason. He simply wanted to politely deal with the two of them as quickly as possible, and then attend to what he truly wanted to do, what he absolutely needed to do!
Yang Haoran's appearance immediately drew the attention of Luo Yao and Zhu Rong. Although they had been drinking tea moments before, neither of them had been chatting or laughing. Both wore serious expressions, appearing to be lost in their own thoughts. Upon Yang Haoran's arrival, their facial expressions immediately changed, and joy became evident on both their faces.
The servants responsible for attending to Luo Yao and Yun Yao in the grand hall also noticed Yang Haoran's arrival. Daring not to show the slightest neglect, they immediately hurried to Yang Haoran's front and bowed in greeting.
Yang Haoran nodded lightly, saying nothing, merely waving a hand to indicate for the servants to attend to their duties, then walked towards where Luo Yao and Yun Yao were seated.
In the past, Yang Haoran would have been equally polite to his servants, even chatting with them with a smile, but at present, he truly wasn't in the mood.
Arriving in the area where Luo Yao and Yun Yao were seated, before Yang Haoran could even speak, Yun Yao immediately stood up. Her gaze swept over Yang Haoran's body, and then she asked with a look of concern.
"Honest man, you don't seem to be injured at all from your appearance. Are you truly alright?"
From his outward appearance, Yang Haoran indeed seemed uninjured; there wasn't even the slightest trace of a struggle on his body. Yet, Yun Yao was still somewhat uneasy and couldn't help but ask that question.
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