Godslayer: Reincarnated with SSS Rank Cultivation System

Something flickered deep within Wen Ran's eyes the instant his master's words echoed out. Drawing from memories of countless lifetimes spent navigating the turbulent currents of higher cultivation realms, he instinctively sensed that no one would seal away mere mortals without purpose.

A hidden treasure perhaps, Wen Ran mused thoughtfully, his heart quickening slightly. Or maybe an ancient inheritance that had long slumbered beneath the notice of immortals. Mortals, blind to the aura of power, would serve as perfect guardians for a secret so profound. Still, perhaps I'm simply letting my imagination run wild… Surely other powerful experts must have thought the same at some point. Yet the village remains untouched, undisturbed by cultivators' hands. Perhaps, just perhaps, with the system by my side…

Wen Ran's gaze grew distant, already lost in schemes as he envisioned himself capitalizing on the unfolding chaos.

If I quietly slip away to that hidden village, no one would suspect me. They'd naturally assume I'd sought shelter in the sect's embrace, where safety would be assured. And with master's aid, maybe—just maybe—I could unravel the mysteries hidden within that remote settlement.

Turning sharply towards Xiao Lingyun, Wen Ran's eyes narrowed subtly, a cunning glint surfacing within those crimson depths. "And you're one of the privileged few who actually knows the location of that village, right?"

The question came not as curiosity, but rather as a demand cloaked in innocence—a sly fox testing his prey. Xiao Lingyun nearly choked on his own breath, feeling cornered by the sudden inquiry.

This nosy little fox... how troublesome!

"Hahaha, don't spout nonsense!" Xiao Lingyun quickly retorted, forcing a carefree laughter from his throat despite the tension running beneath his voice. "I'm just an old alchemist, a humble pill-maker. What would I know of secret places and worldly mysteries?"

Yet even as he spoke, Xiao Lingyun's eyebrow betrayed him, twitching slightly from suppressed irritation and growing anxiety. He felt Wen Ran's penetrating gaze carefully studying every subtle change on his face, weighing each word he uttered. Hastily, he added, attempting to cover his tracks, "Besides, why are you suddenly so interested in some insignificant mortal village? There's nothing of interest there, boy. At best, you'd find a pretty wife or perhaps a suitable disciple—nothing more."

Xiao Lingyun inwardly cursed himself, realizing too late that he'd given away too much already. He could practically see the curiosity ignite further in Wen Ran's eyes.

Wen Ran's lips curled upwards, exposing a mischievous smirk as he stretched out his hand expectantly. "Well, since you've recovered so splendidly, I suppose you no longer require my precious demonic pill, right? And considering I was generous enough to craft you those Soul Mending Pills, I believe they now belong back in my possession."

"Gimme," he insisted brazenly, his tone dripping with shamelessness.

Xiao Lingyun's face instantly flushed crimson, veins bulging slightly from his forehead as irritation surged. His head spun from sheer indignation. "Fine! You damned brat, mark my words—you'll pay for this one day!"

The old master felt dizzy, genuinely baffled at how the heavens had punished him by placing a conniving bully in his care as a disciple. Shaking his head in resignation, Xiao Lingyun sighed heavily, "I'll tell you, but first you must promise to reveal your intentions clearly. If you cause trouble there, it'll be my head rolling on the ground."

Wen Ran shrugged innocently, his expression pure and faultless, like that of a child caught in harmless mischief. "Nothing much. Just a little exploration. No one would ever suspect I'd flee in that direction, so it's the ideal spot to wait out this storm. And once things settle, you can return to the sect ahead of me and prepare for my arrival."

His eyes darkened slightly as he continued, "After all, despite your reassurances, I have little faith in that dog-like Vice Sect Master. He'd eagerly seize this chance to execute me, or secretly hand me off to other sects for profit. That coward would probably sell off his own wife if he ever got bored of her," Wen Ran snorted disdainfully.

"Watch your tongue!" Xiao Lingyun barked loudly, raising his voice despite secretly agreeing with his disciple's assessment. "Even if that dog truly deserves no respect, you should still show some courtesy to your elders!" Despite the stern rebuke, a hint of amusement lingered in the old man's tone.

A brief moment of tense silence hung between the two before they suddenly burst into hearty laughter, shattering the solemn atmosphere.

"Hahaha! Old man, you certainly know how to joke. Who'd respect trash like him? Even our honorable Sect Master probably finds him insufferable!"

"Buhahaha! That reminds me—one time, our Sect Master nearly skewered him on the spot for crippling a disciple! You should've seen that pathetic expression on his face—like a scared puppy! Hahaha!"

Indeed, this master-disciple duo was a true match made in heaven: both shameless, both disrespectful, their laughter ringing clear beneath the quiet forest canopy.

Finally regaining his composure, Xiao Lingyun's voice softened, carrying the weight of a more serious note. "Head south, far to the distant southern reaches. When you see five towering immortal peaks, each glowing brilliantly with one of the five elements, you will know you've reached the right place."

His expression turned solemn, words woven with cautious warning, "But be careful—many powerful cultivators secretly guard that village, lurking unseen to ward off any uninvited visitors."

Wen Ran listened intently, committing every word carefully to memory, his eyes shimmering faintly with anticipation.

"Relax, master. Have I ever caused trouble since I've arrived here?" Wen Ran asked, feigning absolute innocence, his face entirely devoid of guilt.

Xiao Lingyun nearly staggered from sheer disbelief, barely restraining the urge to slap this shameless brat senseless. Who exactly was responsible for turning entire sects to ashes? Who else but this ruthless demon brat slaughtered his way through trouble? If Wen Ran had never caused any trouble, then I, Xiao Lingyun, must be an immaculate, revered saint whom even the heavens bow to in reverence!

They continued exchanging playful banter beneath the shifting shadows of the ancient trees, until at last, Wen Ran was prepared to depart. Xiao Lingyun once more attempted persuasion, anxiety coloring his voice, "I still think you're making a mistake. Return to the sect with me, and when the commotion dies down, you can leave this dimension safely and return as a celebrated hero."

"No need," Wen Ran shook his head, smiling warmly with a faint trace of longing as he gazed into the distance. "I prefer solitude for now, and besides—who knows? Perhaps, as you suggested, I'll find myself a lovely wife there," he chuckled teasingly.

Unbeknownst to Wen Ran, hidden under the shadow of the mountain, a small figure watched quietly, cheeks puffed in an adorable pout upon overhearing his careless words.