Chapter 57: Senior Brother, the Movie King—His Schemes Are As Deep As the Sea

In front of the manor.

Xu Ke gazed at the grand gate before him, his expression complicated. After a long moment, he sighed and ascended the steps.

Yet, upon reconsideration, following Wang Ran might not be such a bad thing. Though Wang Ran's cultivation was not high, his combat prowess was astonishing—surely, great fortune favored him. Moreover, Xu Ke specialized in physical cultivation and was well aware that Wang Ran possessed body-tempering techniques far superior to his own.

If Wang Ran could teach him even a fraction, Xu Ke's path of cultivation would surely see tremendous progress.

Xu Ke was not particularly shrewd, but he was no fool. He understood well that as the contest for the true disciple approached, currents beneath the surface were stirring in the Hall of Enforcement. At this crucial juncture, one's choice of allegiance was vital—one misstep could ruin all prospects.

Among the Four Alliances, Ye Cang was the most formidable; Bei Ming Lie and Meng Jiang followed closely. Xu Ke's own influence was lesser, yet he looked down on the others and was loath to become anyone’s subordinate.

This time, having been defeated by Wang Ran's sheer physical strength, he was finally convinced and resolved to follow him.

Moreover, taking the worst-case scenario, even if Wang Ran failed to emerge victorious in the struggle for true disciples, Xu Ke could simply withdraw early if things looked bleak, suffering no loss.

Having calculated his options, Xu Ke felt reassured and formally approached the manor.

Just then, Wang Ran emerged from the inner courtyard, walking with an air of dignity and confidence, truly remarkable.

Xu Ke felt a jolt in his heart. He did not know why, but every time he saw Wang Ran, he sensed a powerful aura radiating from him—perhaps this was what it meant to be a true leader.

Just as Xu Ke was about to state his purpose, Wang Ran spoke first, clasping his hands and smiling, "I wonder what brings Brother Xu to my humble abode? We’ve come to know each other through battle; if you encounter any difficulties, feel free to tell me."

Xu Ke was taken aback. He had not expected Wang Ran to be so magnanimous. Ashamed of his earlier thoughts, his face grew a little awkward as he hurried to explain, "No, Wang... Senior Brother Wang, I actually came here... I wish to form an alliance with you!"

Xu Ke bit his lip and finally revealed his intention. He thought Wang Ran would be overjoyed, but after waiting a while, Wang Ran showed no reaction, remaining unmoved.

Standing there, Wang Ran seemed to hesitate, then unexpectedly said, "Brother Xu, it's not that I do not wish to ally with you—I simply do not want to bring harm upon you!"

"Ah?" Xu Ke was stunned. With his strength, countless in the sect sought to win him over, yet Wang Ran refused? This was not how it was supposed to go!

Wang Ran's gaze grew sharp. Turning his back, he looked up at the sky, his voice tinged with loneliness and unwavering resolve. "Brother Xu, Ye Cang and I are sworn enemies. In this sect, it is either him or me—there must be a battle between us."

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"But Ye Cang is not one to be trifled with. He is ruthless, wicked, and heartless. If you ally with me, he will surely bear a grudge and may well strike at you. Brother Xu, your intentions are good, but to suffer calamity because of me—how could I bear it?"

"So, let us not form this alliance. You should leave now; I will erase any trace of your visit and guarantee your safety!"

Hearing Wang Ran's heartfelt words, Xu Ke felt as if thunder had struck his mind. A warmth he had never experienced flowed through him, from head to toe.

This feeling—he had only ever felt it from his elderly father at home.

Overwhelmed, Xu Ke was deeply moved, realizing his earlier thoughts had been too petty. He regretted Ma Rulong’s incident with the spiritual jade even more. Now, Wang Ran not only bore no grudge, but thought only of Xu Ke’s well-being. Such magnanimity—what greatness!

This was a true gentleman.

Xu Ke gazed at Wang Ran’s back, and in that hazy moment, seemed to see a radiant glow of humanity, growing brighter and warmer, enveloping him in its light.

At that moment, all of Xu Ke’s doubts vanished; he was utterly resolved to follow Wang Ran.

After all, aside from his parents in childhood, who else in this world could treat him so sincerely?

Moved to tears, Xu Ke trembled as he spoke, "Father... No, Senior Brother Wang, you need not fear. Even if Ye Cang learns of this, what can he do? I may not be bold in other matters, but I am confident in my own strength. Unless a Golden Core appears, no one in the sect can do anything to me."

Xu Ke had always looked down on Ye Cang. Even if he could not defeat him, his formidable physical body meant Ye Cang could not harm him either. After all, if he lost, he could simply run away—this was not a duel to the death, requiring a clear outcome.

So, Xu Ke did not fear Ye Cang. He assumed Wang Ran was unaware of this, thinking Wang Ran’s words were entirely for his sake.

Added to Wang Ran's warm-heartedness—after their duel, Wang Ran hadn’t gouged out his eyes, and now was helping him so much—it made Wang Ran a refreshing contrast to the coldness of others in the sect.

Though the world of cultivation was rife with intrigue, disciples like Xu Ke, born of humble origins, still retained some innocence and kindness. Otherwise, he would not be so loyal to his own followers; even Ma Rulong he treated like a younger brother, standing up for him.

Thus, after understanding Wang Ran’s character, Xu Ke was completely won over.

Before him, Wang Ran maintained his posture, gazing at the sky in a lonely, resolute manner. "My mind is made up. I will not let personal grievances implicate others. Brother Xu, please go back."

Seeing Wang Ran’s attitude, Xu Ke grew anxious. Yet no matter how he tried to persuade him, Wang Ran refused, and so Xu Ke had no choice but to leave unwillingly.

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In the days that followed, Xu Ke appeared at Wang Ran’s manor every day, ignoring Wang Ran’s advice, calling him Senior Brother Wang at every turn, and even helping him manage the affairs of the Hall of Enforcement.

Whenever Wang Ran questioned him, Xu Ke claimed he was merely visiting, brushing off the matter.

But in truth, his actions were no different from formally joining Wang Ran’s ranks.

After some time, Wang Ran finally, seemingly reluctantly, accepted Xu Ke’s joining, causing Xu Ke to rejoice for quite a while.

Yet, an observant person would notice that the apparent reluctance in Wang Ran’s eyes concealed a trace of delight.

Xu Ke believed himself clever, thinking he had convinced Wang Ran with his own wit, unaware he had long fallen into Wang Ran’s scheme.

Zhao Xiaobai, who had witnessed all this, struggled to suppress his laughter as he watched the naive Xu Ke.

He sighed inwardly—he had indeed chosen the right person. Beneath Wang Ran’s carefree exterior lay a depth of cunning and sophistication.

Though Xu Ke had thought of joining Wang Ran after their battle, he would never have been so loyal as now. Who knows when he might have changed his mind? But Wang Ran’s masterstroke of feigned reluctance, with just a few words, firmly anchored Xu Ke’s heart.

Xu Ke, with his sense of loyalty, after this, would never again waver in his allegiance to Wang Ran.

With Xu Ke’s joining, Wang Ran finally established himself in the Hall of Enforcement, gaining the strength to confront Ye Cang.

He clasped his hands behind his back and laughed joyfully. With his schemes and acting skills, conquering the Hall of Enforcement and dominating the sect would be easy, within his grasp.

Ah, the loneliness of the master, the solitude of the king...

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