Chapter 345: Courtesies
Inside the study, Yang Haoran reclined in his chair, engrossed in a book, while Master Wu and the serpent demon entered the room.
Both of them didn't look too pleased, especially the serpent demon. Her face lacked its usual charming smile, appearing rather grim and unpleasant.
"Boss, a group of talisman masters has arrived outside the villa, led by two black talisman masters. They claim to be here specifically to visit you," Master Wu addressed Yang Haoran.
Yang Haoran nodded, showing little surprise on his face. Since the visitors hadn't completely sealed their power fluctuations, he could sense their presence.
Master Wu glanced at the serpent demon beside him, then back at Yang Haoran, hesitated for a moment, and said in a low voice, "Coming here so early in the morning with so many people, judging from their demeanor, it's probably more than just a casual visit."
"We've only moved here for a few days, and they've already found their way here. Their information network is quite impressive," the serpent demon muttered, her expression sour.
Yang Haoran closed the book and stood up, smiling as he said, "Fu Sect has some influence in Lecheng, and their variety of talismans is diverse. Besides, we didn't leave secretly when we moved. It's not surprising they found us here."
The serpent demon hesitated, then, after some thought, she gritted her teeth and made a decision, saying, "They must be here for me. I'll go out and meet them."
But Yang Haoran stopped her before she could leave. "Don't panic when faced with a situation. Panicking won't change the outcome and will only disrupt your composure. Moreover, even if you go out, do you have the confidence to deal with them?" he asked calmly.
"I..." The serpent demon faltered."No matter what their purpose is, guests are guests. As hosts, we should observe proper etiquette," Yang Haoran said, looking at Master Wu. He then smiled and said, "Old Wu, go downstairs and invite them in. I'll be waiting in the living room."
"Yes, Boss," Master Wu replied respectfully before leaving the study.
After Master Wu left, Yang Haoran turned to the serpent demon and said, "You go back to your room to recover. I'll handle them."
"I'll go with you. Otherwise, they might think I'm afraid of them," the serpent demon insisted.
After a moment's thought, Yang Haoran nodded. "Alright, having you by my side will clearly demonstrate my stance."
With that, Yang Haoran led the serpent demon to the living room. Shortly after they arrived, Master Wu ushered in two men and a woman. The other talisman masters from Fu Sect remained outside the villa.
As Yang Haoran looked at the two men and the woman, he rose from the sofa with a smile. Though he appeared cheerful, he felt somewhat helpless because Wang Yiming was among the three.
Apart from Wang Yiming, there was an old man and the black talisman master whom he had rescued before.
In Yang Haoran's memory, this black talisman master had worn tattered and dirty clothes. But now, she was completely transformed, wearing the distinctive attire of a Fu Sect black talisman master, exuding elegance. She was nothing like the crazy woman he had encountered before.
Yang Haoran recognized her immediately because her hairstyle remained unchanged, with long hair covering half of her face, giving her a unique look.
Besides the black talisman master, there was also an old man who, judging by his attire, was also a black talisman master.
As for Wang Yiming, he wasn't dressed casually today. Instead, he wore the attire of a Fu Sect yellow talisman master. He followed behind the other two with utmost respect.
When Yang Haoran's gaze met theirs, the old man and Wang Yiming remained composed. However, the crazy woman became visibly excited upon seeing the serpent demon. If it weren't for Yang Haoran's presence, she would have likely attacked the serpent demon by now.
With a smile on his face, Yang Haoran approached the three. It seemed he hadn't noticed the crazy woman's excitement. He addressed them politely, "I apologize for not welcoming you personally as there have been many matters to attend to since our recent move. Please don't take it to heart."
Yang Haoran's courteous words came effortlessly, though he knew none of the three would believe his words. But what did it matter? Courtesies were hardly ever genuine.
To him, offering pleasantries served to ease the tension, provide an excuse, and give the other party an out.
As he spoke, Yang Haoran deliberately let his gaze linger a bit longer on Wang Yiming and even exchanged a glance with him.
Wang Yiming wore a wry smile and gently shook his head in response, his eyes reflecting a sense of helplessness.
In this situation, Wang Yiming obviously didn't have the authority to speak. So, he could only use this method to remind Yang Haoran.
Though Wang Yiming didn't speak, Yang Haoran could somewhat guess what was on his mind from the wry smile, the sense of helplessness in his eyes, and the gentle shake of his head.
"Hehe, Divine Envoy Yang, you're too polite. We've come uninvited today, causing you trouble. We're truly sorry!" the Old Man chuckled, stroking his beard.
The fact that the Old Man spoke instead of the crazy woman indicated his higher status among the black talisman masters. It seemed that today's operation was led by him.
Furthermore, the Old Man didn't expose Yang Haoran or mention the serpent demon's involvement. Instead, he engaged in pleasantries with Yang Haoran, indicating that he didn't want to escalate the situation.
Moreover, Wang Yiming's presence here indicated the same. With many talisman masters present today, why would they specifically bring Wang Yiming into the villa instead of the others? A discerning person could easily see that there was another agenda.
Yang Haoran didn't reveal his thoughts at all. He maintained a smiling face and a warm attitude, treating the three as if they were long-lost friends.
"Come, please have a seat," Yang Haoran said, gesturing. Then, he looked at Old Wu and said with a smile, "Old Wu, please bring some tea."
"Yes, Boss," Master Wu replied respectfully before leaving. Yang Haoran then turned to the serpent demon beside him and said, "Since Old Wu is getting on in years, why don't you go and help him?"
The serpent demon glanced at the crazy woman, who happened to be looking at her too. Both of their eyes flashed with intense killing intent.
However, neither of them made a move in this place because they both understood that if they did, the significance would change.
Suppressing her anger, the serpent demon withdrew her gaze from the crazy woman and nodded at Yang Haoran before leaving with Master Wu.
Once the serpent demon left, the three turned their attention back to Yang Haoran. Under Yang Haoran's warm greeting, the Old Man and the crazy woman sat on the sofa, while Wang Yiming stood respectfully behind the Old Man.
Under normal circumstances, Wang Yiming would never be so restrained in front of Yang Haoran, and Yang Haoran wouldn't just let Wang Yiming stand there without speaking.
But the current situation was different. In front of the two black talisman masters, as a yellow talisman master, he simply didn't have the qualification to sit down. Even if there were plenty of seats available, it wouldn't be his turn as a yellow talisman master. That was the rule.
So, Yang Haoran didn't say anything, allowing Wang Yiming to stand respectfully behind the Old Man.
After the three sat down, before Yang Haoran could speak, the Old Man spoke first.
"Since the upheaval in the Lecheng Yin Division, I've heard of Divine Envoy Yang's name resounding like thunder. It's just that I haven't had the chance to meet you in person. Today, I'm fortunate to witness your presence. Truly a remarkable talent, hahaha!"
Yang Haoran remained calm internally, but his face displayed happiness. He also chuckled, "Oh, come on now, Elder. I'm just a worker in the Yin Division, nothing more. There's no connection between me and being a remarkable talent. I'm well aware of that."
"You're being too modest, Divine Envoy Yang. Since you've taken charge of the Lecheng Yin Division, everything has been running smoothly. Not everyone can achieve what you have. Your achievements are there for all to see!"