PWE – Chapter 178

As he spoke, the senior elder suddenly reached into his pocket, took something out, and handed it to Zhan Zeyan. “Since this is our first meeting, I wasn’t sure what to give you, so here’s a talisman for safety. I drew it myself. Carry it with you, and it will keep you safe.”

Zhan Zeyan glanced at the talisman, frowning slightly. He politely declined, “Thank you for your kindness, Senior Elder, but my luck has always been very good. I don’t think I’ll need this talisman.”

The senior elder appeared kind, but Zhan Zeyan knew that beneath that friendly mask was cunning and ruthlessness. On the surface, the talisman seemed harmless, but he was certain it wouldn’t keep him safe at all.

“You ungrateful brat! This talisman was drawn by our senior elder himself. Many people would give anything to have one,” a woman around thirty said sharply to Zhan Zeyan.

This woman was Tang Huaishuang, Tang Huaijing’s elder sister. Originally, the Tang Sect had only planned to send a few elders. But Tang Huaishuang and Tang Huailan insisted on coming. Tang Huailan, Huaijing’s younger sister, was only twenty-one.

Unlike Tang Huaishuang, Tang Huailan’s gaze was fixed intently on Zhan Zeyan, her voice gentle: “Regiment Commander Zhan, although my sister’s tone was a bit harsh, she is correct. This talisman from the senior elder is extremely rare. Normally, people spend a fortune and still can’t get one. And it really is effective—you carry it, and your life will be smooth and prosperous.”

In truth, the talisman wouldn’t ensure safety. Not only would it fail to protect him, it could be used to control Zhan Zeyan. Right now, she secretly hoped it would work. If Zhan Zeyan were controlled, then she… could do as she pleased with him.

This was the first time she had admired a man—not only tall and handsome, but also accomplished in the military. A man like this, she thought, was barely a match for her—but just barely.

“If it’s that useful, then give it to someone who needs it. I don’t need it,” Zhan Zeyan said coldly, completely unmoved.

Tang Huailan’s brow twitched slightly, feeling embarrassed by his refusal.

She, Tang Huailan, was considered one of the top beauties in the capital. She thought that if she spoke nicely to him, Zhan Zeyan would be attracted. But not only was he not attracted, he outright rejected her words. This man… seemed utterly unappreciative.

The second elder’s expression darkened. He looked at Zhan Zeyan, about to say something, but Zhan Zeyan slightly turned to Commander He and said, “Commander He, do you have any other instructions? If not, I’ll take my leave.”

“No, that’s all. You may go,” Commander He replied, giving Zhan Zeyan a glance and a wave of his hand.

Zhan Zeyan saluted once more, then turned and left.

The Tang Sect members watched him go, silent.

They had intended to give him the “safety talisman” to control his mind—but unexpectedly, the talisman wasn’t even given.

The senior elder’s eyes darkened. He watched Zhan Zeyan’s back, then turned to Commander He with a smile: “Commander He, I also prepared a talisman for you. Though it’s not particularly valuable, it comes from my heart.”

He then reached into his pocket again, took out another talisman, and handed it to Commander He.