The Programmer Cultivator

But Guan Shouxin, who was supposed to start the proceedings, once again left everyone from the various factions hanging. He simply sat in the main seat, resting with his eyes closed.

Huixin and the two others seated at his level waited for a moment, but Guan Shouxin made no move to begin. Huixin’s brow furrowed slightly, and he glanced questioningly at the two Three Talents High Monks beside him.

The two of them shook their heads, indicating they had no idea what he was up to.

Given the formal nature of the gathering, no one in the entire square dared to chat casually. Thus, the atmosphere fell into an awkward silence.

Zhang Deming’s brow was furrowed tightly. He glanced at Master Guan, who was still resting with his eyes closed in the main seat, then waved his hand to activate the Sound Insulation Array around their table. Looking at Song Huidong, he asked, ”What’s the matter with Master Guan?”

Song Huidong shook his head. ”I’m not sure what’s going on either.”

Zhang Deming’s frown deepened. ”If he had just bailed on us on the way here, we could have chalked it up to his usual laziness. But now, leaving an entire square of people hanging... Isn’t this going a little too far? Even a slacker wouldn’t act like this, right?”

Song Huidong frowned and nodded as well. ”I agree, something feels off,” he said hesitantly. ”You don’t think Master Guan is sulking, do you?”

”Sulking about what?” Zhang Deming asked, confused.

Song Huidong glanced at Zhang Deming. ”You didn’t actually believe him when he said this assignment just fell into his lap after he failed to fight for it, did you?”

”Who would take that kind of brown-nosing seriously? But to be this upset over it...” Zhang Deming paused, then shook his head and said,

”Impossible. How could he behave this way over something like that? He’s a Three Talents cultivator, after all. If he truly had such poor judgment, the Sect would never have assigned him to this reception. No matter how little they value this event, it’s still hosted by a Blessed Holy Land.”

”How about...” Song Huidong hesitated, then suggested, ”I could ask Junior Brother Fang Bai from the Array Department—he’s in charge of this trip—to look into it?”

Zhang Deming nodded. Song Huidong took out his Identity Card, brought up a Light Screen, and sent a message.

The two waited for a moment before Song Huidong’s Identity Card vibrated. His expression changed, and he tapped open the Light Screen.

”What did he say?” Zhang Deming asked.

”Uh, Junior Brother Fang said he tried using the Heart Spirit Array to contact Master Guan directly but got no response,” Song Huidong said, his brow furrowed.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Deming’s frown deepened as well.

”What do we do now?” Song Huidong asked.

”We can’t just sit here and do nothing,” Zhang Deming said. ”The people from Xuande Temple are already displeased. If we keep them waiting like this, we’ll be in for huge trouble when it’s time to escort them back to the Sect.”

”Then... what should we do?” Song Huidong said hesitantly. ”Master Guan isn’t responding. We can’t just run up there and ask what’s happening in front of everybody, can we?”

Zhang Deming looked at Song Huidong. ”Has Spirit Nurturing Peak always taken the lead for this event in the past?”

”Yes. Since Master Guk was leading the team, he’d naturally be the one in charge of the proceedings, no matter what,” Song Huidong nodded. He paused, then asked in surprise, ”Junior Brother Zhang, are you suggesting you should step up?”

Zhang Deming shook his head. ”What are you thinking, Senior Brother? Who am I? What’s my status? What gives me the right to take charge? My title as the Master of the Flying Spring Waterfall Tower? Is that even worth anything outside our own peak?”

”Then, Junior Brother, what are you try... ing... to say...” Song Huidong began.

Halfway through his sentence, Song Huidong froze. His eyes went wide as he saw Zhang Deming staring intently at him. Stunned, he said, ”Uh... Junior Brother Zhang, you’re not telling me to step up, are you?”

”And why not?” Zhang Deming said. ”You’re the daily supervisor for Spirit Nurturing Peak. With Master Guk absent, it would be considered standard procedure for you to take his place.”

Hearing this, Song Huidong’s face stiffened. ”Is... that really okay...?”

”Why wouldn’t it be? It’s better than letting the event completely fall apart,” Zhang Deming urged. ”Hurry up and do something! If we delay any longer, we’ll be in big trouble when we return to the Sect. We’ll be waiting for our punishment!”

Song Huidong’s expression changed. He glanced at the uncannily silent square, gritted his teeth, and once again took out his Identity Card and tapped it.

A moment later, the cushion he was sitting on flashed with Spiritual Light, and he vanished silently from his spot.

Zhang Deming watched him go, a smile playing on his lips. ’When I was talking with Song Huidong earlier, I felt like I’d been played—dragged out to take the fall for Guk Liancai. This is much better. Let him be the one to take the heat!’

As the thought flashed through Zhang Deming’s mind, Spiritual Light flickered in the empty space to Guan Shouxin’s right. Song Huidong and a low table slowly materialized there.

In the quiet plaza, the sudden change immediately drew everyone’s attention.

”Ahem...” Song Huidong cleared his throat, flashed an awkward smile, and bowed to the crowd. ”My apologies, everyone. Something came up and caused a delay. My sincerest apologies. Now then, shall we begin...”

Before Song Huidong could finish speaking, the entire Cyan Feather Green Ship suddenly lurched, as if someone had slammed on the brakes.

The handful of unsuspecting Disciples who had been focused on Song Huidong were sent tumbling. Everyone on the tiered seats remained securely in place, but many of them frowned.

”What’s happening?” Huixin asked, glancing around before his gaze landed on Song Huidong.

”Th...” Before Song Huidong could reply, the entire Cyan Feather Green Ship jolted again, this time as violently as an earthquake.

Along with the tremor, the entire protective light shield covering the Cyan Feather Green Ship’s back began to shake violently.