Reincarnation of the Strongest Healer

Chapter 978: Essence Of A Manipulator

Upon seeing that Bloom quickly found a spot to steady her mindset, Carmen had a shocked expression on her face.

Her mouth was left agape as she slowly turned to Xu Feng. She had no choice but to give him a thumbs-up and admit defeat.

”Youʼre really awesome, Guild Leader.” She swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

The statement he made earlier was simple and concise, but it managed to affect Bloom this deeply. Compared to her ridiculous provocation toward Evelyn, it was indeed a joke.

”Have you learned the essence of being a manipulator?” Xu Feng pretended to stroke his imaginary beard and asked. It was a good feeling to pretend like some wise sage.

Carmen also knew what he was trying to do, but didnʼt expose him. After all, he indeed had the right to pretend like a wise sage with his previous action.

Instead, she pondered over the question he gave her.

What was the essence of being a successful manipulator?

”Hmm, is it learning and understanding what the opposing party cares about?” She furrowed her brows and asked with uncertainty.

Her provocation toward Evelyn was based on the deduction that she cared about her reputation. However, it was evident that Evelyn didnʼt care what others viewed her. Moreover, Carmen should have long understood that Evelyn didnʼt care about reputation or whatnot.

If she were the type to care about it, then she wouldnʼt have stalked them and approached them directly to inquire about Cool Windʼs whereabouts.

”Ugh, so my approach was wrong from the start.” She frowned and leaned on her palm. She now understood how terrible her provocation was.

”Heh, you asked me for confirmation, but in the end, youʼve already got an answer in your heart.” Xu Feng mused and didnʼt tease her. The mere fact that she understood her mistake was already far superior to him.

Back then, he was even more foolish and stubborn. Even he found it hard to believe he hadnʼt been pummeled to death.

”The law of provocation and manipulation is actually so profound.” Carmen clenched her fist.

”Of course, it is. Many claim it was dishonest and wicked, but many still use them to win battles.”

”I agreed. There might no longer be any war, but business wars still exist. Business people are more vile than others.”

”Hoh, how did you know business people are more vile than others?”

Upon being questioned, Carmenʼs behavior suddenly turned weird. She was about to respond but halted herself. It appeared as if she didnʼt want to divulge further regarding this topic.

”Itʼs just a simple question.” Seeing that, Xu Feng swiftly changed the topic.

”Look, thereʼs another person who passed the aptitude test.” He pointed it out.

Realizing that Xu Feng was easing the original tension, Carmen heaved a sigh of relief and was grateful to him for never prying deeply.

”Oh, Floral Witch is the third person to pass.” Carmen chuckled and turned to him. ”You were somewhat right.”

”Right about what?” Floral Witch raised an eyebrow and stepped toward them. She had just come out and overheard Carmenʼs words. What caught her by surprise was that there were two other candidates who were faster than her.

ʼIʼve already done my best to succeed. Seems like my willpower still needs work.ʼ She thought to herself.

”Ah, thereʼs no need to worry much.” Xu Feng chimed in and didnʼt wish to elaborate on the matter.

Nodding, Floral Witch was about to drop the matter since she still had 5 more aptitude tests to deal with.

Unfortunately, Carmen suddenly held a sly grin as she cleared her throat.

”A shame, Branch Leader Floral Witch. You were so close to reaching 2nd place, but Bloom is just faster. And Evelyn is even more superior.”

”Bloom and Evelyn?” Upon hearing those two names, Floral Witch glanced around and spotted those two. She wasnʼt surprised about Bloom being faster, but she was definitely taken aback by Evelynʼs achievement.

ʼEvelyn was in first place?ʼ She had some insider information regarding Evelynʼs identity being quite unique within the Malefic Order Guild. However, the information was very tight, and she couldnʼt dig deeper.

Who could have thought that she was actually concealing such ability?

Floral Witch narrowed her eyes and became wary of the Malefic Order Guild.

The previous action from CarnageBound had already alarmed her. And now that she was reminded of another individual within the guild by Carmen, it would be a miracle if she didnʼt hold any suspicions.

While she remained silent and strode off in deep thoughts, Xu Feng sighed softly and stared at Carmen.

”What? Are you mesmerized by my beauty?” Not a bit ashamed or embarrassed by his sudden stare, Carmen raised her chin up.

”If you stare any longer, then Iʼm going to charge you some fee. My beauty isnʼt something one could just see for free. Itʼs only because youʼre the Guild Leader that I allow you some leniency.”

”Were you angry with Floral Witch?” Ignoring her remarks, Xu Feng raised the question. He could easily tell that Carmen was using Floral Witch as a guinea pig to test her provocation skill. But then why would she target Floral Witch?

He had even sent some signals and hints to not use her as a target practice.

”I just donʼt like her guts.” Carmen shrugged in response. ”Too much scheming brews in her mind. In that case, I might as well stir her mind a bit more to spice it up.”

”I see…”

Time then went on, and before long, the first aptitude test ended.

Without much surprise, the majority of the players had passed with relative ease, albeit with some being quicker than the others.

However, there were still some individuals who were eliminated in the process.

Nicholas also appeared in front of everyone at this moment. ”A total of 5 players have failed to exert their willpower and have thus been eliminated. The second aptitude test will commence right away.”

As soon as Nicholas finished his declaration, all the remaining players, aside from Xu Feng and Carmen, were teleported away.

No warning or rest, or preparation whatsoever was granted.