Chapter 1355: Chapter 1344: Wick’s Flattering Gestures
Don’t forget, the temple possesses a mystical sacrificial method, which is the secret of the Muto Family.
The residents of Ancient Sky City have almost all been to the temple for sacrifices.
Over the years, the temple’s prestige among the people has even surpassed that of the Pharaoh.
The temple, previously under the rule of the Pharaoh, shows signs of losing control.
Add to this the Pharaoh’s lifelong neglect of worldly affairs, delegating everything to City Hall.
How can a single City Hall compete with the temple?
The temple has protected martial artists who violated the Code of Law several times, forcing City Hall to reluctantly accept.
In recent years, the Muto Family has been unusually active externally, making numerous connections.
This is enough to prove that the Muto Family is not satisfied with the current situation.
It is said that the Pharaoh once expressed the desire to take over the temple, but was politely refused by the Muto Family.
Though this matter never progressed, its implication is clear.
The Pharaoh obviously realized the temple’s threat, hence the demand to assume the position of High Priest.
The Muto Family’s ability to refuse also demonstrates the family’s strength.
Though these are mere rumors, Ning Fan detects a hint of the unusual.
Nothing happens without a cause; otherwise, even these barmaids wouldn’t know about the discord between the two sides.
Surely there is friction between the temple and the Pharaoh, but it hasn’t reached the point of a complete fallout.
Now Wick’s initiative to express goodwill offers Ning Fan substantial room to maneuver.
As the saying goes, the enemy of your enemy is your friend.
If the Muto Family really covets the Pharaoh’s throne, intending to monopolize Ancient Sky City.
Ning Fan wouldn’t mind lending a helping hand, as for the old man’s side afterward…
That can be dealt with later on.
The thought fleeting through his mind, Ning Fan smiled slyly like a fox, “Wick, no need to be so polite, sit down and let’s drink together.”
“Thank you, Ning.” Wick was flattered, changing his address to be more intimate, clearly not entirely a mere spoiled wastrel.
“You few, accompany Wick.” Ning Fan waved his hand, and the chosen women dared not show displeasure.
In some respects, Wick’s status is even above Ning Fan.
As long as this guy doesn’t self-destruct or get expelled from his family, he’s the sure future High Priest.
Wick hurriedly said, “Ning, how could I dare touch your women?”
“It’s alright. We all meet by chance and are friends from now on.”
“Ning, so generous!” Wick gave a thumbs up and then enthusiastically thumped his chest, “From now on, if there’s anything in Ancient Sky City, let me know, and I won’t hesitate.”
“Then I won’t stand on ceremony.”
Ning Fan responded with a smiling look, inwardly snickering, “If I pull you into a rebellion against the Pharaoh, I wonder if you’ll still brag like that!”
Building camaraderie between men can be simple, a few drinks, along with the allure of women, and quickly enemies turn into friends.
What kind of friends? That’s for the wise to interpret.
In his conversation with Wick, Ning Fan did not humble himself, just playing true to his character, which surprisingly aligned with Wick’s tastes.
No choice! That reputation halo is too impressive.
Every high-level Ascetic is revered by all, honored guests of noble families.
Moreover, Ning Fan, having returned from his ascetic journey at the western suburb’s dumps, became the idol of all martial cultivators in the city.
The Muto Family knows better than anyone the impact of this status.
Therefore, they gave Wick strict orders to mend relations with Ning Fan.
Theoretically, every priest about to become an Ascetic is considered one of the family by the Muto Family.
Through Wick’s explanation, Ning Fan finally understood.
The relationship between the High Priest and the priests is not as hierarchical as he imagined.
According to the temple’s doctrine, only the Sun God’s cherished people can become priests serving the deity.
Because of the divine family title, the Muto Family can take over the High Priest position for generations.
Since everyone is the Sun God’s favored people, then the High Priest and priests, to some extent, are of equal rank.
The title of High Priest is more honorary and does not entail leading priests.
Because of the priests’ uniqueness, despite an inherited High Priest position, the Muto Family goes to great lengths to win over every priest.
Because City Hall can also, conversely, recruit priests.
When the mystery person attacked the City Lord’s Mansion at night, those three injured priests were recruited by City Hall.
Though Wick is the legitimate heir, the current generation of the Muto Family is not limited to him.
Now, with Wick and Ning Fan’s conflict, if this city-wide idol uses this to show displeasure towards the Muto Family,
It will certainly affect the Muto Family’s reputation, and the always-watchful City Hall would seize the opportunity to undermine them.
If it were someone else, even if they’re at the Aerial Mastery Peak,
With Wick’s temperament, he’d have long asked family experts to eliminate them, rather than showering Ning Fan with compliments, calling him brother.
In Ancient Sky City, as long as you’re willing to spend money, an Aerial Mastery Peak is nothing.
Considering the Muto Family’s High Priest status, they’ve secretly amassed wealth, nurturing several Aerial Mastery Peak experts.
“Wick…”
“Ning, you can call me Wick.”
Since recognizing the truth, Wick showed unusual humility and modesty.
Even if he becomes the High Priest, he’d still address Ning Fan this way.
Ning Fan, so young and yet cultivating to the Peak of True Origin, demonstrates his exceptional talent, surely advancing to Aerial Mastery in due time.
An Ascetic at the Aerial Mastery Realm, if he maintains this goodwill in the future, will be immensely beneficial to Wick.
Ning Fan was quite direct, “Wick, you said your grandfather wants to see me?”
“Yes! Grandpa said he’d like to invite Ning to the temple tomorrow.”
Ning Fan frowned and asked, “Why does he want to meet me?”
Wick honestly unfolded everything.
The reason he personally brought the gold card over to apologize was under Grandpa’s orders, otherwise he could’ve sent someone else.
“Grandpa is naturally intending to win you over.”
Listening to Wick’s straightforwardness, Ning Fan’s expression turned peculiar.
Perhaps Wick’s privileged upbringing, with the Muto Family’s overwhelming power, cultivated his personality of disregard, believing he’s superior.
Regarding speech, Wick always says what’s on his mind, lacking any strategic depth.
“I see…”
Seeing Ning Fan’s hesitation, Wick casually said, “That’s fine. Grandpa merely instructed me to try and have Ning visit.”
“If that’s the case, let’s talk about it another day!”
Truthfully, Ning Fan isn’t quite ready to meet the High Priest now, primarily due to insufficient information; who knows what shadows lurk within the temple.
Given Ning Fan’s true cultivation, he needn’t fear an Aerial Mastery Peak Ascetic.
But he can’t withstand sheer numbers!
Scorning them verbally is one thing, but underestimating the sacrificial strength, Ning Fan would be a true fool.
“Come, drink up!”