Those two men were injured by mistake, which truly went against his principles. But his principles had always been about avoiding trouble—because trouble was something he couldn't afford!
As for those children, it was they who had dragged him back to the ruined temple when he fainted in the street. He owed them a debt of gratitude, so he always stayed with them and shared any food he had. But if it ever came down to a matter of life and death, who could say he wouldn’t abandon them? Not even he knew for sure! In truth, he wasn’t soft-hearted, nor was he particularly kind.
Perhaps, he was even a little strange.
Because, deep down, a voice kept telling him that it was all fake! Every bit of kindness was fake! He didn’t know why that voice echoed inside him, but it was impossible to ignore.
Maxwell Jing paid no attention to the hungry gazes around him, but he was well aware that if things went on like this, it was only a matter of time before he was beaten up by the crowd.
The other children only cared about the food in Maxwell Jing’s hands, but the child who had tried to persuade him earlier politely said to the gatekeeper, “I’m hungry too. Could I have something to eat?”
Hearing his request, the gatekeeper actually handed him a portion of food. The other children, seeing this, bravely stepped forward to ask as well, but the gatekeeper merely replied with a blank expression, “There are only two portions!”
The rest of the children, faces filled with disappointment, could only watch the two lucky ones and drool.
“My name is Lucas Lu. What about you?” asked the child enjoying his food beside Maxwell Jing.
Maxwell Jing glanced at him, his mind racing. In an environment as uncertain as this, having one more friend was better than one more enemy. Even if he got beaten up, he could drag someone down with him! So, he swallowed his food slowly and replied, not overly friendly, “Maxwell Jing.”
After enjoying a sumptuous meal, someone arrived to escort the group of children outside. Although the man wore no mask and his robe was pure white—so different from the black-clad figure before—Maxwell Jing was certain this was the same person who had brought him here. Yet, in this moment, the man’s scholarly demeanor betrayed nothing of the kidnapper who had snatched them away.
Despite his efforts to appear gentle, a sharp glint lingered in his eyes. The children instinctively feared him, even though he now seemed so kind and approachable.
He told the children to follow, and not one dared resist. Maxwell Jing wasn’t afraid—he simply refused to act rashly before understanding the situation.
They arrived at a clearing. The man stopped, and the children uneasily halted behind him. Maxwell Jing surveyed the surroundings—the place was pleasant enough, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong, though he couldn’t say exactly what.
Later, he would learn it was a formation.
The man watched Maxwell Jing’s calm reaction with satisfaction. Maxwell Jing was the one he had personally chosen—he could only hope the boy would not disappoint him.
Before long, a young man approached. The white-robed man bowed respectfully, saying, "Sanctuary Master..." Clearly, this young man was the true master of this place.
Maxwell Jing gazed at the young man, frowning. The only words that came to mind were: Not a good person.
The young man glanced at the children and asked, "Are these the ones chosen for Ethan Gu?"
The white-robed man replied respectfully, "Not all are exceptional, but some truly stand out. If they are carefully trained, they will surely be of great help to the Sanctuary Heir in the future."
Every year, the Healer’s Sanctuary openly recruits a new batch of disciples. With its reputation in the martial world, anyone who loves the healing arts dreams of joining the Sanctuary, and even those indifferent to medicine are drawn by its prestige, eager to become disciples.
But this group was different. They had been secretly brought here—handpicked by Galen Gu for Ethan Gu. In the future, they would help Ethan Gu bring the Healer’s Sanctuary to new heights.
Galen Gu nodded, glanced at the children, and said, "I’ll leave this matter to you. Let Ethan choose his aides himself." He meant not only the selection, but also the training that would follow.
To become Ethan Gu’s trusted aide, it was best to grow up at his side. He didn’t need many—one or two would suffice. The rest would train together, and those who survived would become valuable talents.
Watching Galen Gu depart, Maxwell Jing couldn’t help but frown. Why should he be treated like merchandise, picked and chosen at will? He snorted inwardly—anyone who displeased him would pay the price.
Lucas Lu tugged at Maxwell’s sleeve and whispered, "I have a feeling, whoever gets picked by the Sanctuary Heir will get lots of special privileges! I hope I’m that lucky!"
Maxwell Jing said nothing, a hint of mockery curling at the corner of his lips.
People always want different things. Lucas Lu hoped to be chosen by the Sanctuary Heir, while Maxwell Jing was already thinking about escape. If he voiced his thoughts, Lucas would never understand, nor would Maxwell admire Lucas’s ambition. It was nothing personal—just that everyone’s dreams were different.
If Lucas Lu knew what Maxwell Jing was thinking, he’d probably call him foolish for missing a chance to rise above the rest.
Yet some people are born unwilling to bow to others—unless that person is truly extraordinary, worthy of their loyalty.
When the Sanctuary Heir finally appeared, all the children were surprised. He looked to be about their age—seven or eight—but his cold demeanor kept everyone at a distance.
Maxwell Jing sneered, while Lucas Lu stared intently at Ethan Gu, trying to see what set the Sanctuary Heir apart. But aside from his good looks and chilly air, he seemed just like any other child—at least, Lucas couldn’t spot anything special.
Suddenly, a child collapsed, his face darkening as his body convulsed. Ethan Gu’s cold gaze shifted to the white-robed man—he knew the man had orchestrated this, wanting Ethan to step in and save the boy, to prove himself worthy despite his youth.
Ethan Gu turned his attention to the convulsing child. With a flick of his wrist, several silver needles pierced the boy’s body. In moments, the dark hue faded from his face, the spasms ceased, and peace returned to his features.