AZI Volume 2 Chapter 6

"A map to New Moon Village."

Towards Zhou Chen's claim of what the piece of parchment is, Nian Yao Yao doesn't show any reactions on the outside, however—

(Tch. I seem to have underestimated this old man. The fact that he has a map means he must have connections to New Moon Village in the first place. It would be all too easy for him to figure out what my objective was for coming into this city personally—if they just investigated my five years' worth of activities.)

"I do not enjoy games that wastes time in an inefficient manner, Lady Nian."

"If that's the case, can I assume that map to be genuine?"

"Whether you trust it to be genuine or not is your problem. You brought two highly skilled Sinners along with your visit. Had I not proposed to trade you this map, along with these blood vials—you would have sent them to raid my home in the middle of the night. The map is not an object of value to me at this point; hence I am willing to part with it—instead of having to deal with two troublemakers."

Having everything that she had planned pointed out in such a blunt manner, Nian Yao Yao couldn't do much but to clear her throat, and ask—

"Did you get this information from your contact in New Moon Village?"

"Correct. I should add, as someone who has lived through the frontlines, I ask to not be disturbed in my retirement."

"…"

Looking at the rolled-up piece of parchment, Nian Yao Yao frowns.

With no prior contact with New Moon Village, she wouldn't have any way to know if the map that is drawn on the parchment is genuine or not.

"…Level six Immortal. That one appeared five decades ago during your period of service."

Recalling this bit of detail that was told to him by Li Xue, Long Hua looks to Zhou Chen.

"Oh? So, you've heard?"

"I was also informed that it took over 200 Sinners to take that Immortal down."

"…Correct."

"Is that wound from that Immortal?"

Towards this question, Zhou Chen nods.

"I see."

Ever since he managed to reacquire his cultivation base, Long Hua had done some estimations in his head.

(Levels one to two can be dealt with single-handedly with enough experience. Those are probably still within the realms of Qi Condensation. Three may require an extra set of helping hands—they should be Foundation Establishment realm practitioners at this level. Four and five requires a squad or more; should be Core Formation if that's the case. As for this level six that requires over 200 Sinners to kill… This explosive increase in numbers—should indicate a Nascent Soul realm practitioner.)

Regardless of their special physique, a Sinner is ultimately still closer to that of an ordinary mortal.

On the other hand, a Nascent Soul realm practitioner is akin to a natural disaster due to the strength they command.

Fighting against a natural disaster that possesses human level intelligence—

(For an individual that is closer to a mortal, I can see how that can be a traumatizing experience.)

Thinking for a moment, Long Hua looks to Nian Yao Yao.

"Let's not waste any more time here. The map should be genuine."

"Hmm."

Towards Long Hua's suggestion, Nian Yao Yao ponders for a bit before nodding her head.

(…She's always willing to listen to Hua when it comes to important decision making.)

Being reminded of this, Zhui Yun clenches her fists, as she directs a hateful glare at Long Hua.

"Very well then. I shall take the blood vials and the map as payment."

"Done."

Handing both the seventh vial and the map over to one of the dolls, Zhou Chen has all the items packed into the metal case.

"Well then, pleasure doing business with you."

"To you as well, Lady Nian."

"Also, be sure to send us a video of you actually taking the elixir. Preferably within the next half hour."

"I understand that this is one of your company's ways to ensure that your clients do not resell it to another."

"Zhou-laoye's understanding is greatly appreciated."

Standing up from the armchair, Nian Yao Yao heads for the door, while Zhui Yun walks over to pick up the metal case.

As most of the group clears out of the room, Zhou Chen looks to Long Hua's back, and remarks—

"Young man, you seem…"

"Hm?"

"Perhaps it is only my imagination, but there's something… Looking at you, I feel as if I'm looking at a body shrouded in a dense layer of fog. Reminds me of my old enemies."

(Oh? Looks like he really was staring at me when Jing made that joke.)

The initial impression that Long Hua has of Zhou Chen is a blade that can be drawn at any moment, and the latter's words just now reinforced this notion.

"I think, that's just your imagination at play, old man. You should…- A doctor would say to take your medicine, and get some rest, I suppose?"

Having said this, Long Hua leaves the room, while the doll that is standing outside shuts the door.

"Ai…"

Looking up at the ceiling, Zhou Chen sighs, as he closes his eyes.

"Might be too early to retire after all…"

Reopening his eyes, Zhou Chen looks to the doll that had carried the metal case into the room.

"Prepare me some food. Preferably something light."

"Understood."

As the doll leaves the room, Zhou Chen rises from his seat, and turns around with his gaze locked onto the doll that had performed the scanning of the two vials.

"Will that be all then?"

In response to this question, the doll reopens its eyes, and answers—

[Yes.]

A woman's voice comes from the doll's mouth, and as the doll's eyes flicker for a brief instance, communication is cut.

"Ai, this Long Yue family… Now that the map is with the daughter, the mother will begin to make her move."