AZI Volume 3 Chapter 8

Located within the red roof pavilion of New Moon Village is Zhen Huai and Zhen Rong's residence.

The reception area of the residence is divided into two layers.

The first layer is the windowless room that Nian Yao Yao and Nian Tao Tao had appeared in—when they were forcefully teleported away, during their first visit. The entrance that leads into the second layer is hidden within that same exact room.

Upon walking through the hidden door of the first layer, one would find themselves standing on a stone pathway.

Surrounding the stone pathway is a traditional lotus garden—that is the product of an illusion magic array.

And due to this environment being the product of a magic array, even the time of day within this open-air garden—can be changed if one wishes to do so. At this time, it is set to be night, under the moon and stars.

Situated in the center of the stone pathway is a pavilion with a green roof. Within this pavilion is a large stone table—surrounded by eight stone stools.

On the left and right side of the pavilion are bench like seats—should there not be enough room to seat everyone at the table.

"Lao Bai, Long-xiong, this situation…"

Looking at all who have gathered here, Zhen Huai can't help but raise an eye.

Eventually, Zhen Huai's gaze lands onto Yao Ying—who is still covered in dirt with torn robes.

(…Two guys sitting beside her and with the way she's dressed right now, anyone would get the impression that she was molested by them in broad daylight, or something.)

Is the thought that Zhen Rong has, as she sits quietly beside Zhen Huai with a cup of tea pressed to her lips.

Heaving a light sigh, Zhen Huai says—

"Let's have the young lady explain her situation first."

"Before that…"

Using his divine sense, Bai Wen conveys a message to Yao Ying—telling her to not say anything about the weapon spirits of this realm.

"…Understood."

"Good."

As all eyes turned to her, Yao Ying explains—

"I was attending a celebration hosted by the Ling Yuan family. From there-"

The more he hears of Yao Ying's story, the more Long Hua felt like it was only just a common tale—that could be found anywhere, in the practitioners' circle of any world.

Similarly, to Long Hua, Tian Cheng thought—

(A tale like this is far too common. But this girl, she clearly isn't even a hundred years of age yet. She's still just a child in the purest sense. I guess, she's pitiful, but what good does pitying her do? It's not like it will change anything.)

Upon the conclusion of Yao Ying's explanation—

"Qing Ming Yang and Xia Ri'er."

Muttering the names of the two culprits, who had thrown Yao Ying into the Leng Bing Realm, Bai Wen places a hand to his chin, and remarks—

"They're both Core Formation realm practitioners. Status-wise, neither of them is that high in the Ling Yuan family. Under ordinary circumstances, they can't possibly have the guts to attack a Chen Shi family clansman."

"Means someone hired them."

"I figured the same."

As Bai Wen, Long Hua, and Zhen Huai discuss matters among themselves, Yao Ying, who is listening in on them, thought—

(Much of what they're talking about is something that I've considered as well.)

Eventually, Long Hua turns to Yao Ying, and says—

"Seems like we're all on the same page, then? So, little girl, who did you offend?"

"No one. I've almost never stepped out of my family's estate. Other than my grandfather, father, and a few older generation Chen Shi family clansmen, I don't really talk to anyone else often. Who could I possibly offend under these circumstances?"

Raising a cold smile, Long Hua asks—

"Do you have siblings?"

"An older brother and sister."

"There's your culprit then."

"I hardly ever talk to them though… And on the rare chances that we do, I didn't feel any tension in our conversation."

Hearing this, Bai Wen thought—

(So she says, but could it just be because she's far too naïve to notice the tension?)

Continuing along, Long Hua asks—

"Are you all from the same father and mother?"

"Our mothers are different. Father has two other wives."

"Chén Shì Xiāo Yīn, her father—the current clan chief of the Chen Shi family has three wives. One of them is already dead though."

Saying this, Zhen Huai takes a sip of tea.

"…"

(So, it was her mother that died then?)

Noticing Yao Ying's face turning a bit dark—at the mentioning of one of Chen Shi Xiao Yin's wives being dead, Zhen Huai looks away awkwardly.

Smiling with amusement, Bai Wen remarks—

"A man with three wives. Sounds like a scumbag."

"Don't insult my father."

Towards Yao Ying's glare, which can't be described as especially fierce, Bai Wen shrugs his shoulders, whereas Zhen Huai says—

"In any case, this is clearly her family's internal matter. What do you want to do now, Lady Yao Ying?"

"I want to go home."

Without any hesitation, Yao Ying answers as such to Zhen Huai's question, to which, the latter remarks—

"Home, is it? Hmm, can't say I recommend it under these circumstances."

"Why?"

"That's…"

Facing Yao Ying's innocence, Zhen Huai is at a loss as to how he should answer.

Clearing his throat, and turning to Zhen Rong, Zhen Huai requests—

"Xiao Rong, you mind taking her away to give her a bath, and some new clothes?"

"Sure. Follow me, Lady Yao Ying."

Getting out of her seat, Yao Ying follows after Zhen Rong.

With the two of them gone, Long Hua remarks—

"How considerate of you, Zhen-laoban."

Ignoring Long Hua's sarcasm, Zhen Huai raises a sigh, and says—

"Lao Bai, Long-xiong, you two should already have a general idea of what her situation is like."

"One, or both her siblings from a different mother—hired those two, to assassinate her. In the first place, how is it that she's only accompanied by two guards at the Core Formation realm?"

Towards Long Hua's question, Zhen Huai answers—

"Apparently, those guards came from her maternal grandfather's side."

"Oh? That's means her grandfather's side may have also wanted her dead?"

Towards Bai Wen's guess, Zhen Huai shakes his head, and explains—

"Her grandfather is Yún Mò Tóng, otherwise known as Mo Tongzi. He's the clan chief of the Yun family—which is located on Planet Ink Waters. About 25 years ago—that was when they rose to the upper ranks of the practitioner household hierarchy."

Nodding with understanding, Bai Wen says—

"Oh, I see how it is. They didn't have anyone else they could spare."

For a practitioner household, the first 100 years of their history—as a member of the upper ranks, is the most important time period.

This is the period, where they must solidify their standings in the upper rank circles by laying out a proper foundation—through the raising of resources, and newer generation talents.

Giving a nod back, Zhen Huai says—

"Exactly. Also, it's somewhat common knowledge that Mo Tongzi dotes on his granddaughter dearly. The chance of him wanting her dead isn't high. The fact that the Chen Shi family didn't send some guards with her as well…"

"That alone is telling enough. Unlike the Yun family, they have more than enough resources to place an Immortal realm bodyguard by her side."

Cutting into Zhen Huai and Bai Wen's conversation, Long Hua asks—

"So, are we telling her our ideas later?"

"Long-xiong, you're a real ass…"

Raising a laugh on the inside, Tian Cheng thought—

(You're only just beginning to see a part of his true character.)

Shrugging his shoulders, Long Hua proceeds to pour himself a cup of tea, and says—

"The little girl needs to learn at some point."

Taking a sip, Long Hua adds—

"Besides, what does it matter to us if she dies?"

Compared to Zhen Huai, who is frowning in response to Long Hua's cold remark, Bai Wen—

"Tru- Ugh…"

Was just about to agree with Long Hua's view, only to eat a punch to the gut from Nuo'er—who has been keeping quiet.

"Ai, you two have your conscience eaten by dogs."

Towards Zhen Huai's remark, Long Hua and Bai Wen replies—

"I'm just a product of the world I was living in."

"I just can't see myself raising a helping hand to a complete stranger."

(Their conscience was eaten by dogs? Why do I feel like it's ironic to hear this coming from a merchant?)

Just as Tian Cheng is thinking of this, Zhen Huai looks to Long Hua, and asks—

"Long-xiong, any new divine arts you can sell to me?"

Towards this question, Long Hua replies—

"Heh. The moment money is involved, Zhen-laoban's conscience also gets eaten by a dog, I see."

"I have a bunch of family members to feed after all."

"Family, huh?"

Seeing the light in Zhen Huai's emerald-green eyes, Long Hua could tell that the former wasn't lying about that.

(Rapid breakthroughs in a short span of time isn't really a good thing. I still need to stabilize my current realm of cultivation first.)

Deciding on this, Long Hua shakes his head towards Zhen Huai, and replies—

"I do have some, but I'm not in need of resources right now. Maybe in a month, or two?"

A hint of envy can be seen in Bai Wen's one eye, when he looks to Zhen Huai, as he remarks—

"Ai, some people have a caring family, and some people have an uncaring family."

Shrugging his shoulders, Long Hua asks—

"In any case, I assume none of us here—wants to be the one to break the news to that little girl?"

Towards this question, Bai Wen and Zhen Huai replies—

"I find it to be a pain to do so."

"I don't have the heart to."

"I find it to be a pain as well. Let's do this then."

Taking out a piece of paper and a pen, Long Hua begins to write the details of their discussion down.

"Ai, Lao Long, smart move."

Realizing what Long Hua is doing, Bai Wen directs a thumbs-up towards him.