AZI Volume 2 Chapter 43

(Hm?)

Swallowing the chewed-up walnut in his mouth, Bai Wen directs a sideways glance at Zhen Huai.

The impatient expression on Zhen Huai's face can only be described as unbefitting of the current situation, for his attention seems to be directed elsewhere.

Waving his hand, Bai Wen constructs a space around them to prevent their conversation from being heard by Nian Yao Yao and the others.

"For some reason, I feel as if you're a bit more on edge today."

"…"

Glancing back at Bai Wen, Zhen Huai sighs, and replies—

"Maybe this edge will be smoothed out, depending on the results produced tonight."

"Is it related to your family?"

"Indeed."

Seeing Zhen Huai unwilling to divulge on the matter further, the young lady, beside him, goes on to say—

"…Brother is concerned about the next phase of the clan chief selections that is coming up in a few months' time."

"Hmm."

Recalling the Zhen family's clan chief selection process, which can only be described as unique, Bai Wen frowns.

The clan chief candidates are not tested just for their talents alone. In fact, a candidate's talent in the Zhen family is only considered secondary.

The main attribute that is being tested of the candidates—is their ability to judge others.

At this selection event, the candidates are all required to bring with them a person—whom they have invested resources into.

Maintaining the frown, Bai Wen remarks—

"Your family really has some odd quirks—making such a simple matter overtly complicated."

"Truth be told, I'm actually somewhat grateful to them—for making the matter overtly complicated, as it gives even a cripple like myself a chance at glory."

"Hmm, I suppose. Whatever happened to the person you were investing in before?"

Towards the question, Zhen Huai replies by gesturing with a hand sliding across his neck, to which, Bai Wen asks—

"Was it by another candidate? If so, did you find out who?"

"Most probably. Your second question, hmm… If an individual can be offed so easily, what value do they have? Personally, I didn't find it to be worthwhile to pour resources into finding the culprit that did the act."

Chuckling aloud, Bai Wen replies—

"Agreed. How many more tests are left?"

"Three more. …They may happen all at once—depending on the clan chief's mood."

"I'd offer you a hand, but my circumstances won't allow it."

"Which is why—I'm currently in an awkward position. Ai, let's not dwell on this matter for now."

"Final question regarding it. If this friend of mine performs well, would you consider investing in him as your representative?"

Shrugging a shoulder, Zhen Huai replies—

"Being able to kill two birds with one stone would be ideal; however, the Leng Bing Realm has restrictions on those who are born here. I do not know how these restrictions would affect him. If they don't affect him in any way, I could consider it. …Lao Bai, you seem even more on edge than me right now."

Towards this remark, Bai Wen lets out a dry laugh, and replies—

"Over the years, I've been disappointed on numerous occasions. This time, however… The odds are so unusually high in my favor—that I can't help but pin a great deal of hope on this lead."

Blinking his eyes, Zhen Huai says—

"I sincerely hope that this new friend of yours—will be able to meet your high expectations then."

Turning his head towards the young lady by his side, Zhen Huai adds—

"Xiao Róng you're in charge of controlling the magic array later."

Towards her elder brother, Zhēn Róng replies with a nod, while Bai Wen asks—

"Xiao Rong, how's progress lately?"

"Bai-shao, if you're asking me about progress, then you should offer up some incentives. Otherwise, it's rude."

Shrugging his shoulders, Bai Wen replies—

"My relationship with your elder brother is as tough as iron. Asking you this, can't be considered offensive at this point. But whatever, what sort of incentives are you looking for?"

"Pointers on how to breakthrough into the Nascent Soul realm."

"Oh? Impressive, little girl. Already at the peak of the Core Formation realm?"

"Correct."

Glancing at Bai Wen and his younger sister, Zhen Huai inwardly sighs. The two's exchange is reminiscent of a grandfather and granddaughter.

(Her cultivation base has been improving rapidly over the years. But in our branch of the family…)

Just as Zhen Huai is thinking of this, Bai Wen looks to the former, and asks—

"Lao Zhen, what are you thinking of?"

"Nothing. Just as she said, you should give her some pointers later."

Looking between Zhen Huai and Zhen Rong, Bai Wen cracks the shell of another walnut, and replies—

"Next week then."

"Bai-shao, I'll be holding you to it."

...…

"…"

Moving through the dark tunnel with caution, Long Hua eventually sees a source of light in the far distance, causing him to halt in his footsteps, as he turns to Tian Cheng, who reports—

"No signs of life were detected in the distance."

"And yet, I feel like I'm about to experience something extremely unpleasant…"

Knowing that the other side is most likely watching his every movement, Long Hua directs a look of disgust in the direction of the light source.

[Lao Long, you're ruining your pretty face by making that expression.]

Recognizing this voice to be Bai Wen's, Long Hua ignores it, as he continues to move along.

[Feel free to demonstrate any divine arts that you have at your disposal. None of it—will be detected by the city above you.]