Chapter 161: Chapter 160: The Friendly Noble

The usual playful smile was gone from Gu Qing’s face.

Instead, her expression was one of deep seriousness and grim resolve.

Zhao Chi immediately said, "Don’t do anything foolish. Once you go in, you won’t be able to come out."

"Didn’t you tell me that after entering the Wall of Fog, there’s a buffer zone where you won’t get lost? I’ll just stay near the edge and not go too deep."

Zhao Chi refused sternly, "Gu Qing, don’t do it. It’s too dangerous! And more importantly, it’s unnecessary. You were wearing a Mask and a Cloak that day; no one saw your face. Even if they have suspicions, they’ll suspect the Lord, not you."

Gu Qing’s Mood relaxed slightly.

"My Lord, then I’ll hide in the woods for a while."

"Alright. But promise me you won’t go anywhere near the fog."

Gu Qing said softly, "I know. Thank you for caring about me so much, my Lord."

Zhao Chi sighed. "Of course I care about you. I’m leaving the territory in your hands. You’ll be absolutely fine, don’t worry."

Gu Qing said softly, "It doesn’t matter what happens to me. I’m just afraid of dragging you down, my Lord. Besides, I can resurrect. At worst, I’ll just go jump in a river."

Zhao Chi knew what she meant.

Once a woman invests too much emotion, she develops a foolish sort of obsession.

Always wanting to trade her own safety for the safety of the one she loves.

Even a woman as clever as Gu Qing was no different.

But she really didn’t need to worry so much.

If those nobles could really expose Gu Qing, Zhao Chi wouldn’t be able to escape even if Gu Qing willingly died.

Those nobles would still come after Zhao Chi.

The two of them were truly in the same boat now.

But she was thinking of him, and for that, Zhao Chi was still moved.

He pulled Gu Qing into his arms and held her tight.

"Gu Qing, you’ll listen to me, right? About everything?"

"Mm, of course. I’ll do anything you ask, my Lord."

"Good. Right now, I want you to go soak in the hot spring and clear your head. Then, just wait for me to come back like you always do. Don’t do anything else, and don’t think about anything else. Can you do that?"

"...Mm."

"Or you could look up some recipes and see what kind of delicious food you can make for me today."

"Hee hee, that I can do."

After comforting Gu Qing, Zhao Chi immediately returned to the Great World.

He pushed open the door and walked out.

This time, there were no Black Armored Soldiers standing outside the door.

Zhao Chi ran quickly toward the family’s public house.

Only when he got outside the public house did he see the figures of those Soldiers.

Among the group of Soldiers were four nobles in Golden Armor.

Zhao Chi didn’t dare to look too closely and immediately entered the public house’s courtyard.

The courtyard was crowded.

Just like last time, the entire clan was gathered here.

But unlike last time, there were no Soldiers surrounding them.

Only three nobles stood at the very front, with a dozen or so Soldiers behind them.

Zhao Chi once again slipped into an inconspicuous spot in the crowd.

Then, he discreetly surveyed his surroundings.

The noble who had come this time was the same man as before.

Zhao Quan.

To Zhao Quan’s right was that beautiful female noble, Zhao Tan.

He didn’t recognize the noble to Zhao Quan’s left, though he had seen him once before.

This time, however, Zhao Quan’s expression was completely different; you could say he was beaming.

He looked as pleased as punch, bursting with joy.

Zhao Tan and the other noble also wore smiles on their faces.

Zhao Chi didn’t know why their Mood was so good, but he could guess they had definitely reaped some significant benefits.

’Perhaps they performed some great service?’

After all, there were ranks and hierarchies even among the nobility.

This Zhao Quan was a minor noble who also needed achievements to get promoted.

On the Zhao family’s side, however...

Clan Leader Zhao Shizhang’s expression was the same as usual, nothing out of the ordinary.

Except that he seemed extremely listless and exhausted.

It seemed he had not yet made a full Recovery.

His four uncles were the same, their expressions faint, betraying neither joy nor sorrow.

The remaining younger generation members were all at a loss.

Including his peers, "Big Brother" Zhao Feng and "Second Brother" Zhao Huang, who also seemed to have no idea what was going on.

After a little while longer, a few more men and women arrived.

Second Uncle Zhao Qizu clasped his fists and bowed. "Your Highness Zhao Quan, our entire clan has assembled. We are ready to listen to your words."

Zhao Quan smiled and nodded at him.

Then, he smiled at the crowd and said:

"I’ve heard all about it. You all went through a great battle the night before last."

"Clan Leader Zhao’s territory suddenly spawned over a dozen King Level Hellhounds, and with the few Fire Dragons that were already there, the difficulty increased dramatically."

"Fortunately, Clan Leader Zhao’s strength is extraordinary, and he made it through."

"You lost some Soldiers, but that’s fine. They’re just Soldiers, after all. Easy to Supplement."

"Your Zhao Family performed well this time. From now on, you will report directly to me. If anything comes up, come find me."

"Of course, your usual points of contact will be Zhao Tan and Zhao Mu."

"Although there’s a huge gap in Identity between us, we all share the surname Zhao, so it’s only natural that I should be the one to manage you."

"As long as you serve me well, there will be even more benefits in the future."

When Zhao Quan finished speaking, the scene fell silent.

Everyone exchanged glances.

’Are these the words of a noble?’

’Is this man before us really a noble?’

It was hard to believe, but it was really happening.

Zhao Chi noticed that all the juniors were utterly astonished, but the Clan Leader and the other elders remained as composed as ever.

It was as if they had known all along.

Zhao Quan laughed.

"Looking at your faces, why do you still seem so terrified?"

"Hahaha, don’t worry. Once you’re under my command, I guarantee your lives will be better than they are now."

"I didn’t come empty-handed this time, of course. I have gifts."

"Of course, the number of gifts is limited, so they can only be given to a few outstanding rising stars."

"Zhao Feng, come here."

A tremor ran through Zhao Feng.

’What does he want with me?’

He was already 37 this year.

No longer a young man, he was gradually entering his middle-aged years.

In recent years, he had been getting more involved in family affairs, and his role and status had been steadily rising.

But today, he couldn’t make heads or tails of the situation. ’What is going on?’

Although Zhao Feng had a million questions, he didn’t dare make Zhao Quan wait.

"Yes, Your Highness Zhao Quan."

Zhao Feng immediately walked forward.

Zhao Quan smiled. "Zhao Feng, you’re 37 this year?"

Zhao Feng lowered his head. "Yes."

Zhao Quan nodded. "Very good. That’s the prime age for one’s Power to grow. Your strength must be considerable. Take this Treasure Chest as a welcoming gift. Keep up the good work."

’A Treasure Chest?’

Zhao Feng looked up.

But the moment he did, he was stunned.

A golden Treasure Chest had appeared in Zhao Quan’s hands.

Zhao Feng was even more astonished.

He didn’t know if he should accept it.

He turned to look at the elders behind him, and they all gave tacit nods.

Zhao Quan asked, "What’s wrong? You have reservations about taking something from me?"

Zhao Feng quickly accepted it. "No, I was just too surprised to react. Thank you, Your Highness Zhao Quan."

Zhao Quan smiled. "Work hard, and there will be plenty more good things in the future. Next is Zhao Huang."

With Zhao Feng’s example before him, Zhao Huang appeared much more composed.

Zhao Quan once again took out a Golden Treasure Chest for Zhao Huang.

Zhao Huang thanked him respectfully and accepted it.

The third person to be called up was Zhao Cang, and he also received a Golden Treasure Chest.

But only these three were called up to be given a Treasure Chest.

The other clan brothers were all extremely envious.

Especially Zhao Hong, who was ranked fourth.

His eyes were filled with deep regret.

’That’s a Golden Treasure Chest...’

Although Zhao Quan didn’t call anyone else up, he still took out a Silver Treasure Chest.

Its value couldn’t compare to a Golden Treasure Chest, of course, but Zhao Hong’s eyes lit up again.

’A Silver Treasure Chest is still a Silver Treasure Chest.’

’It’s better than nothing.’

Zhao Hong stood tall, puffing out his chest, as he waited for Zhao Quan to call his name.

But Zhao Quan didn’t look at him. Instead, his gaze swept across the members of the Zhao family.

Some of the younger members straightened their backs, trying to look more impressive.

Only Zhao Chi kept his head down, his knees slightly bent.

He was completely hidden behind the back of the clan brother in front of him.

Zhao Chi wanted that Silver Treasure Chest too, but now was not a good time, and receiving it from Zhao Quan would be even worse.

’It’s better not to get a Silver Treasure Chest like this.’

But Zhao Quan asked, "Who was it from your family that took first place in the academy test last time? Who was that?"

’Fuck!’

Zhao Chi cursed inwardly.

’Dammit, I’m hiding like this and I still can’t escape?’

Zhao Chi was still hesitating, but a few of the clan brothers next to him had already turned to look at him.

Especially Zhao Hong.

His eyes were filled with astonishment, as well as a poorly concealed sense of loss and confusion.

Zhao Chi really wanted to twist their heads back around.

’What are you all looking at me for at a time like this?’

However, Zhao Quan had already spoken. There was no escaping this ordeal today for Zhao Chi.

Although many thoughts raced through Zhao Chi’s mind, only two seconds had actually passed.

At that moment, Clan Leader Zhao Shizhang also turned to look back.

Beside Zhao Quan, Zhao Tan also reminded him, "That person’s name from last time was Zhao Chi."

Zhao Quan had a moment of realization. "Oh, right, right, right, it’s Zhao Chi. Come on up, Zhao Chi."

Zhao Chi sighed.

He quickly walked forward.

Zhao Quan asked, "What took you so long? Didn’t you know I was calling you?"

Zhao Chi explained, "I’ve never experienced something like this before. I was just stunned and needed a moment to process it."

Zhao Quan nodded and said:

"It’s fine. There’s nothing to be afraid of when it comes to nobles."

"Before, we had no connection, so of course, we had to handle things officially."

"But now that you’re with me, things will be completely different."

"Although this is just a Silver Treasure Chest, didn’t your academy also give you just a Silver Treasure Chest?"

"At your current stage of Power, giving you a Golden Treasure Chest would be a waste. This is much more suitable. Take it."

Zhao Chi had no choice but to take it.

It was the first time he’d ever felt a Treasure Chest could be such a hot potato.

But at a moment like this, he was in no position to refuse.

After thanking him, Zhao Chi stored the Treasure Chest in his System Space.

Zhao Quan smiled with satisfaction. "Zhao Chi, you’ve just become a Lord and your Power is still very weak, but your potential is not bad. Keep working hard."

Zhao Chi gave a few perfunctory, earnest-sounding replies, then returned to his spot with a complicated Mood.

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