Chapter 408

Zhao Chi immediately said, "You absolutely must not do anything foolish. Once you go in, you won't come out."

"Didn't you tell me that after entering the Mist Wall, there's still a buffer distance where you won't get lost? I'll stay nearby, not go deep."

Zhao Chi refused sternly, "Gu Qing, don't do that, it's too dangerous! Mainly, there's no need. That day you wore a mask and a cloak, no one saw you. Even if they suspect something, they'll only suspect the lord, never you."

Gu Qing's mood eased slightly.

"My lord, then I'll hide in the woods for a bit."

"Fine, but promise me you absolutely will not go near the mist."

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

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

Gu Qing said softly, "Whether I'm fine or not doesn't matter. I'm mainly afraid of dragging you down, my lord. Besides, I can revive. Worst case, I'll throw myself into the river."

Zhao Chi understood what she meant.

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

Always wanting to trade her own safety for her beloved's safety.

Even someone as clever as Gu Qing is the same way.

But she really has no need to worry so much.

If those nobles could really expose Gu Qing, even if Gu Qing went and died on her own, Zhao Chi still wouldn't be able to escape.

Those nobles would still come after Zhao Chi.

The two of them are truly tied to the same boat now.

But she was thinking of Zhao Chi, and Zhao Chi was still a little moved.

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

"Gu Qing, will you listen to me in everything?"

"Mm, of course, my lord. Whatever you want me to do, I'll do it."

"Good. Go soak in the hot spring now and empty your mind. Then wait for me to come back as usual. Don't do anything else, don't think about anything else. Can you do that?"

"…Mm."

"Or study some recipes, see what tasty thing you can make me today?"

"Hehe, that I can do."

Having comforted Gu Qing, Zhao Chi immediately returned to the Great World.

He pushed open the door and stepped out.

This time, no black-armored soldiers were standing outside the door.

Zhao Chi ran quickly toward the family common hall.

Only outside the common hall did he see the figures of those soldiers.

Within the group of soldiers were also four golden-armored nobles.

Zhao Chi didn't dare look too much and immediately entered the common hall's courtyard.

The courtyard was full of people.

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

But unlike last time, there were no soldiers surrounding them this time.

Only three nobles stood at the very front, with over a dozen soldiers behind them.

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

Then quietly surveyed his surroundings.

The noble who came this time was still the same person as before.

Zhao Quan.

To Zhao Quan's right was that beautiful noblewoman, Zhao Tan.

The noble on Zhao Quan's left he didn't recognize, though he'd seen him once last time too.

But this time Zhao Quan's expression was completely different — one could say he was beaming.

Looking as smug as if he'd eaten magpie droppings.

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

Zhao Chi didn't know why they were in such good spirits, but he could guess they'd definitely gained quite a few benefits.

Perhaps they'd rendered great service?

After all, among nobles there are also ranks high and low.

This Zhao Quan was a minor noble and also needed merits to advance.

But looking at the Zhao family's side—

Clan Leader Zhao Shizhang's expression was the same as usual, nothing special.

He only appeared utterly listless and exhausted.

As if he hadn't fully recovered yet.

The four uncles were the same — faint expressions, impossible to read joy or sorrow.

The remaining juniors were a picture of bewilderment.

Including the eldest brother of his generation, Zhao Feng, and second brother Zhao Huang, who also looked like they didn't know what was going on.

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

Second Uncle Zhao Qizu cupped his fist in salute: "Lord Zhao Quan, our entire clan has assembled. We await your instructions."

Zhao Quan smiled and nodded at him.

Then he smiled and looked at the crowd:

"I've heard all about it — the night before last you went through a major battle.

"Over ten King-rank Cerberus suddenly advanced into Clan Leader Zhao's territory, and together with the original few fire dragons, the difficulty suddenly spiked.

"Fortunately, Clan Leader Zhao's strength is extraordinary, and he pulled through.

"Although some soldiers were lost, it doesn't matter — they're only soldiers after all, easy to replenish.

"Your Zhao clan performed well this time. From now on you'll report directly to me; if anything comes up, come straight to me.

"Of course, the ones who normally interact with you will be Zhao Tan and Zhao Mu.

"Although the difference in status between us is quite large, the good thing is we all share the surname Zhao, so it's only right that I take charge of you."

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

After Zhao Chi finished speaking, the whole scene fell silent.

Everyone exchanged uncertain glances.

Is this really something a noble would say?

Is the person before them truly a noble?

Although it was hard to believe, this had really happened.

Zhao Chi noticed that all the younger generation looked utterly astonished, but the clan leader and several elders all wore perfectly normal expressions.

They seemed to have known all along.

Zhao Quan laughed and said:

"Look at your expressions — why the fear?

"Hahaha, don't worry. Once you follow me, I guarantee you'll live better than you do now.

"I didn't come empty-handed this time — of course I have gifts as well.

"Of course, the gifts are limited in number; I can only give them to a few outstanding rising talents.

"Zhao Feng, come here."

Zhao Feng's whole body jolted.

What does he want with me?

He was already thirty-seven this year.

No longer the young man of the past, he was gradually entering middle age.

In recent years he had also gradually begun taking part in the clan's affairs, and his standing had risen steadily.

But even today he hadn't figured out what was going on — what was all this about?

Although Zhao Feng had ten thousand questions in his heart, he didn't dare keep Zhao Quan waiting.

"Yes, Your Highness Zhao Quan."

Zhao Feng stepped forward at once.