Beast Taming: Slaughter Atlas

Watching Zhang Kun walk away into the distance, Wang Tianxiong finally approached Chu Chen and the others.

"Haha, Gu Hui has told me about your exploits. You've done very well," Wang Tianxiong said with a smile, clearly in a great mood.

Lu Hongfei handed the key to Wang Tianxiong and then said seriously, "This key was recovered through their hard efforts. You mustn't disappoint them."

Upon hearing this, Chu Chen couldn't help but laugh, realizing that Director Lu was advocating for their reward.

"Don't worry, Brother Lu. You know me well. For Chu Chen and Zhang Yuyan's contributions, I assure you that their share will not be less than ten percent."

Lu Hongfei smiled after hearing this and said, "With your assurance, I am relieved."

Chu Chen and Zhang Yuyan would split ten percent between them, meaning each would receive only five percent.

Although this share seemed small, its actual value was greater than ten percent of a First-Level Secret Realm.

Each of the Five Great Daoist Schools would take at least ten percent, and the City Lord's Mansion at least twenty percent, possibly more, making up eighty percent. The remaining twenty percent would be shared among the participating talents in the key retrieval.

"You should go rest for a while. Tonight, I'll host a banquet to entertain you and show you the night scenery of Black Mist City."

After bidding farewell to Wang Tianxiong, the three of them returned to the Daoist School to rest.

The Daoist School's facilities were complete, including a dining hall, guest rooms, and baths.

After a refreshing bath, Chu Chen returned to his room and had a good sleep.

Some time later, a series of knocks on the door awakened Chu Chen.

Opening the door, he found Gu Zhen standing there.

"It's getting late; dinner starts at six. You should get ready and meet in the esteemed dining room box."

"Thanks, Brother Gu."

"No need to be formal. See you in a bit," Gu Zhen said as he headed towards Lu Hongfei's room.

Chu Chen checked the time and saw he had half an hour until dinner. He freshened up quickly and decided to review the spoils from the Secret Realm.

Besides the Thousand-Year Stalactite Liquid, the highest value items were the Dark Fruit Tree and its fruits, as well as some Star Treasures, amounting to dozens of pieces.

However, the most valuable were the spatial equipment of the Li family brothers.

Li Yichen's Space Belt wasn't highly valuable nor did it contain any precious items.

What Chu Chen looked forward to the most was Li Yifei's Spatial Ring, a piece of equipment he had longed for. Although unexpected in how he obtained it, the outcome was favorable.

Chu Chen carefully opened the Spatial Ring and found its space not large, merely three cubic meters, with few items inside. Apart from Elixir Pills and a few Star Treasures, there were only some change of clothes.

With anticipation, Chu Chen checked the Elixir Pills, hoping for ones like Potential Pills.

Unfortunately, he didn't find any, but his search wasn't fruitless. While examining the pills, he found a whole bottle of Soul Revival Pills, seemingly intended by Li Yifei as a life-saving measure.

Now, they benefited Chu Chen. These Soul Revival Pills, being Fourth Grade and in high demand, were naturally valuable.

For now, these couldn't be exposed. After storing all items into his Space Belt, Chu Chen went to find Zhang Yuyan and the others.

When the three arrived at the restaurant, they found Wang Tianxiong already waiting in the private dining room, accompanied by the Gu Family siblings.

Wang Tianxiong naturally started the proceedings as the host with a raised glass.

"This banquet is both a welcoming and victory celebration, in gratitude for your contributions to the Cyan Dragon Daoist School. I personally award each of you two hundred Points. Let's toast."

Chu Chen and Zhang Yuyan were naturally delighted upon hearing this.

Wang Tianxiong and Lu Hongfei, both directors of branch schools, dominated the conversation and enjoyed their discussion.

After rounds of drinks and a satisfying meal, Wang Tianxiong said with a smile, "Stay a few more days in Black Mist City, buy some gifts for the New Year in half a month, and let Gu Hui and the others show you around during this time."

"Thank you, Director Wang. We indeed won't be leaving soon," Chu Chen said with a smile.

Wang Tianxiong was stunned for a moment, clearly picking up on Chu Chen's insinuation.

He looked at Chu Chen with some confusion and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

Chu Chen replied solemnly, "Director Wang, may we speak privately?"

Gu Hui quickly interjected, "Gu Zhen and I have things to attend to. We'll wait for you downstairs." With that, she dragged Gu Zhen out.

Wang Tianxiong nodded in satisfaction and then turned his attention to Chu Chen.

"So, what is it?"

"I'm afraid Zhang Kun has his sights on us," Chu Chen said solemnly.

Wang Tianxiong dismissed it, "Though there's some animosity between us over recruiting talents, he won't target you."

Chu Chen frowned, recalling Zhang Kun's seemingly casual glance, which was a calculated suspicion. Should they leave recklessly, a deadly encounter with him was inevitable.

Chu Chen didn't immediately refute but asked sincerely, "Director Wang, I have some questions. Can you enlighten me?"

"Of course, go ahead."

"The Daoist School competition is upcoming. Surely you've selected your participants."

"Naturally, if you're interested, I could secure a spot for you."

Chu Chen shook his head, "Thank you for the offer. Since you've chosen your representatives, the same goes for the other Daoist Schools. My question is who will represent Vermilion Bird Daoist School?"

Wang Tianxiong answered without hesitation, "Naturally Li Yifei." He paused abruptly.

Chu Chen continued, "Among those who entered the Secret Realm, how many could defeat Li Yifei?"

Wang Tianxiong fell silent, his expression turning grim.

After a moment, he replied, "Virtually none. Li Yifei's talent is exceptional, heavily supported by both his family and the school, and he's diligent. Few peers could rival him."

Chu Chen nodded, "Cyan Dragon Daoist School is the biggest winner this time. Who do you think Zhang Kun suspects?"

Wang Tianxiong's demeanor changed abruptly. After some thought, he said, "While your reasoning is sound, those with insight will detect its gaps. Only if you had the capability to kill Li Yifei. Did you?"

Chu Chen remained calm and nodded peacefully.

Wang Tianxiong wasn't surprised, indicating he'd already suspected.

"Considering these points, Zhang Kun has reasons to act against you. Stay put for now, while I ponder this," Wang Tianxiong said seriously.

"Director Wang, I have an immature idea. Would you like to hear?"

"Oh! Please, go on."

"Since we're his targets, let's use deception to our advantage. We act as bait while you secretly protect us. If he acts, we can apprehend him."

"That's a good plan, though he's a Soul King Level expert. Neither the Alliance nor the school would kill him."

"That's fine. Even if he's not killed, punishment awaits, removing him as your competitor."

Wang Tianxiong revealed a slight smile at this.

"Very well, let's proceed with this plan. I'll get prepared," he said before leaving hurriedly.