313: Chapter 307 Investigating the Wan Family's Situation

Chen Zhiwen watched the father and son singing in harmony, and the corners of his mouth finally could not help but curl into a smirk.

He naturally saw through the little schemes in the hearts of these two.

It was nothing more than seeing that he had reached the Nascent Soul Stage and wanting to quickly latch onto this powerful figure.

The so-called "shocking the past and present," the so-called "willing to die a thousand deaths," were just things to listen to; if one took them seriously, one would be a fool.

In this Cultivation world, interests are eternal.

However.

One does not hit a smiling Face.

In this Cultivation world full of calculations and slaughter, occasionally listening to such blatant flattery could actually slightly improve one's mood.

Moreover, he really could not do without the cooperation of this father and son for the trouble he wanted to stir up in the Artifact Refining Alliance next.

"That is enough."

Chen Zhiwen said indifferently, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger.

"All of you, rise."

"Since you are here, sit down and speak."

"As it happens, I also have some small matters regarding Artifact Refining that I would like to consult with Alliance Head Huang."

Hearing this, Huang Yu and Huang Xin exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with wild joy.

They had bet correctly!

This newly promoted Nascent Soul expert did not seem difficult to talk to.

As long as they could strike up a conversation, they would have successfully established a connection!

"Many thanks to Senior for granting us a seat!"

The two hurriedly expressed their gratitude and sat down cautiously in the lower seats, looking obedient and ready to listen attentively.

In private room no. 3, the fragrance of tea curled in the air.

The Huang father and son sat upright, with half of their buttocks hovering, fearing that sitting fully would seem disrespectful to their Senior.

Chen Zhiwen's gaze swept over the father and son, his mouth still holding that smirk.

Since the other party wanted to lower their posture so much, if he did not give a "welcome gift," it would seem rather petty.

Moreover, since he wanted to use the Artifact Refining Alliance as a blade next, he naturally had to offer some sweetness first.

"Meeting for the first time, this Junior has some cleverness."

Chen Zhiwen waved his hand casually, his wide sleeve tracing an elegant arc in the air.

Two pitch-black rays of light instantly shot out from his sleeve.

"Clang."

Accompanied by two dull metallic clangs, two strange-shaped objects landed on the floor in front of Huang Xin.

They were two mechanical spiders, each as large as a millstone.

Their entire bodies were forged from black gold, and their eight sharp limbs shimmered with a chilling cold light that struck fear into the heart.

Their backs were covered with dense, complex Formation runes.

An aura of killing intent and coldness instantly permeated the private room.

"This thing is called a 'Black Iron Demon Spider'."

Chen Zhiwen picked up his teacup, gently blew away the foam, and spoke in a tone as flat as if he were just giving away two broken stones.

"Although it is just a small trinket I crafted casually."

"Each one possesses combat power comparable to an Early Golden Core Stage Cultivator,"

"and they fear no pain and know no fatigue."

"This pair is yours to use for self-defense."

Huang Xin looked at the two gods of death on the floor, his eyes almost popping out.

An Early Golden Core Stage Puppet?

And there are two of them?

This is no "small trinket"; this is clearly two immortal Golden Core bodyguards!

For a Cultivator like him who had just reached the Late Foundation Establishment, this was simply a Heaven-Defying treasure.

However.

Huang Yu, sitting next to him, saw these two spider Puppets, and his pupils suddenly contracted to the size of pinpricks.

His body stiffened uncontrollably.

In those cloudy old eyes, the original look of fawning instantly froze, replaced by an unbelievable shock.

"This... this is..."

Huang Yu stared fixedly at the unique Formation patterns on the backs of the Puppets, and long-buried memories came rushing back like a tide.

This unique Artifact Refining technique.

This style of perfectly fusing Formation and mechanical arts.

And this iconic spider shape.

He was too familiar with it.

A few years ago, he had visited a peak of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect on business.

That was the most remote and mysterious branch of the Ten Thousand Swords Sect — Hidden Sword Peak.

The one who received him at that time was none other than a young Peak Master of Hidden Sword Peak.

"You... are you that person from Hidden Sword Peak..."

Huang Yu suddenly looked up, and in his eyes looking at Chen Zhiwen, besides awe, there was a trace of deep horror.

He had finally recognized him.

The excessively young Nascent Soul True Lord before him was none other than that Peak Master Chen from Hidden Sword Peak back then!

Chen Zhiwen nodded slightly, not denying it.

"Alliance Head Huang, good memory."

He put down the teacup and looked calmly at Huang Yu.

"It has been several years, and Alliance Head Huang is still as impressive as ever."

Receiving a definitive answer, Huang Yu felt his throat go dry, and his heart was filled with mixed feelings; it was even more uncomfortable than swallowing a fly.

Bitterness.

Fear.

And a deep sense of frustration.

Back then, when he went to Hidden Sword Peak, Chen Zhiwen was still just a Mid-stage Golden Core Realm Cultivator.

At that time, the two could still interact as peers, sitting together drinking tea and discussing the Dao.

Even at times, Huang Yu could act as a Senior, put on a bit of airs, and offer some guidance.

But what about now?

It was only a few short years!

For a Cultivator, a few years is just a snap of the fingers, not even enough time for a single period of seclusion.

Yet in this snap of the fingers.

That young man who once had to be polite to him,

had actually crossed that chasm like a natural moat, shattered his Golden Core to form a Nascent Soul, and achieved the supreme Dao!

And what about him, Huang Yu?

Still stuck at the Late Golden Core Stage, unable to advance even an inch, still struggling for that glimmer of Opportunity to break through.

"This... how is this possible..."

Huang Yu screamed madly in his heart, jealous to the point of madness.

The Nascent Soul Stage!

That is a Realm that many Golden Core Cultivators cannot touch in their entire lives.

Not only did the other party break through, but his aura was so thick; he did not look like someone who had just entered the Nascent Soul Stage at all.

This speed of Cultivation is simply a Prodigy!

But soon, this jealousy was replaced by deeper fear.

Since the other party deliberately revealed his identity in front of him, and even gave away such iconic Puppets, it was definitely not just for catching up.

This is a show of force.

It is telling him, Huang Yu, and also telling the Artifact Refining Alliance behind him:

I, Chen Zhiwen, have returned, and I have returned with the strength to crush everything.

The past friendship is the past, and the current rules are the current rules.

"Senior Chen... oh no, Peak Master Chen is truly a Divine Being."

Huang Yu took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the stormy waves in his heart.

He stood up and bowed deeply again; this time, his waist bent even lower, almost burying his head into his crotch.

"This Junior is blind and failed to recognize the Peak Master's presence immediately."

"Regarding the offenses from back then, I hope the Peak Master will not hold a grudge against a small person like me."

Fine cold sweat oozed from his forehead, and his back was completely soaked.

Facing such a young Nascent Soul expert with infinite potential, how could he dare to have any of his previous arrogance?

Now, he only prayed that the other party would not hold a grudge against even the slightest bit of neglect he might have shown back then.

Watching his father's fearful appearance, Huang Xin on the side was completely dumbfounded.

He looked at the two precious Puppets on the floor, his outstretched hand frozen in mid-air; it was awkward to accept them, and awkward not to.

This gift was too hot to handle.

It was priceless!

Two combat powers comparable to an Early Golden Core Stage, if taken out for auction, would probably be worth a mountain of Spirit Stones.

"This... Father, this is too valuable, child..."

Huang Xin stuttered, looking at his father for help.

Huang Yu turned his head abruptly and glared fiercely at his son.

That look was full of disappointment at his son's lack of ambition.

You silly boy!

Where is this a Puppet?

This is an amulet!

This is a token of allegiance for our Huang Family to latch onto a Nascent Soul thigh!

Since they gave it, if you do not accept it, that is not giving Face, that is seeking death!

"You bastard! Why do you not hurry up and accept it!"

Huang Yu scolded in a low voice, his tone urgent and stern.

"This is Senior Chen's great favor to you, it is a blessing you have cultivated for several lifetimes!"

"From now on, when you see Senior Chen, you must treat him as if you are seeing me!"

"No! Be even more respectful than when you see me, you must serve him like a direct elder, do you hear me?!"

Huang Xin was startled by his father's scolding and hurriedly came back to his senses.

He did not say a word, waved his large sleeve, and put the two Black Iron Demon Spiders into his Storage Pouch.

Then, with a "thump," he knelt on the ground and kowtowed three times to Chen Zhiwen.

"Many thanks for the reward, Great-Uncle Chen!"

"From now on, Xin'er will definitely be a beast of burden to repay Great-Uncle's great kindness!"

This "Great-Uncle" was called out so smoothly, directly solidifying the seniority.

Chen Zhiwen watched the performance of the father and son, a glint of amusement flashing in his eyes.

He did not correct this form of address.

Having the son of an Artifact Refining Alliance Vice Alliance Head as a Junior would make things convenient for his next plan.

"That is enough."

Chen Zhiwen waved his hand, his tone indifferent.

"Since you have accepted the gift, you may withdraw."

"I have some words to discuss with your father alone."

Hearing this, Huang Xin felt as if he had been granted an amnesty.

He knew that the following conversation was not something someone of his level could listen to.

So he hurriedly bowed respectfully to excuse himself, backed out of the private room with a hunched body, and very considerately closed the door from the outside.

The moment the door closed.

The atmosphere in the private room instantly became heavy.

Chen Zhiwen sat in the main seat and lightly pointed his finger into the Void Realm.

"Hum—"

An invisible ripple, centered on his fingertip, instantly spread out, enveloping the entire private room.

That was a highly advanced sound-isolating Restriction.

It contained the Divine Sense power of the Mid Nascent Soul Stage, as well as a trace of extremely subtle spatial Law fluctuations.

Let alone those Golden Core Cultivators outside.

Even if there were a Late Nascent Soul Stage great Cultivator standing half a mile away right now, it would be absolutely impossible for them to spy on the conversation inside.

Huang Yu watched this display of Formation-setting, and his heart trembled again.

Once an expert makes a move, one knows if they have the skills.

The strength of this Restriction made him feel despair.

He knew that in front of Chen Zhiwen, he had completely become fish meat on the chopping block, with no room for resistance.

"Senior..."

Huang Yu swallowed his saliva and spoke cautiously.

"I wonder what important instructions the Senior has, having dismissed my son?"

His mind was a mess now.

He was both afraid and confused.

Chen Zhiwen did not answer immediately.

He slowly rubbed the jade thumb ring in his hand, his gaze deep, as if he could see through people's hearts.

"Huang Yu."

Chen Zhiwen called him by his name directly, his voice not loud, but carrying an unquestionable pressure.

"I did not come uninvited this time to catch up."

"Nor was it to watch this whatever-it-is auction."

Hearing this, Huang Yu's heart skipped a beat.

Not catching up, not the auction.

Then what could it be for?

Could it be to pick a fight?

Or to ask the Artifact Refining Alliance to do something?

According to common logic, when a Nascent Soul Cultivator comes knocking, it is mostly to refine high-level Magic Treasures or to purchase some extremely scarce high-level Ore.

After all, at the Nascent Soul level, ordinary Magic Treasures can hardly catch the eye.

And the Artifact Refining Alliance happens to control the most Artifact Refining resources in the Eastern Continent.

Thinking of this, Huang Yu felt he had guessed the truth.

He hurriedly spoke first, wanting to block any potential difficult problems.

"If Senior has any needs regarding Artifact Refining, or wants to seek some Heaven And Earth Treasure..."

Huang Yu showed a bitter smile on his Face, spread his hands, and put on a helpless look.

"Then this Junior must first apologize to you."

"It is not that this Junior is shirking, it is really..."

He sighed, lowered his voice, and appeared to be speaking from the heart.

"Our Alliance's Alliance Leader Liu Shengli, as you know, is the number one person in our Eastern Continent's Artifact Refining world."

"But he has been in seclusion for many years."

"It is said that he is breaking through the Bottleneck of the Mid Nascent Soul Stage, and it is at the most critical moment."

"In these few years, all the big and small affairs in the Alliance have been managed by us few Vice Alliance Heads."

"If it is to refine Magic Treasures above the fourth grade, without the Alliance Leader, we are willing but unable."

These words were half-true and half-false.

It is true that Liu Shengli is in seclusion, but it is not that no one in the Artifact Refining Alliance can refine fourth-grade Magic Treasures.

He just did not want to take on this difficult job, and even less did he want Chen Zhiwen to ask for an exorbitant price and take advantage for nothing.

However.

Chen Zhiwen just gave a cold laugh, as if he had seen through his little scheme.

"Alliance Leader Liu is in seclusion?"

Chen Zhiwen nodded noncommittally, his tone revealing not a trace of disappointment.

"Then it is indeed ill-timed."

"However, the matter of Artifact Refining can be discussed later."

His gaze suddenly became sharp, like two sharp swords, piercing directly into Huang Yu's eyes.

"I came today to ask Alliance Head Huang about a family."

As he spoke, his body leaned forward slightly, and an invisible pressure instantly descended.

"The Eastern Continent, the Wan Family."

As soon as these four words were spoken, Huang Yu felt his scalp explode.

The Wan Family?

It's the Wan Family again!

He subconsciously thought of Wan Xingwang, who was still daydreaming in the next room.

"It's bad!"

Huang Yu secretly cried out that it was bad.

"Could it really be that Wan Xingwang, that ignorant thing, offended this god of death somewhere?"

"Now that they have come knocking, are they here to settle scores?"

Being targeted by a Nascent Soul expert, the Wan Family would at least lose a layer of skin even if they did not die!

Although there were stormy waves in his heart, Huang Yu dared not show the slightest hesitation on his Face.

In front of an expert of this level, any hesitation could be seen as complicity.

"The... the Wan Family?"

Huang Yu asked stutteringly, probing Chen Zhiwen's attitude.

"I wonder what aspect of the Wan Family the Senior wants to understand?"

Chen Zhiwen did not waste words with him at all.

"Everything."