https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-96-Yunyang-Sect-s-Unavoidable-Choice/12988870/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-98-How-to-Repay-a-Life-Saving-Favor-/12988872/
Chapter 97: Returning to Jiang'an City
Chapter 97: Returning to Jiang'an City
The beast tide was, after all, still just a speculation.
At this stage, it was highly unlikely that the elders would agree to seek assistance from other sects.
The Hall Masters were also well aware of this.
This was why they didn't bring it up further at the time.
For now, these Hall Masters could only follow the arrangements made by the elders.
Soon, Fu Jianyun and Liu Xingwan would be arriving at the frontline.
At the very least, they could see if these two could bring about a turnaround in the frontline situation.
Regardless, they were both the most outstanding disciples of the sect.
One could even say that they were the most exceptional young generation of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Such disciples might be capable of creating miracles.
With these expectations in mind, they could only pin their hopes on them.
During the conversation, the Hall Masters also mentioned Tiangang City.
"Recently, the frontline defenses of Tiangang City have indeed stabilized significantly.
According to rumors, this is because of the assistance provided by our former disciple, Su Chen, at their frontline.
It's said that this disciple is extremely capable in tracking down demonic beasts.
Wherever he predicts a demonic beast will appear, that location will undoubtedly encounter a demonic beast attack within two days."
Upon hearing Zhao Li's words, Xia Kun waved his hand dismissively.
"I don't really believe in these rumors about Su Chen.
Although Yunyang Sect encountered difficulties in tracking down demonic beasts, I share the same view as the Fifth Elder.
It's highly unlikely that the situation occurred solely because of one disciple.
Moreover, I met Su Chen when he deserted to Tiangang City.
He's actually quite foolish, not knowing when to hold back when it comes to claiming credit.
If not for Xia Mo's demon-slaying contributions overshadowing Liu Xingwan's, we might not have been able to expose him.
With his foolishness, he can't be that crucial figure."
Xia Kun's words didn't sit well with Zhao Li, who was standing nearby.
"Xia Shidi, I have some objections to what you're saying.
If nothing unexpected happens, you probably don't know much about Su Chen, right?
When he was in Yunyang Sect, you didn't have any interaction with him."
Hearing Zhao Li's words, Xia Kun pursed his lips, not refuting her.
"Actually, my impression of Su Chen is quite deep. This kid is very proactive, with a resilient and courageous nature.
When I needed to verify something in the wilderness, he helped me while carrying out a reconnaissance mission.
During his free time, I also chatted with him a few times.
He's not as foolish as you say; on the contrary, he's intelligent and understands the wilderness better than many others."
"It seems that Zhao Shijie has mostly positive opinions about him.
What about the glory-grabbing incident?"
Seeing Xia Kun's reaction, Zhao Li shook her head with a hint of helplessness.
"Xia Shidi, I see that you have strong opinions about him, but I have no intention of arguing with you.
Whether Su Chen has done glory-grabbing or not, I don't know, and I can't make a judgment.
But there's one thing I want to tell you, and it's crystal clear.
Since Su Chen joined, Tiangang City has been thriving.
Meanwhile, Yunyang Sect is facing one problem after another, giving us a headache.
The contrast is evident."
Zhao Li's words were quite straightforward, and the comparison was indeed striking.
However, Xia Kun still seemed unconvinced.
Humming lightly, he spoke, "If the situation continues to deteriorate, we might as well invite Su Chen back to help.
If he truly has the ability, he'll definitely be able to help us turn the tide.
At that time, I'll personally bow and apologize to him."
After the mid-year assessment, Tiangang City was given a period of rest.
Su Chen is currently in Tiangang City, having attained the status and treatment of a direct disciple. His duel with Gu Wei during the Mid-year Examination seemed to have further vindicated his abilities. With Mr. Ouyang's praise and promotion of his performance on the frontlines, Su Chen found it hard to encounter the baseless insults and contempt he once faced in Tiangang City.
Su Chen was well aware that it only took a day or two for one's reputation to sour, but it could take three to five months for it to improve, and that would be considered quick. Nonetheless, everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.
During this period of rest, the newly initiated disciples in Tiangang City were preparing to return home for a visit. Su Chen, naturally, also wanted to go back and see his mother and younger sister, curious about how they were doing.
There was another reason for his visit. Previously, his mother had mentioned in a letter that a group of people had arrived in Jiang'an City and purchased half a street, then directly handed over the deed to her. Su Chen was surprised by this generous gesture and had long wanted to return and see it for himself.
Before leaving, Su Chen consulted with his classmates. They agreed that after their family visits, they would regroup in Tiangang City and then proceed together to the frontline defense.
With Mr. Ji Sheng's absence for the past few days and his stated intention to stay away for a while, it seemed he had no plans to manage his students. However, this didn't bother them, as they hadn't intended to rely on him in the first place.
After making the necessary arrangements, Su Chen hurried back to Jiang'an City, eager to spend as much time at home as possible. Compared to his journey home from Yunyang Sect, Su Chen felt a greater sense of triumph as he returned to Tiangang City. His experiences in Tiangang City were vastly different from those in Yunyang Sect.
On the road, Su Chen reflected on his past. He realized that he hadn't thought things through thoroughly before. Many times, he assumed that if he performed well, the sect would notice and everything would improve. But in hindsight, under the Yunyang Sect's system, if he didn't fight for recognition, how could he ever stand out?
The likelihood of his exceptional performance being claimed by squad leaders or team leaders was high. As leaders in command, why would they willingly let him take the spotlight without a reason? Wouldn't it be better for them to keep him under their command and help them earn the credit?
In contrast, the environment in Tiangang City was much more transparent. If he felt mistreated by a senior disciple, he could simply choose not to follow them. He could even form his own team if he had the capability.
Rushing back without rest, Su Chen felt confident with his current strength at the initial stage of the seventh level of the Valley Embracing realm. In the rear lines, it had been decades since he had encountered demonic beasts above the Gold Demon level.
As he traveled through the night, Su Chen reached the outskirts of Jiang'an City at 10:00 AM. After returning the borrowed horse to the relay station, he made his way into the city.
At the city gate, two people were shouting loudly, taking turns. "Su Chen, with outstanding abilities, has achieved great deeds on the frontline!" Their voices were loud and clear, and upon hearing these words, Su Chen couldn't help but feel embarrassed, his skin prickling with goosebumps.
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
