Chapter 815 - 245: Providing Cover
Chapter 245 [Providing Cover] (6700)
Having not heard Gu Qingyi’s voice for a long time, the sudden reappearance of her sharp voice made Chen Yan freeze for two seconds.
However, immediately after, in the instant he hesitated whether to reveal himself to Gu Qingyi, he realized this was absolutely not the appropriate setting for such recognition!
Soon after, the inner hall fell silent; it seemed Gu Qingyi and that Inner Sect Iron Elder had already departed.
·
The elders in the main hall had already left one after another; Chen Yan, feeling lost, still remembered to bow and see them off.
Unexpectedly, it was the influential Outer Elder Nangong Yuan, a handsome middle-aged man, who walked over to Chen Yan, his expression warm, slowly saying with approval, "Not bad, the person recommended by Sheng is indeed quite smart."
"Thank you, Elder Nangong!" Chen Yan quickly nodded, pretending to be flattered.
Nangong Yuan said flatly, "Since you are now one of my Outer Disciples, perform your duties well. The sect rewards and punishes fairly, and if you have talent, you will eventually have your day. Even if your talent is lacking, as long as you remember to serve the sect, you will have a place."
Chen Yan bowed his head, saying nothing.
Nangong Yuan smiled faintly, turning to walk toward the back hall.
Chen Yan stood in the main hall for a good half minute before he finally raised his head.
Why would he still care about Nangong Yuan’s few leadership-like pep talk statements? The only thing echoing in his mind was Gu Qingyi’s recent words!
Was it her?
It must be her!
Definitely her!
It can only be her!
I would never mistake my Young Lady Gu’s voice!
Soon, Chen Yan finally held back his thoughts — this is not the right setting!
He took a deep breath and slowly raised his head, deciding to leave Jing’an Hall first.
Just at that moment, someone else came out of the inner hall; it was Elder Qian of Jing’an Hall, who had apparently returned for some reason.
"Zhao Shanhe." Elder Qian walked up to Chen Yan.
Chen Yan softly replied, "Elder Qian."
"You responded well just now. Elder Nangong Yuan mentioned you to me, praising your ’restraint and courtesy.’ To earn a praise from Elder Nangong Yuan in the Outer Sect, it will be easier for you to stand out with any achievements you make there."
Chen Yan said nothing, only bowing his head to show respectful joy.
Elder Qian contemplated, "Your character suits the Artifact Refining Hall, but in my view, such a strict, restrained, and careful nature might be better suited for Jing’an Hall..."
Chen Yan inwardly chuckled.
Strict and restrained? Careful and cautious? You haven’t seen me when I’m bold and reckless, teetering on madness.
I have the guts to single-handedly wipe out a Fierce Beast Race village!
I’m super brave, you know.
Seeing Chen Yan only hang his head silently, Elder Qian was not angered, merely smiled faintly and said, "Ah...right, you were recommended by Nangong Sheng to the Artifact Refining Hall, and with his support, your future there should be promising.
Well, then, I won’t snatch talent, but if you ever have any wishes or grievances, feel free to come find me at Jing’an Hall."
Chen Yan also felt puzzled.
Although he hadn’t truly achieved much in this matter, initially only acting as a witness; his later contribution was merely apprehending East Sea personally.
Was this really worth Elder Qian’s favor?
Then he immediately realized.
Doing well isn’t as crucial as being liked by the big leader!
Nangong Yuan is the go-to figure in the Outer Sect; among so many Outer Disciples, aside from the stewards and elders, not to mention those managing the scattered Domain Realm industries, even at headquarters, there are over a thousand Outer Disciples. How many receive even half a compliment from him?
A big boss’s praise is naturally far more important than slight achievements.
Evidently, political and bureaucratic culture is the same in the Domain Realm as in the real world.
Chen Yan’s heart subtly stirred, as he took the opportunity to look toward Elder Qian, "Elder Qian, about the Gu Family person..."
Elder Qian immediately understood, smiling, "Previously, you weren’t allowed to leave because we worried you might be questioned by the Gu Family; now that the talk has happened, I suppose there’s no issue — wait another day, and if you’re not summoned tomorrow, come to me at Jing’an Hall the day after tomorrow when you plan to leave, and I’ll issue a Magic Token to access the mountain-protecting formation."
Chen Yan laughed, thanked him with a bow, and then departed.
·
Upon leaving the hall, he saw those outside had dispersed, leaving only Zhao Wuji still waiting there; upon seeing Chen Yan emerge, Zhao Wuji’s gaze at him grew somewhat envious.
"Brother!" He warmly approached, then lowered his voice, "Looks like you handled things well."
"Not bad." Chen Yan answered nonchalantly.
"Staying in there so long, you must have earned Elder Qian’s praise?"
Chen Yan smiled, saying, "Elder Qian mentioned I might go out for a journey soon; the day after tomorrow I’ll come to Jing’an Hall for a departure Magic Token, then I’ll find you, Brother Wuji."
"Sure, no problem!" Zhao Wuji immediately thumped his chest, laughing, "I’ve got good relations with the brothers signing off on the tokens, just come to me the day after tomorrow."
He paused, looking at Chen Yan with eagerness in his eyes, "Did you meet Elder Nangong? Is he really as imposing and dignified as they say?"
Seems like worldwide customs are quite similar — common folks everywhere love discussing the big bosses.
"Elder Nangong’s status is such that I dared not look directly, keeping my head down while responding." Chen Yan deliberately sighed, "But after the questioning, Elder Nangong spoke a couple of kind words to me, very amicable, without any airs."