Chapter 925: Qi Observation Technique

To address Pang Tai’s inquiries, Wang Chen had no choice but to recount his own, or rather, Ling Zhiyuan’s background.

In truth, his identity had long been documented in the archives of the Blood Guard, leaving no need for concealment.

After hearing the account, Pang Tai’s expression conveyed a sense of "I knew it": "This seems quite plausible, but Ling Zhiyuan…"

The Zongqi spoke in a deep voice, "Without concrete evidence, our Blood Guard cannot convict based solely on conjecture. I trust you understand."

Leaving aside the fact that no live suspects were captured, even if they had been, extracting the truth from an assassin’s lips would be impossible.

These assassins were merely executing orders, and they certainly had no knowledge of who desired Wang Chen’s demise!

In the absence of direct evidence or confessions, the Linjiang Wei Hall could at most report the case to the city guard, and they could not simply march into Anyang City to accuse Ling Hongfeng.

Pang Tai’s words were rooted in a deep understanding.

Although the Blood Guard was directly under the Royal Family of Daliang and served the emperor, its powers were strictly limited.

Historically, the Blood Guard had once wielded immense power, nearly shaking the very foundations of the state.

There had even been times when the Blood Guard faced the threat of dissolution.

Learning from these lessons, the current Blood Guard neither could nor dared to overstep its bounds lightly.

"But if you wish to reclaim the position of family head…"

Pang Tai changed his tone: "I might be able to assist you."

Despite being merely a Zongqi and separated by thousands of li from Linjiang City to Anyang City, Pang Tai had numerous methods to deal with Ling Hongfeng.

"Thank you, sir!"

Wang Chen bowed and said, "But I have vowed to seek justice on my own, to honor my late father’s spirit in heaven!"

If he had wanted to utilize the Blood Guard’s power, he could have sought Wei Zhengxiong’s assistance in the past.

Wei Zhengxiong was a Baihu, holding a position far superior to Pang Tai’s.

This matter, Wang Chen had to resolve personally!

"Mm."

Pang Tai nodded: "That’s acceptable."

He steered away from the topic and declared sternly, "Currently, traitors are rampant, heretics are causing disturbances, and the Qianlong Society is stirring up chaos. Our Blood Guard bears significant responsibilities, and all of you must remember to preserve your lives and remain loyal to Daliang and the emperor!"

The Xiaoqi responded in unison, "We are willing to die for the emperor!"

"Very well."

Pang Tai addressed Wang Chen, "Ling Zhiyuan, you must exercise extreme caution. It would be best if you avoid going out alone in the future. The Qianlong Society may dispatch more formidable assassins if their initial attempt fails."

It was said that the Qianlong Society adhered to the principle of not exceeding three assassination attempts.

They would make three attempts; if they failed to eliminate the target three times, they would compensate the employer double the fee.

Moreover, the assassins sent by the Qianlong Society would only grow stronger with each attempt!

Several Xiaoqi cast glances at Wang Chen, their eyes tinged with pity.

Being targeted by the Qianlong Society was no small matter; despite Wang Chen’s prodigious talent, he was but a sixteen-year-old youth with a limited cultivation level.

Even if he escaped this assassination attempt, his luck might not hold for the next.

Pang Tai, fully aware of the situation, pondered for a moment before advising, "For the time being, you should avoid staying outside or undertaking any missions. I will report to the city hall and await further instructions."

Should Wang Chen fall victim to an assassination by the Qianlong Society, Pang Tai, as Zongqi, would also be held accountable.

"Understood," Wang Chen replied.

Though somewhat reluctant, Wang Chen had no choice but to comply with Pang Tai’s directive.

The next morning, Wang Chen relocated back to the Wei Hall.

His promotion to Xiaoqi had significantly enhanced his benefits, and the living conditions at Wei Hall were now far superior to his previous accommodations.

This change did not disrupt his regular training routine.

On the third evening following his promotion, a striking notification suddenly flashed across his vision.

【Fortune +7】

Wang Chen’s fortune points abruptly increased from 3 to 7.

Moreover, a new skill slot quietly appeared in his status panel, accompanied by an additional skill.

【Name: Wang Chen (Ling Zhiyuan)】

【Age: 16】

【Cultivation Level: Martial General】

【Technique: Bloodshed Wheel (Thief Swallowing): 137/400】

【Skill: Qi Observation Technique】

【Potential: 15】

【Fortune: 10】

The newly acquired skill, "Qi Observation Technique," lacked experience points, suggesting it was not upgradable.

Wang Chen attempted to activate this new skill.

【Potential -1】

Instantly, his potential points decreased by one.

After a brief wait, nothing occurred, and Wang Chen felt no physical changes.

Could it be ineffective?

Reflecting on this, Wang Chen hurried to his bedroom and examined himself in the finely crafted silver mirror on his desk.

The mirror’s quality rivaled that of any from his previous life, and he quickly noticed something peculiar.

Above his head, a faint, grayish-white column of Qi had materialized.

Wang Chen immediately realized—this was the physical manifestation of his fortune in this world!

Clearly, his fortune was closely linked to his status, and the recent increase of 7 points was undoubtedly a result of his promotion to Xiaoqi.

Wang Chen speculated that losing his position would cause his fortune to plummet back to its original state.

Conversely, his decision to join the Blood Guard system had proven to be exceptionally wise.

Only by being part of the system could he share in its fortune.

If he had chosen a different path, would he still have been able to acquire fortune?

Wang Chen believed it was possible, though undoubtedly more challenging and not as straightforward as it was now.

This realization strengthened Wang Chen’s resolve and confidence to advance within the Blood Guard system. He dedicated himself to rigorous daily training at Wei Hall, focusing on mastering the Bloodshed Wheel and accumulating potential points.

Regarding the assassination incident at Spring Moon Tower, it took nearly ten days for the city hall to respond.

Initially, Wang Chen was awarded a minor merit for eliminating six assassins from the Qianlong Society during the incident at Spring Moon Tower.

Additionally, he received a set of secret formula inner armor.

Rumored to originate from the inner palace, this inner armor was specially designed for the elite of the Blood Guard, offering protection against blades and resistant to internal energy attacks, making it a top-tier soft armor.

Valued at over a thousand taels of silver, such rewards were rare, and even Pang Tai expressed envy.

Beyond its material value, the secret formula inner armor signified the higher-ups’ recognition and appreciation of Wang Chen’s talents, indicating their desire to see him succeed.

In the following days, Wang Chen continued his quiet cultivation within Wei Hall.

Meanwhile, Linjiang City remained tranquil; the Yellow Lotus Cult had not resurfaced, and the Qianlong Society appeared to have ceased their assassination attempts on Wang Chen, with no new assassins appearing.

Nevertheless, Wang Chen remained vigilant.

A lingering sense of unease kept him constantly on guard.

Even within the safety of Wei Hall, he never allowed himself to relax or become complacent.

As time passed, another three months swiftly went by.