Chapter 433 302: Situation (3)

Chen Zhanyun said to Zhao Xuanqi and the others.

"Yes."

"Understood."

"..."

The three responded in unison, each with a different expression.

Zhao Xuanqi thought to himself, 'It looks like this incident just occurred. It would be great if an Elder of the Red Heart Sect could resolve it, but I can't pin all my hopes on others.'

Just like yesterday, the squad spent the day rushing around the city. They handled three low-level Evil Spirit incidents in the morning. Then, after lunch, Zhao Xuanqi suddenly claimed to be feeling unwell and requested leave for half a day.

Chen Zhanyun did not agree immediately. He stated that they were still technically New Disciples under Hua Guangcan's jurisdiction, so Zhao Xuanqi would have to ask him for leave.

So, Zhao Xuanqi went to find Hua Guangcan.

"Feeling unwell?"

Upon hearing Zhao Xuanqi's reason, Hua Guangcan gave him a long, meaningful look.

He was, of course, aware of the considerable stir caused by last night's events. For Zhao Xuanqi to request leave at a time like this seemed far too coincidental.

"Yes. The recent missions have been demanding, and I have been eager to increase my strength. I may have overtrained. That, combined with being tainted by malevolent energy during my duties, has left me feeling unwell. My Qi and Blood are in disarray, so I hope to be able to rest for half a day."

Zhao Xuanqi said, cupping his hands.

At these words, Hua Guangcan reached out and took Zhao Xuanqi's wrist. He placed his fingers on the pulse, took a brief measurement, and then pulled his hand back, his face taking on a pensive look.

"Your pulse is indeed somewhat abnormal, and the circulation of your Qi and Blood is quite sluggish."

Hua Guangcan said with a slight nod.

These were all symptoms Zhao Xuanqi had intentionally produced by controlling his own body.

"Since you are unwell, I'll grant you two days of rest. Remember not to be impatient in your training."

Hua Guangcan told Zhao Xuanqi. He then took out a brush and ink and wrote him a leave slip.

"Thank you, Steward."

Zhao Xuanqi thanked him with cupped hands, took the slip, and left.

Watching Zhao Xuanqi's retreating back, Hua Guangcan frowned slightly. He didn't say anything more. Instead, he took out the ledger that recorded the performance of the New Disciples and made a note of the matter. He planned to summon Chen Zhanyun later to ask about the specifics in order to update his evaluation of Zhao Xuanqi.

Soon, Zhao Xuanqi found Chen Zhanyun and showed him the slip. Seeing that Steward Hua had approved it, Chen Zhanyun no longer objected. He simply told Zhao Xuanqi to take care of himself and let him go.

"Feeling unwell at a time like this? He hasn't been injured in the past few days, has he? In fact, he seemed to be in better shape than any of us. I bet he heard about this morning's strange news and got scared. Must be nice for him, just requesting leave to get out of it. Are we supposed to face the danger alone?"

Shen Hong muttered with a frown, watching Zhao Xuanqi walk away.

"Junior Brother Zhao did look a little off today. Maybe he really isn't feeling well."

Peng Lin scratched his head and smiled, unconcerned. Then he lowered his head and went back to devouring his meal, ignoring everything else.

"Alright, that's enough. Junior Brother Zhao performed quite well on our previous missions. Perhaps he really is unwell. Besides, Steward Hua approved his leave, so let's drop the subject."

Chen Zhanyun waved his hand, signaling for the others to say no more. However, he also glanced in the direction Zhao Xuanqi had gone, a trace of resentment lingering in his heart.

He had seen Zhao Xuanqi's performance yesterday—the man was full of life and energy. Even if he had overtrained for a single night, it couldn't possibly have been so severe that he needed to take leave.

He was afraid it was just as Shen Hong had said: a blatant act of self-preservation.

While such behavior was only human, his own principles made him look down on it.

'This Junior Brother Zhao seems to have some talent, but his character and conduct...'

Chen Zhanyun's expression remained impassive, but inwardly, he shook his head. If Steward Hua were to ask him about this later, he wouldn't deliberately cover for Zhao Xuanqi. After all, a person had to bear the consequences of their actions.