Chapter 2155 - 2155: Zho Zishi's Suspicion

Zho Zishi's lips curled into a smile, saying, "This is not something you need to worry about."

He did not elaborate, making Qin Chen's eyes narrow slightly. He wasn't sure if Zho Zishi said this on purpose or if he truly had an ace up his sleeve.

But what kind of ace could deal with Tang Zhen?

The man asked, "So what should we do next?"

Zho Zishi's eyes narrowed, as if pondering. After a moment, he said, "The first step is naturally to determine Tang Zhen's location and then launch a surprise attack on him."

The man hesitated, "Deacon Zhoo, with Tang Zhen's strength, determining his location is no easy task."

If a two-star Daoist King wants to hide his tracks, it's beyond what our eyes can detect.

Zho Zishi's expression turned cold: "If you can't even manage such a simple task, what use are you?"

The man directly knelt before Zho Zishi, saying in panic, "Deacon Zhoo, I can only promise to do my best, and I dare not commit to being absolutely successful."

At this moment, Qin Chen suddenly spoke, "Deacon Zhoo, why not let me go."

He was precisely lacking an opportunity to deliver the recorded footage into Tang Zhen's hands.

Upon seeing Qin Chen volunteering, the man quickly said, "Deacon Zhoo, a leader with such strong ability surely has a way."

In this matter, he could not hide quickly enough given the difficulty, so Qin Chen volunteering was unexpected. He frantically shifted the responsibility to Qin Chen.

Zho Zishi stared at Qin Chen, "Why are you volunteering?"

Ultimately, it was only today that Zho Zishi first met Qin Chen, and he knew nothing of Qin Chen's past. Qin Chen's volunteering at this moment understandably aroused some suspicion.

Qin Chen replied calmly, "He indeed said this matter is no easy task. Since I sincerely wish to become Deacon Zhoo's trusted aide, I must do some things for him."

"Of course, this is just my suggestion. The final decision rests entirely with Deacon Zhoo."

The man added oil to the fire, "Deacon Zhoo, the leader is undoubtedly the best choice. If even he can't do it, it seems impossible for us."

Zho Zishi suddenly asked, "How well do you know Tang Zhen?"

Qin Chen answered, "He is the commander of the Qian State Prefecture Army, in the realm of a two-star Daoist King, extremely powerful yet cautious and seasoned."

Zho Zishi closed his eyes, suddenly took a sniff, and at the instant he opened his eyes, a sharp glint shot from them: "How do I have the feeling that you belong to Tang Zhen?!"

As he spoke, an intense pressure quickly enveloped Qin Chen.

The man beside him was also affected, crawling on the ground, his body trembling uncontrollably, cold sweat pouring down.

Though the pressure wasn't directed at him, it still scared him considerably.

The anger of a Daoist King is terrifying; even though he's just collateral, he can't withstand it, his face turned pale.

People around noticed the commotion here, their gaze slightly tense, unsure what's going on?

Zho Zishi and Qin Chen's previous discussion wasn't heard by them, making the current scene puzzling.

But some squinted their eyes, "Does any of you know this guy?"

Many looked at each other, shaking their heads.

Qin Chen chuckled upon hearing this.

"Why are you laughing?"

Zho Zishi squinted his eyes at Qin Chen.

Qin Chen said, "I laugh at Deacon Zhoo being overly cautious. If I were one of Tang Zhen's men, how could I have entered Black Frog Lake?"

The array is not just for show.

Zho Zishi said, "You could have been hiding beside me all along, only to step forward at this moment."

Qin Chen laughed, "Then Deacon Zhoo can ask others here if they know me."

Zho Zishi glanced at other disciples of Zen Heart Dragon Palace, who all were bewildered. Qin Chen had just arrived at Black Frog Lake, so it was unlikely they would know him.

The pressure suddenly dissipated, and Zho Zishi's face formed a smile, "Being naturally suspicious, my apologies."

Qin Chen shook his head, "Suspicion is indeed necessary, especially since Deacon Jian Jia's recent death. Deacon Zhoo bearing significant responsibilities must mind even the smallest details."

Zho Zishi nodded with a smile, "I'm glad you understand."

Just a moment ago, he'd been facing Qin Chen with hostility, even seemingly intent on killing Qin Chen. Yet in the next moment, he greeted him with a smile, such quick changes in demeanor astounded Qin Chen.

Perhaps, those adept at deceit are naturally good actors.

"Let me see your Golden Insect Pattern."

Suddenly, Zho Zishi looked towards Qin Chen's elbow.

The disciples of Zen Heart Dragon Palace, practicing the Zen Heart Conversion Scripture, all developed Insect Patterns on their elbows, and those like Zho Zishi as Dragon Pattern Deacon even developed Dragon Patterns.

Qin Chen's strength was naturally considered that of a Golden Pattern Disciple within Zen Heart Dragon Palace, and even among Golden Pattern Disciples, the depth of the Golden Insect Pattern can indicate strength.

Zho Zishi's request to see Qin Chen's Golden Insect Pattern clearly carried dual implications: first, to confirm Qin Chen's identity, and second, to gauge his strength.

Yet, Qin Chen had never practiced the Zen Heart Conversion Scripture.

Qin Chen said, "Surely Deacon Zhoo saw my strength earlier, so there should be no such need?"

Zho Zishi shook his head, "There's certainly such a need."

Seeing Qin Chen rebut, a glint of sharpness flashed in Zho Zishi's eyes.

Mon Song, who had been affected by Zho Zishi's oppressive force earlier, quickly spoke to Qin Chen, "Leader, isn't it just showing Deacon Zhoo your Golden Insect Pattern? Just roll up your sleeve."

He feared Zho Zishi might again overwhelm him with pressure.

The previous bout of pressure left him still cold and slightly numb; he didn't wish to experience it again.

Qin Chen looked at Zho Zishi, his expression suddenly turning stern and cold: "Deacon Zhoo, I understand that when it comes to people, especially trusting them, one must be cautious. But earlier you've already tested me several times."

"They say things don't go beyond three, yet how many more tests do you propose?"

"Today you wish to recruit a trusted aide, but I believe, if there isn't even the most basic of trust, how can I truly become your aide?"

In other words, continually testing me is acceptable, but shouldn't you also accord me respect?

"If Deacon Zhoo doesn't trust me, I won't insist. I believe the other Dragon Pattern Deacons of Zen Heart Dragon Palace would be eager to take in someone like me as a trusted aide."

Qin Chen's tone evidently carried significant dissatisfaction, almost threatening Zho Zishi.

A trusted aide capable of wounding a Daoist King, any Dragon Pattern Deacon would surely welcome them, for such strength could assist in countless tasks.

Zho Zishi stared deeply at Qin Chen, then suddenly broke into a laugh: "Indeed, I have been overly suspicious..."

Halfway through his words, his eyes turned cold, and suddenly he acted, a force shattering Qin Chen's sleeve, exposing his entire arm to the air.