OneArmedImmortal
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GEV 036: Genius Summit (III)
🕑 Added 2023-08-15 17:39:35 +0000 UTCThe journey toward the venue hosting an illustrious event was rather a quiet one except for the animated conversation coming from two distinct individuals trailing behind the entourage.
Clearly, the two individuals were none other than Zhao Wei and Zhao Yufei, with the latter holding the reins of the conversation.
Zhao Wei didn't have any choice but to humor her enthusiasm during the course of the journey.
The topic of the conversation had been initiated by her and it was mostly about cultivation insights and roundabout questions to try to open him up. The latter, undoubtedly, was destined to meet with resounding failure.
Anyway, as the two youths animatedly conversed, there was another individual who didn't like whatever he was seeing from the periphery of his vision.
Zhao Linglong was green with envy when he saw how a young male, apart from himself, vibing up his prospective love interest.
Her laughter, accompanied by the glimpse of those enchanting dimples reserved solely for one man, fueled an insurmountable well of hatred and malice within him. He had succumbed to the allure of an irresistible enchantress known as the 'Jade Beauty.' And those under such a spell could even wage wars against empires in a bid to win her favor and ultimately, possess her.
Bound by his role as the Clan Head's stepson and the number one disciple of the Zhao Clan, Zhao Linglong couldn't do anything rush that could tarnish both his father's and the clan's reputation in front of the disciples he was leading.
He was one to hold grudges and what Zhao Wei was doing, had already warranted him his wrath and deep-seated animosity. He wasn't going to let him go in one way or the other.
Unbeknownst to Zhao Linglong, he was not the sole covert observer. Zhao Wei's vigilant gaze had been meticulously surveying their surroundings as they walked
From an outside point of view, Zhao Wei's attention seemed to be only centred around Zhao Yufei and their ongoing conversations but his eagle eyes didn't fail to capture the micro-expressions fluctuating every now and then from Zhao Linglong's face.
He was hyper aware of anything directed toward him.
'Oh Zhao Linglong, as discreet as you are, in your mind you would never guess that I know you inside and out. You are a predictable fella. Even without being extra careful, I have read too much of your stereotypes to know what to expect.' Zhao Wei thought in amusement.
He could be compared to an eager toddler observing the path of an ant. If the toddler were to obstruct the ant's route with a tiny finger, would the ant fiercely bite back or find a way to maneuver around the hindrance and persist on its journey? The ant possessed a range of options.
Zhao Linglong was precisely an ant unaware that the toddler - him - also has an option of crushing it into a minuscule puddle of hemolymph.
To what extent could his narrow-mindedness truly reach?
Before long, the group caught sight of the unmistakable landmarks indicating the venue's location: a serene lake and a towering mountain standing at a height of 1000 meters.
The beautiful silvery lake embraced a tranquil nature and its serenity was only slightly disturbed by the occasional ripples caused by the curious golden carps. What made it more beautiful was the way it encircled the verdant mountain, adding more impact to the wonders of nature. It was like something straight out of an exquisite piece of art.
Even though he knew it was just a small part of the unnatural beauty of a fantastical world, Zhao Wei still captured the image in his mind like an ardent tourist.
"But it's still not taller than Mount Tai." Zhao Wei absent-mindedly murmured.
"Where is Mount Tai? It's my first time hearing of it." Zhao Yufei who happened to hear his words curiously asked.
Zhao Wei was catapulted back to reality by Yufei's curiosity.
"You really don't recognize Mount Tai? I don't know what to say anymore." Zhao Wei shook his head with a fake mix of pity and reverence written on his face.
He then proceeded to leave her in his wake, utilizing his body's innate speed to sprint up the towering 1000-meter mountain without resorting to the movement techniques employed by the others.
Baffled by his ambiguity, Zhao Yufei could only release a helpless sigh before reluctantly following behind him.
The "Genius Summit" as the name suggested was also going to be held at the peak of the mountain. It was quite 'ingenuous' of them.
"We have certain protocols to adhere to. You're well aware of what I mean. Kindly present your invitations," the Qiu Clan's young attendants stationed at the entrance obstructed the groups' advancement.
Their ages ranged from 18 years to 26 years and all of them had a cultivation base of the Fifth Rank and above.
Despite the somewhat strained relationship between the two prominent clans of Sun Feather City, the Qiu Clan's young members made an effort to display a semblance of respect towards outsiders.
Without dilly dallying, every attendee from the Zhao Clan showcased their letter of invitation which then facilitated their entry into the Qiu Clan's territory.
Guided by members of the Qiu Clan, Zhao Wei and his companions were led to their designated pavilion. The warm reception, a customary gesture among the three clans, included a selection of beverages served by attentive servants to ease their parched throats.
Zhao Wei looked around with rapt attention as he uninterestedly took a swig off a cup of traditional rice wine.
Apart from the pavilion that the Zhao Clan stayed, there were additional two others, each one of them hosting the Xin and Qiu Clan's talented geniuses.
"Are you curious about the geniuses of the other clans?" Zhao Chi suddenly interrupted his tranquility.
Zhao Chi was naturally proud of himself and didn't put anyone in his eyes except for those who could rival or suppress him. Essentially, he was the type to act meek and amiable toward the strong while to those weaker than him, he acted disdainful and tough.
The reason he had chosen to engage Zhao Wei in a conversation was because he had a feeling that he was already the strongest among all the Zhao Clan's disciples.To him, Zhao Linglong's hegemony was certainly over. And also… he had always felt a kind of innate fear deep inside his cells whenever he faced Zhao Wei.
So to overcome your fear, you have at least make it your friend! He, Zhao Chi, had come up with such a solution.
Why is he acting friendly? Zhao Wei thought but he didn't pursue it further.
He had less interaction with Zhao Chi and the only time he barely interacted with him was during the clan's tournament.
Maybe he…
Zhao Wei lightly nodded, giving his consent. Even though he knew what Zhao Chi already knew, there was no need to act snobbish at the moment.
"That one is Xin Fei and that one is Xin Tong." Zhao Chi started to casually explain their histories.
Zhao Wei listened to ascertain if what he knew from the novel was as it was supposed. Sometimes, one just had to be a good listener even though they didn't need to do so.
And finally, Zhao Wei saw who really fit the description of the former young master of the Giant God Bloodline.
A peerless genius that had once reached the God Lord Realm which was publicly known as the highest realm one could ever hope to achieve. All of these achievements were from his previous before he met his demise from the hands of the Ancient Soul Hall.
Sitting in a meditative posture, the youth had his eyes closed in calm concentration. He was clad in ordinary grey robes that made him look simple and unsophisticated. The air around him was one of utter tranquility as if the very nature around him was one with him. This uniqueness made him appear quite handsome.
Zhao Wei didn't hide his gaze and gazed, he did. At that very moment, he kept on struggling with the urge to just straight up jump from his seat and confront the aforementioned youth in a fierce and intense battle.
Because… he was strong!
Xin Wuheng couldn't help but abruptly open his eyes when he sensed a pure and overwhelming battle intent directed toward him.
There were no other feelings involved; it was just a kind of primeval and unadulterated thirst for battling a strong opponent.
With his ancient eyes that had seen and experienced the vicissitudes of the river of time, Xin Wuheng knew how to identify the exceptionalities of special individuals.
Xin Wuheng immediately knew it the moment his gaze met deep abyssal eyes that directly swallowed one's soul to a fathomless void.
The unknown young Zhao Clan disciple was certainly not simple and even during his time, there weren't many geniuses that could give him such invisible pressure.
The ordinary-looking Zhao youth was shrouded by an infinite layer of mysteries that proved impenetrable from his various top tier spying techniques.
Zhao Wei flashed a friendly smile while raising his cup of wine at Xin Wuheng.
Xin Wuheng nodded in greeting, his lips mirroring the smile on Zhao Wei's face.
Only themselves knew the intentions of each other.
It was a shared secret between themselves.
"A monster has arrived." Xin Wuheng commented in a voice full of surprise and intrigue and immediately closed his eyes. He didn't bother to look anywhere else. It was as if everything before his eyes except for Zhao Wei had been non-existent.
The unusual yet brief exchange between the two different young men didn't escape the scrutiny of the disciples from various families.
They were simply bewildered to even comment on anything for a moment!
The unfamiliar Zhao Clan youth was suddenly thrust into the spotlight, prompting whispers of curiosity!
Who was he?!
***
