479 My Last Name Is Zhao! (1/2)
Wang Baole answered obediently and hurriedly followed closely behind the Grand Supreme Elder, entering the great halls of the Alchemy Pavilion. There was no one there. After the Grand Supreme Elder stepped into the halls, he turned and looked at Wang Baole.
He still had that smile that wasn't quite a smile on his face. Wang Baole's hair began to stand, and he tried to put on a more docile smile. He blinked and attempted to show what he thought was his adorable side.
The Grand Supreme Elder remained silent but continued to smile. Wang Baole began to grow nervous. He felt that the Grand Supreme Elder was like an old fox. He couldn't tell what the other was thinking and wondered if he should switch tactics. At that thought, Wang Baole smiled openly and scratched his head. He tried to appear thick-headed and continued to trade stares with the Grand Supreme Elder.
”Baole, your cultivation is quite impressive.” The Grand Supreme Elder observed how Wang Baole switched personalities within a short span of time before he placed his hands behind his back and spoke coolly.
”Your humble disciple's current achievements are partly due to my own blood, sweat, and tears, but most importantly, it is due to the grooming and teachings of the sect.” Wang Baole took a deep breath immediately when he heard that and put on the face of a loyal subject.
”You can stop the boot-licking. It's true that our teachings are useful, but we've groomed and taught so many people. I don't see everyone with your achievements.” Li Xingwen was secretly pleased with Wang Baole's attitude. However, he knew that Wang Baole's current accomplishments had more to do with the opportunities he had come across.
”Baole, I would've gotten you to make a trip down to the college even if you hadn't done so. There are some things… that you have a right to decide for yourself now, with your current cultivation.” Li Xingwen eyed Wang Baole and spoke slowly. There was a meaningful look in his eyes.
Wang Baole saw the expression on the Grand Supreme Elder's face. His eyes narrowed slightly and didn't speak.
”The Federation Seedlings Initiative was of extreme importance. No one was supposed to be allowed to drop out of it. However, neither Duan Muque or I expect you to have a breakthrough in your cultivation and step into the Core Formation realm before the initiative was rolled out.”
”Because of that, you now have the right to choose. Are you going to continue to participate in the Federation Seedlings Initiative… or are you going to drop out?” Li Xingwen didn't continue speaking. He waited, instead, for Wang Baole's reply.
A frown began to appear on Wang Baole's forehead. He couldn't make heads or tails of what the Grand Supreme Elder was saying. The information he had was incomplete, so he found it difficult to answer the other. It was clear that the Grand Supreme Elder had done this deliberately.
Is it another trial? Wang Baole secretly sighed as he rubbed at his forehead. He started to analyze what was going on by first recalling what he had read and found out about the Federation Seedlings Initiative.
Based on what he had learned then, the Federation Seedlings Initiative was part of the overall Operation Sword Sun. It was meant to support the latter. Everything was meant to prepare for the Federation's eventual landing on the ancient greenish-bronze sword.
When seen in that light, the message in Li Xingwen's words became clear…
Since the Federation Seedlings Initiative has to do with the ancient greenish-bronze sword landing, does dropping out of the initiative mean that I give up my chances of entering the ancient greenish-bronze sword? Wang Baole pondered. He believed that there must be risks involved in Operation Sword Sun, that was why the Grand Supreme Elder had asked him that question.
Li Xingwen waited patiently as Wang Baole deliberated. When he saw a discreet look of realization appear in Wang Baole's eyes, he smiled lightly.
”You've thought it through?”
”How dangerous is it?” Wang Baole didn't answer the question, asking a question of his own instead. There was a strange light in his eyes when he looked at the Grand Supreme Elder.
Li Xingwen once again showed his approval of Wang Baole when he heard Wang Baole's reply and saw the light in his eyes. He enjoyed speaking to intelligent people, and he liked this straightforward young person. So he said slowly, ”Are you afraid of death?”
”Is there anything in it for me?”
The approval in Li Xingwen's eyes intensified when he heard Wang Baole's question. He burst out into laughter as he lifted his right hand and pointed his finger at Wang Baole repeatedly. Finally, he swept his sleeve aside.