護花近衛 - 第3986章 帶一句話 - 翰墨軒

After letting Wei Zhao inside with a cold smirk, Xu Lingchong and the others immediately bent low toward Gongyang Jun, who had arrived right after, their faces brimming with fawning delight. "Hall Master Gongyang, do come in, do come in!"

Once inside Huayang Residence, the main hall—already opulent enough on its own—now seemed even more like a dreamscape, a paradise of the immortals, thanks to the meticulous decorations adorning every corner.

At this moment, though the grandest of the bigwigs had yet to make their appearance, quite a few guests had already arrived early, exchanging pleasantries and currying favor. No ordinary figure could have gained entry today, and this was the perfect opportunity to expand one's connections.

Wei Zhao, however, plainly had no such designs. After a casual look around, he failed to spot Shangguan Lan'er, the star of the birthday banquet, so he found a quiet corner and sat down, sipping the fine spirit tea provided free of charge—rather enjoying himself, in fact.

Unlike Wei Zhao, who drew not a single glance, Gongyang Jun, entering right behind him, instantly became the center of attention. Yet his fearsome reputation and overbearing air commanded such awe that no one dared approach and strike up a conversation.

Lifting his gaze for a sweep of the room, Gongyang Jun then did something that made Wei Zhao's eyelid twitch: he walked straight toward him, and without a word, took the seat directly opposite.

What did this fellow want? Wei Zhao could not help but speculate in secret. Yet after sitting down, the man made no further move—he merely lounged somewhat lazily in the spacious chair, surveying the people and goings-on in the hall with cold, appraising eyes.

Wei Zhao glanced at him without betraying anything. Seeing no further movement, he paid him no mind and simply sat there with his arms folded, relaxed and composed.

And so the two sat facing each other. Because of Gongyang Jun, almost everyone in the hall could not resist stealing a glance their way, then silently withdrawing their gaze—lest they look too long and incur his displeasure.

After a good while, Gongyang Jun suddenly spoke. "What is your relationship with Zhang Lifeng?"

Wei Zhao was momentarily taken aback, then answered as if nothing were amiss, "Hall Master Gongyang jests. Master Zhang is a top-tier figure on the Middle Island. I am but an insignificant newcomer of common roots—how could I possibly have any connection to him?"

Unexpectedly, Gongyang Jun said flatly, "You are lying."

Wei Zhao was left speechless. He was indeed lying—only, even Zhang Lifeng himself did not know of their connection, and he had never breathed a single word of it to anyone. How could Gongyang Jun possibly know?

"First, you and Zhang Lifeng both come from the mortal world. Second, you and Zhang Lifeng are both alchemists. Third, after arriving on Cloud Terrace Island, you have repeatedly made inquiries about Zhang Lifeng. And you still claim there is no connection?" Gongyang Jun reclined on his side, one hand propping up his chin, and cast Wei Zhao a sidelong, condescending glance.

Wei Zhao was secretly alarmed. He had never imagined that a mere newcomer of common roots like himself would be investigated so thoroughly by this lofty Hall Master of the Law Enforcement Hall. He really was a little flattered—and more than a little unnerved.

"Lying before me is pointless." Gongyang Jun, for some reason, seemed in a talkative mood. He lazily tapped his own head with one hand. "Every scrap of intelligence in the Law Enforcement Hall is mirrored in this head of mine. And if necessary, I can employ the Soul-Searching Art at any time. Care to try?"

"I would not. Hall Master Gongyang, if you have business with me, pray speak plainly," Wei Zhao said in a low voice.