Chapter 352 - 286: Becoming a General! (Double-Length)

Zhao Linxin was holding two young women in his arms, drinking and reveling with his eyes closed.

"Brother Xin, that new recruit took the Vice General position, doesn’t this mean I have no hope now..." Zhao Li said worriedly.

"Let’s not talk about such downer topics today." Zhao Linxin gave him a dissatisfied glance and shook his head.

"But I won’t accept this..." Zhao Li said through gritted teeth, feeling some resentment towards Zhao Linxin.

Zhao Linxin was born into the main Zhao Family and lived in Core City since childhood, while he came from the Zhao Family’s branch, residing in the Second District.

Though both bore the Zhao surname, their status and positions were worlds apart, as were the family resources they enjoyed.

He deemed himself superior in Martial Tao talent and in other aspects compared to Zhao Linxin, yet he couldn’t secure support from the main family.

As a result, he remained merely a centurion under Zhao Linxin’s command, while Zhao Linxin had already become the young Vice General.

Even though he begrudged Zhao Linxin, he still had to rely on him to hope for a chance to become a General!

Throughout the years, he had gifted Zhao Linxin with many presents and women, serving diligently to please him, only then glimpsing some prospect.

Before Song Changming appeared, he was the strongest contender for Xing Tiexin’s last Vice General slot.

Yet unexpected as it was, a new recruit claimed that position ahead of him.

Learning this news felt like a hammer strike, knocking him unconscious.

"Hmph, don’t you understand Xing Tiexin’s mindset? This guy came from humble beginnings, only rising due to a fortuitous encounter.

Such people always disdain noble families, thus delaying your promotion repeatedly. Otherwise, you would have already been Vice General, no need to wait until now." Zhao Linxin said coldly.

His tone carried disdain for Xing Tiexin.

Though he was currently serving as his deputy, he had the Zhao Family as backing, ensuring a promising future.

He was confident that within a few years, he could overtake Xing Tiexin, stepping over him.

"One Fu Yuan isn’t enough, now there’s another worthless rat, it’s laughable!"

Zhao Linxin spoke viciously, squeezing the woman beside him so hard she turned bruised and swollen, her eyes watering, yet she dared not resist.

"Then... What should I do..." Zhao Li sighed repeatedly.

Knowing Xing Tiexin’s aversion to noble families didn’t change his situation; he served under Xing Tiexin and could not easily transfer elsewhere.

"Didn’t Xing Tiexin say? If you wish for that Vice General position, defeat that new recruit." Zhao Linxin glanced at him, speaking indifferently.

"This..." Zhao Li opened his mouth.

He was present during the battle between Song Changming and Fu Yuan.

He clearly witnessed Song Changming’s displayed strength.

Frankly, he had no confidence in defeating this man in terms of martial prowess.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have sought Zhao Linxin today, saying so much.

He wanted alternate methods, preferably having Zhao Linxin speak on his behalf to the Zhao Family’s main house.

With their influence, becoming a Vice General would be effortless.

But it seemed Zhao Linxin was no longer interested in his affairs.

"That bastard!" Zhao Li felt hatred towards Zhao Linxin and the Zhao Family’s indifference towards him.

And the new recruit!

...

Land of Great Fog.

A young man slowly emerged, observing the surging dark clouds and hurricane above, facing endless darkness.

"Is this the Abyss?" the young man asked with a furrowed brow.

On the ring finger of his right hand, a shiny black ring encircled it.

A deep voice emanated from the ring, responding to his question.

"Yes, beyond the Abyss lies the land of Ancient Abyss Country."

The voice within the ring, aged with a touch of coldness.

"But Ancient Abyss Country seems dangerous, staying in Da Lai is much safer..." the youth hesitated, seemingly reluctant to venture into Ancient Abyss Country.

Subconsciously looking back at the path he came from, he felt reluctant to part, his emotions in turmoil.

"In Ancient Abyss Country, you can gain more and become stronger. Staying in Da Lai, you’ll never reach the Innate Realm in your lifetime!" The aged voice slowly spoke, infused with persuasive intent.

"Rest assured, have I ever harmed you? Back when you were a boy in the fishing village, you saved me from the fish’s belly, I must elevate you to the highest position, repaying your kindness. By then, everything you desire will be within reach..."

"But..." The youth looked back again, hesitant to proceed.

"I only want my Xiangxiang, even if she doesn’t love me, I wish to quietly guard her and keep her safe..."

After these words, the ring fell silent for a long time.

If it remembered correctly, this so-called Xiangxiang was the young man’s first acquaintance at a brothel, a woman of the night.

"If you don’t enhance your strength, how will you protect her?" The ring endured its inner agitation, patiently advising.

Luckily, it managed to persuade the honest youth once more.

"Once in Ancient Abyss Country, I must quickly find someone new to discard this fool!" The old presence within the ring felt fed up, furiously plotting.

By then, it wouldn’t care about the youth’s fate.

"And that rascal, who tossed me into a fish’s belly for years..."

Thinking back to years of dwelling with waste within a fish’s belly made him rage.

He harbored many vengeance targets, among them the boy who threw him into the rivers back then!

...