Goblets clinked amid crisscrossing toasts, and host and guests alike were thoroughly delighted.
After seeing Wang Chen off, Huang Deqi went alone to the study in the inner courtyard.
Two people were already seated inside. One of them was none other than Chen Anhe!
The other was an old woman with skin like chicken and hair like a crane's. Seeing Huang Deqi enter, she let out a strange cackle. "Heh, Master Huang, how did your talk with him go?"
Huang Deqi grandly seated himself in a high-backed armchair, picked up the teapot and poured himself a cup, then replied, "Not much came of it. That brat is more troublesome than I expected."
He had tested Wang Chen several times during the banquet, only to run into soft nails every time, leaving a ball of fire bottled up in his belly.
Chen Anhe said in a deep voice, "Wang Chen became Purple Mansion at such a young age. Without some ability, he could not have obtained the West Sea Sect's entry assessment mission. What worries me is..."
"You're worried he has someone in the West Sea Sect?"
The white-haired old woman sneered. "Then what are we plotting for? We might as well pack up and call it quits."
"No."
Huang Deqi said gravely, "I already made inquiries through connections above. Wang Chen came from the Outer Region, just a Rogue Cultivator. He merely stepped in dog shit and got lucky enough to obtain the West Sea Sect's entry assessment mission. He has no background."
Chen Anhe frowned. "I still think we should be more cautious. Why not simply give him a share..."
"Chen Anhe!"
Before he could finish, the white-haired old woman shrieked, "Did a donkey kick your head? You keep spouting nonsense here! How much effort did we spend to