Zhang Chen was now sharp enough to cut the air. If he stepped out of Zhong Manor, who knew how many eyes he would draw? It was better for him to remain hidden at the Zhong Family for the time being and cultivate.
"The matter of the academy should be handled as soon as possible. When do you plan to go to the academy?" Zhong Wu Bai asked again.
Hearing Zhong Wu Bai's question, Zhang Chen smiled. "First, I'll find something for the Eight Great Families to do and keep their energies tied up. Only then can I go study at the academy. Otherwise, if I go to the academy and they keep finding things for me to do, keep causing me trouble, that would be far too troublesome."
"It's good that you have a plan." After hearing Zhang Chen's words, Zhong Wu Bai knew that he already had everything mapped out. He nodded to him, then went to the government office to handle affairs after breakfast.
Zhang Chen stayed at the Zhong Family for three days. On the third day, he completely withdrew every trace of his aura. There was no longer anything unusual about him; he stood there like an utterly ordinary mortal.
On a misty morning draped in fine rain, Zhang Chen held an Oiled Paper Umbrella and walked unhurriedly out of Zhong Manor, intending to head for the Zhang Family. Yet before he had gone a hundred meters, a figure blocked his path.
"You've been waiting here for me all this time?" Zhang Chen stopped and looked curiously at the newcomer.
"Yes," Zhang Gaqi said. "If I hadn't been standing here waiting for you all along, I wouldn't have caught you the moment you stepped out."
"What if I didn't leave for a month?" Zhang Chen