The Death Chosen One's cold sense of humor failed to make the scene funny. Instead, the atmosphere turned cold and fell into awkward silence.
Cheng Shi looked Zhang Jizu up and down, his face full of confusion. He felt that Squinty Old Zhang was acting somewhat strangely today.
Yet he could not put his finger on what was wrong with the other man. His eyes shifted, and he decided to test him.
He repeatedly steered the conversation toward Redicor's history and discussed it with the Black Dragon King. Midway through, he suddenly turned to Zhang Jizu and asked, "What does the History School think of this?"
Zhang Jizu froze, immediately understanding what Cheng Shi meant. He knew the other man was overthinking things. Though helpless inside, he had no choice but to prove his identity, and so he narrowed his eyes tightly and said:
"Steadiness means viewing the development of things with a conservative and cautious attitude and responding to unknown risks. It does not mean being constantly paranoid and seeing enemies everywhere. That would only waste your energy.
"I know what you're thinking, but I'm not Zhen Xin, much less Zhen Yi."
There was no way Cheng Shi would believe that. Liars never admitted they were liars. Even if they did, it would certainly be while preparing an even greater deception. He did not believe a single word Squinty Old Zhang said, but since the other man had made it so plain, he followed up:
"Then try saying 'hee'."
"..."
Zhang Jizu's expression stiffened slightly. He held it in for a long time, but even with the veins bulging from his neck, he could not force out a "hee."
Seeing this, Cheng Shi finally believed that the person standing before him really was Squinty Old Zhang.
But he became