Chapter 598 - 190: Inner Hall
Chapter 598 - 190: Inner Hall
Looking at Qi Badao, who seemed very sincere and frank, Yan Feng’s lips curled into a smile, "It’s precisely because of that you can still talk to me here. Tell me, what has Shadow Owl had you do?"Yan Feng’s eyes were fixed on Qi Badao, who was equally frank, "Sometimes they have me gather some information or find someone. I only know that recently they’ve been investigating some skinning matter, but there’s no clue. Oh, I once asked if Night Patrol wanted to deal with Hundred Martial Hall, and their answer was, ’Are you crazy, am I crazy, or is Night Patrol crazy?’"
Qi Badao mimicked Li Xin’s expression from that moment, somewhat lifelike.
Yan Feng couldn’t help but laugh out loud, "Haha, these guys do have some self-awareness. Hall Master You, I don’t think there’s any issue with him, what do you think?"
"Haha, thank you, Hall Master Shu, this brother is quite interesting." A voice rang out, and a plump man with a cheerful face walked out from around the corner, scrutinizing Qi Badao, "In just three short days, your spiritual ability has greatly improved. You have potential, worth some good mentoring."
"Hall Master Qi, let me formally introduce you, this is Hall Master You. I know you have a belly full of grievances and questions, he’ll answer them all. Congratulations on passing the test and becoming a member of our Hundred Martial Hall’s Inner Hall." Yan Feng said.
Qi Badao looked at the chubby Hall Master You in front of him. He had never heard of such a Hall Master You before. Despite his amiable appearance, Qi Badao had a gut feeling that this person was extremely dangerous, probably stained with much blood. While he didn’t have many talents, he’s always been accurate in reading people.
"Qi Badao greets Hall Master You. I’m totally in the dark right now, terribly worried. What exactly is the Inner Hall?" Qi Badao asked.
"Weren’t you curious about why you got an implant of the worm? Come with me." Hall Master You smiled slightly, "After today, your life will be different."
Qi Badao did not know whether it was good or bad. Normally, he considers himself skilled at gathering information, but this was the first time he heard of an Inner Hall in Hundred Martial Hall.
On the surface, Yan Feng is the Hall Master of Qinglong Hall, but he has other identities — identities that are more important, which this Hall Master You seems familiar with.
"Whether to extend or retract the neck, it’s all the same blade," Qi Badao thought to himself and decided to go with the flow.
On the carriage, the two sat facing each other. Hall Master You smilingly held Qi Badao’s wrist, "Not bad, you’ve integrated very well, you are lucky. On the way back, there’s some time for me to introduce you to our Hundred Martial Hall’s Inner Hall."
"Please guide me, Hall Master You." Qi Badao sat upright and carefully, not daring to slack off. This smiling tiger could be very dangerous, and being extra cautious could not go wrong.
"No need to be nervous, relax. Our Hundred Martial Hall is divided into the Outer Hall and the Inner Hall. The Outer Hall is for peripheral members; it’s not easy to sustain so many people and we must also maintain appearances for those who watch us. The Inner Hall, however, is the core of our Hundred Martial Hall’s growth to this day," Hall Master You explained, "The Inner Hall is divided into twelve branches represented by the Earthly Branches: Zi, Chou, Yin, Mao, Chen, Si, Wu, Wei, Shen, You, Xu, Hai. You just heard, Yan Feng is the Hall Master of Xu within the Inner Hall, responsible for eliminating traitors. If you had lied even once, you would already be a corpse."
"Sir, how may I address you?" Qi Badao secretly felt lucky; these people might have investigated him thoroughly before placing such a dangerous thing in him. If he had tried to be clever, it might not be going as smoothly.
"Zhou Xu, I’m responsible for selecting potential individuals from our brothers to enter the Inner Hall, of course, they must also be of good character, with a clean record, and loyal to Hundred Martial Hall," Zhou Xu said, "No need to be formal, we’re all on the same side now. You have passed all the tests, next will be comprehensive training then you will be assigned based on your abilities."
"Does that mean I’m going to be promoted, Hall Master Zhou?" Qi Badao said, inwardly not daring any negligence.
"Haha, that’s about right. The potion Shadow Owl gave you, don’t take it. It might ruin everything and lead to your downfall." Zhou Xu said.
Qi Badao shivered slightly, "Downfall? Night Patrol wouldn’t go that far, would they?"
"Your survival through the integration period means you have talent and potential. Although your age is a bit advanced, the Holy Worm’s function is to cleanse the meridians and renew, changing everything," Zhou Xu explained, "That kind of magic potion seems to alleviate symptoms but actually, it’s highly addictive. You’ve received this opportunity not to barely cling to life, but to truly set foot on the path of cultivation."
Qi Badao realized and agreed with Zhou Xu’s assessment, his heart warmed.
"Lord Zhou, forgive me for asking too much. I come from a small place, what level does it mean if I can pass?" Qi Badao asked.
"Each of the twelve branches has its role, with the hall master being the highest. The members below are of the same level, only required to follow the missions ordered by the hall master. Generally, you are still responsible for your own hall, but being part of the Inner Hall makes things much more convenient. You can directly seek help from your hall master for difficult matters. Now, how do you see your future?"
"Thank you, sir, for the opportunity!" Qi Badao couldn’t hide his joy.
"We’re one family from now on; no need for such courtesy. Our Inner Hall’s admission and rules are very strict, but once you’re in, you’ll receive strong support." Zhou Xu smiled.
"Sir, I still have some doubts, may I ask them now?" Qi Badao asked.
"Go ahead, don’t hold back." Zhou Xu nodded, "It’s best to clear things up at this moment; the Inner Hall’s rules are even stricter."
"How did you know about my connection with Night Patrol, and why could someone like me get into the Inner Hall?" Qi Badao asked.
"Your situation in Celestial Capital is not particularly secret; interested parties can find out easily. Our Hundred Martial Hall has disciples spread throughout Lirong. Before determining you as a candidate, investigations were made. As for your ties with Night Patrol, it’s not a problem. The brothers from various halls come from different places, different professions, but as long as they’re loyal to Hundred Martial Hall, that’s all that matters. Eventually, you’ll understand that your matters with Night Patrol are trivial." Zhou Xu said, doing his best to ease Qi Badao’s concerns.
"Hehe, I get it. Night Patrol wants me to be an informant, but my heart belongs to Hundred Martial Hall. I can gather their secrets!" Qi Badao patted his chest.
"You’re cautious and full of vigilance, but time will prove everything. Hundred Martial Hall will be your best choice, and also the best destination for every Beijing person." Zhou Xu smiled, seeing through Qi Badao’s little thoughts.
"Exactly, exactly, I still have a place I’m confused about. Is our Inner Hall managed by a Grand Elder, whom should I listen to in the future?" Qi Badao asked.
Zhou Xu gave Qi Badao a look, "Both the Inner Hall and Outer Hall compose Hundred Martial Hall, they are one. But the management is somewhat special; most Inner Hall members also hold positions in the Outer Hall, but the Inner Hall answers only to the Grand Hall Master. I believe you understand what I’m saying?"
"Yes, I understand!"
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