CHAPTER 411: CHAPTER 358: THERE ARE BAD APPLES IN HEADQUARTERS

After the awe of Cyan Dragon City’s headquarters, the Golden Radiance Branch could only be described as unremarkable.

The beautiful woman walked quickly, seemingly wanting to finish this mission as soon as possible.

Chu Chen could only follow behind her, filled with confusion.

The two said nothing along the way and soon found themselves at the conference room door.

The beautiful woman knocked on the door and, after receiving permission to enter, pushed the door open.

The conference room wasn’t particularly spacious, accommodating about twenty people.

Chu Chen scanned the room but couldn’t find Ying Wenjie; instead, he observed the five people inside.

Sitting at the head of the conference table was an elderly man, tall and thin, energetic, and with elegant manners, resembling a well-read scholar. However, the aura he emitted was exceptionally strong, clearly not that of a weak scholar.

Upon seeing Chu Chen, the old man immediately stood up from his seat.

He quickly moved toward Chu Chen and, under the astonished gazes of others, grabbed Chu Chen’s hand with a smile, saying, "You must be the headmaster’s prized student; truly a talented individual."

Chu Chen smiled awkwardly and said, "You’re too kind. May I know who you are?"

Upon hearing this, the old man hurriedly said, "My name is Su Jingsong, I’m the head of the Golden Radiance Branch."

"Oh, so it’s Head Su. Pardon my rudeness."

Su Jingsong laughed heartily and continued, "There are five slots available for this secret realm, besides you, there are these four. Let me introduce them to you."

The first introduction was the beautiful woman, who is Su Lingyun, my daughter, her level is at the Peak of Soul Master Level.

The second person is a stout middle-aged man, about two meters tall, with dark skin and many scars on his arms, looking like a tough guy.

This man is named Xu Qiang, and he, too, is at the Peak of Soul Master Level.

The third is a middle-aged woman, average-looking, plainly dressed, with a ponytail, appearing very capable.

The woman is named Jiang Yu, and her level is Eighth Rank of Soul Master Level.

The last is a young man, a few years older than Chu Chen, with a slender build, a proud expression between his brows, clearly a genius. His name is Xiang Junyou and his level is Eighth Rank of Soul Master Level.

Chu Chen cupped his hands to the group, saying, "My name is Chu Chen, my level is Fourth Rank of Soul Master Level."

Everyone’s expressions changed upon hearing this.

Su Jingsong hurriedly laughed and said, "To achieve such a level at such a young age, truly a dragon among men. I’m certain you’ll secure the key in this journey to the secret realm."

Xu Qiang and the others quickly chimed in with compliments, except for Su Lingyun, who remained silent and glared at Chu Chen.

Chu Chen frowned upon seeing this.

Noticing Chu Chen’s reaction, Su Jingsong quickly followed his gaze and realized it was his daughter who was causing Chu Chen’s displeasure.

He quickly smiled apologetically, "I’m sorry to make Brother Chu laugh. It’s my fault for not teaching her properly. Please don’t take offense."

Chu Chen waved his hand and said, "It’s not your fault. I’m just a bit confused. I hope Sister Su can enlighten me."

Reluctantly, Su Lingyun agreed, due to her father’s insistence, "What is it?"

"I just arrived in Golden Radiance City today. I’m not sure what offense I’ve caused Sister Su. Please enlighten me." Chu Chen asked in a deep voice.

Being disliked for no reason made Chu Chen very uncomfortable, so he decided to ask directly since he didn’t want to be betrayed in the secret realm.

Upon hearing this, Su Jingsong’s expression changed dramatically. He quickly waved his hand, "Brother Chu, this is all a misunderstanding. She’s been spoiled by me and isn’t targeting you specifically."

Chu Chen ignored Su Jingsong’s response and continued to stare intently at Su Lingyun.

Su Jingsong then angrily glared at his daughter and said, "Apologize to Brother Chu right now."

Su Lingyun bit her lip and said, "Why should I apologize? He’s just at Fourth Rank of Soul Master Level, and he dares to venture into the secret realm. This realm is extremely important to us—"

Before Su Lingyun could finish, Su Jingsong raised his hand, ready to discipline her.

Chu Chen immediately grabbed Su Jingsong’s wrist, "Headmaster Su, there must be some misunderstanding here. Let her finish. I want to hear it."

Su Jingsong withdrew his hand but gave his daughter a look that promised consequences if she spoke out of turn.

Chu Chen smiled and said, "Feel free to speak, Sister Su. I’m straightforward and dislike beating around the bush."

Su Lingyun looked at her father, then took a deep breath and said, "In recent years, the branch’s situation hasn’t been good. Whether in secret realm contests or various exchange competitions, the branch always ranks at the bottom. Talented students have been choosing other Daoist Schools, and the city’s Beast Masters are following suit. We’ve had to raise the stakes for nurturing talent just to complete the tasks assigned by headquarters."

"Although I came from headquarters, this was a decision by the Daoist School’s higher-ups and has nothing to do with me. Venting your anger on me seems a bit inappropriate." Chu Chen said coldly.

Su Lingyun glanced at Chu Chen and replied, "I understand that, but that’s not what I meant. The Daoist School has been financially struggling for years, and if it weren’t for us, it might have gone bankrupt already."

"Why haven’t you reported this to headquarters?"

"What’s the use of reporting? They would only dismiss my father and appoint a new head. The root cause of this situation isn’t my father but some people at headquarters."

"Enough, are you trying to get us killed?" Su Jingsong suddenly shouted.

"Let it be. You’ve devoted yourself to the Cyan Dragon Daoist School for years, but what have you received in return?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Chen realized there was more to the story. He stopped Su Jingsong, "I’m the headmaster’s disciple. Don’t you trust me?"

Su Jingsong hesitated for a moment before sighing heavily, "Very well, since it’s come to this, I might as well tell you everything. I’ve endured enough these years. The funds allocated by headquarters for Golden Radiance City are always partially siphoned off. I reported this to headquarters, but nothing came back, and I even received personal threats. Their power and methods are something I can’t contend with, so I have to grit my teeth and bear it."

Chu Chen’s face reddened with anger, and he slammed the table, declaring, "Don’t worry, Head Su. I will report this to my teacher and ensure justice for you and the entire branch. But Sister Su, you haven’t addressed the issue I’m concerned about."

With some hope of resolution, Su Lingyun’s tone softened considerably.

Through their explanation, Chu Chen understood why they treated him this way.

The Su father and daughter wanted to resolve their financial crisis through profits from the secret realm. They initially assembled a strong team, but Chu Chen’s sudden arrival disrupted their plans, forcing them to exclude a Soul Master Level Eighth Rank Beast Master and give this precious spot to Chu Chen.

In summary, they felt resentful, especially since Chu Chen’s apparent level was only Fourth Rank of Soul Master Level.

The trip to the secret realm was vital to the future of the Su family members, so their feelings were understandable.