As one of the most prominent families in Xiashan City, the Zhao family was always the focus of public attention.
Since the Zhao family announced that anyone who could provide accurate information about the Hundred-Eyed Giant Toad's whereabouts would be heavily rewarded, their gates were practically trampled down by visitors.
Every day, countless individuals came forward with dubious claims, each swearing they had solid evidence. Others took a more practical approach by banding together and venturing into the Toxic Swamp to search for the creature themselves.
However, without exception, these groups left with fewer members than they entered.
When Xiaodao led Chen An to the Zhao residence, the grand gates were already surrounded by a crowd.
Every person there proclaimed with utmost confidence that they had precise information on the Hundred-Eyed Giant Toad's location, their accounts vivid and convincing as if they had seen it with their own eyes.
Unmoved by the chaos, Xiaodao acted decisively. Right before the Zhao family steward, she retrieved the giant toad's eye from her storage pouch.
At that moment, the crowd fell silent. All eyes were on the thin Xiaodao and the unassuming Chen An.
"Young heroes, please follow me to meet the family head," the steward said with deference after verifying the authenticity of the eye. He then instructed the servants to dismiss the other visitors and personally escorted Xiaodao and Chen An into the Zhao residence.
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Entering the Zhao residence was a dazzling experience.
Chen An, who thought himself somewhat worldly, was still stunned by the lavish sight.
Pavilions and terraces, intricately carved beams and painted rafters, winding corridors, gardens, and ponds—it was a harmonious blend of elegance and grandeur. The estate's sheer size within a city like Xiashan underscored the Zhao family's extraordinary power.
Yet, Chen An couldn't help but feel uneasy.
With such resources at their disposal, the Zhao family would undoubtedly have the upper hand in any collaboration. Could Xiaodao truly achieve her objectives?
Lost in thought, Chen An followed the steward through several winding paths until they reached a side hall.
The steward personally served them fragrant tea before excusing himself with courtesy.
Throughout the process, Xiaodao remained calm and composed, as if such grandiose settings were nothing unusual. Chen An couldn't tell if it was an act or if there was more to her than met the eye.
After waiting for about the time it took to burn an incense stick, a middle-aged man clad in a black-and-gold brocade robe with a white jade crown strode into the hall.
The man had an imposing presence, with sharp brows, a straight nose, and a square jaw. His mere presence exuded authority. Without question, this was the Zhao family head, Zhao Mingyang.
"Do you truly have accurate information about the Hundred-Eyed Giant Toad's location?" Zhao Mingyang asked urgently as he entered.
Since this was Xiaodao's domain, Chen An remained silent, letting her take the lead.
"Zhao Family Head, you've likely seen the giant eye I brought. That alone should suffice as proof of our credibility," Xiaodao replied confidently.
Zhao Mingyang nodded slowly, his expression softening. "Indeed, I was too hasty. Forgive my rudeness."
With a gesture, the steward re-entered the hall, carrying a tray with a storage pouch placed on it.
"This is three hundred spirit stones—a small token of our gratitude. Please accept it."
Chen An was astonished.
He had known the Zhao family was wealthy, but casually gifting three hundred spirit stones was beyond his imagination.
"Thank you, Family Head Zhao," Xiaodao said calmly as she accepted the pouch. She then revealed the exact location of the Hundred-Eyed Giant Toad.
Zhao Mingyang immediately instructed the steward to mark the location on a detailed map of the Toxic Swamp. Once he held the map in his hands, his tense expression visibly relaxed.
"Now that you have the exact location, I assume you'll send people to hunt the creature soon. Have you decided on the candidates?" Chen An broke his silence, steering the conversation forward.
Zhao Mingyang sighed deeply, a hint of helplessness in his voice.
"To be honest, I've been searching for suitable candidates for a long time. But given that the creature is a Tier-2 fiend beast, it's no easy task to find someone willing to take on the job.
"I must stay here to oversee the family, so I can't personally venture into the Toxic Swamp. Unfortunately, this delay has cost us precious time.
"My son, Xingchen, has contracted a strange illness. If we cannot obtain the heart of the Hundred-Eyed Giant Toad soon, I fear he won't last another few months."
His words carried a deep sense of sorrow and worry, revealing his genuine concern for his son.
Xiaodao seized the opportunity, boldly offering to lead the hunt. She even promised that there would be no mishaps.
Zhao Mingyang's skepticism was palpable.
After all, no one would believe that two Qi Condensation cultivators—one at the mid-stage and the other at the early stage—could take down a Tier-2 fiend beast.
Sensing his doubt, Xiaodao confidently added, "Give me one month and a single Foundation Establishment cultivator. I guarantee we'll slay the beast. If we fail, both our lives will be yours to claim."
Chen An, who had planned to quietly reap the rewards, was startled to find himself included as part of Xiaodao's wager.
Still, since their goals aligned, he decided not to protest. Instead, he reinforced her argument: "We've already proven our capabilities by surviving the toad's toxic fog and taking its eye. We wouldn't make such claims without a solid plan.
"Besides, Family Head Zhao, what other choice do you have? You can either gamble on us or continue searching for other capable cultivators, though time may not be on your side."
After a moment of contemplation, Zhao Mingyang gritted his teeth and nodded.
"Very well, it's settled. Rest assured, if you succeed, the Zhao family will reward you generously."
Xiaodao smiled faintly. "We've already received our reward. There's no need to double it. However, once the task is complete, I will ask for something from you, Family Head Zhao."
"What would that be?" Zhao Mingyang asked cautiously, his expression shifting.
"Let's discuss that after the mission," Xiaodao replied enigmatically.
Zhao Mingyang's face darkened slightly. For the first time, he regarded Chen An and Xiaodao with a scrutinizing gaze, clearly reevaluating their motives.
Chen An, on the other hand, couldn't help but wonder: What exactly was Xiaodao after, and why was Zhao Mingyang so unsettled by her request?