The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2663 - 2638: Black Water City! Tang Family Guest Official!

Upon handing over the Spirit Liquid, Lin Bai obtained the Identity Token. He then proceeded into Black Water City alongside Ban Ye and a few other individuals.

A faint, tired smile touched Lin Bai's lips as he inquired, "Uncle Ban Ye, is it truly necessary to procure such a substantial quantity of Spirit Liquid every single month for Black Water City?"

Ban Ye affirmed with a nod, "Indeed, it represents a quite considerable inflow of income!"

Lin Bai's curiosity piqued, he then asked, "So, where does all of this Spirit Liquid ultimately go?"

Ban Ye let out a chuckle, explaining, "The majority of it is distributed amongst the influential clans residing within the city!"

A slight frown creased Lin Bai's brow.

Ban Ye continued, "Brother Lin Bai, you must understand that Black Water City operates with its own distinct power structures!"

"At the apex stands the City Lord, the most formidable figure in Black Water City, wielding immense strength. This individual bears the responsibility of overseeing all affairs within the city's purview, including orchestrating military campaigns and repelling assaults from other cities!"

"Complementing the City Lord are the prestigious Eight Great Clans of Black Water City!"

"Among these, the Tang Family holds a position, though in recent years, their fortunes have dwindled, relegating them to the lowest rank among the Eight Clans."

"Presently, the esteemed position of City Lord in Black Water City is held by a member of the Zhao Family, itself one of the dominant Eight Great Clans!"

Ban Ye offered a wry smile as he added, "Brother Lin Bai, do you realize that for the coveted title of City Lord, the Eight Great Clans engaged in a truly brutal struggle, a veritable clash of titans?"

Lin Bai, his interest piqued, inquired, "Pray tell, why is that? Does the role of City Lord bestow such immense benefits?"

Ban Ye's smile widened, "Undoubtedly. Within the confines of Black Water City, assuming the mantle of City Lord is tantamount to reigning as an Emperor, bestowing absolute authority. The remaining Seven Great Clans are compelled to heed the City Lord's every command!"

"Such profound power naturally leads one to consider the prosperity and advantage of their own affiliated family!"

"Consequently, over the passage of years, owing to the Zhao Family's current hold on the City Lord position, their influence has seen a significant and continuous expansion!"

"To illustrate, solely concerning the Spirit Liquid allocated to the various clans each month, the Zhao Family alone procures a staggering thirty percent!"

"A full thirty percent, claimed exclusively by the Zhao Family!"

"While the other seven families collectively share the remaining thirty percent!"

"An additional twenty percent is dispersed among the city's myriad minor families; the final twenty percent is earmarked for the upkeep of the city's formidable Magic Circle and for the recruitment of exceptionally skilled cultivators!"

Absorbing Ban Ye's detailed exposition, Lin Bai let out a knowing chuckle. "Based on Uncle Ban Ye's account, the allure of becoming City Lord is indeed substantial, particularly for the Zhao Family to hoard such a commanding thirty percent of the Spirit Liquid distribution!"

"And all this is while the other seven families must content themselves with merely sharing the remaining thirty percent!"

"The disparity is quite pronounced, wouldn't you agree?" Lin Bai remarked with amusement.

Ban Ye nodded in agreement. "Indeed. Furthermore, a matter of critical importance arose a few years prior during a conflict between Black Water City and Houtu City. The current City Lord sustained severe injuries. Despite the Zhao Family expending considerable resources in an attempt to heal him, all efforts proved futile, it is rumored..."

"The prevailing belief is that the current City Lord's demise is imminent!"

"This situation has galvanized the other Seven Great Clans, who are now keenly anticipating the opportunity to nominate their own powerful candidates for the City Lord position!"

"Therefore, I surmise it will not be long before word of the City Lord's critical condition becomes widely known, prompting a swift and decisive move from the other Seven Great Clans." Ban Ye stated with a measured tone.

Lin Bai chuckled, "If I were in their position, I too would strongly object to another Zhao Family member ascending to the City Lord's seat. This prestigious position must undoubtedly be contended for!"

"Failure in pursuit signifies a return to one's original standing, with no significant loss incurred. However, success guarantees the elevation of one's family to the City Lord's position, ensuring several centuries of stable and prosperous development for that family!"

"It's a wager with absolutely no downside!" Lin Bai declared, nodding thoughtfully.

Ban Ye mirrored his nod with a smile, "We have arrived. Directly ahead lies the esteemed Tang Family residence!"

Lin Bai's gaze lifted, taking in the sight of an extensive palace complex stretching towards the end of the street. Its construction was undeniably opulent, a clear testament to the elevated status of its inhabitants within the city.

Ban Ye then addressed the group, "My young companions, you have endured a rather taxing journey. Please return to your quarters and recuperate. I shall escort Brother Lin Bai to finalize his Guest Official assessment."

The young men and women, already visibly fatigued by their travels, readily accepted Ban Ye's suggestion upon reaching their destination and, with bodies weary from the road, made their way inside.

Observing the departing youths, Lin Bai remarked, "Are these the scions of the Tang Family? If this is the caliber of the younger generation within the Tang Family, it seems it won't be long before they struggle to maintain their footing in Black Water City."

Ban Ye sighed, shaking his head. "Indeed. Over the years, the Tang Family has failed to cultivate many prodigies. The sole exceptional talent among them is the current... Tang Yuezhi!"

"Aside from Tang Yue, the present younger generation of the Tang Family boasts virtually no other remarkable prodigies to speak of!"

"Enough of that, let us depart, Brother Lin Bai. I shall escort you to the Guest Official assessment." Ban Ye declared.

"Very well!" Lin Bai concurred, following Ban Ye as they left.

To remain within Black Water City, Lin Bai necessitated an identity and a place to reside.

Engaging in pleasant conversation with Uncle Ban Ye, the prospect of becoming a Guest Official of the Tang Family appeared quite agreeable to Lin Bai!

Swiftly, Lin Bai trailed Ban Ye, navigating through the expansive courtyards of the Tang Family until they reached a majestic structure. Above its entrance, a plaque proclaimed, "Guest Quarters."

Ban Ye immediately led Lin Bai inside.

"Ban Ye, you have returned. I heard you were assigned a plum task, taking some youngsters out for amusement?" a portly, middle-aged man inquired with a grin as they entered.

"Indeed, this plum task is quite the boon; you get to play and acquire Spirit Liquid."

"Hmph," Ban Ye retorted, shaking his head. "Dead Fatty, spare me the pleasantries. I was nearly scared to death. I thought it was a simple plum task, but these youths insisted on visiting Earth Snake Forest. I almost didn't make it back alive!"

The middle-aged man expressed astonishment. "By the heavens, you jest! Taking them to Earth Snake Forest!"

Ban Ye sighed in resignation. "You understand those little ancestors; can I truly resist their whims?"

The fleshy man clicked his tongue. "As long as you've returned in one piece! Is there a specific reason for your visit to the Guest Quarters this time?"

Ban Ye smiled. "This is Brother Lin Bai. He wishes to join the Tang Family as a Guest Official, and I'm here to guide him through the assessment."

"Brother Lin Bai, this is my dear friend. You may address him as Fatty; that's his moniker amongst us all!"

Lin Bai clasped his fists in greeting. "Lin Bai pays his respects to Uncle Fatty!"

Uncle Fatty tilted his head, observing Lin Bai critically, and then confided in Ban Ye in a low tone. "Ban Ye, what is this all about? Why bring him here for the Guest Official position? This lad appears younger than my own son. Can he truly qualify?"

"Will he even pass the assessment?"

Ban Ye then whispered back, "Fatty, do not underestimate him. Despite his youth, his Sword Skills are simply divine!"

"My advice to you is to avoid provoking him. Should you do so, you'll undoubtedly suffer a harsh defeat at his hands!" Ban Ye added with a knowing smile.

Recalling the scene in Earth Snake Forest, the memory of Lin Bai, wielding his sword and causing such upheaval, sent a shiver of apprehension down Ban Ye's spine.

The sheer power displayed was astounding, to the point that the Snake King of Earth Snake Forest itself had dispatched gifts of apology in the end!

Uncle Fatty mused, "Very well. Since you vouch for him, then let him undergo the trial. However, Brother Lin Bai, I must caution you: not just anyone can become a Guest Official of the Tang Family. You must possess the requisite strength to conquer the assessment!"

"During the assessment, neither Ban Ye nor I can offer any assistance."

Lin Bai nodded, a smile gracing his lips. "I understand. I shall give it my utmost effort."