The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2665 - 2640: Senior Guest Official

Lin Bai made his way to the arena's center, facing Tang Long. He clasped his fists in greeting and offered a smile, "I am Lin Bai! Senior, you've already participated in dozens of matches. Would you perhaps need a moment to recuperate your spiritual power first?"

Tang Long let out a chuckle. "You truly have a kind heart. The other assessors, in contrast, were eager to engage without even allowing me a moment's rest to regain my spiritual power!"

"And yet, you're the one asking if I require time to restore my spiritual power!"

"For that consideration alone, I, Tang Long, hold you in higher regard!"

"There's no need. The guest official assessment isn't a battle to the death. I won't deliver a fatal blow, and naturally, I trust you won't either, correct?"

Tang Long stated with a grin.

Lin Bai responded with a smile, inwardly noting Tang Long as quite a shrewd individual. Nevertheless, he affirmed, "Since it's an assessment, we shall keep our moves within appropriate bounds!"

Tang Long gave a slight nod, assumed a stance, and declared, "Very well, let us commence!"

Lin Bai nodded with a gentle smile, preparing himself to make the first move.

At that precise moment, a lighthearted laugh echoed from the periphery of the Martial Arts Arena. "Oh my, I've arrived just in time! I hadn't anticipated a guest official assessment happening today!"

Hearing the voice, Tang Long turned his gaze towards the edge of the Martial Arts Arena.

There, a distinguished young master with a face as smooth as jade entered, accompanied by a retinue of warriors.

The young master was adorned in opulent attire, possessing a fair complexion and a subtle smile gracing his lips—clearly, an individual accustomed to a life of ease and comfort.

Behind him, the accompanying warriors wore smiles of flattery, evidently a collection of sycophants!

"Young Master Tang Yang, what brings you to the Guest Quarters?" Tang Long inquired, his brow furrowing slightly.

The handsome young master, whose face resembled fine jade, smiled and replied, "Uncle Tang Long, I naturally came to see you. And, while I'm here, to observe whether our Tang Family's new guest official possesses the requisite capabilities!"

Tang Yang proceeded to Tang Long's side, engaging in a brief exchange of pleasantries.

Tang Long remained impassive, clearly not harboring any particular fondness for the newcomer, and offered no further response.

Tang Yang directed his gaze towards Lin Bai, his expression shifting to a frown. "Uncle Tang Long, is it not somewhat premature for someone so young to undertake the Tang Family's assessment? Does he truly possess the qualifications to be a guest official?"

Upon hearing this, Lin Bai couldn't help but reveal a faint, wry smile.

Indeed, given his youthful appearance, it seemed rather questionable for him to be considered for the role of a guest official!

In contrast, the current guest officials serving the Tang Family were predominantly middle-aged or elder warriors. They had weathered the tests of time, boasting profound cultivation and extensive experience in martial arts, making them seem far more suitable candidates for such a position.

Lin Bai's evident youthfulness naturally invited skepticism!

Tang Long, maintaining his expressionless demeanor, stated, "Whether he is suitable or not is a judgment for me to make. Since Young Master Tang Yang is present, I would appreciate it if you would simply step aside and refrain from disrupting my duties!"

Tang Yang chuckled. "Very well. I shall observe from the sidelines, then!"

As he spoke, Tang Yang led his entourage of fawning followers to the edge of the Martial Arts Arena. The attendants, with practiced efficiency, produced a chair, a table, and even a parasol from their storage rings, setting them up.

A selection of exquisite spirit fruits was artfully arranged upon the table.

Tang Yang then took his seat, indulging in the fruits while observing the unfolding contest within the arena with a smile.

Tang Long, shaking his head in mild exasperation, glanced at Lin Bai. "Pay him no mind; let us proceed!"

Lin Bai regained his composure and replied with a smile, "Please!"

"Be watchful, for I am about to strike!" Tang Long's visage abruptly turned stern, and an imposing, ferocious aura erupted from him, surging towards Lin Bai like an untamed beast.

It descended with an overwhelming might, seeming to engulf the very heavens and earth!

Faced with such an imposing display from Tang Long, ordinary warriors might have been struck with terror, their fighting spirit completely extinguished.

However, Lin Bai, at this juncture, maintained a facade of utter calmness.

Observing Tang Long's domineering punch, Lin Bai, astonishingly, made no move to evade!

"It's over; he's not dodging!" Ban Ye exclaimed, observing Lin Bai with a measure of bewilderment!

Uncle Fatty expressed his surprise. "Could it be that he hasn't even registered the attack yet?"

"Ban Ye, as I've told you, this individual is far too young. There's no way Protector Tang Long will approve his assessment!"

Ban Ye had certainly not foreseen such a turn of events. Yet, recalling the display of Lin Bai's prowess within the Earth Snake Forest, passing this assessment should have been a trivial matter!

So why was the situation unfolding like this?

Ban Ye found himself unable to comprehend it.

Rumbling—

Tang Long's punch carried an immense, overwhelming force, generating palpable shockwaves in the air as it hurtled towards Lin Bai.

Yet, Lin Bai remained rooted, showing no inclination to evade, a faint smile still gracing his lips.

But just as Tang Long's fist was about to make contact with Lin Bai's face, the smile on Lin Bai's countenance gradually tightened, and a glint of chilling, lethal intent flickered within his eyes.

Boom—

A resounding impact echoed through the air. Tang Long’s fist accurately targeted Lin Bai’s head.

Lin Bai remained unwavering in his stance before Tang Long, a steadfast sentinel.

Yet, Tang Long's outstretched fist halted its trajectory mere inches from Lin Bai's face, an abrupt cessation.

The blow was never delivered.

Tang Long retracted his hand, his voice even as he declared, "You have passed. Should you wish it, the Tang Family extends an offer for you to remain as a Senior Guest Official!"

"You shall enjoy all the privileges afforded to a Senior Guest Official!"

Tang Long affirmed, his words laced with conviction.

A smile graced Lin Bai's lips as he clasped his fists, replying, "Thank you, Dharma Protector Tang Long. I accept the position of Senior Guest Official within the Tang Family."

Tang Long offered a slight nod.

Overhearing the exchange between Lin Bai and Tang Long, Ban Ye and Uncle Fatty displayed obvious astonishment.

A shared glance passed between them, their expressions a mixture of bewilderment and awe.

"What is transpiring here?"

"They didn't even engage in combat, so how did Lin Bai manage to pass the trial?"

Ban Ye, Uncle Fatty, and even Tang De, who oversaw the Guest Quarters, were equally perplexed.

All three turned their gazes towards Tang Long, seeking an explanation that wasn't forthcoming.

Tang Long made no move to elaborate, his demeanor indicating no intention of further engagement.

Lin Bai then turned, preparing to exit the Martial Arts Arena.

At that precise moment, Tang Yang, seated at the arena's periphery, called out in surprise, "What is the meaning of this? Uncle Tang Long, you didn't even fight, and yet you declare he has passed the assessment!"

"Could there be some undisclosed connection between him and Uncle Tang Long?"

Tang Yang rose from his seat, his tone tinged with displeasure.

Tang Long directed a cold gaze at Tang Yang, stating curtly, "Tang Yang, the management of the Guest Quarters falls under my purview. This is not a matter that requires your concern!"

"I have declared that he passed the assessment, and so it is!"

Tang Long's declaration was resolute.

Tang Yang, clearly displeased, cast a look at Tang Long before contemptuously eyeing Lin Bai. "I believe this individual is far too young and lacks the qualifications to serve as a guest official for our Tang Family!"

"If he were to become a guest official and were to brazenly represent our Tang Family's name throughout Black Water City, would that not irrevocably damage our family's esteemed reputation!"

"Uncle Tang Long, this situation bears directly upon the Tang Family's reputation, and thus, I must earnestly intervene!"

Tang Yang, adopting an air of self-righteousness, struck the table forcefully, conveying an absolute determination to resolve the matter!

Tang Long's brow furrowed in annoyance, a sense of being utterly speechless washing over him.

Lin Bai, however, maintained his composure, a gentle smile playing on his lips as he inquired, "Dharma Protector Tang Long has already confirmed my passing of the assessment. I am curious, does this Young Master possess any further objections?"