The room’s furnishings were all old.

The entire room carried the stale, musty air characteristic of an old person’s home.

Zhao Shizhang sat on a wooden chair, quietly watching Zhao Chi.

He managed to force a slight smile.

"Ah, Zhao Chi. Your Instructor Li already told me about your exam performance at the academy. You did well today, surpassing many juniors from powerful families."

Zhao Chi said humbly, "I was just lucky."

Zhao Shizhang’s old eyes narrowed as he shook his head and chuckled.

"Haha, who can get first place on luck alone? Anyone who ranks first has real strength.

"Our clan hasn’t given you much. We originally hoped we could at least see you through to graduation in peace.

"But this is reality. Natural disasters and man-made calamities can strike at any moment.

"I don’t know what the Magical Beast quota will be this time, but it’s sure to be high.

"We elders will bear as much of the burden as we can, but if we really can’t hold on, we’ll have no choice but to have you younger ones share the load.

"When your Chief Instructor contacted me, she said that due to her Special circumstances, she couldn’t give you any substantial help. However, she hoped our clan would provide you with as many resources as possible.

"Frankly, she didn’t need to say a thing. The fact that you took first place in your grade is proof enough of your potential.

"As is tradition, the clan gives out a reward after the opening assessment. This is the list. Take your pick.

"Usually, you can only pick 1, but you can pick 2."

After speaking, Zhao Shizhang simply watched Zhao Chi with a smile.

Zhao Chi said respectfully, "Thank you, Clan Leader."

"Heh, go on, pick."

[Item List]

[1] Golden Cicada Shell Escape Talisman

[2] Blazing Flame Skill Study Book

[3] Thunder Shock Spell Study Book

[4] A pair of White Tiger Fangs

[5] Lingfeng Sword

[6] Wing Cloud Armor

[7] Pangu Axe Fragment

[8] Three Lives Stone

[9] Various others...

...

[37] Skeleton Race Bloodline

[38] Various others...

The list was crude and Simple.

But the items themselves were anything but Simple.

The first eight in particular were all very useful and well worth choosing.

’Looks like Zhao Shizhang really brought out some good stuff.’

Zhao Chi studied the list carefully, weighing his decision.

Golden Cicada Shell Escape Talisman

’When hit by a Deadly Attack, it lets you escape the territory and return to the Great World. A life-saving item. The Effect is excellent. But if it really gets to the point where I need to save my own life, the territory will probably be destroyed, and Gu Qing and Tang Ruan won’t survive either. This item is good, but it doesn’t increase my strength. I’m better off choosing something that does.’

Blazing Flame Skill Study Book

Thunder Shock Spell Study Book

’Both of these are Spiritual Technique study books, and they’re quite powerful.’

’They’re definitely worth getting. I’ll keep them as candidates for now.’

White Tiger Fang

’An excellent material for Weapon Enhancement. It can significantly increase a Weapon’s power. It wouldn’t be a bad idea to get it along with the Lingfeng Sword. But that would only increase the strength of one person, and I want to improve our overall strength. Besides, all Equipment has Durability. Once the Durability runs out, it’s useless unless you have the right materials for a Craftsman to repair it.’

In the end, Zhao Chi gave up on these, deciding not to choose the Wing Cloud Armor for now either.

Pangu Axe Fragment

’It can expand the territory. A very nice item. But the same logic applies—just expanding the territory doesn’t increase our strength. The territory can be expanded through other means. Even if it’s slower, I’m not afraid of going slow. Taking it steady and building our strength is the top priority.’

Three Lives Stone

’Can reset Talent.’

’Those three words are enough.’

’This one is a must-pick!’

Zhao Chi had always wanted to reset Gu Qing’s Talent.

Although Gu Qing’s current Talent, which added 1 point to Constitution, was very practical, Zhao Chi still wanted her to have greater utility, just like Tang Ruan.

’Picked!’

Looking further down the list, the items became relatively Ordinary.

Their functions were decent, but they couldn’t compare to the first eight.

However, Zhao Chi’s gaze locked onto the 37th item.

Skeleton Race Bloodline

’This is the only Racial Bloodline on the list. A shame it’s for Skeletons. The Skeleton Race is a default race, not considered very strong. It’s completely crushed in comparison to the Peach Blossom Human Race.

’However, a Racial Bloodline can be broken down into various Genes. It’s a matter of probability, of course, and Skeleton Genes aren’t as numerous as those of a Primordial Slime. It might be possible to break down the ’Fearless’ Gene. The Peach Blossom Human Race already has Fearless, so if I really get it, the compatibility might be very high, and it could be used as source data.

’But it would be even better if there were other new Genes. Right now, only 1 of the Peach Blossom Race’s Genes has been improved, and there are still 2 more that can be. No matter how small the bonus from the Improvement, everyone benefits.’

Zhao Chi gritted his teeth. ’I’ll pick this one too!’

Final selection:

[8] Three Lives Stone

[37] Skeleton Race Bloodline

Zhao Shizhang was a little surprised.

"Zhao Chi, why did you pick the Skeleton Race Bloodline? Do you want to break it down for Genes? What Race are you?"

Zhao Chi hesitated for a moment before answering.

"I’m of the Human Race."

’Zhao Shizhang is the Clan Leader; there’s no point in hiding my Race information from him. After all, I’ll inevitably have to fight alongside the clan in the future. It’s like how Military information needs to be kept secret, but you at least have to tell your allies what your Soldier Type is if you’re going to coordinate with them, otherwise cooperation is impossible. Besides, I only said I was of the Human Race. I didn’t say I was a Special kind of human. So it doesn’t matter.’

Zhao Shizhang shook his head. "Silly child, the compatibility between Genes broken down from a Skeleton and the Human Race is very low. Success is unlikely."

Zhao Chi nodded. "I understand."

"You understand? And you still want it?"

"...Yes, I want it."

Zhao Shizhang narrowed his eyes. "Fine, fine. I understand."

Zhao Shizhang nodded.

Although several possibilities crossed his mind, he didn’t press Zhao Chi for answers.

He just silently sent the items to Zhao Chi.

[You have obtained the following items]:

[Three Lives Stone] x1

[Skeleton Race Bloodline] x1

[Gold Coins] x20

’Why are there Gold Coins too?’

Zhao Chi looked up in surprise.

Zhao Shizhang smiled.

"You’ve had a hard life, losing your parents at such a young age. But we all know how hard you’ve worked.

"It’s just that the clan is in a difficult position. Most of our resources must be allocated for the Consumption of your uncles, since they are the backbone of the clan and must face a large number of Magical Beasts directly.

"Among the younger generation, we could only direct resources to your older brothers. The clan has never given you any resources, and I hope you can understand.

"But now you’ve proven yourself, and we will cultivate you from now on.

"Consider these 20 Gold Coins your first round of funding. I hope you’ll put them to good use."

Zhao Chi was a little moved.

"Thank you, Clan Leader."

"Haha, no need for thanks. The future of the clan may very well depend on you. If you become successful one day, I hope you’ll help out your less-capable brothers and sisters."

Zhao Chi nodded. "I will."

Zhao Shizhang sighed softly. "These are turbulent times. It’s hard for Ordinary people to survive... Enough of that. You should head back. I still have a meeting with your uncles to discuss our next steps..."

Zhao Chi could only nod. "Thank you, Clan Leader. I’ll take my leave then."

"Mm, keep up the good work, Chi."