Deep within the Heavy Peak Martial Hall.
Incense curled through an elegantly furnished VIP room, shielded from all prying eyes.
"Brother Bai, please. This is Mistsea Star Epiphyllum, delivered from Sea City by express airship just this morning. Once it has been off the branch for more than forty-eight hours, all its spiritual energy dissipates. Even in Senluo Province, it is a rare sight."
Wan Shan wore a perfectly measured smile as he personally poured the pale blue-green tea into the silver cup before Bai Hong. The tea was clear, with faint specks of starlight shimmering within, and its fragrance refreshed the heart and soul.
Bai Hong raised the cup and took a small sip. He closed his eyes to savor it for a moment, then slowly set it down and sighed, his voice carrying a somewhat affected helplessness.
"Brother Wan, we have been friends for years, so I will speak plainly. It isn't that I haven't done my best regarding this elite quota. But with things having reached this point, and Li Wei throwing that punch before everyone's eyes... sigh. Carly has made her position clear, and Su Mingquan just wants to smooth things over. Even if I wanted to mediate further, it would be beyond my power."
He paused, studying Wan Shan's expression, then added, "Still, Huo'er has achieved so much at only seventeen. His talent is beyond question. Even if he misses this opportunity, the next elite selection will be as good as in the bag. When that time comes, I will spare no effort in recommending him."
The smile on Wan Shan's face did not change in the slightest. As though he had not heard those excuses, he simply refilled Bai Hong's cup. His voice was mild, yet carried an unquestionable certainty.
"You make a fair