Before long, Zhou Xiang walked in.
Chen Qing could clearly see that Zhou Xiang's injuries had not fully healed. Even after taking top-grade Healing Pills, his complexion was still somewhat pale, and his aura was far less steady than at his peak.
Zhou Xiang clasped his hands and gave a solemn bow. "Senior Brother Chen."
Chen Qing rose and returned the gesture with clasped hands, his tone mild. "You are too courteous. Please, sit."
He turned slightly to indicate the bamboo chair beside them, then returned to the seat of honor himself.
A small tea table stood between them. They exchanged a few casual remarks, and the atmosphere gradually became somewhat more congenial.
Chen Qing poured two cups of tea. "Junior Brother Zhou, your injuries have not healed, yet you came in person. I presume you did not come merely to chat."
Zhou Xiang fell silent for a moment before slowly speaking. "Senior Brother Chen speaks frankly, so I shall be direct. In this Dragon Tiger Tournament, I, Zhou Xiang... lost with wholehearted conviction. Even after taking the Latent Dragon Pill and forcibly raising my cultivation to nearly eight temperings, I still could not break your spear formation or block that spear of yours."
His tone was sincere, without the slightest hint of reluctance or resentment.
Chen Qing shook his head. "I understand the matter of the Latent Dragon Pill. When one stands in that position, some choices are beyond one's control."
At those words, a complicated look flashed through Zhou Xiang's eyes. He gave a bitter smile. "Senior Brother Chen, hearing you say that makes me feel much better. To be honest, taking the Latent Dragon Pill was not my wish."
He paused, his voice lowering. "The Dragon Hall and Tiger Hall have fought for a hundred years, endlessly