"If losing would cost us our honor, would dying give us any?" Ziya countered, leaving the female immortal speechless. The male immortal said, "Song Yi, the master's safety comes first!"
"I understand!" the female immortal said, suddenly enlightened.
Before long, I brought Jing Chen, Si Niang, and Zuo Qingxuan to the pavilion on the mountain outside the market. By then, my little nephew and Zheng Qingling had also returned victorious from the Border Fortress and were waiting to see how Zuo Qingxuan would arrange things.
"You four, go back first. Guard against the enemy making a comeback." Zuo Qingxuan immediately gave the order.
"Martial Uncle, may I stay?" Jing Chen wanted to remain and observe our negotiations, so he looked pleadingly at Zuo Qingxuan. Zuo Qingxuan was startled, but I nodded and said, "Then stay."
"Yes." Jing Chen was overjoyed. Zuo Qingxuan evidently realized that Jing Chen already knew my identity, and he could not help transmitting to me, "You should tell the younger generation as little about your affairs as possible."
"Jing Chen's a reliable child. It won't be a problem." I smiled, then took my seat in the pavilion.
Ziya had been rather dejected all the way here and sat down opposite me, still somewhat ill at ease. The two male and female immortals behind her looked as though they were protecting her, but it was obvious they lacked confidence.
"Miss Ziya, everyone here is trustworthy. Why don't we speak openly and honestly?" I said with a smile.
Ziya said, "There are hidden dragons and crouching tigers around Acting Sect Master Yun. Even if we didn't want to speak openly, I'm afraid we wouldn't have a choice, would we?"
"Heh, we still have to put on the victor's airs. Since we're speaking openly, Miss Ziya, please remove your