In Lingwu City, at the Meng Family Manor, Meng Zhao met Hua Zizai, who had rushed back day and night, travel-worn and dust-covered, in his study.
This man, who had once known how to care for himself and looked far younger than his actual age, had been plagued by fear and anxiety these past days, battered by wind and rain, and had truly aged considerably.
However, compared to the panicked helplessness he had shown when he left, Hua Zizai now radiated a resolve and confidence from the depths of his heart. He no longer felt such great fear or wariness toward Meng Zhao.
After all, he had perfectly fulfilled Meng Zhao's request and had also gained Hell Path's support. With neither side harboring ill will toward him, his position was as steady as Mount Tai.
"It seems you completed the task I gave you quite well. What did your Hell Path Master say about me?"
Meng Zhao sat in a square chair carved from white jade, leaning back loosely as he looked at Hua Zizai.
He was also holding a snow-white fox in his arms. Its fangs were sharp, its mouth vicious, and its pupils seemed steeped in blood. Ferocity spilled from it in waves; it was a powerful savage beast with terrifying qi and blood. Yet in Meng Zhao's embrace, it was as docile as a kitten.
Hua Zizai nodded and replied with great respect,
"The Sect Master has agreed to the peace talks with General Meng. He also engaged General Meng in an exchange and collision of Martial Dao Will. According to the Sect Master, each of you has your own strengths and weaknesses, and it is difficult to determine a victor. He also said that the future belonged to young people like General Meng. Thus, in Hua's