After Xu Yi finished speaking, silence fell over the room. Chu Qiushan was deep in thought, and Xu Yi did not disturb him.
After a long while, Chu Qiushan said, "You win. Before long, you'll receive notice to take part in the assessment."
Even now, he still couldn't figure out Xu Yi's identity. But there was no doubt that Xu Yi was right about one thing: he needed Xu Yi to take part in the assessment to lend his own standing some luster.
At the same time, Xu Yi was far more useful than Young Master Yinshan.
As for everything else, he didn't want to look into it. Since their interests didn't conflict, he believed this troublesome fellow wouldn't turn on him.
Besides, if he, Chu Qiushan, swallowed his pride and wanted to befriend someone, there wasn't anyone he couldn't make a friend of.
"How about we move to another room and have a drink? I have some fine Jade Pot Autumn Snow here."
Chu Qiushan extended the invitation both to show goodwill and to get to know Xu Yi better through their time together.
Xu Yi clasped his fists. "I'd be glad to. As it happens, I also have a fine vintage here. I hope you'll give it your approval, Brother Chu."
Chu Qiushan laughed heartily and headed for the door.
Just as Chu Qiushan was about to lead Xu Yi to another private room, shouting rang out from nearby.
Xu Yi shrugged. "Looks like a little trouble has cropped up. We'll have to save that drink for later."
As he spoke, Xu Yi sprang into the air and flashed outside in an instant. The pavilion not far away was already surrounded by heavily armed troops. The Scarlet Robe Middle-aged Man and Silver-haired Elder, their faces bruised and swollen,