Xu Yi was just about to attack when a metallic clanging sound came from the heavy black fog. "Xu Yi, is that right? Don't act rashly. Rash actions always lead to unpredictable consequences—terrible consequences. If they can't be undone, they become the greatest sorrow in the world. At best, they'll leave a knot in your heart; at worst, they'll destroy your Dao heart. So, don't make a reckless move."
Xu Yi stared at the heavy black fog, directing his full perception toward it. It pierced through with ease, yet seemed to strike nothing but air. He couldn't sense a thing. "If you have a purpose, say it plainly. Though you're hiding behind a veil, you must be someone of standing. Taking hostages doesn't seem to suit your status."
The heavy black fog said, "It's precisely because this matter doesn't suit my status that I have to hide behind a veil. Blame yourself for being so difficult to deal with. I had no other choice."
Huang Mei sent him a thought. "This one's not easy to handle. Unhurried, shameless to the bone—quite a troublesome opponent. You've finally met your match."
Xu Yi ignored Huang Mei's nonsense and stared at the fog. "You seem like a straightforward person, so let's not beat around the bush. What do you want? What are you after? Speak plainly. If it's something I can do, I'll do it. If I can't, there's no point asking. The Zhangs and I only met by chance. I took their payment to do them a favor. If you expect me to risk my neck and spill my blood for them, you've miscalculated. Of course, I, Xu, have always valued personal ties. The Zhang River Earl has treated me well, so if your demands are reasonable, I'll do my part for