The hearing had ended in a daze, with a result no one had expected. Elder Tong had arranged for Xu Yi to rest in an elegant room whose four walls were made entirely of magic crystal.
The walls were made of magic crystal: those inside couldn't see out, but those outside could see in clearly. Clearly, Elder Tong couldn't even be bothered with appearances anymore. He might as well have told Xu Yi outright: I'm watching you.
Even Elder Tong couldn't help admiring Xu Yi's composure. As soon as the man entered the elegant room, surrounded by magic crystal on all four sides, he flopped down and went straight to sleep.
He slept for three days and three nights, as if he meant to make up for all the exhaustion of the first half of his life in those three days.
In the end, the guard assigned to watch him couldn't stand it anymore and summoned Elder Tong, who finally woke him.
"What is it, Elder Tong? I was dreaming. Nothing important, right? I need to get back to sleep," Xu Yi mumbled groggily.
Elder Tong gave a cold snort. "You've got nerves of steel, Xu Yi. You're a clever man. You should know that cooperating with the alliance is your only way out. I hope you don't choose the wrong path."
Xu Yi gaped at him. "What are you talking about? How could I choose the wrong path? Elder Tong, I know things have been a little unpleasant between us because of Young Master Tong, but my future is bright. In another twenty or thirty years at most, I'll surely have the title of Chief Refiner. There's no need for you and me to turn this little matter into a blood feud, is there?"
Elder Tong's eyelid twitched. He