Counterattack

Du Tianshan nodded as well, though his brows remained slightly furrowed. Clearly, he was still worried about Huangfu Yuan's situation.

Li Xiao saw his concern but said nothing more.

In his view, Huangfu Yuan's powerful Fortune and Destiny surpassed even Shi Xin's. Minor setbacks were inevitable, but his life was unlikely to be truly endangered.

Besides, every talent at his side was extraordinary. Whether it was Du Tianshan or Qingyunzi, neither was an ordinary figure. With them beside him, Huangfu Yuan would not fall into desperate straits no matter what.

Li Xiao's gaze fell upon Du Tianshan as he studied him carefully.

Though the man's aura was somewhat weak, clearly drained by days of defending the city, he was still full of vigor, like a sharp blade hidden within its sheath—its edge restrained, yet no less keen.

The pressure emanating from him was several degrees heavier than it had been at the border city. Evidently, he was not far from the Round Marrow Realm.

Li Xiao nodded to himself. Du Tianshan had possessed outstanding talent to begin with, and following Huangfu Yuan through battles and campaigns had tempered him even further.

That night, the Commandery Governor hosted a banquet to welcome Li Xiao.

The feast was exceedingly simple. In a city that had been besieged for half a month, being able to produce this much was already no easy feat.

Li Xiao did not mind. He drank a few cups with Du Tianshan and the Commandery Governor, briefly discussed the city's defenses and the deployment of the Demon Race forces surrounding the city, then they went their separate ways.

Li Xiao returned to the courtyard arranged for him, shut the door, and sat down on the bed.

The surroundings grew quiet. Only the occasional low growl of Demonic Beasts from