128 Amuse

Upon hearing Caitlyn's words, Yuan Chen was taken aback at first, then scratched his head and said with a strange expression:

"Uh... you mean us?"

"..."

Sensing the difference in Yuan Chen's words, Caitlyn fell into a brief silence. But after a long silence, Caitlyn finally nodded.

"I'm sorry... but it's my duty."

With her hat brim pulled low, Caitlyn avoided eye contact with Yuan Chen. Perhaps it was because Caitlyn also knew that Yuan Chen's so-called serious crime had no basis whatsoever; it was simply a demand imposed out of thin air by those above.

Compared to Caitlyn, Vi remained silent from the very beginning.

As a resident of Undercity, Vi still has many fond memories of Piltover.

But now, it is clear that after confronting part of the dark side, this person, who had climbed up from the Undercity, is increasingly disgusted by the superficial glamour.

Yuan Chen didn't dwell on it. Although it was somewhat beyond his expectations, Piltover Enforcers were not strong enough to move Yuan Chen.

To be precise, in the entire Piltover and Zaun, aside from some mysteries existing only in the background stories, the only other person who could truly move Yuan Chen Heimerdinger...

Of course, if Piltover were to choose a desperate, all-or-nothing approach by detonating all the original Hex Crystal, then its destructive power would indeed be extraordinary... But for a city-state ruled by a family oligarch, do they really have the courage to go to such extremes?

Zaun is more like it, since Zaun goes barefoot, whereas in Piltover, everyone wears shoes or boots.

Just then, a cold, stern voice came from behind the law enforcement officer stationed in Piltover Enforcers.

"Let's leave this ridiculous little squabble here. Yixialian, let's have a proper talk."

As they spoke, the Piltover Enforcers police made way, and a woman clad in full armor and a scarlet cloak walked out from behind.

Her silver hair was meticulously styled, and her slightly harsh face seemed vaguely familiar to Yuan Chen. Just as Yuan Chen was trying to recall where he had seen this old woman before, Falis bluntly stated:

"To make sure you know, I can tell you. My name is Falis Norra, the Bloody Duchess of Noxus. The reason I'm here is to warn you— Piltover belongs to Noxus."

"Others may not know, but you'd better keep your hands to yourself."

"What audacity!"

Upon hearing Falis's words, Qiyana stepped out of the carriage, a look of disgust on her face. She showed no intention of communicating, but just as she was about to raise her hand, Yuan Chen pressed it down.

At first, he didn't remember, but after Falis introduced herself, Yuan Chen realized why she looked somewhat familiar.

Commander of the Grey Legion, a key member of the Crimson Circle, the right-hand man of the Crimson Reaper, the Crimson Duchess of Noxus...

As the Pope of the Crimson Circle, Vladimir the Crimson Reaper is a mage who was active during the era of the Dark Descendant warlords.

Having survived to this day through Blood Magic passed down directly from the Dark Descendant, his knowledge of secrets is in no way inferior to that of Ryze.

Ryze rose to fame in the later stages of the Rune Wars, while the Dark Descendant era predates both the Rune Wars and the Classical era.

Although Falis is not Vladimir True Form, as the Crimson Circle's official representative in Noxus, her abilities, strength, and tactics are all commendable.

Leaving aside Falis, Vladimir, who is behind her, is at least a level seven mage, and he possesses Blood Magic, which is outside of elemental and arcane magic.

A hasty antagonism would be detrimental to Ixialia's overall interests.

This is especially true for Qiyana.

Given the numerous controversies surrounding this visit to Ixialia, a successful exchange would naturally be beneficial.

However, if they rashly antagonize each other, even if scholars and knowledge from Piltover eventually enter Ixialia, the founding opponents can still use this as a point of attack.

And I... will eventually have to leave Ixialia.

Yuan Chen had a clear understanding of his own position... At least, Yuan Chen was very clear that he was not Yixialian.

Imagine, one after another Flying Dagger flying out of the scabbard at Yuan Chen's waist, arranged in a ring behind him like a blooming lotus flower.

With each breath, the lotus-like blade rose and fell in rhythm. Looking at Qiyana, whose eyes held a hint of confusion, Yuan Chen said:

"You Ixialia, and your words and actions represent the attitudes of both nations. Before Ixialia has officially decided to rejoin this world, it is not advisable to antagonize outsiders. Let me handle this..."

Unfortunately, before Yuan Chen could finish speaking, a somewhat dissatisfied voice came from the side.

"It may be somewhat presumptuous of me to interrupt you."

Upon hearing the clear voice, Yuan Chen subconsciously looked behind him. What came into view was Master Tina, the woman with gold-rimmed glasses, calmly stepping out of the carriage.

Looking at Yuan Chen, Tina helplessly patted non-existent dust off her shoulders. Bathed in the morning sun, her Silk Material Vydalian Robe reflected a magnificent glow.

"It is true that Ixialia cut off contact with the outside world as it had last year, but this does not mean that Ixialia is afraid to take responsibility, nor does it mean that the Yixialian will choose to cowardly escape in the face of challenges."

As Master Tina spoke, Master Odh, who stepped out of another car, sporting a fiery red beard and clearly defined muscles, giving the impression of a strongman rather than a scholar, stroked his beard and nodded in agreement:

"Yes, Master Tina is right. Although I know you, Master Yuan Chen, are a prophet... well, while I have my doubts, you do indeed possess some of the foresight and caution characteristic of a prophet."

Although Ixialia possessed the Prophet's Notebook, according to Yuan Chen's knowledge, very few people had actually read them.

Most people, like Master Odh, have only simply heard of him.

"It may sound strange, but Master Yuan Chen, you seem particularly afraid that Ixialia will make enemies with other nations during its founding process."

Master Odh scratched his head and said, "Well, you should know that any reform will face growing pains, especially when it impacts tradition."

"I've heard that you led the hunters of the Carnivore Beast Tribe to hunt dragons, always at the forefront, facing countless dangers... so you should understand even better."

"Our desire to change the status quo in Ixialia was not a sudden whim, but a well-thought-out decision made after realizing the potential for conflict, sacrifice, and death."

I second that.

A rather aloof Elemental Master stepped forward, his hands tucked into his wide sleeves, head held high, looking arrogantly at Falis and the others not far away, his eyes filled with disdain as he spoke:

"There's a saying in Buhru: 'Broken bones are the best textbooks'... This saying highlights the violent nature of outsiders, but undeniably, it's also the best way to deal with scum."

Hearing the Elemental Master's words, Yuan Chen also seemed somewhat helpless.

He knew this master, whose name was "Slink," and who came from the Ice Element School, a variant branch of the Water Element School. His personality was just as he saw it now, filled with the pride unique to the Yixialian.

Even when he first met Yuan Chen, he was pretty much the same as he is now, but after confirming Yuan Chen's understanding of Spirit Theory, he immediately became a different person... Well, his tone is still the same arrogant way, but his choice of words has become much more respectful.

At the same time, Yuan Chen didn't know whether he should be happy or angry... because, just as Tina said, he was protecting Ixialia.

Or perhaps some of the decisions I made out of fear of Ixialia and the outside world didn't take their feelings into account...

"Ha! No wonder you're worthy of being my future subject!"

Hearing the masters' words, Qiyana revealed a hint of pride, then looked at Yuan Chen and asked, "Well? My dear teacher, are you still going to stop me now?"

Seeing Qiyana's proud expression, as if she had won against him, Yuan Chen shook his head, somewhat amused and exasperated. Then, with a stern face, he grabbed Qiyana, picked up the bewildered Yuan Chen, and shoved him into the car.

What are you doing?

"A master is a master, but you are the crown prince; watch your words and actions!"

As he spoke, Yuan Chen turned his gaze to the masters beside him, a hint of emotion in his eyes, and said, "Just as you all have said, my judgment did indeed contain some problems that shouldn't have occurred... Well then, I'll leave this to you all, shall I?"

"Certainly."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's words, Tina smiled. She then spread her palms, and rounds of jade Ring Blade, each about the size of a palm, swept into the air, enveloped by a gentle breeze.

Just then, accompanied by heavy breathing, Jayce, who had rushed over from the back of the convoy and witnessed the scene, couldn't help but shout, "Wait! Stop!"

Jayce's voice attracted the attention of many people. Turning their heads, Jayce didn't say anything immediately. Instead, he steadied himself against the carriage to catch his breath, then looked up at Yuan Chen and the others with an incredulous expression and said:

"You actually want a group of defenseless scholars to fight a bunch of ferocious soldiers? Don't you have an army? Weren't these soldiers here to protect the scholars?"

This wasn't just Jayce's thought; the other Hextech craftsmen who arrived upon hearing the news nodded in agreement.

In their view, a scholar's wisdom is not directly related to the scholar's own strength.

Their arrival from the rear of the convoy was also aimed at mediating unnecessary disputes.

Upon hearing Jayce describe himself as "utterly powerless," the masters of Yuentar were all taken aback.

You made everyone laugh.

.