Neither of them spoke.
One looked down from above; the other tilted his head up to meet his gaze.
The atmosphere in the Imperial Study was as cold as the depths of winter.
"Sit." Xu Jiawei spoke first, pointing to the chair beside him.
Xu Yanli didn't sit. He remained where he was, staring straight at him.
"Uncle." His voice was perfectly calm, without the slightest ripple. "It's been a long time."
Xu Jiawei's eyelid twitched.
Uncle.
"You're not afraid, I see." Xu Jiawei set down the memorial and leaned back in his chair, regarding him with a scrutinizing gaze. "You dare enter My palace alone."
"Who said I came alone?" Xu Yanli smiled and glanced over his shoulder at Long Xiaoyao. "Elder Long, wouldn't you agree?"
Long Xiaoyao didn't speak. He only raised his chin slightly.
An aura so terrifying it was almost beyond comprehension spread from him, instantly enveloping the entire Imperial Study.
The Star Luo Empire's hidden retainers keeping watch in the shadows all changed expressions. Some couldn't help but take half a step back.
Xu Jiawei's expression shifted too, but he quickly regained his composure and snorted. "A Limit Douluo. Quite the grand entrance."
"Can't be helped." Xu Yanli spread his hands, his tone as casual as if they were chatting about the weather. "I'm a timid person. I don't feel at ease going out without a bodyguard."
Xu Jiawei's mouth twitched.
Timid?
A thirteen-year-old Soul Saint who'd withstood a Super Douluo's attack at the Continental Advanced Soul Master Elite Tournament, removed his mask in front of a hundred thousand people, and ground Shrek's dignity into the dirt—that was what he called timid?
"You came to see Me. What exactly do you want to say?" Xu Jiawei asked bluntly, unwilling to beat around the bush.
The