Hoover and Osmon, his defeated opponents, wore twisted expressions. The former's jaw muscles bulged fiercely, while the latter stared at Zhang Yuanqing as if he wanted to devour him alive.
Their family backgrounds, status, and rank had given them immense pride. They could not tolerate Yuanshi Tianzun's provocative act of rubbing salt into their wounds.
Xia Zuo likewise felt as though he had been slapped hard across the face.
The Demon Hunter fixed Zhang Yuanqing with a deep, unfathomable gaze.
The atmosphere around the conference table grew somewhat solemn.
Seeing that Yuanshi Tianzun had thrown Heaven's Punishment's guests off balance with a single remark, Secretary Li cleared his throat and looked toward Elder Miao, who sat at the head of the table with snakes for hair. "Now that everyone is here, Elder Miao, shall we begin?"
Elder Miao nodded slightly, swept his gaze over everyone at the table, and said, "Two matters. First, after deliberation by headquarters, it has been decided that all information concerning the Underworld King will be shared with Heaven's Punishment. Yuanshi Tianzun rendered merit in capturing the Underworld King and will be awarded one A-grade merit citation, a bonus of five million, one Saint-grade item, and promotion to captain of the Songhai Branch Patrol Team Three.
"Second, Yuanshi Tianzun and Heaven's Punishment's guests had a conflict in the Hundred Thousand Mountains. This was a misunderstanding. All unlawfully obtained items are to be returned immediately."
Elder Miao focused his gaze on the members of Heaven's Punishment and Yuanshi Tianzun, adopting an attitude that said, You may begin negotiating now. "Do either side have any objections?"
The Demon Hunter nodded. "We have no objections."
Zhang Yuanqing raised a hand. "I do."
Everyone had expected him to object, but Secretary Li and Secretary Zhou still frowned unconsciously.
This was