The Chairman

Lin Jianyi stood to one side and did not speak from beginning to end. He merely watched Xu Wuyi quietly, his gaze calm and profound.

After a moment, he said, "I'll be leaving first."

Xu Wuyi looked at him, bowed slightly, and thanked him once more.

Lin Jianyi waved a hand, turned, and walked toward the mouth of the alley. His steps were slow, but after only a few paces, he vanished from sight.

Zhao Cizhou also said his goodbyes. He patted Xu Wuyi on the shoulder, told him to "properly consolidate your realm," and then left as well.

Only Feng Zhuohua and Xu Wuyi remained at the entrance to the small courtyard.

Feng Zhuohua was in no hurry to leave. He leaned against the doorframe, took out a cigarette, lit it, and drew deeply.

Smoke slowly rose in the afternoon sunlight, making his face seem somewhat blurred within the haze.

Xu Wuyi watched him, waiting for him to speak.

Feng Zhuohua took a few puffs, then stubbed out the cigarette and casually flicked the butt into the nearby trash bin.

"You heard what those people said just now," he said. "Every additional Grandmaster in the Federation is a major event. Especially someone as young as you—it's a major event among major events."

Xu Wuyi nodded.

Feng Zhuohua continued, "Your identity was registered with the Military Department long ago. But being a prospective Grandmaster before and being a Grandmaster now are entirely different concepts. The news has already gotten out. It should have reached the Supreme Council by now."

He paused and looked at Xu Wuyi, his expression growing somewhat serious.

"I just received word that it has already alerted Old Lu. He wants to see you tonight."

Xu Wuyi froze for a moment. "Old Lu?"

Feng Zhuohua nodded. "Lu