A Yales soon left for good. Her starship turned into a streak of silver light and vanished beyond the horizon, as though it had never appeared.
Lin Ming, meanwhile, was treated as an honored guest. Night Owl's body and the others were hauled away, and the bloodstains in the hall were swiftly cleaned up.
The attendants worked briskly, as though they were used to handling such things. Heads lowered, they said nothing as they replaced the bloodied floor tiles and repaired the shattered pillars. They moved as though they had rehearsed it countless times.
The hall looked brand-new, as if nothing had happened. A faint scent of sandalwood hung in the air, as though it were covering something up.
The mood in the hall was jubilant, as if there were some great occasion to celebrate. The powerful figures who had been watching the spectacle now wore broad smiles and raised their cups to one another, as though everything that had just happened were an illusion.
Lan Xinghai even planned a grand banquet for Lin Ming. He could see now that Lin Ming was no ordinary man.
Lin Ming was, after all, a talent of the Azure Empire. Lan Xinghai certainly couldn't afford to keep offending him. Knowing which way the wind blew was how he had held on to his position as Monarch. He personally took Lin Ming by the hand, led him to the seat of honor, and said warmly:
"Young friend Lin Ming, it's an honor to have you in the Azure Empire! Tonight, I insist on treating you properly!"
Lin Ming glanced at him without expression. He neither refused nor replied.
Lan Xinghai showed no embarrassment. His smile only widened as he immediately ordered, "Someone! Bring out the finest food and wine! Fetch the Ten-Thousand-Year Spirit Brew