At those words, the atmosphere, which had just begun to ease, stiffened once more.
Liu Yunche sat at the table, his expression unchanged. Zhan Lingyun sat upright beside him, watching the scene at leisure.
Nie Nanfu frowned slightly, and the sword intent around him faintly stirred.
In his view, a covert contest at the table was acceptable, but making Hai Wuya slip up and embarrass himself in public had already cost all the prodigies of the Azure Province Prefecture face.
Yuan Louchen silently set down his wine cup and fixed a burning gaze on Liu Yunche, privately weighing just how many trump cards this youth from Verdant Grain County had yet to reveal.
Surprise showed on Mu Jieying's face as she looked at Hai Wuya's blue brocade robe, soaked with wine. A faint, concealed smile still lingered in her eyes.
A flash of anger crossed Hai Wuya's lowered eyes, only to be forcibly suppressed.
By the time he raised his head, a slight smile had appeared on his face. Pretending nothing had happened, he said:
"Brother Liu, I've witnessed your strength. You have genuine ability to have been accepted as a disciple by High Cultivator Qinglü."
His words carried a hint of concession, easing the frozen atmosphere slightly.
Zhan Lingyun hurriedly spoke up:
"As the saying goes, no acquaintance without a fight. You two can now consider yourselves acquainted."
As he spoke, he lifted the jade wine vessel to refill their cups, attempting to dissolve the awkwardness.
Hai Wuya lightly wiped the wine stains from his robe with his fingertips. His movements were composed, but the resentment deep in his eyes had not faded. He said evenly:
"I was the one who acted presumptuously just now. I accept my defeat wholeheartedly."
"Still, Azure Province's prodigies gather in strength, with hidden