"What... what do you mean by that?"
The middle-aged man crossed his arms before his chest and said calmly, "Nothing else. I came this time on the Grand Elder's orders to take Miss Bai back to the mansion."
"It's true that I agreed to the Grand Elder, but what I said then was that I would go after my friends' matters had been settled. Aren't you afraid the Clan Leader will hold you accountable for acting like this now?" Taking a deep breath, Bai Zhuling argued her case.
"I only know that from the moment you agreed, you became the Grand Elder's woman. As for your friends, aren't they already in Dark Night City? Rest assured, I'll send people to escort them to the Clan Leader's Mansion."
The middle-aged man's expression did not change. His face remained indifferent, and his tone was even colder, leaving Bai Zhuling no room to maneuver.
"You..." Bai Zhuling glared, her eyes wide with fury.
Before she could finish, the middle-aged man shrugged, and several figures behind him closed in.
"Miss Bai, I'm only carrying out orders. Don't make things difficult for me!"
Biting her lip tightly, Bai Zhuling said with grief and indignation, "Fine, I'll go with you! But you must send someone to escort my friends to the Clan Leader's Mansion."
"Of course!" The middle-aged man nodded.
Bai Zhuling took a deep breath and quickly composed herself.
Then she turned back with a smile toward Ren Ze and Su Shi'er.
"Grandpa Ren, Senior Su, I have something to handle at the Grand Elder's Mansion, so I won't be able to accompany you for the rest of the journey."
"But don't worry. The Clan Leader will absolutely keep his word."
"They will lead you to the Clan Leader's Mansion. Once you arrive, the Clan