A Clash of Moves

Skipped a chapter; nothing is missing!

"Honored guests, you've arrived at a busy time for me. Please forgive any shortcomings in my hospitality!"

As everyone sat in silence, each occupied with their own thoughts, Jian Shang entered with Gao Hong, Jiang Yao, Jiang Sheng, and other Wuhuan commanders. He addressed the representatives of the three factions with considerable courtesy.

His words were polite, but his tone was stiff. The courtesy was plainly hollow. King Wuhuan was probably observing the rule that guests were guests, unwilling to give anyone grounds for complaint.

"Of course! We're the ones who came unannounced!" Lü Chen rose first and replied respectfully. His humility was entirely sincere.

That was the main reason the Zhang Chu Faction had sent him.

Seeing this, Ying Xin, Long Gui, and the others did not presume to remain seated. They rose and responded politely as well.

"At such a busy time, what urgent business brings you here?"

After the pleasantries, Jian Shang took the armchair at the head of the room and went straight to the point. His tone was plainly unfriendly; he was in no mood for small talk.

"..."

Ying Xin, Lü Chen, Long Gui, and the others exchanged glances. None spoke first, and silence fell again.

Three breaths passed. Ten. Twenty...

For a full twenty or thirty breaths, no one made a sound.

Jian Shang frowned and swept an displeased gaze over them. "I made time to come here despite everything on my plate. I don't have much of it. If there's nothing else, you'll have to excuse me!"

He looked ready to leave at once if they still refused to speak.

Everyone present had heard something of Jian Shang's temperament. Given the situation in Hidden Dragon City, they also knew King Wuhuan must be swamped, so