Shadow celebrated Children's Day on June 1st. By the time he got home, it was already very late; he was utterly exhausted in body and mind. He fell asleep in his chair while writing and only updated at two in the morning!
He had mentioned it in the comments section, but many people might not have noticed, so he was saying it again here. Sorry!
Dragon Soul's expression darkened, and he answered with obvious displeasure, "One thing is one thing, another is another. They are completely different matters—how can they be lumped together?"
"So you mean... their promise wasn't a political commitment?" Jian Shang asked as though suddenly enlightened.
"..."
Dragon Soul was utterly speechless, his expression rather ugly. Was the Huan King truly the leader of a faction, or some street thug? How could he be so good at twisting logic and making trouble out of nothing?!
A leopard could never change its spots!
The Huan King had ultimately risen from the streets. He could never shake off that street-born air and temperament.
"Enough! I'm in a good mood today, so I've chatted with you a little longer. Whether you take it in or pretend you never heard it is up to you!"
Before anyone else could speak, Jian Shang's ever-changing expression suddenly turned solemn and stern. Everyone was startled, their expressions wonderfully varied.
Then Jian Shang swept his gaze over everyone present and said:
"I know why you came, your hardships, your helplessness, and the rest. There is no need to play tricks before me. Once I've made up my mind, not even the strength of dragons and elephants can pull me back!"
After a pause, Jian Shang continued on his own:
"First, you foreign envoy groups fear that the Huaxia Region—especially the Huan Kingdom—will grow too powerful