"What is the meaning of this? Why are you blocking our way in broad daylight?"
His gaze swept over the insignias on their clothing. He already understood, yet deliberately asked anyway.
"Judging by your attire, you must be disciples of the Purple Cloud Divine Sect. May I ask how my servant and I have offended your sect?"
The squad captain at the front snorted coldly, his voice ringing like clashing steel.
"Enough nonsense! Southern Border has been unrestful lately. Every unfamiliar face must be thoroughly inspected! State your names and origins! If you utter a single lie, do not blame our spears for showing no mercy!"
Situ Qingfeng snapped his folding fan shut and lightly tapped its ribs against his palm, wearing a perfectly measured expression of pride.
"I am Situ Qingfeng, son of Situ Tian, the 'Cracking Wind Palm,' one of Southern Border's ten greatest experts! This man beside me is my personal servant, Situ Gu.
What, must I obtain your Purple Cloud Divine Sect's approval before returning to my ancestral home in Southern Border? Since when has the Purple Cloud Divine Sect become so overbearing that you dare stop and interrogate members of my Situ Family at will?"
Upon hearing the name Situ Tian, the armored warriors all changed expression.
Situ Tian was a renowned independent cultivator in Southern Border, ranked among its ten strongest experts. His strength and influence were far beyond what ordinary Divine Sect disciples like them could afford to provoke. The squad captain's stern expression vanished at once, and he hurriedly forced out an apologetic smile as he clasped his hands.
"So it is Young Master Situ! Please forgive our disrespect! We failed to recognize a great man and offended you. I hope Young Master will be magnanimous and not lower himself to our