As Tong Jinwang came down from the restaurant's second floor, he let out a huge sigh of relief inwardly. Seeing him descend, the proprietor hurried out from behind the counter and leaned close to whisper.
"Master Tong, it's him, isn't it?"
"Yes, it's him. Waive the bill for his table. Don't do anything unnecessary."
"Understood. I'll act as though I know nothing."
Tong Jinwang nodded, tucked both hands into his sleeves, and walked out of the Homecoming Inn as though nothing had happened. Once on the street, he instinctively looked up at the restaurant window. Pei Changtian was watching him from upstairs and gently raised his wine cup when their eyes met.
Tong Jinwang did nothing more. He turned and hurried away, his mind churning over the past, what had just happened, and what would happen next!
Under the present circumstances, if Southern Yan really was in turmoil and the imperial court here had already caught wind of it, opposing the court would be a road straight to death.
But could he really believe everything Pei Changtian had said? The Golden Jade Gate had a powerful backer.
Still, recalling the differences in the envoy's behavior this time, Tong Jinwang already found himself leaning strongly toward one side.
Before long, Tong Jinwang returned to one of the Golden Jade Gate's estates outside the city and went straight to its sect master, Jin Qirong, who was eating.
Jin Qirong was older than Tong Jinwang, yet his complexion was every bit as healthy. He was feasting on an entire table of dishes by himself. Seeing Tong Jinwang hurry inside, he said with a smile,
"Old Tong, perfect timing! Haven't eaten yet, have you? Sit down and join me!"
Tong Jinwang had already composed himself before entering the room. Now, he put on an