In the academy's inner courtyard.
Xu Qingxiao and Cheng Lidong stood facing each other.
Neither spoke, and the air was rather quiet.
Xu Qingxiao was patient. He remained silent, waiting to see what Cheng Lidong wanted with him this time.
He had to admit that Cheng Lidong really did haunt him like a restless ghost. Just a few days ago, he had thought the fellow was out of the picture.
Yet not only was the man still alive, he had undergone a complete transformation and advanced to the Seventh Rank.
"Lord Xu, seeing you bask in such glory truly makes me envious."
At last, Cheng Lidong spoke, looking at Xu Qingxiao with a smile.
"There's no need for pleasantries. Lord Cheng, what exactly brings you to me?"
Xu Qingxiao was direct, asking why he had come.
"Nothing particularly major. Lord Xu, I came today to tell you two things, so you can take precautions."
Cheng Lidong spoke.
"Oh? Then please enlighten me, Lord Cheng."
Xu Qingxiao was somewhat curious.
"First, someone has begun investigating your practice of an Unorthodox Art. This has nothing to do with me, but I believe the Ministry of Punishment will receive the case files before long. It may prove troublesome for you, Lord Xu, but there's no need to panic."
"I'm the key witness in this matter. As long as I don't appear, I can guarantee you'll have a scare but come through unscathed. After all, the Ministry of Punishment will favor you to some degree. Even if some powerful figure really does try to make an issue of it, I believe you can turn danger into safety."
That was the first matter Cheng Lidong raised, warning Xu Qingxiao to be on his guard.
Yet Xu Qingxiao's expression did not change at all. Instead, he