Inside the tent.
The Vermilion Bird and Li axe mystic patterns shone brightly. Song Shiqing's expression remained unchanged, but a hint of vermilion gradually emerged in his pupils, spreading like ink dropped into water.
"In that case, I won't spoil the mood. Red Cloud Commandery isn't administered by my branch of the bloodline, after all. Discussing these matters with you today has already overstepped my bounds somewhat."
The supernatural gleam in his eyes vanished in an instant. Then, with a warm smile, he looked over the two men below.
"Elder Yuan holds extremely high authority here, equal to my royal father's. He has yet to make a move and isn't someone you can easily meet. If you wish to see Yuejue swordsmanship, I'm afraid you'll have to wait ten days or so."
Song Shiqing's brows shifted, his leisurely voice carrying a steady composure.
"In the meantime, you may move about behind the army's lines. There's no need to take part in the fighting. Although Purple Mansion cultivators are watching from the Great Void, you should still be careful."
At these words, Xu Xuan's mind stirred, and he began to ponder.
Elder Yuan-isn't he the one who guards the pavilion for White Fox? To think he's come to the frontier. Song Shiyi's earlier trip into Deep Abyss must have been for this.
"I still have military affairs to attend to, so I won't keep you any longer."
Song Shiqing spoke in a low voice. Lü Guan and Xu Xuan naturally took the hint. After exchanging a few polite words, they left the tent and rode the wind away.
Just then, Mei Fengming entered. Watching the two depart, he seemed thoughtful, then looked up at Song Shiqing. The heir's expression had already changed, becoming as cold and rigid as cast iron.
"The