"Situ Hong!"
Towering waves surged through Chen Ming's heart, but his expression remained unchanged. Only his gaze sharpened slightly, his right hand still resting warily on the sword hilt at his waist. He had never imagined that the mysterious "old acquaintance" would turn out to be Tianxing City's second-in-command-Situ Hong!
Seeing that Chen Ming recognized him, Situ Hong showed no surprise. He smiled faintly and cupped his hands. "You have a keen eye indeed, Island Master Chen, to recognize me. Yes, it is I."
Chen Ming did not lower his guard. "Why have you invited me here, Mr. Situ?" he asked gravely.
Situ Hong did not answer immediately. He first surveyed their surroundings, making sure no one else was nearby before slowly speaking. "There is no need to be nervous, Island Master Chen. I mean you no harm. I invited you here only to discuss a deal."
"A deal?" Chen Ming raised his eyebrows slightly. "There hardly seems to be anything for Divine Wind Island and Tianxing City to negotiate, does there? You should understand the grievances between us better than I do, Mr. Situ."
Situ Hong sighed, a trace of helplessness crossing his face. "You are right, Island Master Chen. There have indeed been some unpleasant incidents between Tianxing City and Divine Wind Island. But those were the actions of subordinates acting on their own, not my elder brother's wishes. To be frank, my elder brother has devoted himself to cultivation in recent years, leaving most of the city's affairs to several elders. That is what led to these misunderstandings with your island. I have come precisely to resolve this feud."
Chen Ming sneered inwardly, but let nothing show. "Oh? How do you intend to resolve it, Mr. Situ?"
Situ Hong's expression turned solemn. "Simple-our two sides join forces