On the gate tower of Black Iron City, they watched the city lords of the Three Cities politely bid Gu Chenfeng farewell, all of them looking warm and familiar with one another.
Liu Youfang, the Three Kings, and the others were dumbfounded.
Only after the three city lords had flown far away did they finally gather around.
"My lord, those three... just left like that?" Liu Youfang asked in disbelief.
Gu Chenfeng withdrew his gaze as well and smiled faintly.
"What else? Were they supposed to unleash a massacre in Black Iron City?
"Strong or weak, Black Iron City is still one of the Feather Transformation Marquisate's main cities. As the lords of their own main cities, they too are officials of the court.
"If they dared to slaughter the people of a main city outright, then no matter how chaotic Xilin Commandery was, that commandery governor would probably have to behead them as a public warning.
"The fact that these three came in person today already showed that they weren't here to wreck the place."
At these words, understanding dawned on Liu Youfang, the Three Kings, and the others.
"Of course! You truly are wise, my lord."
After offering this bit of flattery, Liu Youfang added, "In that case, they must have come to probe Black Iron City's true strength-and yours, my lord."
Gu Chenfeng nodded slightly.
"Exactly. Not only did we destroy the Three Sects and reclaim our territory,
"we also took back everything they had swallowed, principal and interest included. That harmed the Three Cities' interests as well. How could they accept that willingly?
"Naturally, their best option was to sound us out.
"If we had neither backing nor strength, Black Iron City would face endless trouble next, perhaps even a disaster that drowned us all."
A