"What did you say?" Yanqing and Hanxing questioned in unison. March 7th was also a little surprised by Yunli's words and took a step forward to say something, but was stopped by Firefly and Dan Heng.
"Clearly, you're too weak to catch a monster, and you asked this kid for help but still failed, yet you're here standing up for him?" Yunli's words were sharp, her voice pausing as she looked at Yanqing: "And you, if you could openly and honorably take your sword back from me, Yunli would be completely convinced. But you didn't. You actually tried to downplay the matter, casually making me return my sword in front of everyone..."
"Forgive my bluntness, but neither you nor he have any respect for the sword that helps us fight enemies and protect ourselves. You are unworthy of this sword." Yunli's words completely ignited the powder keg in Hanxing's heart. "Miss, didn't anyone tell you that 'taking without permission is theft'? If..." Hanxing thought carefully for a moment, but in the end, she swallowed the words she was about to say. It wouldn't be good for anyone present to say these things in this situation.
"Yes, that's more like it. You'd better be careful, I'm not as easy to deal with as Borisin." After hearing Yunli's words, Hanxing suddenly laughed, but it didn't last long. "You shut up too, quickly apologize to Brother Yanqing and Mr. Hanxing!" Huaiyan's voice was a little urgent.
"Grandpa, whose side are you on anyway?" Yunli's question left Hanxing dumbfounded. He thought to himself, "Sigh, looks like he's lacking discipline. Empty-nest elderly are all like this..." "Grandpa... uh, Grandpa isn't on either side!"
"Forget it, it's a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding," Hanxing finally suppressed his anger and bowed to Huaiyan. "I've heard that the Zhuming Xianzhou's swordsmanship and craftsmanship are so highly regarded that the ' Flamewheel Octet ' are renowned. Today, seeing Miss Yunli, who is among them... she truly has a fiery temperament and spirit." Jing Yuan flattered her from the side, trying to smooth things over.
"... What kind of good reputation is this? There are always busybodies who love to fabricate empty titles and create up trouble for Cloud Knights. Yunli is just a child, shy and timid, and I hope you will forgive her for her lack of ability." Huaiyan replied somewhat embarrassedly.
"Gentlemen, Old Yan and I still have some matters to discuss. For now, let Yanqing escort the guests and Miss Yunli to the inn. I will choose another time later to have a long talk with you all and properly express my gratitude to the Astral Express for saving Luofu from dire straits." Jing Yuan aptly invited everyone to leave. The situation was now out of control, and the three of them needed an outlet for their emotions. Jing Yuan generously gave them that opportunity.
"You're too kind, you've thanked me so many times," said March 7th with a smile. "It's my fault for coming at such an inopportune time, please forgive me, three guests," Huaiyan said apologetically. "General Huaiyan, you flatter me," Dan Heng also said politely from the side.
Huaiyan smiled, then turned to Yunli: "Girl, go ahead, take this opportunity to clear up the misunderstanding with Yanqing and Mr. Hanxing." "Yes, yes, it's better to resolve conflicts than to let them fester." Yunli's voice was somewhat languid. "However, I don't plan to go to the inn yet... I want to see Sister Lingsha. She just arrived in Luofu and needs someone to help her settle in."
" General Jing Yuan, allow me to say one more thing." Hanxing pondered for a moment, finally deciding to reveal the truth. " The Starskiff Haven was just attacked by the Borisin. These Borisin must have ulterior motives; there's already a traitor within the Cloud Knights. However, due to my lack of understanding of the Xianzhou's situation, I haven't yet figured out their purpose. I request that you strengthen defenses recently, and it would be best to purge the Cloud Knights." Jing Yuan frowned upon hearing this. "Alright, I understand. Mr. Hanxing, please return." Hanxing bowed. "Farewell."
" Yanqing, after you've settled the guests, go to the Artisanship Commission again for me." Jing Yuan called Yanqing back again, "I heard about the attack on the company's ships. Qingzu brought news that the company's people are protesting and want to retrieve the cargo on board. Go and appease them on my behalf. Don't be too forceful; just express that the Xianzhou Alliance has no intention of infringing on their rights."
" Yanqing obeys." Yanqing replied, and the group dispersed into small groups, exchanging whispers.
"That Miss Yunli seems a bit too... arrogant," Firefly couldn't help but complain to Hanxing. "But I still advise you to calm down. After all, this is still the Xianzhou's territory. We'd better not cause trouble."
"Yes, I know my limits." Hanxing nodded slightly, an adult wouldn't stoop to the level of a child's wild words: "But I still think she's a bit too arrogant, and putting her down a bit won't do her any harm." "I don't mean to stop you, but be careful not to overdo it," Firefly said helplessly at the end.
" Dan Heng, I thought every general on the Xianzhou was like Jing Yuan," March 7th said with some curiosity. "But this General Huaiyan is so... uh, so thin and small, looking like he could fall over in the wind. Is this skinny old man really the Arbiter-Generals of the Reignbow Arbiter?"
"Each Xianzhou has its own duties and strengths within the Xianzhou Alliance. Not all the generals of the Reignbow Arbiter are skilled in charging into battle. You just heard Jing Yuan's introduction; Mr. Huaiyan was once the foremost craftsman of the Zhuming." "He seems to be keeping a low profile." Qiong chimed in from the side.
"Qiong, don't you find it strange? Do Xianzhou native age? I rarely see elderly people on the Xianzhou, and even when I do, they're usually foreigners." March 7th said with some curiosity, "But... this General Huaiyan looks like an ordinary old man. Is he really a general of the Xianzhou?"
"Good question. He's right here. Why don't you ask him yourself?" Dan Heng teased. "No, I want to live a little longer," March 7th said listlessly. "Let's go. The general asked Yanqing to entertain us, so he obviously has important matters to discuss. Let's not waste time here," Hanxing interjected, and everyone's eyes turned to Yanqing.
"This is the case file that Sister Qingzu just sent me. Let me take a look..." Yanqing looked at the scroll in her hand and remained silent for a long time. "The General has really given me a big problem. I need to persuade the company."
"Is this a test from the general?" Firefly asked curiously. "It's not really a 'test.' Besides tactics and martial arts, Cloud Knights officers occasionally have to resolve some diplomatic disputes. However, communicating with words is ultimately not as simple as communicating with weapons on the battlefield. Especially when dealing with people from the company, they always have a lot of rhetoric, which is the most troublesome." Yanqing couldn't help but rub his head.