Xianzhou Luofu, Palace of Astrum
Xing and his group returned to the spot, looking at Jing Yuan and Huaiyan not far away... and Yunli beside them.
"Earlier at Palace of Astrum, I introduced the guests of the Astral Express to Elder Yan."
"However, there were too many people and too much noise at that time, so we could only exchange pleasantries about trivial matters. Now, I will formally introduce the three of you to Elder Yan."
Jing Yuan reintroduced Qi Xing and the others to Huaiyan: "These three risked their lives to follow Jing Yuan through life-or-death situations, driving out the ringleader Phantylia and uncovering the conspiracy behind the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus teachings."
"If Elder Yan has any questions about the details, please feel free to ask."
"I have read all the reports submitted to the Alliance by Taibu Fu Xuan regarding the origins of Ambrosial Arbor's rebirth. She herself was summoned to the Yuque for questioning, and there are many doubts within the Alliance about this matter..."
Huaiyan stroked his long, snow-white beard and looked up at Jing Yuan:
"... But I trust you."
"Since joining the army, you have repeatedly performed extraordinary feats. After the ' High-Cloud Quintet ' went into seclusion, despite much criticism within the Alliance, the Marshal still overruled the objections and entrusted Luofu to you."
"Over the years, you have devoted yourself wholeheartedly to the Alliance. You thwarted the evil forces of Thalassa, lifted the siege of the Jade Abacus Xianzhou, and destroyed the demonic star summoned by the Denizens of Abundance... I still remember everything from those great battles."
"Some parasites doubt your loyalty and conjecture that you are muddle-headed and incompetent. They rejoice in Divine General's miscalculation because that's their nature; they have no achievements of their own and only crave to witness the failures of others as sustenance for their own survival."
"But I've witnessed too many failures, and I'm more inclined to believe that your loyalty has never wavered."
"So, the only one dispatched by the Alliance to investigate the cause and effect of the Ambrosial Arbor disaster is General Feixiao of Yaoqing?" Dan Heng asked.
"How could that be? Of course, I'm included too."
Hearing Huaiyan say this, March 7th couldn't help but sigh, "This old man's words are truly... unpredictable."
"The Marshal issued an order for me to proceed to the Xianzhou Luofu. However, the official document contained only a few words: 'Observe the Wardance and listen to Feixiao's questions.'"
"The Marshal's orders?" Xing was startled. "Should we leave?"
"You are all witnesses, so there's no need to worry. In my opinion, the Marshal is well aware of Jing Yuan's intention in convening the ceremony, and also understands the situation he faces. Her statement clearly indicates that she believes both aspects are equally important."
" Elder Yan's magnanimity is deeply appreciated by this junior. However, is it appropriate to announce the Marshal's order in public?"
"You introduced me to the train witness by yourself, wasn't it precisely to find out the intentions of both Feixiao and me, and whether there was any conflict between us?"
Huaiyan squinted and put his hands behind his back.
"I treat people with sincerity, so young people shouldn't hide their true selves."
Huaiyan explained his purpose to the crowd, "Regarding the Ambrosial Arbor anomaly, all I have done from beginning to end is listen. The one who truly wants to raise questions is General Feixiao."
"What I'm more concerned about is whether the Wardance can be held safely and as scheduled."
"Speaking of which, I brought a gift with me to Luofu this time for the Wardance."
As soon as he finished speaking, a box with a dull luster, made of a material that was neither wood nor metal, appeared in Huaiyan's hand. The surface of the box was inlaid with metal wires with exquisite craftsmanship, outlining a lotus pattern.
" The Wardance, including countless competitions and celebrations of all sizes, are most importantly the [ Championship Challenge ].
Huaiyan turned his gaze to Dan Heng, "The host should send highly skilled warriors to defend the arena and respond to challenges from all sides, in order to demonstrate the martial prowess of the Xianzhou."
"When I heard you mention that the Astral Express would be attending the ceremony, I assumed that the one defending the title this time would be Lord Luofu High Elder..."
Jing Yuan skillfully took over the conversation, defusing the awkward situation by saying, " Elder Yan is joking. The Dragon Lady of the Healer's Apothecary Her Hands is still young and knows nothing about martial arts. How can we let her defend the arena?"
"Sigh~ When it comes to joking, I'm still no match for you."
Watching Huaiyan and Jing Yuan being so polite to each other, Xing's lips twitched slightly. Is this the limit of the tension between generals?
"What's this box for? Why doesn't General Huaiyan open it?" March 7th's attention was completely drawn to the box.
"This is the sword case I prepared as a prize for the Wardance. It's currently empty, but in a few days, a precious sword will arrive and be stored inside."
"It is not that I am boasting, but this sword represents the pinnacle of craftsmanship from the Zhuming Xianzhou. It once wandered to a foreign land and accomplished many heroic feats. The extraordinary nature of its story is truly difficult to explain in a few words."
"However, the delegation that brought the sword has not yet arrived, so I will leave the sword case here for now."
"I've been pondering... what kind of person is truly worthy of this sword?"
Huaiyan's gaze swept over Yanqing and the others present. "After much thought, why not take advantage of this Championship Challenge and give it away as a prize!"
"The victor in this contest must be an extraordinary hero, a perfect match for this fine sword."
"Furthermore, I've heard that Yanqing possesses exceptional swordsmanship, and he represents Luofu in defending the arena. I believe this gift is truly most fitting."
"I thank Elder Yan Jing Yuan his kind offer."
Yunli suddenly walked up to Huaiyan, put her hands on her hips, and said, "Grandpa, if you want to give me a sword, just say so. Why beat around the bush like this?"
"Girl, you're quite confident, but I don't think you can necessarily beat Yanqing."
" Yanqing knows that Miss Yunli has a love for swords, but unfortunately, swords always choose the master who accompanies them."
Yanqing looked at Yunli; otherwise, this girl wouldn't have been able to steal his flying sword from the Central Starskiff Haven.
"Even if some people obtain a precious sword, it's inevitable that it will fall into the hands of others." Yunli curled her lips.
"The outcome of today's battle at the Alchemy Commission is still undecided. Since Miss Yunli is interested, why not represent the Zhuming Xianzhou and take to the stage for a duel?"
Yanqing crossed her arms in front of her and took the initiative to suggest it.
"That's exactly what I was thinking!" Yunli retorted, "The winner is still uncertain! It might be me, it might be someone else, it might still be me, but in any case... it might not be him!"
"Wow... Miss Yunli is quite assertive," commented March 7th, who was watching the show.
"Hey, I have an idea!"
Xing suddenly had a whimsical idea and whispered to March 7th and Dan Heng beside her:
"Why don't we let Ye Yan be the defending champion..."
"Stop! Stop!" March 7th quickly covered Xing's mouth. "If Teacher Ye Yan goes on stage... won't the others have a chance to play?"
"However, I really want to see who wins between Yunli Yanqing."
Great minds think alike.
Xing clasped her hands in a fist salute. Having heard that Yunli and Yanqing had both received guidance from Ye Yan, as the first ' Emanator ' under the Milk Tea Aeon, she was also eager to watch this martial arts competition.
What? You're asking how she got the title of "Number One Milk Tea Emanator "? Of course, she gave it to herself.