Listening to his subordinate's words, Wan Mingxuan frowned and said, "Is that necessary? We've always stayed out of worldly affairs. Entering the city so ostentatiously is too attention-grabbing, isn't it?"
"No! Your subordinate believes it's quite necessary."
The burly man quickly replied, "We are representing the Swift Wind Tower this time, and the world should know our might. My lord, you wouldn't want what happened a few days ago to happen again, would you?
Besides, having the Hidden Group come out to greet us will serve as a show of force, which will greatly benefit your objective for this trip..."
Hmm?
Hearing this, Wan Mingxuan's eyes darted around.
A few days ago in another city, someone had caused trouble for them. After they resolved the issue, the other party actually wanted to seek revenge.
Having no choice, they had to reveal their affiliation.
They thought that by announcing themselves as the Swift Wind Tower, they would intimidate the other party into submission, but the other party had never heard of them.
The thought of it still filled him with anger!
Had the Swift Wind Tower been in seclusion for too long, causing the world to forget its existence?
Thinking this, he felt it was time to remind the world.
Moreover, his subordinate's reasoning was not without merit. It would be difficult to make the Hidden Group hand over the Four Seals willingly.
If they could make the Hidden Group feel the pressure, break their arrogance, then the subsequent negotiations might proceed more smoothly.
With this in mind, Wan Mingxuan cast a look of approval at his subordinate and then said, "Shan Bao, I'll leave this matter to you. Go inform the Hidden Group first!"
"Yes, I guarantee the mission will be completed!"
Upon hearing this, the壮汉 immediately agreed.
He loved this kind of task the most. In the past, appearing as an envoy of the Swift Wind Tower would intimidate some factions, allowing him to gain considerable benefits.
This time, they were going to the Hidden Group, which managed the relics of Huaxia. Wouldn't the benefits be even greater?
In his eyes, the Hidden Group was simply a fat sheep waiting to be slaughtered!
With that said, Shan Bao quickly packed his belongings, mounted his horse, and galloped towards Dragon City.
...
Dragon City.
A new day dawned. With nothing else to do, Ye Cangtian decided to cultivate in his great hall.
Meanwhile, Dongfang Mingyue sat in her office chair as usual, gazing at the bright sunshine outside, feeling exceptionally good.
The day was exceptionally peaceful, with no documents requiring her perusal, which naturally made her feel cheerful.
*Ding! Ding! Ding!*
After an unknown amount of time, a knock sounded at the door. Fei Fei walked in step by step.
"Lord Mingyue, there's a burly man outside who specifically asked to see you."
...
*Creak!*
As the door opened, Ye Cangtian entered Dongfang Mingyue's office.
He had originally been cultivating in Qingfeng Hall, but upon learning that someone had come to see her, Dongfang Mingyue immediately suspected they might be from the Swift Wind Tower.
Therefore, Dongfang Mingyue asked Fei Fei to inform Ye Cangtian first, and then bring the person over.
"Sister Mingyue, you were looking for me?" Ye Cangtian asked.
Dongfang Mingyue nodded and said, "You might have predicted it. People from the Swift Wind Tower may have arrived, and they've come openly."
"Oh? You mean the person looking for you outside?"
Ye Cangtian looked at Dongfang Mingyue with confusion. Fei Fei had already told him about this on the way, but he hadn't thought about it in that direction.
Hearing Dongfang Mingyue say this now, he immediately understood.
"Yes."
Dongfang Mingyue nodded and said, "As everyone knows, I manage the Hidden Group, and I hold some status. Since the other party specifically asked to see me, they must have a powerful backing..."
"That makes sense. I'll accompany you to meet him here," Ye Cangtian said, nodding.
A short while later.
The door opened again, and Fei Fei walked in, followed by a burly man.
The man glanced at Dongfang Mingyue and Ye Cangtian in the room, his gaze lingering on Ye Cangtian for a moment.
Immediately after, a look of intense pride appeared on his face.
Although he was seeing Ye Cangtian in person for the first time, he was not unfamiliar with him. The man's portrait and various legends had long been spread throughout the relics.
Previously, he had only wanted to see Dongfang Mingyue, but now that even Ye Cangtian was here, it was incredibly prestigious for him.
After all, it wasn't something an ordinary person could achieve to be received personally by a Heavenly-tier expert.
With this thought, he strode up to the two of them.
He clasped his hands in greeting and then, raising his head, arrogantly introduced himself, "I am Shan Bao, a guard under Lord Mingxuan!"
Mingxuan?
Ye Cangtian and Dongfang Mingyue exchanged a glance. Judging by Shan Bao's demeanor, the other party likely had some renown, but honestly, neither of them had ever heard of him.
The next moment, Dongfang Mingyue frowned and said, "Shan Bao, right? Who is this Mingxuan you speak of?"
"How dare you! How can you address Lord Mingxuan so directly?"
Shan Bao immediately became agitated, but seeing Dongfang Mingyue's slightly somber expression, he quickly changed his tune. "I'll let it slide this time. Ignorance is forgivable. Allow me to introduce him first!"
"Lord Mingxuan is the fourth disciple of the Tower Master of the Swift Wind Tower. Have you heard of the Swift Wind Tower?"
"..."
Listening to the other party's introduction, Ye Cangtian and Dongfang Mingyue exchanged glances, as if to say, "As expected, they are indeed from the Swift Wind Tower."
Seeing their subtle exchange, Shan Bao's face once again showed a smug smile.
In his opinion, only when someone paid great attention or felt great apprehension would they communicate with each other through glances.
After a moment, Dongfang Mingyue turned to Shan Bao and slowly asked, "Shan Bao, why have you come to find me this time?"
"Cough! Cough!"
Shan Bao heard this and coughed lightly, looking at Dongfang Mingyue.
However, Dongfang Mingyue showed no reaction, which truly displeased him.
Since they knew he was from the Swift Wind Tower, shouldn't they have some initiative?
With no other choice, Shan Bao walked to a nearby chair, sat down, and then tapped the table lightly with his hand.
The implication was clear: if they wanted him to speak, they needed to serve him properly.
Seeing this, Dongfang Mingyue's aura suddenly became agitated.
Being in her position, she was naturally well aware of such subtle actions, which was why she was so infuriated.
She had never seen such an arrogant subordinate before!
If the other party wasn't from the Swift Wind Tower, she would have already taken action and thrown him out!
"Hey, hey, hey, does your Hidden Group have no manners at all? As guests, shouldn't you at least offer a cup of tea?"
Just then, seeing Dongfang Mingyue's prolonged inaction, Shan Bao could no longer contain himself and spoke up.
"You..."
This remark instantly ignited Dongfang Mingyue's anger. She shot up from her seat and, in the blink of an eye, was beside Shan Bao.
At the same time, she raised her arm.
After all, she was the administrator of the Hidden Group, and she couldn't tolerate such arrogance from someone who came before her!
*Hiss!*
As Dongfang Mingyue's hand was about to descend, Shan Bao gasped, finally realizing that he had crossed the line.
But it was too late now. The other party's speed was simply too fast for him to react.
However, to his surprise, Dongfang Mingyue's hand did not fall. Instead, another figure appeared beside her – Ye Cangtian.
In an instant, Ye Cangtian reached Dongfang Mingyue's side and grabbed her wrist.
"Sister Mingyue, Shan Bao is not wrong. As hosts, we should indeed offer a cup of tea..."
"Hmph!"
As Ye Cangtian's voice echoed, Dongfang Mingyue snorted, glared fiercely at Ye Cangtian, and then returned to her seat.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian gave Fei Fei a look.
Fei Fei immediately understood and quickly brewed a cup of tea, handing it to Shan Bao.
Shan Bao accepted the tea and muttered to himself.
Dongfang Mingyue seemed to be quick-tempered and difficult to deal with, but this Ye Cangtian was much more composed and not as arrogant as the legends suggested.
It seemed that the name of the Swift Wind Tower had indeed intimidated them, forcing them to keep their tails between their legs.
With this thought, a cunning smile spread across Shan Bao's face. "Dongfang Mingyue, don't be so hot-tempered. You should learn from Ye Cangtian in all things. Look how calm he is."