Zhao Shijue furrowed his brows, feeling that something was amiss.
Su Chengyu, who seemed to have anticipated this matter long ago, smiled gently, then looked at Xu Nanzhi, who began to speak.
"Prince Jue, you'd better take a look. Even you might find it difficult to dismiss the people who have arrived."
Though Zhao Shijue was still extremely reluctant, with Su Chengyu taking the initiative to speak, Zhao Shijue had no reason not to personally take a look.
After all, he understood that these people weren't here for him but were undoubtedly here because of Su Chengyu.
"Chengyu, aren't those people being too hasty?"
Su Chengyu shook his head lightly, smiling without speaking.
Hasty? If this weren't the Prince Mansion, those people might have already attempted an assassination.
Nowadays, the great power behind Su Chengyu was beginning to take shape, and naturally, those who harbored grudges against him didn't want to wait idly any longer.
To wait was to die; only by taking the initiative could they have a chance of survival.
Xu Nanzhi, who had been sensing the outside situation, spoke up to remind Su Chengyu.
Currently, Su Chengyu could use his mana to enhance his five senses, but he could no longer explore far distances with his Divine Sense as he used to. Nevertheless, even with such limitations, Su Chengyu noticed the commotion outside only half a step behind.
From the scattered footsteps and sporadic greetings, Su Chengyu judged that the first group of visitors consisted of about seven or eight people. One particularly familiar sensation made Su Chengyu guess to which faction these visitors belonged.
"Su Saint Envoy, this group took the opportunity to visit my mansion upon hearing of your presence. They specifically requested to see you. You don't mind, do you?"
Zhao Shijue appeared at a turn, leading the group toward Su Chengyu, and called out loudly to him.
Although Su Chengyu had been the one to encourage Zhao Shijue to welcome them, he was still concerned that Su Chengyu might not want to meet them.
Su Chengyu smiled, and Xu Nanzhi said from the side.
"It's fine, Your Highness. Just bring them over. Chengyu would also like to meet these elders."
After Xu Nanzhi spoke, Su Chengyu stood up. Sweeping his gaze over the seven people before him, Su Chengyu quickly determined that they were from three different factions, and in the center, the elder leading the Su Clan into the residence. Su Chengyu cupped his hands and saluted as a junior.
After the salute, he looked to Xu Nanzhi, allowing him to speak on his behalf.
"Elder of the Su Clan, Chengyu is injured and unable to personally inquire. I hope you can understand."
"Understand, of course, I understand. Chengyu is now a Demon Slayer Bureau Emissary and might even become a Sect Master of one department. How could I, as an uncle, not be understanding?"
The words, cold and harsh, did not conceal the elder's displeasure with Su Chengyu.
Su Chengyu didn't mind, and simply turned his gaze toward the other two groups.
Zhao Shijue stepped forward and proactively said, "Tian Heng Saint Envoy, you all should already know each other. Aside from these three lofty figures from the Su Clan, the other four individuals hail from the Yu Clan and the Xiao Tribe respectively."
Su Chengyu nodded and then looked at Xu Nanzhi.
Xu Nanzhi understood tacitly and immediately spoke, "Gentlemen, though you hold no official positions, you are in the Capital City. When meeting a Demon Slayer Bureau Emissary, should you not bow?"
"Do you actually want me to bow to him?"
An elder with a long beard from the Yu Clan instantly widened his eyes, disbelief written all over his face.
Seeing the situation, Su Chengyu quickly stood up, pretending to restrain Xu Nanzhi as he smiled and shook his head, signaling for him not to mind.
Yet, Xu Nanzhi wore a stern expression, saying, "What is it? Is there something wrong with what I said? They hold no official rank and their strength is far inferior to yours. Should they not bow when meeting you?"
The elder with a long beard slammed the table in anger, incensed by Xu Nanzhi's words, already showing signs of wanting to make a move.
At this time, a tall, thin man from the Xiao Tribe pulled the elder aside with a smile.
"Actually, this young lady isn't wrong. With the status of the Su family and Xiao Tribe nowadays, if his strength surpasses ours, this courtesy is required. Just as Su Saint Envoy showed his salutations as a junior just now, am I right?"
Su Chengyu snorted coldly, showing disdain.
He knew very well that the current visit was a probe, a test of his depth.
For this reason, he deliberately provoked them, hoping to entice an inappropriate response from the other party. The previous formal greeting to the elder from the Su Clan was a setup; should the other party make a move, it would result in them being the ones out of line. In that case, Su Chengyu wouldn't even need to expend any vital force to drive them away entirely, possibly even extracting some reparation.
It was a pity, though, that the fellow from the Xiao Tribe proved even more seasoned than Su Chengyu had anticipated.
Su Chengyu smiled and sat down, observing the other party. Although his intent had been uncovered, he was glad to see them willing to humble themselves.
However, the next moment, the middle-aged man from the Xiao Tribe abruptly shifted the topic. Latest content published on novel-fire.ɴet
"However, Su Saint Envoy, the three of us are all in the Hollow Void Realm. After your severe injury, do you truly still possess the capability of the Hollow Void Realm?"
"What? Do you wish to test this?"
Xu Nanzhi, too, was clever, understanding that at this moment, retreat wasn't an option.
"No, not at all. It was merely a jest. I was merely concerned about Su Saint Envoy's injuries."
"Then you all need not worry. Although Chengyu is injured, with the assistance of the Dragon Taoist, he will recover fully after some time of recuperation."
This line from Xu Nanzhi was something she had discussed with Su Chengyu before leaving Qilong Court.
Su Chengyu knew well what these old foxes feared. They worried about the rising talents like Su Chengyu, and before him, only young talents like Long Xuan and Ye Qingci could make these supposedly noble Ancient Clan Members apprehensive.
"Is that so? I never imagined that Su Saint Envoy and the Dragon Taoist could turn from foes to friends."
Su Chengyu sneered, unwilling to engage with these people.
He understood that in many eyes, Su Chengyu, who once caused the death of the Patriarch of the Long Family and Long Xuan, would at best be completely estranged, even if Long Xuan actively vouched for him upon his return. The world was already rife with speculation regarding their relationship.
"Regarding Chengyu's relationship with the Dragon Taoist, there's no need for any undue concern. May you gentlemen speak plainly about the purpose of today's visit."
Probe they might, but there must be an excuse for their visit.
Su Chengyu knew clearly that these three groups were here with intentions.
The three exchanged glances among themselves, silently communicating. Clearly, none of them wished to be the first to speak.
Su Chengyu gave Xu Nanzhi a glance, prompting Xu Nanzhi to speak up immediately, "There's no need for modesty, gentlemen. Elder from the Yu Clan, you seemed most impatient before. Would you not care to speak first?"
"Speak? What's there to speak of? Should you not be already aware of my reason for coming today? Your father encroached upon our Yu Clan Cave Heaven, leading to its destruction with countless casualties. Today, you owe the Yu Clan an explanation!"