Yan Si Hou's expression was pitiful, filled with both hope and affection as she gazed deeply at him: "After so many years of separation between mother and son, must you say such words to me the moment we meet?"
Ji Bozhai took a step back, shaking off her hand with a flick of his sleeve: "Not everyone is as foolish as Ming Xian. To me, you are merely the Empress of another city. Kindly maintain your dignity."
The phrase "Empress of another city" darkened the face of Da Si on the throne: "What do you mean by that? Since you are of Sunspire's bloodline—"
"What was disregarded in the past need not be valued now." Ji Bozhai chuckled lightly. "Our visit today is solely to pay respects to Sunspire's Da Si and declare our participation in the August competition in Sunspire City. What does any other matter have to do with our Star Yearn delegation?"
The crowd gasped, rising to their feet in shock: "How can you, a man of Sunspire City, serve Star Yearn City?"
"Indeed, this is akin to betrayal."
"This is improper, utterly improper. Someone must persuade him otherwise."
Qin Shangwu, who had been holding his temper all this while, finally erupted in anger: "Though Sunspire is one of the Upper Three Cities, this bullying is beyond the pale! First, your envoys deliberately set fire to my disciple's residence, attempting murder. Then comes this so-called Empress, claiming my disciple is of Sunspire's bloodline. All this talk is merely because you covet his formidable Essence Power and wish to keep him in Sunspire!"
"Competing for Fighters is common among the Six Cities, and each has their methods. But I have never seen such shameless disregard for decency as displayed by Sunspire today. This will surely open the eyes of the other four cities when word spreads!"
"Headmaster Qin, please calm yourself. This is a Sunspire family matter," Da Si frowned, then couldn't help but turn to She Tianlin. "What's this about envoys committing murder?"
She Tianlin bowed slightly and spoke deliberately: "For reasons unknown, Lord Dan Er previously took His Highness Yong Wang to set fire to Ji Manor during their visit to Star Yearn City. At the time, this old official witnessed how close Lord Ji came to perishing in the flames. Though the true culprit was later identified, we never gave Star Yearn a proper explanation—only some compensatory tribute. It's understandable why Headmaster Qin remains resentful."
He spoke casually, as a mere observer, but Da Si was furious upon hearing this: "Such a thing happened?!"
Having abandoned him in the first place and then sending assassins from afar—even if it weren't Ji Bozhai, he himself wouldn't acknowledge such a mother city.
Glaring fiercely at Yong Wang and Dan Er nearby, Da Si coughed lightly and surveyed the chaotic hall before suddenly clutching his forehead.
"Minister Superior?" The attending Tianguan exclaimed urgently, "Quick, assist the Minister Superior back to rest!"
"But what about—" Meng Guifei gestured toward the unresolved matters concerning Si Hou and Ming An.
Tianguan waved his hand: "The Minister Superior's health takes precedence. Confine Si Hou temporarily to her chambers, remand Ming An to the celestial prison, and accommodate the Star Yearn delegation in the inner courtyard's Fragrance Pavilion."
Mingyi frowned: "By protocol, Star Yearn's people should lodge in the external guesthouses."
"Oh, let's not fuss over protocol at a time like this," Tianguan dismissed. "We're all family now."
With that, he practically fled while supporting the Minister Superior, giving Qin Shangwu no chance to protest.
Qin Shangwu was livid but powerless—already deep within the enemy's inner courtyard, forcing their way out was hardly an option.
As guards restrained Ming An, he glanced at Mingyi and smiled: "You really should learn from him, child. Then you wouldn't have so many troubles."Mingyi was too sentimental, bound by ties of blood and old affections, which left her constrained and unable to move forward. In contrast, Ji Bozhai was cold-blooded and ruthless, caring for no one, which ironically allowed him to achieve great things.
Frowning, she glanced at the guards escorting him and flexed her fingers slightly.
"After all these years, I deserve my punishment," Ming An discerned her thoughts and shook his head. "Apart from sparing you twice, I've shown you no other kindness. Don't dwell on me too much."
Mingyi was taken aback, suddenly realizing the truth.
All these years, Ming An had never spoken more than necessary to her. Was he waiting for this very day to sever their ties and free her from attachment?
But everyone wants to live—why didn't he?
"Move!" A guard shoved him, and without another glance at her, Ming An followed them out of the hall.
As the farce drew to a close, the crowd dispersed. Yet from this day onward, Ji Bozhai's identity would likely spread through Sunspire City and even across the entire Azure Cloud Realm with the departing crowd.
Qin Shangwu was deeply troubled. Entering Fanghua Lodge, he sighed seventy-nine times along the way.
Luo Jiaoyang was also somewhat melancholic. He tugged at Mingyi's sleeve. "Are you and Ji Bozhai both returning to Sunspire City?"
Mingyi raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
"His parents are here, after all. Blood ties outweigh everything. Compared to winning countless matches to become the heir in Star Yearn City, coming to Sunspire would make him the heir outright. Even a fool would know which to choose."
Mingyi looked up and met Ji Bozhai's gaze. For some reason, in that single glance, she understood exactly what he was thinking.
With a light laugh, she replied to Luo Jiaoyang, "What fools choose holds no appeal. Rather than being used, both he and I now have plenty of paths to take."
Hearing this, Qin Shangwu immediately turned around—so abruptly he nearly twisted his neck. Groaning, he clutched his nape and stared at them urgently. "You two... aren't joining Sunspire City?"
"I can't speak for him, but there's no reason for me to stay here anymore," Mingyi said, lowering her eyes.
Ji Bozhai snorted. "Sunspire City is already powerful. What's the point of winning here? People would just say I relied on past achievements. Star Yearn is weak and poor—now, winning there would truly be interesting."
Qin Shangwu exhaled in immense relief but then frowned. "Brat, who are you calling weak and poor? We in Star Yearn are frugal and diligent in governing!"
"Oh."
Turning to Mingyi, Qin Shangwu regarded her with both respect and pity. "I thought Ming Xian lived a glorious life, but it turns out you've had it hard too. Don't worry—as long as you're willing to stay in Star Yearn City, I'll make sure Da Si grants you the most generous stipend."
Chu He poked his head over. "I'd like a bigger stipend too."
Qin Shangwu flicked his forehead and glared. "Then pay for your own Divine Tool repairs from now on?"
Repairing Divine Tools cost far more than a stipend. Chu He silently withdrew his head.
Mingyi smiled and pointed ahead to Fanghua Lodge. "It's quiet here, and the courtyard has plenty of high-grade Crystals for cultivation. Go take a look."
At the mention of high-grade Crystals, Luo Jiaoyang and the others immediately dashed inside. Qin Shangwu tried to maintain some dignity, but curiosity got the better of him, and he quickened his pace, soon joining them in the backyard.Mingyi stopped at the doorway, lowering her gaze to the azure hem of the person's robe beside her. After a long silence, she spoke with difficulty, "I'm sorry."
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