The next morning,
Commander Fax, Elder Lee, and a group of people stood waiting at the entrance of the town. Commander Fax awaited the city lord, while Elder Lee anticipated the arrival of the Patriarch of the Song family. The students of the Blue Wind Sect were also present, alongside a crowd of people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the three leaders.
All three leaders represented the top forces in the region and were at the peak of the Building Base Realm. The atmosphere was filled with a sense of quiet anticipation as Waydale City rarely had the opportunity to witness such powerful beings firsthand.
After some time, people in the distance came into view, marching in an orderly manner. There were three distinct groups: the City Lord's group at the center, flanked by the Song Clan and the Blue Wind Sect on each side.
The City Lord was accompanied by 2000 soldiers, while the Song Clan and the Blue Wind Sect each brought 1500 members. In total, there were 5000 people gathered.
"Welcome, My Lord."
"Welcome, Patriarch."
"Welcome, Sect Master."
The three leaders acknowledged the greetings with nods.
"Patriarch Song Ho, Lin Xu, let's rest before proceeding to the tower... Is that okay?" Xenos asked the two leaders.
"Sure, City Lord. My men could use some rest after all that walking," Patriarch Song Ho replied, while Sect Master Lin Xu simply nodded, still saddened by the loss of Elder Gong.
At that moment, the three leaders began walking toward a large tent, while their respective groups started to recuperate.
As they made their way to the tent, Elder San whispered to Xenos, "My Lord, who is that person next to Lin Xu?"
Xenos looked at the unfamiliar individual beside Lin Xu, his brow furrowing. "I don't know either... It's the first time I've seen this person."
"Xenos, is there a problem?" Lin Xu asked, growing annoyed as he noticed Xenos staring at him with furrowed brows.
"Haha, I was just wondering who that friend is standing beside you. It's my first time seeing them..." Xenos said, a mischievous smile forming on his face.
"I suppose they are a new elder? Lin Xu, I must commend your ability to find a replacement for Elder Gong so quickly," Xenos added, rubbing salt in Lin Xu's wound.
As Lin Xu was about to explode in anger, Elder Tan Zong stepped forward. "Greetings, Lord Xenos. I'm not a new elder; I joined the Blue Wind Sect five years ago."
"Five years? But why have I only seen you now?" Xenos asked, his suspicion lingering.
Patriarch Song also looked curiously at Elder Tan Zong, as it was his first time encountering him as well.
"Xenos, why do you concern yourself with my sect's affairs? Are you planning something? Don't think that being part of the royal family will protect you from me," Lin Xu retorted, fuming with anger and seemingly emitting smoke from his head.
Upon hearing this, Xenos's expression changed. "Lin Xu, do you want to die?! Haven't I told you not to mention the royal family in front of me?!"
Xenos's voice turned cold, and he could have easily ordered Elder San to attack. As a first-stage Opening Qi powerhouse, Elder San had a hundred percent chance of killing a peak Body Tempering cultivator. However, Xenos preferred to keep Elder San's true strength hidden for as long as possible, as these people were unaware of it.
"Haha! Xenos! Why are you so confident? Let's see how you plan to kill me!" Lin Xu taunted, provoking Xen
os further.
Witnessing the escalating tension, the onlookers felt the heaviness in the air and quickly scattered. They wanted no part in a fight between two peak Body Tempering cultivators.
Before the situation could escalate further, Patriarch Song intervened. "Lord Xenos! Sect Master Lin! Aren't we here to cooperate? How can we cooperate if the two of you are like this?"
Upon hearing Patriarch Song's words, Xenos immediately calmed down. "My apologies, Patriarch Song. I made a fool of myself in front of you, and it won't happen again."
Xenos offered his apology, but Lin Xu remained silent.
Xenos and Lin Xu had a strained relationship, and Lin Xu did not hold Xenos in high regard as the City Lord. With the City Lord Mansion and his sect possessing equal power, Lin Xu cared little about any conflicts that arose with the City Lord Mansion.
As for the Song Clan, they remained neutral in the situation. However, unbeknownst to the other two leaders, Patriarch Song Ho had been waiting for this moment, hoping for Xenos and Lin Xu to clash and exhaust themselves, enabling him to seize an advantage.
Of course, this was merely wishful thinking. Deep down, Patriarch Song knew that these two were not so foolish.
"It's fine, Lord Xenos. Let's put aside our enmity and cooperate for now," Patriarch Song suggested.
"I agree," Xenos said, while Lin Xu still kept silent.
After the incident, they continued walking toward the tent.
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Hello to all the readers. I would like to inquire if the pacing of the story feels slow. I am interested in hearing your thoughts.