At the peak of Xishan,
The clouds rolled and the pines roared.
On an open space, two rows of desks and seats were set up facing each other.
Governor Xiang Tianqiu and the patriarchs of the Zhao, Bai, and Yu, the top three prestigious families, had all arrived and were chatting and laughing.
These influential figures, who could shake the entire Gunzhou City with a stomp of their feet, appeared calm and composed.
Yu Baiting keenly noticed that beside Xiang Tianqiu, there were two unfamiliar faces.
One was an old man with white hair and a plain appearance, dressed in a robe of wind and fire, exuding an air of tranquility.
The other was a middle-aged man, handsome with a fan in hand, meticulously dressed, displaying an elegant and dignified demeanor.
Xiang Tianqiu did not introduce the identities of these two individuals, but Yu Baiting had already judged that their backgrounds were definitely extraordinary.
It was even highly likely that they were the hidden cards that Xiang Tianqiu had kept secret for a long time!
"No, Xiang Tianqiu, this old fox, definitely has more cards up his sleeve."
Yu Baiting thought to himself.
While he was pondering, a loud drumbeat suddenly resounded from the foot of the mountain, followed by a loud shout:
"His Royal Highness, the Sixth Prince, has arrived!"
The sound echoed through the sky.
Upon hearing this, Xiang Tianqiu looked around and smiled, "Everyone, we'll have the opportunity to witness the surprises brought by the Sixth Prince shortly."
Everyone couldn't help but laugh, displaying a calm and leisurely demeanor.
Xiang Tianqiu looked towards a man in golden robes beside him and said with a smile, "Master Zhang, after this tea gathering, you will become the new Governor of Gunzhou. You must properly treat us to a feast."
The man in golden robes had a majestic figure, his beard and hair as dark as ink. He was none other than Zhang Lingyu, the prefect of Huaian County.
Upon hearing this, he quickly clasped his fists and said, "I am honored by Master Xiang's kind words. I instructed my subordinates yesterday to prepare a banquet at the Skyscraper. We are just waiting for everyone to grace us with their presence!"
Soon, footsteps could be heard on the nearby mountain path.
Xiang Tianqiu and the others stopped their conversation and turned their gaze towards the sound.
They saw the Sixth Prince, Zhou Zhili, leading a group of people walking along the mountain path.
"Your Royal Highness, we have been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please come in!"
Xiang Tianqiu burst into hearty laughter and took the initiative to greet them.
Zhou Zhili exuded an aura of authority and majesty befitting a prince as he slightly bowed and said, "Apologies for keeping you all waiting."
Xiang Tianqiu laughed heartily, "We have just arrived ourselves. Your Highness, please take your seat."
Zhou Zhili nodded and asked, "Is Marquis Yun Guang not here?"
Earlier, he had seen the Red Scale Army stationed at the foot of the mountain and assumed that Marquis Yun Guang, Shen Jiulong, had already arrived at the mountaintop.
Xiang Tianqiu smiled and replied, "Marquis Yun Guang went to the Tianyuan Academy last night to visit an old friend. He has no plans to personally participate in this tea gathering."
Zhou Zhili made an acknowledging sound and said no more.
However, at that moment, Chang Guke suddenly exclaimed in surprise, "Senior Brother Kang? Why are you here?"
Not far away, an old man with white hair and a plain appearance, dressed in a robe of wind and fire, calmly replied, "Junior Brother Chang, Junior Sister Qingqin, I am here on orders."
Chang Guke and Qingqin exchanged a glance, their hearts sinking.
The old man's name was Kang Shanjing, one of the outer disciples of the Hidden Dragon Sword Sect, serving under Vice Sect Master Shi Fengliu.
And Shi Fengliu was the master of the Third Prince.
It could be said that Kang Shanjing was aligned with the faction of the Third Prince!
Chang Guke couldn't forget the recent incident when he was chased by three Grandmaster-level followers of the Third Prince in the wilderness.
And now, Kang Shanjing appeared here. There was no need to think about it; he was definitely here on orders to support Xiang Tianqiu and the others!
One of the Third Prince's people appeared in the Second Prince's camp, which could be easily explained because these two princes had already formed an alliance.
Zhou Zhili's heart also trembled slightly, his pupils slightly dilated. Although he didn't know Kang Shanjing, he could deduce that the other party also came from the Hidden Dragon Sword Sect!
"Well played, Lord Xiang," Zhou Zhili exclaimed.
Xiang Tianqiu chuckled, "I don't deserve such praise."
With that, he introduced Kang, saying, "Everyone, this is a master from the Hidden Dragon Sword Sect, True Immortal Kang Shanjing, a triple Grandmaster. He is a true expert beyond the secular world!"
Yu Baiting's heart shook, feeling amazed. Who could have imagined that a mere tea gathering would involve the power of the prestigious Hidden Dragon Sword Sect, the first holy land of Great Zhou?
Zhao Qing, the head of the Zhao family, Bai Hanhai, the head of the Bai family, and Zhang Lingyu, the prefect of Huaian County, also felt a tremor in their hearts as they looked at Kang Shanjing.
Only the middle-aged man with the fan remained unchanged, as if he had long known about these developments.
On the other hand, Zheng Tianhe and Mu Zhongting felt a sinking feeling in their hearts. They had just arrived at the mountaintop and already received a show of force!
Because they had not expected Kang Shanjing to be here.
Tea Jin felt a slight nervousness. She was the successor of the Moon Wheel Sect of Da Wei, and in such a place, she couldn't help but worry about her identity being exposed.
However, Tea Jin's concerns were unfounded.
Although the people in the gathering were astonished by her beauty, they didn't pay too much attention to her.
Only Su Yi remained indifferent, seemingly oblivious to it all.
To him, these people might possess tremendous power in the secular world, but they were ultimately strangers. Their identities and backgrounds were of no importance to him, and he couldn't be bothered to pay attention to them.
"Your Highness, please take your seat," Xiang Tianqiu warmly invited.
Zhou Zhili nodded and sat on the seat to the east.
Chang Guke, Zheng Tianhe, and the others all took their seats as well.
Su Yi casually surveyed the surroundings and chose a spot near the cliff, saying, "Put the rattan chair there."
Tea Jin hurriedly complied with his request.
Then, to the astonishment of everyone, Su Yi lazily reclined in the rattan chair.
From his position, he had a perfect view of the rolling sea of clouds in the morning light, presenting a magnificent scene.
As for the curious gazes directed towards him, Su Yi completely ignored them.
As Su Xuan's disciple, why would he pay attention to such mundane looks?
Besides, those secular figures vying for power at the gathering couldn't compare to the breathtaking scenery of the cloud-covered landscape.
Zhou Zhili and Zheng Tianhe found their expressions becoming somewhat peculiar. Seeing Su Yi's relaxed demeanor, he truly seemed like he was on an outing...
Strangely enough, when they witnessed this scene, they felt an inexplicable sense of relief in their hearts.
It was as if the more nonchalant and unconventional Su Yi appeared, the more it proved his unwavering confidence.
However, in the eyes of Xiang Tianqiu and the others, Su Yi's current attitude was no longer described as audacious; it had reached an intolerable level of arrogance!
But when it came to scheming, these worldly figures were all deep and experienced individuals. They wouldn't get angry or erupt in fury over this.
"Prince Liu, is this the Su Yi Young Master by your side?" Xiang Tianqiu asked with a smile.
"Yes," Zhou Zhili replied calmly.
Xiang Tianqiu sighed lightly and said, "The younger generation should not be underestimated. The elegance and demeanor of Young Master Su are indeed different from his peers."
Zhou Zhili furrowed his brows slightly and said, "Lord Xiang, now that everyone is present, let us proceed to the main business."
Xiang Tianqiu agreed wholeheartedly, "Your Highness, I couldn't agree more with your words."
He then pointed to Zhang Lingyu, the prefect of Huaian County, beside him and said, "Your Highness, this is the new governor we have selected. As long as you give your approval, today's tea gathering can end on a happy note."
Zhou Zhili snorted coldly, "I am here this time on the orders of the Emperor, specifically to handle the appointment of the new governor of Gunzhou. How can you decide on this matter? Are you planning to go against the imperial decree, Lord Xiang?"
Xiang Tianqiu was momentarily taken aback, then smiled and said, "But as far as I know, His Majesty also mentioned that if the Second Prince has suitable candidates, they can be nominated to compete for the position of governor. And Zhang Lingyu, chosen by the Second Prince, is the most suitable candidate given his age, strength, and exceptional strategizing abilities."
Zhou Zhili's expression remained indifferent as he said, "In my opinion, Mu Zhongting is the most suitable candidate."
As the two conversed, they were at odds with each other, creating a tense atmosphere during the tea gathering.
Only Su Yi seemed oblivious, lying in the rattan chair, sipping wine, enjoying the snacks and treats prepared by Tea Jin, and admiring the magnificent sea of clouds in the distance, bathed in the morning light, in a leisurely and composed manner.
"Prince Liu, let's be frank. In this situation, you have almost no chance of recommending Mu Zhongting as the governor," Xiang Tianqiu stared at Zhou Zhili and smiled. "Similarly, I don't want to completely fall out with you over this matter. How about... you make a concession?"
He exuded full confidence and wore a self-assured and disdainful expression, appearing as if victory was already in his hands.
Zhou Zhili sneered and asked, "Why don't you make the concession?"
The smile on Xiang Tianqiu's face faded, and he sighed softly, "I respect Your Highness, but if you make it difficult for me, then I can only argue based on reason."
Zhou Zhili laughed contemptuously and said, "Enough of your nonsense. Just reveal your trump card. If I can handle it, I'm sorry, but you don't have the final say in the appointment of the governor."
Xiang Tianqiu also couldn't help but laugh and said, "Your Highness, you're quick-witted and straightforward. Allow me to make a fool of myself."
With that, he suddenly glanced at Xue Ningyuan, the patriarch of the Xue family, and said, "Brother Xue, please take a seat over here."
Zhou Zhili and the others were initially startled but soon their expressions changed.
They saw Xue Ningyuan rise and sigh as he clasped his fists, saying, "Prince Liu, it's not that I don't support your actions, but in my opinion, Zhang Lingyu, chosen by the Second Prince, is the most suitable for the position of governor."
His words silenced the entire room.
Zhou Zhili and the others had uncertain expressions, caught off guard by this turn of events.
No one expected that the patriarch of the Xue family had already betrayed Prince Liu and chosen to join the camp of the Second Prince.
Even Yu Baiting couldn't help but glance at Xiang Tianqiu with a different look. This old fox had been hiding such a move.
Seeing Xue Ningyuan take a seat among the opposing faction, Zhou Zhili's face darkened, and he said, "Xue Ningyuan, as the patriarch of a clan, how can you be so fickle and unpredictable? Aren't you afraid of being ridiculed by the world?"
The elegant Xue Ningyuan sighed and said, "A wise bird chooses its tree to perch on. Moreover, I carry the burden of the entire clan on my shoulders and cannot blindly follow Prince Liu until the end."
Pausing for a moment, he whispered, "Your Highness, a wise person understands the current situation. As you can see, you are already at a disadvantage. Why can't you make a concession?"
"You, a traitor, dare to advise me to lower my head and make a concession?" Zhou Zhili laughed in anger.
"Your Highness, anger cannot solve the problem," Xue Ningyuan said, extending his hand and pointing to Su Yi sitting on the side of the cliff. With a hint of disdain in his voice, he continued, "Or perhaps, Your Highness truly believes that in this situation, this arrogant and conceited Su Yi can help you turn the tide?"