Strange! . . .
The two ladies breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that it was Feng Zhiling who had been involved. They were fully aware that he wouldn't genuinely harm Master Bai, even if he had put up a fight. If he had indeed thrown a punch or two at Master Bai, it wouldn't do any real damage; at most, it would be a minor inconvenience.
"In any case, I have to give credit to Feng Monarch for his audacity. It's quite impressive, to be honest," Wan-Er remarked, and both she and Xiu-Er burst into laughter. They were basking in the sunshine after a storm.
It was Xiu-Er who expressed these sentiments, and Wan-Er wholeheartedly concurred. "You're absolutely right. It's been how long since Master was last punched? Three thousand years?"
Xiu-Er furrowed her brow and gazed up at the sky, contemplating. "Let me think. It's probably been even longer than that..."
Master Bai was at a loss for words. [I much prefer your expressions when you're concerned. Why are you suddenly reveling in my embarrassment? What's going on?]
Listening to the two ladies' laughter and hushed conversations, Master Bai couldn't help but close his eyes in resignation. His embarrassment only deepened.
[Since when have I become the subject of their laughter?
Well... I have to admit... there's something oddly satisfying about this. It seems that a man can't always remain in a position of power. Occasionally, becoming the butt of a joke or feeling embarrassed can be a form of amusement. As long as it's among people I'm close to.]
That was Master Bai's contemplation.
...
At that moment, the imposing figure in black returned.
"Master, Feng Monarch managed to escape and has left..." the burly man reported.
Master Bai, with half-closed eyes, replied indifferently, "Oh, he left? It would have been disappointing if he couldn't. I need the details. Did he sustain any injuries before he departed?"
"Not really. He didn't get hurt. The situation was quite peculiar," the man reported loudly.
"Peculiar? How so?" Master Bai's interest was piqued.
"These men were from the Kingdom of Tianyu, the God Slayer Team. They were formidable individuals with exceptional skills. In a regular battle, they would be nearly unbeatable. However, when pitted against true superior cultivators, they fell short..." The man paused before continuing, "Based on what I observed, Feng Monarch could have likely fought his way out of a situation involving over a hundred men without assistance. He might have suffered some injuries, but they wouldn't have been life-threatening."
Master Bai raised an eyebrow and said, "That sounds reasonable. I don't see anything strange... Oh? You mentioned that he had assistance during the fight. Is that what you find unusual?"
"Your insight is keen, Master." The man furrowed his brow as if contemplating how to convey the information. After a moment, he continued, "It was unbelievable. I'm still baffled... The person who assisted him is the No. 3 assassin in the world, Zhao Pingtian, known as the 'Killer King'..."
"Zhao Pingtian? He aided Feng Zhiling? That's unexpected... Hmmm. Based on the information we have, he's been contracted by the Kingdom of Tianyu and is a member of the God Slayer Team. Ji Mengzhan, the team leader, recruited him. This doesn't add up. Is there something wrong with our information?" Xiu of Heavens chimed in.
"Lady Xiu-Er's information is accurate. Zhao Pingtian was indeed part of the God Slayer Team. That's precisely why this is so strange. The God Slayer Team made several unsuccessful attempts to attack, and Zhao Pingtian was up next. Just as he was about to make his move, Feng Monarch said something that caused Zhao Pingtian to switch sides and assist him."
The man appeared bewildered as he recounted the events. "I witnessed the entire sequence of events. It's just so astonishing. I can say with certainty that Feng Zhiling and Zhao Pingtian had no prior acquaintance. They couldn't have premeditated this together. I'm utterly perplexed. What did Feng Zhiling say to convince Zhao Pingtian to change allegiances? I can't fathom it. It's just so unusual..."
When the man mentioned the 'God Slayer Team,' both Wan-Er and Xiu-Er furrowed their brows, their expressions filled with disgust.
They harbored a strong aversion, primarily due to the team's commander, Ji Mengzhan. Though they hadn't crossed paths with him before, the mere thought of him turned their stomachs.
The revelation from the burly man had piqued their curiosity, drawing them into the discussion. They disregarded the repugnant individual, and Xiu of Heavens eagerly joined the conversation.
[Zhao Pingtian, a prominent assassin from the God Slayer Team, changed his allegiance because of something Feng Monarch said?]
[In the usual course of events, a renowned assassin would avoid actions that tarnish their reputation.]
Master Bai remained composed and spoke with a touch of curiosity. "Feng Monarch, what exactly did he say? Could you provide a detailed account of the situation? You were in close proximity, so you must have overheard it. Share every bit of information."
Evidently, Master Bai was equally engrossed in the matter.
The burly man recollected the events, striving to recall every nuance. He recounted everything that unfolded between Ye Xiao's departure and his subterfuge in revealing Ye Xiao's location.
As he narrated the sequence of events, Master Bai, Wan, and Xiu couldn't help but question Zhao Pingtian's decision to switch sides unless he had a severe lapse in judgment.
"... After several failed attempts at launching an attack, Zhao Pingtian sought to take charge of the next assault. The skirmish was on the verge of commencing, but they exchanged words. There was nothing peculiar at that point. Suddenly, Feng Monarch said something!" The burly man recounted slowly, "He said... 'No backup? And what about the soft, sweet, gentle girl with a red beauty mole on her forehead? Who is she?'"
He paused before continuing, "It was utter nonsense, to be honest."
Master Bai furrowed his brow.
Wan-Er wore a similarly puzzled expression as she inquired, "Was there a girl fitting that description standing alongside Zhao Pingtian?"
"If there had been, it wouldn't have been so strange. I had a clear view, and there was no one beside him—absolutely no one! The people present were all men, and none of them even remotely resembled a woman. There were no women in sight. Feng Zhiling's words were utterly nonsensical. But, incredibly, the nonsense caused Zhao Pingtian to switch sides," the burly man stated with conviction.