「Soon thereafter.」

Ku Zhu turned his head to look at Guan Shan, laughing as he spoke, "Nowadays, Martial Artists' sparring matches often end in life or death. But since I am a few years older than you, Brother Guan, why don't we just stop when we've made our point? It's just, I wonder if Grandmaster Guan Shan could give me some face and indulge me in a little display of fists and feet."

Both master and servant displayed intimidating postures, showing no signs of retreat. Moreover, Wang Zhan's intentions were clear. He didn't want Guan Shan to be disappointed; he wanted him to feel desperate. It was likely that Guan Shan's first impression on Wang Zhan had been unfavorable.

Jin Botao's expression subtly changed. Is this a forced confrontation?

He glanced at Guan Shan but found no reason to refuse, so he could only meet Guan Shan's gaze with an inquisitive look. He wasn't afraid of trouble himself; after all, he was one of the public figures of the Federation. Naturally, those who didn't want to die wouldn't dare to provoke him. But, Guan Shan…

Guan Shan's lips curled into a tight, bloodthirsty smile. "Since the Martial King is so gracious, how could Guan Shan refuse? Please!"

「With that.」

Witnessing Guan Shan readily accept the challenge, the two men departed side by side.

Jin Botao felt a slight heaviness in his heart but remained composed. However, he truly had not expected such a young man to wield such immense energy, enough to command a Martial King. Which prominent family had produced such a character?

Of course, there was no reason to be intimidated.

「Thus.」

After Guan Shan and Ku Zhu left, Jin Botao's face also instantly darkened, his demeanor becoming as direct as Wang Zhan's. His words were ambiguous, his gaze profound as he said, "Young Master, you are truly capable! Even a Martial King is but a mere pawn to you. I just wonder, why exactly did you invite me here today, Young Master?"

Wang Zhan laughed freely. "What could it be? I just wanted to see if I could borrow a Martial King's reputation to invite the State Governor, simply to satisfy a bit of my own vanity. Someone, bring the tea!"

Having said that, he immediately called for the tea master. He even produced some ancient tea leaves from his Storage Bangle, completely unconcerned by Jin Botao's cold stare. Instead, he said bluntly, "State Governor, you need not entertain any notions. I'm just an ordinary person; I can't do anything, I can't achieve anything. If I've broken the law, please take me into custody now to prevent me from becoming a menace to the Federation. But before that, I'd like to have a cup of tea with you."

As a result, Jin Botao had nothing more to say, his eyes becoming increasingly sharp. This young man said nothing, asked nothing. He really did seem like an ordinary person who enjoyed riling up officials like them, merely to satisfy his vanity. But, could things really be that simple?

The atmosphere suddenly turned chilly. Both were quietly waiting, not uttering a single word. One had a sharp gaze, the other an indifferent one.

In between them was a composed tea ceremony beauty, who was gracefully preparing tea for the pair. Of course, this wasn't the young woman Wang Zhan had sensed hiding behind them, but another, more intellectual beauty.

Moreover, Wang Zhan hadn't expected that the profession of tea master, one that should have vanished in ancient times, had actually re-emerged after the revival of Spiritual Energy. Its status grew ever higher, truly becoming a cherished guest of the nobility. Indeed, the lifestyle of the upper class always made others gaze upon it with painful longing and deep desire.

「Getting back to the topic.」

After the two of them had suffused the atmosphere of this private room with two entirely different moods, the first pot of tea was ready.

「Straightaway.」

Two figures, as if nothing had happened, flew in from the window ledge into the fifth-floor private room. It was Ku Zhu and Guan Shan, returning together.

Among them, Ku Zhu truly embodied effortlessness, not a speck of dust on him, as if nothing at all had just transpired. Guan Shan's expression, however, was rather grim. Although there were no visible wounds or signs of damage, his gaze had become even more solemn and austere, and his palms trembled slightly.

「Finally.」

"Indeed, a Martial King expert. I am no match for him! If he were to unleash his full power, all of Quan State City... even the State Government couldn't withstand it!" Guan Shan, while closing his eyes to regulate his breath, immediately transmitted this to Jin Botao via voice transmission, his tone grave.

At the same time, Ku Zhu was also relaying the events to Wang Zhan, though he didn't seem particularly moved. "...I could have killed him seventeen times over, and without drawing blood each time. My realm completely suppressed his. Still, he strikes me as a formidable individual, quite remarkable. A level 9 Grandmaster, just one step away from breaking through to become a Martial King expert. One of him could easily trounce ten ordinary Grandmasters…"

Ordinary Grandmasters were not like Snakehead, that sort of insignificant minor Grandmaster. Rather, they were akin to those in charge of the Internal Affairs Department in an Underground City, whether Internal Energy Martial Artists or Resource Martial Artists. In other words, he was a true powerhouse! However, compared to Ku Zhu, he didn't seem quite so impressive. But since Ku Zhu regarded him so highly, it proved he indeed possessed some skill. He's worth a cup of tea!

Moreover, it seemed that neither of them was a schemer and they were likely unaware of the outcome of the proxy battle.

「Therefore.」

Wang Zhan immediately chuckled. "Come, come, come!"

Winning or losing didn't matter; these things weren't worth mentioning. Wang Zhan's purpose in coming here was to drink tea!

He was willing to engage with those who were approachable and possessed integrity. As for those who were implacable, with devious minds, cunning and vicious, they shouldn't expect any good end. After all, Wang Zhan was that kind of person.

「Thus.」

Wang Zhan introduced, "This tea was gifted to me by a senior, who said it came from an ancient tea tree. However, it feels somewhat wasted on me. Fortunately, I met you two today and can use the tea to make friends. It seems my senior's kind intentions won't be in vain. Everyone, please, help yourselves."

Wang Zhan raised his cup, inviting them to drink.

Ku Zhu downed his cup in one gulp.

Jin Botao and Guan Shan exchanged a glance. Although they still hadn't figured out Wang Zhan's intentions, the man was clearly powerful, and the current situation didn't seem entirely hostile, did it? If that's the case, then... Drink!

A gulp was heard. The tea left a lingering fragrance.

At this point, Jin Botao looked at the teacup in his hand with a hint of intoxication, savoring the tea's lingering charm. He remarked with complex emotions, "Excellent tea!"

He had originally assumed their host harbored ill intentions and that the tea was bland; now it seemed his mood had somewhat colored his appreciation of it.

Wang Zhan was indifferent. "Hahahaha, since it's good tea, then it lives up to its name. Everyone, please have another cup!"

If the mood for contemplation was lacking, more tea would simply have to suffice.

「Five minutes.」

「Ten minutes.」

「Fifteen minutes.」

Wang Zhan focused solely on offering tea, while the others concentrated on savoring it. Not a single person broached the main topic. The tearoom, aside from Wang Zhan's occasional voice, was very tranquil.

「Finally.」

After three infusions, the tea's flavor gradually diminished. Wang Zhan rose leisurely and, surprisingly, began to take his leave. "I'm afraid I've disturbed the State Governor today. I hope he won't take offense! I have some other matters to attend to, so I'll make a move first. Farewell!"

The two left behind both furrowed their brows. What was this all about? A pantomime? It had no rhyme or reason. Did he come all this way just for a pot of tea?

「After the two had departed the private room with swift efficiency.」

「Suddenly.」

Among the two who were pondering, a flash of astonishment suddenly crossed Guan Shan's face.

"What's wrong?" Jin Botao immediately asked.

Guan Shan, sensing the Essence Energy within his body with some disbelief, a mixture of joy and shock, stated incredulously, "An old internal injury of mine has been healed. In another year, I can break through to the Martial King Realm!"

A Martial King! Even as a Half-Step Martial King, a full-level Grandmaster, that realm was still far beyond his reach, his perspective as limited as one viewing the sky from the bottom of a well. Yet, just when he thought he had lost all hope, the pot of tea Wang Zhan had offered allowed him to glimpse a higher-level realm. Who on earth was this young man?

Jin Botao was naturally happy for him, but what was the purpose of all this?

「Suddenly.」

He seemed to remember something. "Right! What was that young man's name again?"

"Wang Zhan?" Guan Shan replied.

Jin Botao's heart tightened. He seemed to recall seeing this name before, and if he wasn't mistaken... This young man had caused quite a stir in Jing State just a few months ago, hadn't he? How did he end up in Quan State?

However, before Jin Botao could sort out the details, a clamor from outside the teahouse immediately drew everyone's attention.

"Everyone, surround him!"

"Go, go, go! This guy is definitely not a good person! Pin him down, bring him back to meet the Family Master…"

"Make way, make way! There has to be some order, first come, first served! We were here first! If you don't want to die, scram…"

It looked like a band of ruffians descending upon a village. Naturally, Jin Botao, his thoughts disrupted, felt a jolt of alarm and immediately rushed to the balcony to look down.

Below, Wang Zhan and Ku Zhu had already been surrounded at the Yue Sheng Tea House. The place was swarming with people, clearly identifiable as enforcers from various families. They were constantly jostling each other, making the two of them look like a pair of helpless lambs.

Jin Botao's face twitched, and an inexplicable anger surged within him. It wasn't because of Wang Zhan and Ku Zhu, but because of this behavior itself. These people were becoming increasingly brazen, simply outrageous! What did they take Quan State for, their own private domain?

He and Guan Shan immediately rushed downstairs. Then, they pushed their way through the crowd, positioning themselves with their backs to Wang Zhan and Ku Zhu, who were watching the unfolding chaos with indifference, even a hint of amusement. Jin Botao angrily berated the crowd, "What in the world do you think you're doing, you damn bastards! Who's in charge here? Step forward!"

Seeing this meddlesome old fellow, mocking laughter rippled through the crowd.

"HEH HEH HEH, old man, did you come out here looking to die? Do you think this is remote antiquity? This is none of your business, so why are you meddling? Scram if you don't want to die! Also, Lord Ku Zhu, please come with us. Our Family Master has already prepared wine for you!"

Someone immediately retorted, "You're the one who should scram! Everyone's waiting for the important figures to arrive. Why should you get to invite him first? And you, old man, it's not that I'm picking on you, but we haven't done anything. You shouldn't be in the way here. Hurry up and leave, or if you get bumped or bruised later, there's no money for compensation!!"

Besides, what could they possibly do, really? They were just inviting Ku Zhu to their homes as a guest. Would anyone actually dare to lay a hand on a Martial King?

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