Taking a deep breath, Wang Junze slowly stepped forward, slightly clasped his hands towards Jing Yuan, and then spoke loudly: "Brother Jing Yuan, it's been a long time since we last met. I must thank you for your help in the past! Where are Nini and Ah-Man?"

"Nini is here!"

Upon hearing Wang Junze's words, the deserters behind him instantly made way, revealing a joyful expression on Nini's face as she hopped forward, followed closely by Ah-Man, who was holding the Iron Spear.

"Lan Yi!"

Turning to look towards the Phoenix Perch Pavilion, Wang Junze suddenly spoke.

"Young Master."

Upon hearing Wang Junze's call, Lan Yi disregarded the danger in the field, stepped forward directly, and saluted.

"Did you bring the wine I asked you to prepare?"

Wang Junze asked again.

Previously, while Lan Yi was staying at his courtyard, Wang Junze had instructed Lan Yi to find time to prepare some good wine. Although Wang Junze had not explained why, Lan Yi naturally did not forget. Upon hearing Wang Junze's words, Lan Yi immediately took out a prepared wine gourd from his waist and handed it over.

Receiving the wine gourd, Wang Junze deftly opened it with his fingertips, took a sip to show he hadn't tampered with it, and then extended it out, saying: "I promised last time, upon our next meeting, I would treat you all to wine... Do you dare to drink?"

Buzz!

With Wang Junze's words, the crowd behind him instantly became somewhat boisterous, with some unable to resist muttering curses.

Clearly a deserter, and even the leader of deserters who had just attacked the Human Race, yet Wang Junze still invites them for drinks as if they were friends. This action arouses dissatisfaction among many, with some even suspecting Wang Junze's previous lack of attack was due to collusion with the deserters.

"Why wouldn't we?"

With a carefree smile, Jing Yuan waved to stop the elder beside him who wished to intervene and strode forward with Nini and Ah-Man towards Wang Junze's position.

Soon, the three approached Wang Junze directly. Jing Yuan unhesitatingly took the wine gourd, drank a large mouthful, and handed it to Nini.

Although last time she had choked on the wine and felt embarrassed, Nini was unwilling to be outdone at this moment. However, seemingly recalling the pungency of the wine, she pinched her nose and took a small sip.

"Nini, don't worry, our Human Race's wine isn't that strong. I specially chose Plum Blossom Wine."

With a laugh, Wang Junze looked at Nini as if looking at a little sister, speaking warmly.

After smacking her lips, Nini quickly discovered that the wine carried a hint of floral fragrance, sweet and not difficult to drink. She then hurriedly took a big gulp before reluctantly passing it to Ah-Man, not forgetting to remind him: "Ah-Man, don't drink it all, save some for me."

"Hmm."

Responding in a muffled voice, Ah-Man took a sip and then returned the wine gourd to Nini.

"I am deeply grateful that you all still trust me. This gourd of wine is a toast to friendship!" Looking at the three, Wang Junze earnestly spoke: "However, we agreed last time, although we are friends, we are not of the same race. When meeting on the battlefield, no need for mercy."

As the final word fell, a sharp Sword Intent emerged from Wang Junze's being. With one hand on his sword, he continued: "As a friend, I am more than willing to associate with you, but as a member of the Human Race... we are enemies, not allies. If we meet again in the relics, we shall be life-and-death adversaries!"

These words were spoken by Wang Junze with determination, without any hesitation.

This was not a deliberate stance, but what he genuinely thought, just as Su Yuwei had said, Jing Yuan is undoubtedly a formidable enemy, a person of exceptional wisdom, who if underestimated, might unknowingly be used. Hence, it's better to sever any hope and regard him as the greatest enemy directly.

"Haha!"

Upon hearing this, Jing Yuan not only showed no trace of anger but rather revealed admiration in his eyes, laughing: "Decisiveness is crucial. I indeed haven't misjudged you, excellent! If we meet in the relics, Jing Yuan will see Brother Wang's swordsmanship!"

Compared to Jing Yuan's decisiveness, Nini's eyes showed some inexplicable frustration, asking puzzledly: "Why must there always be fighting and killing? Nini doesn't want to be your enemy."

"Different origins, different stances... this is destiny!"

Shaking his head, Wang Junze answered solemnly: "If we are fortunate to leave the relics alive, I will still treat you to wine when we meet again."

"Alright!"

Nodding, Jing Yuan immediately said: "I agree on behalf of Nini. Brother Wang... be alert, from now on, I won't hold back against you."

Having said this, Jing Yuan directly took Nini's hand and brought her back to the deserters' side.

Watching them leave, Wang Junze remained silent for a long time, yet ultimately did not speak again, nor did he show any intention of attacking Jing Yuan and his companions.

Returning to the elder among the deserters, Jing Yuan then turned back and continued: "Saintess Xuan Yue, Princess Changlin, before the relic opens, let us divide the area at the center of the canyon from east to west, each occupying half and temporarily ceasefire, what do you say?"

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