"Thank you, Saintess, for your concern. The young lady has also arrived in Jubei City, so you'll be able to see her soon." Gently cupping his hands, Lu Qing replied softly.

As soon as he finished speaking, Lu Qing turned to the City Lord of Jubei City and spoke once more, "I apologize for coming uninvited. I hope City Lord Yuan won't mind?"

"Lord Lu, you jest. You are most welcome, Lord Lu. Please!"

His expression unchanged, the City Lord of Jubei City replied with a smile.

"Lu Qing, what brings you here is none of my concern! However, what do you mean by preventing Wang Junze from joining our sect?" Staring at Lu Qing, Luo Qingxuan questioned again.

"Saintess Luo, you're overthinking it. How dare I stop him!" Lu Qing chuckled and shook his head, "However, Wang Junze has been staying in the same inn as me these past few days, so we got to know each other. I merely reminded him that the Northern Domain is not the only place with the Profound Moon Sword Sect, and this world is bigger than just the Northern Domain—is that too much?"

After a pause, Luo Qingxuan's expression also calmed down, and she smiled, "Of course not. Whether to join a sect is a voluntary decision. Would I force him?"

Shaking her head, Luo Qingxuan continued, "It's rather you people from the Judgment Department who like to forcefully recruit. However... remind your master that this is still the Northern Domain."

"Please watch your words, Saintess Luo!" Facing Luo Qingxuan, Lu Qing responded calmly, "Under heaven, everything belongs to the king. The Judgment Department patrols the world under the emperor's command, and there's no difference anywhere."

In just a few exchanges, everyone could feel the tense and confrontational atmosphere, causing many to feel a chill run down their spines.

Wang Junze felt especially troubled.

He had already suspected that the Judgment Department and the Profound Moon Sword Sect didn't get along, but he hadn't expected it to be this intense.

Originally, this had nothing to do with him, but because of Lu Qing, he was dragged into it.

Now, faced with Luo Qingxuan's invitation, should he accept or reject it?

The Lin Family felt equally troubled, with Lin Kaiwei now so scared his face was white. After all, he had just provoked Lu Qing yesterday and even wanted to silence him. But just by seeing Luo Qingxuan's attitude, it was clear the power behind Lu Qing was formidable. Especially the master behind Lu Qing, who was no less powerful or esteemed than Luo Qingxuan. If they held a grudge against the Lin Family... it could lead to their extermination!

"Let's drink, let's drink!"

Seeing the tense atmosphere, the City Lord of Jubei City quickly intervened to ease the tension, "Today, I've set up a banquet to welcome the Saintess. Any issues can wait until after today, how about that?"

"It's as the City Lord wishes." Shrugging his shoulders, Lu Qing smiled as he took his seat next to Wang Junze.

"That last match was a draw, so let's call it even! If anyone else wants to continue competing, feel free." Raising his hand, the City Lord of Jubei City spoke again.

Even though the atmosphere had changed due to recent events, Luo Qingxuan was unlikely in the mood to instruct anyone, but the formalities must be maintained.

In a brief moment, someone took the stage again for a contest, but it was obvious everyone's minds were elsewhere.

"Brother Lu, what game are you playing at?"

With a bitter smile, Wang Junze looked at Lu Qing and whispered, "If you truly didn't want me to join the Profound Moon Sword Sect, you could have told me earlier. Now it's gotten to this point, you're putting me on a fiery grill!"

Although Luo Qingxuan hadn't mentioned the invitation to the Profound Moon Sword Sect again, Wang Junze knew the matter wasn't over. One way or another, he'd have to make a choice.

"I never said you couldn't join the Profound Moon Sword Sect." Lu Qing answered nonchalantly, "Just giving you another option."

With a slight smile, Lu Qing glanced at Wang Junze before continuing, "Besides, although you had some talent, you were ultimately just an insignificant figure. Even if you wanted to join the Profound Moon Sword Sect, would they pay attention to you?"

"..."

"I've always said that if you want to go further, you must prove your worth! A nobody receives respect from no one." Taking a sip from his cup, Lu Qing continued, "Now that you feel caught in a dilemma, unable to choose? It's a good thing, at least it means you have the qualification to make a choice, doesn't it?"

This comment made Wang Junze fall into deep thought again.

Patting Wang Junze on the shoulder, Lu Qing spoke once more, "Today, with Opening Meridian and Understanding Sword Intent, you are an undisputed Sword Path Genius. Though still weak, you now have the potential to become powerful! The path you choose next may affect your whole life, so before deciding, why not observe more... At the very least, you should understand why we came to Jubei City, right?"

Hearing this, Wang Junze felt a chill in his heart.

Neither Luo Qingxuan nor Lu Qing, nor the people behind Lu Qing, would come to Jubei City at this time by mere coincidence.

Now that he was forced into the situation, perhaps understanding both sides' objectives before deciding might indeed be the better strategy. However, delving too deeply could exponentially increase the danger.

After all, he was just a minor figure. Whether it was the Profound Moon Sword Sect or the Judgment Department, either could easily crush him!

Perhaps he was already a pawn in both sides' games.

With no option to back out, to survive, he must make himself stronger and more valuable!

That is the crux of everything!

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