In the room, Zhong Yun and Hong Yuting sat facing each other. Zhong Yun sipped a specialty drink from the Red Feather Federation, affecting an air of detachment.

Hong Yuting’s expression was bitter. He first let out a sigh before saying, "His Majesty and the others thought that by supplying a large quantity of raw materials, they could gain the attention of the Red Feather Federation... But in their eyes, Andu is nothing more than a backward, barren nation, to be squeezed however they please."

Hearing this, Zhong Yun pursed his lips. He could tell what sort of people the Red Feather Federation members were just from the leader at the landing bay. These proud young masters like Hong Yuting probably couldn't stand it.

"Did your people offend them?" Zhong Yun inquired. These young masters weren't likely to have better tempers than himself; if they were insulted, it would be strange if they didn't explode.

"The most frustrating part is, we didn't provoke them at all." As he said this, Hong Yuting’s look of unwillingness grew more pronounced.

"The Red Feather Federation deliberately looked for trouble? They aren't that brain-dead, are they?" Zhong Yun was quite surprised. Offending a nation that was showing goodwill and could offer some help for no reason, even if they were of a lower status, seemed incredibly foolish.

No matter how strong the Red Feather Federation's national pride was, if the ruling class operated at that level, their demise couldn't be far off.

In the past, with the Great Universe Federation composed of thirteen major powers, wars between high-level civilizations were rare. But now it was the Great Chaotic Era; conflicts erupted almost daily. Didn't the Red Feather Federation's higher-ups have any sense of crisis? They were likely busy preparing for a war against another equally powerful nation.

"It's all because of the Second Miss Qin," Hong Yuting finally revealed the reason.

Zhong Yun suddenly understood. So, it was because of that siren. He sighed inwardly. Truly a beauty that could topple nations.

"The Qin family originally planned for her to use her talents to conduct diplomatic activities, breaking into the high society of the Red Feather Federation. Who knew it would backfire, causing such a massive headache? They must be regretting it to the point of beating their chests now," Hong Yuting’s words carried a hint of finding humor in misfortune.

After Zhong Yun inquired in detail, he learned that the Second Miss Qin indeed caused a huge sensation upon her debut in the Red Feather Federation. With her irresistible charm, she brought great renown to the delegation from the Andu Empire.

However, what was completely unexpected was that Miss Qin’s charm was too astonishing; it attracted fierce pursuers. This was something Miss Qin had handled countless times, with practiced ease.

But one of the pursuers, after being politely refused several times, lost face and actually sent men to try and forcibly abduct her. Fortunately, Gu Yi was present at the time and repelled the intruders.

That pursuer promptly turned hostile and sent men to surround the Andu embassy, declaring that unless the Second Miss Qin was handed over, no one would be allowed to leave a single step.

Such blatant, barbaric behavior aimed at seizing a person shocked everyone in the Andu Empire. They were filled with shame and indignation. The Andu Empire was, after all, a member of the proud high civilizations, yet they were being treated with such contempt and humiliation.

This was no longer just a matter for the Qin family; it concerned the very honor of the Andu Empire. If they, as representatives of the Andu Empire, truly compromised, they would never be able to hold their heads up high within the circles of advanced civilizations again.

Naturally, they chose to resist to the death.

Although the pursuer’s backing within the Red Feather Federation was immensely powerful, they still dared not openly storm the embassy. If the beauty were killed, it would truly be a case of losing the wife and the dowry.

Thus, the two sides ended up in a standoff.

Zhong Yun found the situation amusing after hearing it. Rotten young scions existed everywhere. That pursuer was likely acting on his own initiative, backed by a large network, which was why the official channels turned a blind eye—as long as things didn't escalate too far.

However, now that the Andu Empire had issued a formal protest, as long as the rulers of the Red Feather Federation weren't completely incompetent, they wouldn't let that pursuer continue his rampage. After all, it wouldn't sound good if the news got out.

But one couldn't rule out the possibility of the Red Feather Federation's high command going mad and doing something extreme. Caution was still the best approach.

"By the way, where have you been for these past three years? I’ve been meaning to send people to look for you ever since you disappeared." Hong Yuting changed the subject.

Zhong Yun had expected this question. "That’s a long story. In short, I went to a very dangerous place, but I also gained considerable benefits there."

As they were speaking, someone came to call Hong Yuting, saying the Elders needed him. He left in a hurry.

Zhong Yun, having nothing else to do, walked out alone. The attendants recognized him as the important figure who had just arrived and dared not show disrespect, bowing in greeting.

Zhong Yun inquired about the location of the Qin family residence, waved away the attendant who offered to guide him, and proceeded alone.

After passing through several long corridors, Zhong Yun reached the entrance of the Qin residence. Just as he was about to call out, the door opened on its own, and someone rushed out. Zhong Yun stepped aside, letting the person pass.

"Xiao Xing!" Zhong Yun saw clearly that the person who had rushed out was Qin Liuxing, the very person he was looking for. Seeing him dashing out in such a flurry, Zhong Yun didn't know what urgent matter it was, so he quickly called out to stop him.

Qin Liuxing, who had already bolted over ten meters away, suddenly stopped dead upon hearing Zhong Yun's voice. He turned around, surprise flooding his face. "Brother Yun..." His voice choked up instantly.

Seeing him so emotionally affected, Zhong Yun felt a touch of warmth in his heart.

"Brother Yun, I knew you wouldn't die so easily!" Qin Liuxing rushed over, extremely agitated.

"Let's talk inside," Zhong Yun said, taking his arm and entering the house, closing the door tightly. Qin Liuxing led him to sit in the main hall and quickly instructed the maids to serve tea and water.

"Not bad. After a few years, you've made significant progress," Zhong Yun observed Qin Liuxing, nodding in approval. At this moment, Qin Liuxing had reached the peak of the Ninth Stage of the First Level, just one step away from breaking into the Second Level.

It was the first time Zhong Yun had praised him, and Qin Liuxing was overwhelmed. "I've taken everything Brother Yun said to heart; I haven't been lazy at all these past few years."

"I heard you've run into trouble?" After a few pleasantries, Zhong Yun steered the conversation toward the current issue.

Qin Liuxing's face flushed with anger. "It's all because those Red Feather people are bullying us too much."

"I’ve heard about this matter," Zhong Yun said. "What are your plans?"

"Anyone who dares touch a single hair on my sister's head, I'll fight them to the death!" A cold glint flashed in Qin Liuxing’s eyes.

"Where is your sister?"

"Uncle Bai and the others called her away." Qin Liuxing looked somewhat worried, fidgeting slightly. "Brother Yun, do you think they plan to hand my sister over?"

Zhong Yun picked up his tea and took a sip, not answering the question directly, but asking in return, "Do you think they will?"

Qin Liuxing scoffed. "Those parasites! What kind of thing wouldn't they do? To curry favor with those bastards in the Red Feather Federation, who knows if they'll sell my sister out."

Zhong Yun glanced at him. Seeing the rage burning in his eyes, it was clear his resentment toward the higher-ups had been building for a long time.

Seeing Zhong Yun remain silent, Qin Liuxing’s expression turned sorrowful. "Brother Yun, you must help my sister; you can't let some bad person take her away. I know... my sister has always liked you..."

Zhong Yun’s expression had been calm at first, but it turned strange upon hearing the latter part. Miss Qin liking him? She probably wished he was dead.

Zhong Yun’s arrival seemed to give Qin Liuxing a pillar to lean on. For some unknown reason, he felt that only Brother Yun could save his sister.

Zhong Yun saw that he was begging an outsider like himself, yet didn't trust his own kin. He felt assured; just stoking the flames a bit more, and Qin Liuxing would undoubtedly follow him devotedly. All he needed to do then was convince his sister.

"Don't worry, your sister is my..." He stumbled over the word 'sister' twice, unable to finish the phrase, so he glossed over it vaguely. "As long as I am here, no one can touch your sister."

"Thank you so much, Brother Yun." Qin Liuxing’s face was filled with gratitude.

Zhong Yun hadn't expected to complete this assignment so quickly; he felt immensely relieved. The remaining sparks didn't need him to ignite; someone else would surely do the job. Now, he only needed to wait.

When the Second Miss Qin returned, her face was dark. Seeing Zhong Yun upon entering, her expression grew even blacker. "What are you doing here?" She had just found out that the damned bastard was still alive, which was upsetting enough; she hadn't expected to see him again so soon.

"Sister, Brother Yun is here to help us," Qin Liuxing explained from the side.

"I don't need his help. Make him leave immediately." The Second Miss Qin didn't even spare Zhong Yun a glance. Three years had passed since that incident, and she had thought he was dead and gradually let the memory fade. She hadn't expected his spirit to linger, bringing back the memory of that humiliating night three years later.

"Sister, you..." Qin Liuxing’s face instantly flushed crimson. He had finally secured a promise from Brother Yun, and not only did his sister fail to appreciate it, but she wanted him gone. How was Qin Liuxing supposed to explain this?

The Second Miss Qin, however, walked straight into a room.

"Brother Yun, I'm sorry, my sister, she..." Qin Liuxing was both ashamed and apologetic, rushing to apologize to Zhong Yun.

"It’s fine; your sister is upset. I don't blame her," Zhong Yun said with a smile.

His magnanimity reassured Qin Liuxing while simultaneously making him feel a bit awkward, and he felt deep shame for his sister's rudeness. "Brother Yun, I truly don't know how to thank you."

"I've always considered you one of my own, why mention such things?" Zhong Yun clapped him on the shoulder, his words carrying an implied meaning.

Qin Liuxing's eyes immediately welled up. "Brother Yun... besides my sister, no one has ever been this kind to me."

Zhong Yun could tell these words came from the depths of his heart and nodded. Humans are not grass and trees; how can they be without feeling? Although he had used Mind Control on him, his feelings for Zhong Yun were genuine.

"I should leave now. You go comfort your sister," Zhong Yun departed quickly.

Returning to the Hong residence, Hong Yuting was already waiting for him.

"How was it?" Zhong Yun asked as soon as he saw him.

Hong Yuting let out a long sigh, his expression dejected. "From what I gathered from their tone, the high-ups intend to pursue a marriage alliance with the other party."

Zhong Yun sneered. "A marriage alliance? Isn't that just handing over Second Miss Qin in disguise?"

First published