The Invincible Supreme Medical God

Seeing their lofty emotions, Yan Xiaobao was quite pleased as he personally introduced himself to everyone who appeared at the banquet. Looking around, Yan Xiaobao couldn't help but feel puzzled by Zhan Weisheng's absence. He highly suspected the merchant might show up later, even though he was honorable, he was far from noble, and his presence in the Royal Family's gathering might imply he considered himself more important than them.

"I'd better visit him tomorrow," Yan Xiaobao muttered to himself as he slowly approached the table, noticing the City Lord standing alone. He was evidently still lost deep in thought, and nobody dared speak to him, evidently unsure of his current mindset.

"Is this truly shocking?" Yan Xiaobao asked quietly as he stood behind the City Lord. His voice pulled the thoughtful man out of his stupor, and he seemed genuinely delighted to see Yan Xiaobao—his previously furrowed brow had entirely smoothed. "I don't know what you mean," he replied. Yan Xiaobao couldn't help but chuckle briefly. "You seem to be thinking deeply—something troubling you?" He continued as he and the City Lord slowly walked from the table toward the gates leading to the park behind the mansion. The area was lit with torches that illuminated the park, allowing the guests to refresh themselves before continuing the banquet. Yan Xiaobao headed outside, hoping to have a quiet conversation with the City Lord where others couldn't overhear his words. This conversation could result in Yan Xiaobao's imprisonment in countless ways, but the young man was willing to take the risk. He was confident that even if he ended up in jail, he would find a way out.

When they reached the park, Yan Xiaobao walked down a path away from the well-lit grounds. Curious about whether the City Lord would follow him, Yan couldn't help but smile. His doubts quickly dissipated as the imposing man indeed followed him without showing signs of hesitation in his decision. After a while, the two arrived at a secluded spot no one else would stumble upon, not even by accident. "We've come so far—I trust you have something important to say," the City Lord sighed as he glanced at Yan Xiaobao, his whitened teeth gleaming under the moonlight. Yan Xiaobao took a deep breath beneath the blue cloud of night to calm himself. His entire body remained vigilant, prepared to defend himself if the conversation deviated from his expectations. "I imagine you and Zhan Weisheng are displeased with me for pulling Gao Yan and the Ma family away from you," Yan Xiaobao began. The City Lord impatiently nodded. While the information held weight, it wasn't something that warranted his direct commentary. "I just need you to know that I have no intention of opposing you or Zhan Weisheng," Yan Xiaobao continued, his words drawing a raised brow from the City Lord, now intrigued by what this young man had to say.

"I trust you're aware that Deng Wu and Wang Julong are both my friends. They are not merely my support pillars; they are my brothers and sisters in arms. Now, you surely know what has happened to my dear friends and their families. So, tell me—what do you think I want?" He paused, then continued, "Fighting against either of you while dealing with someone who seems to trouble both of us makes no sense to me. Would you not agree?" Yan Xiaobao spoke with conviction, catching every subtle change in the City Lord's expression. Their relationship wasn't at its best at the moment—in fact, it had suffered severely, especially due to Ma family's departure from Zhan Weisheng's faction, the City Lord's supporting side. Yet, even under such circumstances, Yan Xiaobao was prepared to gamble. He listened intently, his eyes glimmering in the dark night, growing increasingly tense as he awaited the reply.

Part of the reason Yan Xiaobao approached the City Lord with such words stemmed from what he had learned from the elder from Gao Yan, and also because opposing the City Lord was not an option. Becoming the City Lord's adversary simply wasn't conducive to him.

The City Lord shifted his weight from one foot to the other, an audible crunch echoing underfoot. "You might as well summon your guards—no need for them to remain hidden," the City Lord sighed as Cai Jie and Deng Wu emerged from the shadows. Neither bore expressions of animosity nor of amusement. The look on their faces was neutral, almost unreadable. Both men stepped closer to Yan Xiaobao, with Deng Wu standing slightly to his right and Cai Jie to his left.

The City Lord studied the three men before him, a wintry chill cascading down his spine. Despite being an Emperor, an exalted expert revered in Muchuan City, he felt his stature diminished in the presence of these three young men. For some unfathomable reason, he was certain he couldn't overpower them. The shadow of danger seemed to lurk beneath their youthful visages, an unsettling premonition tightening around him.

...