"In Spring City..."

He hesitated for a moment, then asked in a low voice, "His family?"

Professor Ye shook her head, "He is from Central City, a wanderer with no kin in Spring City."

"Why would he..."

Why would he be so persistent?

Ji Jue subconsciously wanted to ask this, but in the end, he had nothing to say.

Only after a long silence did Ye Xian sigh lightly, "That's exactly why he deserves even more respect, isn't it?"

Ji Jue was rendered speechless.

Detecting that Ye Xian had averted her gaze, he hurriedly took two steps to catch up with her and finally managed to ask before the barrier was lifted, "Before in Spring City, why did everything suddenly..."

Ye Xian turned back around.

It was as if she had anticipated the question, or perhaps, this was the very question she had been waiting to address after raising the barrier.

Unfortunately, she didn't want to provide an answer.

"This is not for you to ask, do not pry, nor inquire elsewhere," she said. "Perhaps one day, you will find the answer or make a choice.

But for the present you, it is all too soon."

She sighed silently, "This is not a warning or a reprimand, just advice I can offer as a teacher. Whether you listen or not is up to you."

Ji Jue nodded firmly, without any hesitation.

Even though he was consumed with curiosity and wanted to ask why, if the teacher said not to ask, he wouldn't ask—it's not like he couldn't live without whatever it was.

At that moment, the corner of Ye Xian's lips seemed to curl into a smile.

Seemingly satisfied.

"Very well."

As the barrier dissolved, she continued forward, "Although Master Tao is not adept at dealing with trivial matters, there are plenty below him who strut around, powered by borrowed authority.

Come on, I'll take you to see 'what the world has to offer.'"

From that unexpectedly cold laugh, Ye Xian walked straight towards another corner of the camp, into a building marked with the emblem of the Taiyi Ring, and boldly pushed open the door.

One could feel the opulence of the Taiyi Ring in every aspect.

Every corner exuded the extravagant vibe of a nouveau riche.

Even during such a brief time in this temporary outpost camp, they had spared no expense in constructing brand new buildings to accommodate the many masters and craftsmen.

Even without flaunting cash outright, Ji Jue, drawing upon his former trade as a bricklayer, had computed the cost of materials and labor and arrived at a staggering figure. Moreover, considering the buildings had been rapidly shaped and constructed by the Chosen Ones due to time constraints, the costs were bound to be even more exorbitant.

Upon opening the door, he was greeted with a refreshing coolness and fragrance, and the polished marble floors almost reflected their figures.

Crystal chandeliers hung high, casting beautiful patterns of light.

And there in the hall, specialized personnel had already been waiting for a long time, swiftly approaching.

"Master Ye, the accommodations for you and Mr. Ji have been prepared..."

"No need, let's not waste time, straight to the conference room. At least there it's somewhat meaningful," Ye Xian waved her hand, signaling him to lead the way. Finally, she pointed at Ji Jue, "Take this fellow to the rest area."

They walked through rooms and hallways.

Ji Jue, following behind, looked around at the expressions of the people around him and couldn't help but sigh, "Everyone's gaze feels so strange."

"It's normal, the competition within the association has always been fierce, with inevitable exclusions. Not only do craftsmen scrutinize and weigh each other up, but the apprentices probably experience their fair share of storms," said Ye Xian. "It's been the same for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. You need to be prepared."

Ji Jue nodded and asked with curiosity, "What if someone provokes me?"

Before departing, Professor Ye paused in her stride, glanced back at him, her face expressionless, "Of course, you bear and forbear for the common good. What else?"

"Right."

Ji Jue nodded in agreement, as if committing these wise words to heart.

Though the meaning might be a bit complex, Ji Jue attempted his own translation.

——[The material is speaking].

Boom!

The door to the conference room opened without warning.

Interrupting the lengthy discussions and disputes behind it, the originally stiff atmosphere paused for a moment and then stiffened even more.

As if a cold wind had swept in.

Facing the many complex and astonished gazes, Ye Xian already had her hands behind her back, holding a thermos, and strode in.

She proceeded slowly forward, scanning over the faces, both familiar and unknown, before stopping at the very front.

Her gaze fell upon a face aged and lined with wrinkles.

She nodded in recognition.

"So it seems you are presiding over this, Master Duan, no peace even at such an advanced age, tough going."

Five masters, over twenty senior craftsmen, the least of which wore the Gold Ribbon.

It appeared that this time the Taiyi Ring had truly invested resources.

Almost all the well-known craftsmen of the Eastern Federation had been summoned here.

Especially the presiding master, Duan Mu, who had been a master for over a century, with numerous disciples and a lofty status, it was no wonder he had been elected to this position.

"Long time no see, Miss Ye."

The bald, elderly Duan Mu sighed gently, presuming she had already greeted him, "You've arrived just in time, please take your seat."

Ye Xian glanced at the seat next to him.

That person who lowered his head pretending to have seen nothing, hesitated for a moment, then after a long while, as Ye Xian waited with an expressionless face, he begrudgingly stood up, gave up his place, and went to sit elsewhere.

Only then did Ye Xian slowly sit down, placing her thermos on the table, unscrewing it to take a sip before surveying the silent room, "What were you all discussing just now?"

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