Such a lively discussion, why not continue it, and let me also have a listen.

"..."

In the awkward silence, the man with the gloomy aura and a long beard on the other side of the conference table let out a strange laugh, "Master Ye's arrival is just perfect, as we were just discussing your area of expertise.

Taking into account the large size of Spring City, the most suitable method would be to use a refining process with spiritual materials for a full-area barrier. If we're talking about this technique, you're surely the one for the job."

There was a slight pause before he continued, seemingly with sentiment, "However, about the principles of the four-degree transformation mentioned in several of your papers, would you mind sharing them?"

Upon hearing this, everyone else slightly lifted their gaze and held their breath.

Unexpectedly, with one sentence, he had tossed the current biggest headache onto Ye Xian's shoulders, cornering her situation in Spring City, eager to force her to take on this hot potato and to disclose her unique technology...

On the other side, Master Kong's eyebrows raised slightly, but he said nothing.

However, the exchange of glances between the two became mocking, though it was unclear whom they were mocking.

"Sure."

Ye Xian nodded without hesitation, "Since Master Zhou has said as much, why not just let me take the lead, how about that?"

Master Zhou's expression changed slightly, and his stroking of his beard paused.

Unexpected.

He had only intended to slight this madwoman's arrogance, but he hadn't expected her to directly accept the challenge.

Then, Ye Xian spoke, "I've already considered a specific plan on the way here, taking into account the schedule and intensity. Naturally, the best way would be to separately engrave the Spiritual Circuit in each part, and then use the Superior Emblem and runes to summarize... However, the situation in the Earth Cave is urgent. Why don't you, Master Zhou, share your workshop's expert 'All Sources Converge' framework technique to address the emergency?"

Ye Xian also paused for a moment, then asked indifferently, "I assume, Master Zhou, as someone who has the larger world in his heart, wouldn't be selfish with his treasures at such a critical moment?"

Ye Xian you bastard!

Zhou Chong couldn't help but widen his eyes in anger, his face growing darker; whoever was subjected to such a sudden turnaround would surely be upset. Moreover, he had only had his sights set on your spiritual technology, but bloody hell, you're now going straight for our family jewels?

"Hold on."

A middle-aged craftsman, who had been observing from a distance, suddenly coughed twice and interjected, "Master Ye, that statement might be a bit too..."

Ye Xian glanced at him indifferently, unceremoniously cutting him off:

"Do you have a say here?"

The man's face changed slightly, "I..."

"Who are you?"

Ye Xian asked again, "I don't recall seeing you before."

An embarrassed craftsman sitting at Ye Xian's right-hand side chimed in, "He..."

"No need for introductions; forgettable people, even if they are mediocre, probably also lack any remarkable qualities. No need to waste time."

Ye Xian waved her hand dismissively, ignoring the middle-aged craftsman's changing expression, "Such an old age and only a golden ribbon to show off. I suppose there isn't much to expect.

Keep your opinions to yourself, it's no loss not hearing them.

What say you, Master Zhou?"

Zhou Chong's expression darkened, his long beard twitching at the corners of his eyes as if in toothache pain.

Inside the Taiyi Ring, there were many factions with complex structures; craftsmen's struggles never ceased. Alliances were formed, and deceit was common, but ultimately it all came down to strength and workmanship.

Competence meant acceptance, incompetence meant rejection.

Mediocrity was the original sin.

If your skills were lacking, even breathing seemed wrong.

Moreover, Master Ye was famously unaccommodating; not even the current president had been spared her harsh words, forced to begrudgingly admit that her insults were justified, let alone these minor craftsmen trailing behind major workshops?

Now, her only offenses were being difficult to deal with and her unpleasant words, so what did it matter?

In earlier years, she would physically dismantle the hereditary workshops of those she disagreed with... demolishing your workshop was just an afterthought for her.

"Ahem—"

After two coughs, he forced out, "The matter of Spring City is of great importance; I feel that we need to discuss this full-area lockdown more thoroughly."

"Then let's discuss it at length."

Ye Xian nodded, seemingly in agreement, and spoke deliberately, "Take your time, be meticulous and serious, and don't miss a single mistake."

The atmosphere in the conference room grew even heavier and more oppressive.

Unexpectedly, upon entering the scene and cutting down a minor figure, then landing two stabs on Zhou Chong, Ye Xian remained silent for the rest of the meeting.

Just listening quietly.

But her mere gaze was enough to make all the craftsmen, except for the masters, sweat profusely and tread on thin ice. Whether they smiled awkwardly, looked down, or diverted their eyes, they couldn't help but curse in their hearts—damn it, why aren't you dead yet?

The only one who could have rebuked her on seniority, Master Duan, said not a word.

Rather, he seemed pleased with the situation.

The more significant the issue, the more troublesome, the more likely squabbles would arise, and someone would have to say something unpleasant. Since someone had already spoken in his place, Duan Mu was naturally more than happy, probably laughing so hard he couldn't keep his legs together.

However, as the meeting neared its end, the noise from outside grew louder and louder.

Many craftsmen couldn't help but frown at the sound.

In the rush of footsteps, a knock came at the door.

A Taiyi Ring staff member, sweating profusely, entered and looked around, instinctively turning to Master Duan. Master Duan frowned, "If there's an issue, speak up, and don't waste time."

"It... It's a fight."

The flustered staff member stuttered, "In the, in the lounge, many apprentices from the workshops and... and someone from the Tide Sound Workshop... are about to fight."

In an instant of silence, everyone unavoidably changed their expression and instinctively looked towards Ye Xian.

Ye Xian remained calm and unflustered.

"It's not a significant issue; don't panic."

Master Zhou grinned, reveling in the chaos, "Youngsters are hot-blooded, it's normal, normal."

"Yes, yes."

"Normal."

Many frustrated craftsmen chimed in with agreement, while Master Kong, who had been practically invisible, subtly changed color, instinctively wanting to stand up.

But then...

Boom!!!

An explosive sound erupted, shaking the entire building, lights flickering, and walls cracking.

It seemed... to be coming from the lounge downstairs?!

Everyone's faces drastically changed in an instant.

Only Ye Xian remained indifferent, eyes lowered.

She picked up her cup to drink tea.

"Normal."

She said.

Now, this was normal.

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