Who dared to offend the non-voting delegates while the High Command was in congress?!
Even the usually composed Yang Ming Hua seemed agitated: âWho?!â
ZiChuan Xiu was already on his feet, staring in anger; he could tell it was Di Lin's voice!
Everyone could feel the sudden chill in the room when one of the three Heroes of ZiChuan, the Red Banner Master Di Lin, walked into the room.
Di Lin was quite tall and walked in large strides. Despite his imposing size, his face was rather feminine. He had crescent eyebrows over sparkling eyes, thin lips, a handsome nose and smooth skin. Just walking down the street, all sorts of perverts would have hit on him, were it not for his large, broad shoulders. In fact, when he was younger, he had so many admirers that they could fill up his entire backyard⊠But sadly, most of them were men, and the only girl among them was a lesbian. Perhaps one might wonder how his delicate features could fit so well with his unruly arrogance and cruel demeanor, but that was exactly his unique charm..
However, at that very moment, no one would treat him like a girl, because no girl would ever appear so threatening and overbearing at the same time. At that very moment, every follicle of his skin reeked the scent of provocation.
He was a capable general under Yang Ming Huaâs command.
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He glanced at ZiChuan Xiu in disdain as he apologized to Yang Ming Hua: âUpon hearing about my good friend Master Xiuâs return from the Far East, I was so excited that I couldnât resist, and I had to come see him for myself. Iâm terribly sorry for interrupting the Conference. I will gladly accept any punishment you deem fit, Sir!â
Even though Di Lin spoke to Yang Ming Hua the whole time, his ominous gaze never left the face of ZiChuan Xiu, as if he would suddenly disappear from his sight given the opportunity. Clearly he hated his âgood friendâ ZiChuan Xiu very much.
All of the commanders present knew the story. A couple of years ago, when the three young heroes of ZiChuan: ZiChuan Xiu, Di Lin and Stirling were still in the Far Eastern Army Academy, they were the closest friends, before they all fell in love with the same girl, Lin Xiu JiaâŠ
A fierce contest later, Di Lin successfully won over the girl, but the friends became enemies, like water and ice. With ZiChuan Xiu and Stirling on the losing side, and Di Lin on the winning side, they had fought each other many times in secret, with no clear victor. Their grievance had only deepened since then.
In the end, Stirling went to serve the Headmaster of the family: ZiChuan Shen Xing, while Di Lin went to join the Supreme Commander Yang Ming Hua. Thanks to his talents, he easily won Yang Ming Huaâs favor, which led to his career on a fast track. By the age of 24, he had already been promoted to the rank of Red Banner Master and had become a capable lieutenant under the command of Yang Ming Hua.
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âDi Lin, you are out of line!â Yang Ming Hua snapped at him, as though he could barely suppress his anger: âWhere do you think you are? Take a close look around you. This is the High Command! It is not a place where you can just come and go as you please!â
Di Lin apologized again more sincerely: âI was too excited to see my âgood friendâ Master Xiu and I couldnât control of myself⊠I deserve to be punished by death!â Even though he said âdeathâ, he was not worried in the slightest for someone in his position. His tone revealed an aura of arrogance.
âI suppose it is understandable!â Yang Ming Hua instantly softened his voice: âThe downside of being young is being often too emotional. What wouldnât you do in the name of friendship? Since you are being such a good sport, I will spare you this time⊠Remember to not do it again!â
âYes Sir! I will not repeat the same mistake again!â
Just like a pre-rehea.r.s.ed script, the two echoed each other, turning a death penalty for interrupting the Conference held in High Command into something insignificant, and then into nothing at all.
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âDi Lin, after coming here in such hurry, what is it that you want with Deputy Commander Xiu?â
âI have not seen Commander Xiu for many years and I have missed him dearly. I wished to invite him over so we can talk and catch up on lost times⊠I wonder if Commander Xiu is willing to grant me this request.â
Di Lin stared at ZiChuan Xiu with his eyes unmoving, and his mouth smirking in a provocative way. The way they eyed each other was like two hungry wolves challenging each other for territory in the forest!
It was a duel invitation!
ZiChuan Xiu muttered under his breath, but didnât answer him directly. He was probably thinking about whether or not he should accept the challenge, and how likely it was that he would win⊠It wasnât too surprising, because after all, Di Linâs fast sword technique was notorious for its deadliness. If there was an official ranking, he would probably be considered to be ranked in the top ten fighters of House ZiChuan.
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Yang Ming Hua: âOh come on, youâre being too hasty⊠Canât you see Ah Xiu is here in his official capacity? Right now he is just going to politely refuse due to being on official business. And guess what, it will be a great excuse, especially when a âgood friendâ is asking to 'speakâ to you. In the end, we all treasure our lives! Ah Xiu, Iâm sure you will do the right thing, no?â
Yang Ming Hua wasnât trying to mediate; instead, it was more like he was adding fuel to the fire.
ZiChuan Xiu was getting nervous.
Di Lin smiled coldly: âAh Xiu, my friend. I hope it is not because you have been fighting demons for so long and have even learned their favourite move⊠Actually, why donât you get yourself a sh.e.l.l as well and wrap yourself with it, then you would be truly safe!â He was comparing him to a turtle.
Lei Xun commented in a peculiar manner: âDi Lin, donât be so mean to Commander Xiu⊠What if he starts crying?â
Di Lin suddenly seemed to have realized something: âRight, I shouldnât have a.s.sumed⊠I can't believe I thought he was a man all this time⊠Isnât that stupid of me?â
Facing such humiliating insults, even ZiChuan Xiu couldnât resist any longer!
Ignoring Fang Jinâs pull on his sleeves and Ge Ying Xingâs eyes hinting the obvious, he answered defiantly: âI humbly request permission to have an extended âtalkâ with Red Banner Master, Di Lin!â
âWhat a touching friendship!â Lei Xun chuckled: âWhat reason do we have to deny the reunion of such âgood friendsâ?â
Yang Ming Hua nodded in agreement: âVery well then, I will allow Ah Xiu to excuse himself. You may find a room here in High Command to âcatch upâ!â
ZiChuan Xiu and Di Lin both bowed in respect: âThank you for your understanding, Sir!â
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Di Lin and Yang Ming Hua gave each other a look of understanding, and then walked towards the door before ZiChuan Xiu could.
Just as ZiChuan Xiu was about to follow, Fang Jin whispered to him from behind: âBe careful of his blade! Donât let him take the initiative; close in on him first!â He added: âIf things donât work out, make sure to cry for help⊠We will intervene as fast as we can! There is no shame.â
ZiChuan Xiu nodded, showing that he understood. But his stubborn face clearly indicated the opposite: He had already made up his mind; he wouldnât call for help even if he was about to die.
Ge Ying Xing kept his silence, but his gaze was filled with concern. They looked at each other, and everything was spoken without a single word⊠Ge Ying Xing nodded slightly, and ZiChuan Xiu bowed towards him in grat.i.tude. His expression was exceptionally calm, as if he had nothing left to worry about. Ge Ying Xing had already sworn a vow that he would never break: If anything happened to ZiChuan Xiu, he would protect Lady ZiChuan Ning with his life.
Escorted by everyoneâs gazes, Di Lin and ZiChuan Xiu went inside a room and closed the door behind them: Soon sound of curses, punching, kicking, weapons clashing and furniture breaking exploded from behind the doorsâŠ
When the door opened, who would be the one to come out alive?