The little black ball was feeling extremely pleased with itself. Once they reached the boundary region, it was basically back on its home turf.
If that damn brat wanted to earn merit, she'd better say some nice things first. Otherwise, hmph!
That was what it thought, and that was exactly what it said, "Little So-and-so from the Feng family, I know you're feeling uncertain right now, afraid you'll get captured by the Demon Clan. Don't worry, so long as this young master is here, everything will be foolproof!
But I do like hearing flattering words. Go on, say a couple for me to hear!"
Feng Xi let out a cold snort. In the next instant, agonized screams of the little black ball rang out inside her divine sense.
Sometimes, Feng Xi truly admired this bastard. After suffering countless losses at her hands, it still kept sticking out its little feet to test her patience.
Is this the legendary…masochist?
After being properly "educated," the little black ball immediately changed its tune, "Beautiful, wise, and kind master, as your spirit companion, it is only right that I protect you at all costs!
Rest assured, this trip to the boundary region will definitely make your name go down in history, immortal for all ages!"
Feng Xi:…Are you trying to send me to the afterlife?!
An hour later, the three of them arrived at An Ding City.
Upon receiving the message, City Lord Hu was already waiting at the city gates.
After exchanging a few pleasantries, City Lord Hu said, "Elder Duanmu, the elders from the other three sects are already waiting at the City Lord's Manor. Please follow me."
Elder Duanmu didn't enjoy small talk, so after a few brief words, he fell silent.
Feng Xi, however, drifted over, "City Lord Hu, I've admired you for a long time!
You've devoted more than twenty years to guarding the human race's frontier here in An Ding City. Such integrity and selfless dedication deserve the respect and admiration of all.
To be honest, aside from resisting the Demon Clan, I also have a small personal wish this time.
I plan to have a good long chat with you, then return and compile your deeds into a biography, so the world can know of your glorious achievements and noble character.
So if you ever have time, just send someone to call for me, I'll come immediately!"
Hu Chengzhu was completely stunned!
Ha?
Writing a biography for him?
Was that something he even dared to dream of?
A person's lifetime pursuit, aside from the Great Dao, was nothing more than fame and profit!
Though deeply moved, he still said modestly, "Miss Feng Xi, you flatter me too much.
My contributions are hardly worth mentioning!
That said, if you're interested in matters of An Ding City, we can certainly talk when we have time."
Feng Xi nodded, "Great. Once I've settled in, I'll come look for you."
The two chatted more and more enthusiastically. Before long, Feng Xi was already calling him Martial Uncle Hu. Who knows where she even got that line of reasoning.
Just before reaching the City Lord's Manor, City Lord Hu hesitated, then quietly said to Elder Duanmu, "Elder Duanmu, Elder Lu of the Hunyuan Sect divided the defensive zones into four areas, Jia, Yi, Bing, and Ding. The other three sects have already chosen, leaving Zone Ding for your Xuantian Sect.
I'll say this bluntly, Zone Ding is the hardest area to defend. Because the waters of the Endless Sea there are relatively calm, the Demon Clan usually lands from that direction.
You should keep this in mind."
Elder Duanmu nodded, "Thank you."
In truth, earlier, while Feng Xi was chatting away with City Lord Hu, Elder Duanmu had been somewhat displeased.
Why is Feng Xi this child talking so much nonsense?
What messy things?
What biography?
Does City Lord Hu even deserve that?!
Only now did he understand Feng Xi's intent. If she hadn't warmed up to City Lord Hu first, the city lord would never have given this warning.
Now that he knew Zone Ding's disadvantage, Elder Duanmu could bargain properly once inside.
When the three entered the reception hall of the City Lord's Manor, Elder Lu, Elder Han, and Elder Feng all rose to greet them.
Regardless of their true thoughts, basic courtesy had to be maintained.
After everyone took their seats again, Elder Lu of Hunyuan Sect said with a half-smile, "Elder Duanmu, you came by sword flight, didn't you? Such a long journey is truly hard work.
What a pity our routes didn't align, or we could've offered you a ride on our flying ship."
Elder Duanmu naturally understood the jab at the Xuantian Sect's poverty, but he disdained engaging in verbal sparring and merely responded perfunctorily.
Ordinarily, that should have been the end of it. But Elder Lu pressed on, "Elder Duanmu, forgive my bluntness, but your Xuantian Sect is a bit too frugal!
When you return, you should really have a talk with Sect Master Xiao. You wouldn't believe how many people secretly mock your sect for being stingy…"
Just as he was droning on, Feng Xi suddenly said crisply to Jun Wen, "Fifth Senior Brother, if someone already knows that certain things shouldn't be said, why do they still insist on saying them? Is it because they've eaten too much salty food?"
Elder Lu: "..."
Elder Duanmu gave a light cough, "Xiao Xi, how can you speak like that? In the future, when the elders are talking, don't interrupt, otherwise people may think you're meddlesome."
Feng Xi nodded, "Elder Duanmu, I understand. In the future, I'll definitely keep my troublesome mouth in check so I don't annoy people."
Elder Lu:…You old and young are clearly singing in harmony to mock me!
I remember Duanmu Yan being taciturn, since when did he learn to be so sarcastic?!
He slammed the table, "Duanmu Yan, what do you mean by this?!"
Seeing tensions rise, Elder Han of Wan Jian Sect and Elder Feng of Beast-Taming Sect hurried to smooth things over, "Enough, you two. Let's all calm down.
We should focus on the matter at hand!
Elder Duanmu, to save time, we already divided the defensive zones before you arrived.
The areas are roughly equal in size…"
Elder Duanmu studied the defense map and said coldly, "Although I'm not deeply familiar with the boundary region, I do know a thing or two.
The Zone Ding assigned to us is the most difficult to defend in the entire region.
This arrangement is hardly fair. Either we redraw lots, or the disciples of all four sects are mixed together."
Elder Lu of Hunyuan Sect sneered, "There's an order to everything. Who told you to arrive late?!
If you disagree, feel free to take your Xuantian Sect people and leave!"
Elder Duanmu immediately stood up and said to Jun Wen and Feng Xi, "We're leaving."
Elder Han and Elder Feng quickly stepped in to stop him, and City Lord Hu also rushed over to mediate.
Finally, Elder Duanmu said, "If we must guard Zone Ding, then so be it. But as you all know, our Xuantian Sect is short on pills. You'll need to support us with some, especially Hemostasis Pills and Demon-Transforming Pills."
Jun Wen: "..."
Why ask them for pills? I've got plenty myself!
Little junior sister gave me a whole washbin full!
She definitely has even more!
You could've asked for literally anything else!
Fortunately the other three sects all refused. Wartime pills were the most precious resources, money couldn't buy them even if you wanted to.
After another round of bargaining, each sect agreed to compensate Xuantian Sect with 100,000 spirit stones.
Elder Lu said darkly, "Duanmu Yan, let's be clear. Since the zones are divided, each sect handles its own area. Don't come begging for help later."
Elder Duanmu sneered, "Of course! I hope you remember those words as well."
Elder Han and Elder Feng remained silent, tacitly approving.