Chapter 404: A Condition
As the voice echoed from within, Third Master swallowed back the words he had been about to say. His eyes lit up in delight, and he strode forward to meet the person coming out.
“Second Brother!” he called out. “This isn’t how Feng City should treat its guests! Miss Yu has been waiting for quite some time—she was about to leave! Why did you take so long to come out?”
The newcomer was none other than Xing Yong, the Second Master of Feng City, whom Yu Luo had briefly encountered during the auction.
Dressed in luxurious robes, his black hair tied up in an elegant jade crown, he still exuded youthful vigor, despite being middle-aged. With a face full of warm smiles, he strode out from behind the grand gates.
A group of Feng City warriors followed behind him, all clad in battle garb, their hands resting on their swords—giving an air of ceremonial formality.
“Apologies, apologies! I kept you waiting, Miss Yu.” Xing Yong’s smile never faltered. “I shall personally discipline the servant who delayed the message!”
Yu Luo, seeing his polished and insincere grin, smirked coldly in her heart but maintained an outwardly polite demeanor.
“No need for that, Second Master. I came uninvited—it was an intrusion on my part,” she replied with a slight bow.
“Hahaha! Nonsense! Feng City has sent multiple invitations to Luo City before, but I heard your father was occupied and unable to attend. We’ve long hoped for Luo City’s visit! While it’s unfortunate that Lord Yu himself could not come, meeting his precious daughter is an equal honor!”
“Miss Yu, please—come inside!”
Xing Yong’s honeyed words concealed his true intentions well. As expected of a seasoned leader, Yu Luo thought.
Her group followed him into the grand city lord’s estate, and once inside, Yu Luo’s people finally understood the true foundation of Feng City.
Even though they had expected opulence, they were still taken aback by the sheer luxury and strong defenses of the estate.
Yet, they concealed their reactions well—none of them showed shock on their faces. Instead, they remained composed, careful not to lose face.
However, when they noticed heavily armed guards stationed every few steps, Zhang Hu and the others instinctively reached for their sword hilts, prepared to defend their lady if necessary.
Yu Luo, on the other hand, remained calm.
She cast a meaningful glance at Xing Yong.
“I have long heard of Feng City’s reputation,” she said smoothly. “Your city’s strength in the martial world is undeniable. But stepping into this grand estate, I must admit—I am truly impressed.
“The tight security and the splendid halls prove why Feng City holds such prestige. It is an honor to be your guest today.”
“Hahaha! Miss Yu, you flatter us!” Xing Yong laughed heartily.
“Luo City may be new, but to build such a city in the wilderness is no small feat. Your father’s abilities command my respect.”
As they spoke, they passed a courtyard filled with exotic flowers and a massive koi pond, arriving at a grand hall.
Inside, precious antiques and fine calligraphy decorated the walls. The yellow pearwood chairs in the reception area exuded an air of wealth and status.
It was clear that this hall was designed to impress guests, but Yu Luo knew she wouldn’t be allowed deeper into the estate.
Seated inside, they were served hot tea and delicate pastries.
Yu Luo gestured for Zhang Hu to present the gift list she had prepared.
Xing Yong took it, barely glancing at it, yet his smile never wavered.
“Miss Yu, you and your father are too generous,” he said smoothly. “Just having you visit brings honor to Feng City!”
Yu Luo’s expression remained polite.
“Luo City is still new, and we have much to learn. Since our two cities are neighbors, I hope Feng City will offer us guidance.
If Luo City has ever acted improperly, I trust that Feng City will not hesitate to correct us. After all, we shall be dealing with one another for years to come.”
Xing Yong’s smile deepened, but his eyes sharpened slightly.
“Miss Yu is too humble. Feng City has stood for hundreds of years, and now—finally—we have a city beside us. It is only natural that we should support one another.”
“But…”
He paused deliberately, letting silence settle in the hall.
Yu Luo’s instincts tensed.
She waited patiently, watching as Xing Yong’s smile turned thoughtful.
Finally, after half a cup of tea’s time, he lifted his gaze to meet hers.
“Tell me, Miss Yu… has your father considered the consequences of establishing a city so openly in the wilderness?”
“Of course,” Yu Luo replied smoothly. “But no matter what happens, it cannot be worse than our current situation.”
Her calm, unwavering response caught Xing Yong slightly off guard.
His brows twitched, and he hesitated before speaking again.
“Very well.” He nodded.
“Then, Miss Yu, allow me to offer Feng City’s protection over Luo City. If your father agrees, Feng City will ensure Luo City’s safety.”
As expected, Yu Luo’s eyes darkened slightly.
She had anticipated a request of this nature, but she hadn’t thought Xing Yong would be so direct about it.
“I am grateful for Feng City’s kindness,” she said cautiously. “But such a favor is too great. Luo City may never be able to repay it.”
“Hahaha!” Xing Yong laughed.
“Miss Yu, you are indeed a remarkable young lady! It is no wonder that your father is so capable—even his daughter is sharp-witted.
“But you misunderstand—Feng City does not need repayment.”
He leaned forward slightly, his smile deepening.
“Luo City only needs to agree to one condition.”
Yu Luo’s expression remained unreadable.
The discussion had moved to the core issue faster than expected—which was good.
However, what was the price?
There was no such thing as a free lunch.
Even if Feng City’s offer seemed generous, a single condition could easily place Luo City in an irreversible situation.
Yu Luo’s mind raced, carefully choosing her words.
“Feng City’s generosity is truly appreciated,” she said lightly.
“But I fear that Luo City may not be able to fulfill the condition you have in mind. If we fail to meet your expectations, I wouldn’t want to disappoint Second Master—or all of Feng City.”
