What Do You Call a Benevolent and Reasonable Person in Xianxia? An Impossibility!

At that moment, a large contingent of troops flooded the commercial street, surrounding Xiao Yan and the others. Amidst this commotion, Xiao Yan heard a familiar, commanding voice.

“Great-grandfather! I will organize the troops to protect the citizens right away, you can rest assured—eh?”

The words of the Jia Ma Empire’s eldest princess, Yao Ye, trailed off as she noticed the crowd had already calmed down. Her gaze fell upon Xiao Yan standing in front of Jia Xing Tian.

“Xiao Yan? What are you doing here?”

“Princess Yao Ye, long time no see…”

Xiao Yan raised his hand slightly, greeting Yao Ye with a bit of awkwardness.

Before Yao Ye could comprehend the situation, Jia Xing Tian waved his hand at her.

“Yao Ye, withdraw the troops. It’s fine now.” Then Jia Xing Tian glanced at Zi Yun before turning his gaze to Xiao Yan. “This is not a place to talk. Follow me.”

Meanwhile, Nalan Yanran and Xiao Yixian breathed a sigh of relief. Although they didn’t understand what had made Zi Yun so angry to summon Jia Xing Tian, it seemed to be resolved now.

Nalan Yanran approached Jia Xing Tian, respectfully bowing with her fists clasped.

“Lord Jia, it’s been a long time.”

“Hmm?” Jia Xing Tian turned slightly and saw Nalan Yanran standing behind him. “Oh, it’s you, Yanran. When did you return?”

“Just today, with Xiao Yan and the others,” Nalan Yanran replied softly, causing Jia Xing Tian to frown slightly.

Weren’t Xiao Yan and the others handling the Mo Clan’s affairs? Why would Nalan Yanran return with them?

Nalan Yanran’s identity as the young mistress of the Yun Lan Sect made Jia Xing Tian instinctively cautious. Given the critical period of toppling the Yun Lan Sect, he couldn’t afford to have an uncertain element like Nalan Yanran involved.

Thus, Jia Xing Tian found an excuse to send her away.

“Yanran, your grandfather’s health hasn’t been good these past few days. You should go check on him.”

“Grandfather? What happened to him?!”

Hearing this, Nalan Yanran’s face filled with worry. Jia Xing Tian gently reassured her.

“It’s probably nothing serious. He’s been feeling unwell these days and is resting at home. The doctors found nothing wrong, likely just fatigue.”

Nalan Yanran sighed deeply with relief at Jia Xing Tian’s words. However, her worry didn’t completely fade, and under the circumstances, shopping was out of the question.

“Lord Jia, I’ll take my leave to visit my grandfather.”

“Go ahead. General Nalan has been thinking of you.”

Jia Xing Tian replied softly. Nalan Yanran nodded, then looked at Xiao Yan.

“Xiao Yan, I’ll go see my grandfather first. I’ll find you later.”

“…Alright.”

Xiao Yan hesitated for a moment before nodding. Nalan Yanran then quickly left the commercial street, heading toward the Nalan family residence.

Watching her leave, Xiao Yan’s brows furrowed slightly. Although he knew Jia Xing Tian was deliberately sending Nalan Yanran away, the reason didn’t seem false. Nalan Jie might indeed be having health issues.

‘I should visit him later…’

Xiao Yan decided in his heart. Meanwhile, under Yao Ye’s command, the troops withdrew from the commercial street. Jia Xing Tian also motioned to Xiao Yan.

“Let’s go. This isn’t the place to talk. We need somewhere quiet.” Then, he looked at the still-dazed Mu Zhan, frowning slightly. “I believe you are… from the Mu family?”

“Yes!”

Mu Zhan snapped to attention at Jia Xing Tian’s inquiry, standing up straight and answering firmly.

“I am Mu Zhan, son of the Mu family head. It’s an honor to be remembered by you, Lord Jia!”

Jia Xing Tian nodded lightly, then spoke softly.

“This matter seems to have started because of you. You should come along as well.”

“Yes, sir!”

Mu Zhan agreed without hesitation, but his heart was trembling with fear.

Mu Zhan was having a hard time believing how his day had taken such a turn. He had merely been enjoying a rare day off, strolling through the streets, and happened to see a beautiful woman he wanted to chat up. Just a simple attempt at flirting, nothing more!

But how had things escalated to involve Jia Xing Tian?

As these thoughts swirled in his mind, Mu Zhan’s gaze furtively shifted toward Zi Yun.

Who exactly is this woman?

“Ah?” Zi Yun, noticing Mu Zhan’s sneaky glance, curled her lips in displeasure. “What? Got a problem with me?”

A mere Da Dou Shi (Battle Grandmaster, 4th Level) like Mu Zhan couldn’t possibly evade the attention of a peak Dou Huang (Battle Emperor, 7th Level) like Zi Yun.

“No, no! Absolutely not!”

Mu Zhan frantically shook his head in denial, raising his hands to prove his innocence.

A problem? How could I dare? I’d be grateful if you didn’t have a problem with me!

“Zi Yun, calm down. He really didn’t mean any harm,” Xiao Yan said with a dry laugh, stepping forward to soothe Zi Yun. While Mu Zhan’s initial attempt to flirt was certainly inappropriate, his subsequent panic over the potential threat to Jia Ma Empire’s people, prompted by the presence of the Little Lion King, was genuine. He even went as far as to suggest personally helping Xiao Yan escort the Little Lion King away in a carriage.

From this perspective, Mu Zhan, as a soldier, was undoubtedly devoted to protecting civilians, not someone who would shy away from danger. Moreover, his offending remarks towards Zi Yun were clearly unintentional. How could he have known that the beautiful woman he approached was the very Amethyst Winged Lion King he feared might come seeking her child?

Hearing Xiao Yan’s comforting words, Zi Yun gradually calmed down. In truth, she hadn’t needed to be angry in the first place. It was simply a habit from her days as a magical beast, where emotions often overruled reason. Now, after some cooling down, she didn’t mind Mu Zhan’s unintentional rudeness anymore.

Seeing Zi Yun, who had been furious moments ago, calm down under Xiao Yan’s reassurance, Mu Zhan’s eyes widened in shock. Moreover, judging by Xiao Yan’s familiar conversation with Jia Xing Tian, it seemed they knew each other quite well?

Who exactly is this Xiao Yan?!

As Mu Zhan grappled with his shock, the group, led by Yao Ye, left the commercial street. Before leaving, Xiao Yixian ran back to the store to retrieve the clothes, stowing them in her storage ring, before catching up with Xiao Yan and the others with Qing Lin.

They had already paid for those clothes. Leaving them behind would be a pure waste.

By the time Mu Zhan snapped out of his thoughts, they were already standing in front of the imperial palace.

Gazing at the opulent palace before them, Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin’s eyes widened in awe, even Xiao Yan was not exempt from this reaction. Although he had been to Jia Ma Sacred City as a child, he had never visited the palace.

He had thought the Snake-People’s palace was impressive, but it paled in comparison to this one. The two were like night and day, completely incomparable.

It was quite impressive that the Snake-People could build such a palace in the resource-scarce desert, undoubtedly the result of their utmost effort.

For Xiao Yixian and Qing Lin, who had endured harsh lives, the grandeur of the palace was beyond their comprehension.

As for Zi Yun and the Little Lion King? Being magical beasts, human architecture didn’t impress them much; it was just big to them.

At this moment, Yao Chen’s disdainful voice echoed from the ring.

(Hmph~ This is far inferior to my base.)

No matter how splendid this palace seemed, it was worthless in Yao Chen’s eyes.

What’s the use of a lavish building with no defensive measures? Moreover, compared to Yao Chen’s idea of grandeur, this palace fell far short.

Hearing Yao Chen’s scorn, Xiao Yan felt a twinge of helplessness. Although Yao Chen was merely stating facts with no ill intent, it was still somewhat uncomfortable to hear.

“Please, follow me.”

Two maids respectfully led the group into the palace. After passing through several ornate doors, they arrived in a room resembling a reception hall.

“Everyone, please sit. No need to be formal.”

Jia Xing Tian handed his cloak to a maid and sat on a single sofa in the reception room.

After Jia Xing Tian spoke, Mu Zhan hesitated for a moment before cautiously sitting down on a sofa, along with Qing Lin.

Xiao Yan, being naturally straightforward, treated Jia Xing Tian, the Imperial Family Guardian, with respect, believing proper etiquette was sufficient.

Xiao Yixian maintained a perfectly normal demeanor, neither too relaxed nor too tense, as if she were just visiting as an ordinary citizen.

While she had been astonished by the palace’s grandeur earlier, it was merely the novelty. Once seen, there was nothing more to it. For her, nothing else mattered except matters concerning Xiao Yan.

Zi Yun, however, was the most laid-back, sprawling comfortably on a sofa as if she didn’t regard Jia Xing Tian, the Imperial Family Guardian, at all, causing Jia Xing Tian to raise an eyebrow.

Though he had said not to be formal, wasn’t this too relaxed?

Despite his thoughts, Jia Xing Tian understood this was likely the uninhibited nature of magical beasts. Given her appearance, she probably hadn’t been in human form for long and naturally didn’t understand human etiquette.

Moreover, Jia Xing Tian had a feeling that, even with time, Zi Yun might never grasp human etiquette.

But he didn’t mind Zi Yun’s casual attitude. He himself had disliked rules and etiquette when he was younger, but once he ascended to the throne, every action represented the empire, forcing him to adopt a seemingly rigid demeanor.

Being responsible for oneself versus being responsible for many can drastically change one’s behavior.

Shortly after they sat down, the maids served fragrant tea and refreshments to everyone, even providing the Little Lion King with a lavish bowl of meat broth and a plate of roasted meat slices, showing thoughtful consideration.

The maid’s expression remained unchanged throughout, even when the Little Lion King opened its sharp jaws in delight, which impressed Xiao Yan.

Truly befitting of being a royal maid, stronger in psychological fortitude than many cultivators.

“Please enjoy.”

After setting everything in place, the maids bowed slightly and quietly left the room, closing the door gently behind them.

“Before we discuss serious matters…” Jia Xing Tian sipped his tea, his gaze shifting to the tense Mu Zhan. “Mu Zhan.”

“Yes, sir!”

Mu Zhan sprang to his feet, his entire body tense, clearly embodying the word “nervous,” causing Jia Xing Tian to sigh inwardly.

“I said you needn’t be so formal.”

“Yes, sir!”

Seeing Mu Zhan still unable to relax, Jia Xing Tian didn’t dwell on it.

His gaze sharpened, fixing on Mu Zhan.

“Mu Zhan, as the future heir of the Mu family, you would eventually learn of this matter. Hence, I called you here today.”

“But for now, just listen and remember everything carefully. Do not disclose it to anyone until instructed. When the time comes, I will assign tasks to the Mu family, which you will oversee. Understood?”

Hearing Jia Xing Tian’s words, Mu Zhan’s heart surged with excitement. This was an honor for any soldier!

“No problem! I will do my utmost!”

“Good.”

Jia Xing Tian was pleased with Mu Zhan’s attitude, but his tone suddenly turned cold.

“But remember, as I said, until I give the word, you are not to disclose anything to anyone, not even your father. If I find out you’ve let it slip…”

“Rest assured, Elder Jia! I swear on the Mu family’s honor! If I let anything slip, you won’t need to act. I will end my life in disgrace!”

“Good, not bad for a subordinate of General Nalan. Your resolve is commendable.”

Jia Xing Tian nodded approvingly, making Mu Zhan’s face flush with excitement.

Jia Xing Tian’s expression turned serious as he leaned back in his chair and spoke calmly.

“Now, let’s discuss the important matter…”