The Thunderfrost Temple was by no means a major power in the neutral lands, but no one could ignore its existence. The main reason was that the temple’s inheritance was special, producing a divine champion in every generation—and two in this one. A divine champion was a divine champion, no matter how weak. Hence, Luo Bingfeng wouldn’t break off courtesies without clarifying the situation, no matter how arrogant he was.
As someone who cultivated the power of lightning and thunder, Caroline was straightforward. “I heard you’ve captured a person called Song Zining, I hope you can hand him to me. I’ll meet your demands as much as possible.”
“Song Zining, again.” A faint radiance appeared in Luo Bingfeng’s eyes, causing all objects in the room to become somewhat warped and distorted. Even the whip-box was starting to see sparks all over its surface, a reaction from the weapon inside.
It was only natural that he would be angry. Tidehark had been turned upside down these days, with grave casualties among the city guard and its generals. Although Yu Mingkang was alive, his will had been damaged and with it, his future prospects.
The root of all this was Song Zining. Now that Caroline was visiting for Song Zining as well, how could he not get angry?
Caroline sat unmoving, allowing Luo Bingfeng’s killing intent to land on her body.
The mysterious lady appeared in the guestroom at this moment. A gentle power showered down like spring rain and nullified the killing intent in the room.
She sat down beside Luo Bingfeng and said apologetically, “I’m really sorry. Bingfeng has been in a bad mood these days. I hope Your Excellency Caroline will forgive his lack of manners. I am curious, though. What is your relations.h.i.+p with Song Zining that you would travel thousands of kilometers to this place?”
Luo Bingfeng kept his silence as he gazed at Caroline with a trace of murderous intent.
Caroline wasn’t his match, to begin with, and that was especially true now that she was in the city.
Caroline knew this question was key. “Actually, I didn’t come here for Song Zining, I came for Qianye. But Qianye won’t leave if you don’t release Song Zining, so I want to know what it’ll take for you to release him.”
Luo Bingfeng seemed like he was about to act up, but the lady calmed him down by patting his hand. “Your Excellency Caroline, what is your relations.h.i.+p with Qianye that you would put in so much effort?”
Caroline replied frankly, “I have an agreement with him. It’s related to a life-long dream of my family, but I think I’ll not discuss this with you.”
The woman nodded. “Releasing Song Zining is not in our power. If you want him to leave, have Qianye come and discuss things with us. He’s done so much damage, so he needs to give us an explanation.”
Caroline’s brows knitted into a frown. “That means City Lord and Madam refuse to negotiate?”
The woman smiled gently. “This matter isn’t impossible to negotiate, but we need Qianye to talk to us. As for the terms, perhaps we’ll think of something when we see him.”
Caroline’s expression sank. “Since that’s the case, I’ll make things clear. If Qianye dies in your hands, then Tidehark will be my enemy henceforth! I might not be your match, but you can’t leave the city, either. So, everyone in the city better be careful when they leave.”
Luo Bingfeng slapped the armrest of his chair and said in a cold voice, “Humph! How bold! If not out of consideration for your personal visit, I could kill you right away!”
Caroline seemed entirely unafraid. “If you kill me, my brother will naturally seek revenge. Then, we’ll see who in Tidehark apart from you will survive. Even the madam might not get away unscathed.”
The woman sighed lightly. She said while holding Luo Bingfeng’s hand, “Bingfeng, she came with sincerity, why the need for this? Besides, this matter happened because some people made decisions on their own. Why would you need to help them shoulder this burden?”
“But…”
“No buts, you go back to the courtyard, I’ll come in a while.”
Luo Bingfeng nodded and left after shooting Caroline a glance. Only the two ladies were left behind in the conference hall.
The lady gazed calmly at Caroline. She was neither angry nor apprehensive, but Caroline actually felt less confident under her gaze.
“Your Excellency, your determination is really great.” Caroline felt her heart skip a beat, suddenly afraid of what the other party would say next.
Fortunately, the lady only revealed a meaningful smile and didn’t keep on speaking. “We understand your intentions now, but how to handle this matter isn’t our decision alone. I’ll discuss this with Bingfeng and perhaps put forth some conditions soon.”
Caroline hadn’t expected the conversation to go so smoothly. “Then, I’ll take my leave first and await your decision.”
The lady rose to send off her guest, asking intentionally or otherwise, “Is the Song clan here?”
“Song clan?” Caroline was startled. “I don’t know, I have no contact with them.”
“Oh, all is well then.” The lady followed Caroline out of the residence doors and only turned back after she had left.
Luo Bingfeng was currently seated in his study, frowning and deep in thought. Luo Yun was standing by his side, waiting silently for his command.
The woman witnessed this scene as she walked in. “I’ve sent her off. It seems she’s unrelated to the Song clan, she only came for Qianye.”
Luo Bingfeng snorted. “This matter is going completely out of hand. Tidehark’s face will be lost completely if we don’t deal with it. A mere Caroline isn’t enough to move me.”
The lady smiled. “Don’t forget about that brother of hers.”
Luo Bingfeng said coldly, “He might not be my match, either.”
The lady said with a sigh, “You’ve been in isolation for so many years, yet you still can’t get rid of your compet.i.tive nature. As I see it, her demands aren’t high, and she’s just worried we’ll kill Qianye. She won’t make an enemy of us as long as the boy isn’t killed or crippled.”
Luo Bingfeng said coldly, “Blades and spears have no eyes. So what if he’s killed or crippled?”
The lady rolled her eyes. “You’ve been an important character for so long and speak as if things are so easy. If you and I don’t attack, which one of your subordinates can hurt him? All they can do is get beaten up. He even managed to escape from you just because of a small delay.”
Luo Bingfeng remained silent for a short while. “This child’s talents are indeed rare, one of the best I’ve seen in my life. But it’s pure insolence if he thinks he can escape a second time!”
“You, must you compete even with a junior? Enough, it’s dragged on too long, we should go back now. Just leave matters here to them, okay?”
Luo Bingfeng didn’t respond. He stood up in delight and said to Luo Yun, “I’ll leave that matter to you, use the thing I gave you.”
Luo Yun affirmed the order and left.
“What’s the matter? So mysterious,” the woman asked.
“Just a small matter, not worth a mention.”
Seeing that Luo Bingfeng wasn’t willing to divulge, the lady decided not to keep asking.
At this moment, Ji Tianqing was running through the vast mountains with Qianye on her back, stopping only after das.h.i.+ng into a beautiful valley.
She threw Qianye onto the ground and rushed to the nearby creek for a drink. Only afterward did she heave a long sigh and lay flat on the ground. “Ah, I’m exhausted!”
Qianye clambered up with a wry smile. “I didn’t have it easy, either.”
Ji Tianqing glared at him. “You only played a supporting role, what are you complaining about?”