The Unparalleled Sword Emperor Chapter 2732 - 2707: City Lord’s Summons

With an unchanging smile, Tai Yi addressed Qianduo Jin, chuckling, "Head of the Qian family, I am aware your Qian Family stands as one of Black Water City's foremost lineages, possessing significant influence and prestige, not to be lightly crossed!"

"Perhaps you believe that even in a confrontation between the Qian Family and the Zhao Family, victory is not assured for the latter?"

"However, Head of the Qian family, I find it imperative to caution you at this juncture!"

"The elder City Lord, though nearing his end, still maintains his formidable cultivation. Should the Qian Family provoke the elder City Lord at this moment, I surmise... he would not hesitate to drag a few souls to the underworld with him!"

Tai Yi remarked with a smile.

Upon hearing this, Qianduo Jin grasped the implication of Tai Yi's words immediately.

It was whispered that the old City Lord's internal afflictions were beyond cure, and his days were numbered. Despite his weakened state, the old City Lord's cultivation remained potent. Now, on the precipice of death, if anyone dared to provoke him... considering he was a man facing his final moments, what would prevent him from taking a few more lives along?

Qianduo Jin offered a smile, "How could I possibly! Since the elder City Lord wishes to grant an audience to Lin Bai today, I shall not presume to linger!"

"Please proceed!"

Qianduo Jin's smile widened slightly, no longer impeding Tai Yi's path.

Tai Yi let out a soft chuckle, "Please, Guest Official Lin Bai!"

Lin Bai replied with a light laugh, "Let's go, Lin Ye!"

Without further delay, Lin Bai, accompanied by Lin Ye, followed Tai Yi.

Once Tai Yi had departed, Qianduo Jin's demeanor shifted abruptly, his expression hardening. He cast a chilling gaze towards the Tang Family before leading his Qian Family warriors back to their estate, with Qian Youcai in tow.

Witnessing Qianduo Jin's exit, Tangjing Yuan finally exhaled in relief. He retreated to the Tang Family grounds and declared that the family would receive no visitors for the day, turning away all inquiries.

Lin Bai and Tai Yi proceeded along the thoroughfares of Black Water City, their destination the City Lord's Mansion.

During their walk, a silence persisted between Lin Bai and Tai Yi.

Eventually, Lin Bai broke the quiet, asking, "Manager Tai Yi, I have a few matters I wish to discuss with you!"

Tai Yi inclined his head with a smile, "Brother Sword Demon, please do not hold it against me; I was truly left with no alternative."

"I confess, it was indeed I who divulged your identity to both the Zhao Family and the Tang Family."

"However, my actions were born of necessity."

"The elder City Lord, Zhao Wuji, a prominent figure of the Zhao family, dispatched an envoy to seek me out, commanding me to reveal your identity to the Zhao Family. How could I possibly disobey such an order?"

"As I mentioned earlier, the elder City Lord is on his deathbed, yet his cultivation remains undiminished. Should he be provoked, he might very well incite a bloody rampage in his fury."

"Regarding the Tang Family... Young Miss Tang Yuezhi had already deduced your identity. The head of the Tang Family and Tang Yuezhi visited the Fighting Arena to probe into your background, but they did not press me for explicit details."

"That cunning old fox, Tang Jingxiu, ascertained your identity simply from a fleeting glance at my expression."

"What recourse did I have?"

Tai Yi stated with a sense of resignation.

Hearing Tai Yi's explanation, Lin Bai finally arrived at the certainty that his identity had, in fact, been compromised within the Fighting Arena.

Initially, when the Zhao Family had approached Lin Bai the previous night, he had found it peculiar – how had they come to know his true identity?

After a night of contemplation, Lin Bai concluded that Ban Ye and Uncle Fatty would unlikely betray him. Given their limited acquaintance with the Zhao Family, it was improbable the latter would pay them any heed!

As for Tang Yuezhi, it was inconceivable that she would be the one to reveal Lin Bai's identity.

This left only one plausible avenue: the Fighting Arena.

Within the confines of the Fighting Arena, the sole individual privy to Lin Bai's true identity was the manager, Tai Yi.

Today, Lin Bai had intended to depart the Tang Family's residence specifically to question Tai Yi, perhaps even to confront him regarding the matter.

Yet, before he could even step beyond the threshold of the Tang family's estate, Qian Youcai had intervened.

Subsequently, Qianduo Jin had made his move, cornering Lin Bai into a precarious situation.

Providentially, Tai Yi had intervened, extricating Lin Bai from his immediate predicament, thereby rendering it impossible for Lin Bai to lay further blame upon Tai Yi.

Furthermore, Tai Yi had clarified that it was the elder City Lord, Zhao Wuji, who had instructed him to disclose Lin Bai's identity to the Zhao Family.

Confronted by the elder City Lord, Tai Yi, despite his position as the manager of the Fighting Arena, had been compelled to defer to his wishes.

Lin Bai inquired, "If the elder City Lord had already instructed you to inform the Zhao Family of my identity, why does he now wish to grant me an audience today?"

Tai Yi smiled, "Perhaps it is because you did not seek to establish terms of peace with the Zhao Family."

Lin Bai was taken aback, his brow furrowing in silent contemplation.

Tai Yi then spoke in a hushed tone, "Brother Sword Demon, if my assessment proves correct, the elder City Lord seeks you today likely to request your aid for the Zhao Family."

"You must know, during the Dragon City Battle, whoever secures the Commander Flag will ascend to become the new ruler of Black Water City!"

"Furthermore, each family possessing an additional strong expert gains greater confidence!"

"And the many combatants within the Fighting Arena are no different; numerous fighters eagerly await this very chance!"

Tai Yi stated casually.

"Brother Sword Demon, given our acquaintance, I offer this advice: unless the old City Lord's proposal is outrageously unfair, you should graciously accept his goodwill!"

"After all, the elder City Lord is a warrior from the Zhao family. Even now, on his deathbed, he yearns to witness the Zhao family's continued reign over Black Water City!"

"Should you refuse to aid the Zhao Family and directly rebuff the old City Lord... as I previously mentioned, a desperate man might resort to extreme measures!"

Tai Yi remarked with a smile.

Lin Bai grasped the hidden meaning behind Tai Yi's words.

With a smile, Lin Bai inquired, "Thank you for the reminder. Manager Tai Yi, if I may interpret your implication, are you suggesting the old City Lord is extending an invitation to a Hongmen Banquet?"

Tai Yi simply smiled, offering no verbal response.

Lin Bai continued, "If I lend my support to the Zhao Family, then many matters become open for negotiation..."

"However, should I reject the old City Lord's request and express no desire to assist the Zhao Family!"

"I fear the old City Lord, in his effort to minimize potential risks, might seek to eliminate me directly, thus preventing me from aiding other families and posing any further danger to the Zhao Family!"

Lin Bai articulated softly.

Tai Yi chuckled, "Brother Sword Demon, your perception is indeed remarkably sharp!"

Lin Bai let out a laugh, "Manager Tai Yi has been so explicit; were I to still fail to comprehend, wouldn't that simply be foolish of me?"

Tai Yi offered a slight smile, "It is fortunate that Brother Sword Demon understands."

"Let us proceed; the City Lord Mansion lies just ahead."

Lin Bai and Tai Yi advanced together.

Ahead, they observed a street lined with soldiers clad in armor, stationed every ten paces. Each held a long spear, their expressions stern and commanding.

Traversing this very street led directly to the City Lord Mansion.

Tai Yi guided Lin Bai inside, proceeding directly to Zhao Wuji.

Upon reaching a Lake Pavilion, Tai Yi clasped his fists and announced, "City Lord, I, Tai Yi, have brought Sword Demon Lin Bai as you commanded!"

"Thank you, Tai Yi. I have made arrangements for your reward. You may proceed to collect it before departing!"

"Lin Bai, enter."

A cold, male voice emanated from within the Lake Pavilion.

"Yes!" Tai Yi responded, turning to depart.

As he left, Tai Yi cast a meaningful glance at Lin Bai, a clear signal to show deference to Zhao Wuji!

Lin Bai understood the unspoken message and proceeded towards the Lake Pavilion!