Darknight studied Lin Ming’s solemn expression, yet somehow detected a glint of amused mockery in his eyes.

“Senior,” Yuhan He asked, puzzled, “why didn’t that councilor cause trouble for the Headmaster?”

“Trouble? Oh, he tried! But it was useless.” Lin Ming spread his hands with a chuckle.

“Why?”

Seeing Yuhan’s utterly confused face, Lin Ming couldn’t help but wonder: *Hadn’t she wandered the wilds for years? How could she not grasp something this basic?* His gaze drifted to Rosen.

Rosen flinched under Lin Ming’s stare, his eyes darting away awkwardly.

*Ah.* Lin Ming instantly understood. *You’ve sheltered her too well all these years.*

Still, he patiently explained to Yuhan, “Because the Headmaster’s strength silences all objections. They lack the standing to even argue.”

“But… doesn’t the Alliance have laws?” Yuhan pressed, still bewildered.

Lin Ming rubbed his temples, exasperated. “Laws only bind the weak. Take this incident—the Headmaster merely paid some medical fees. Nothing more.”

*Though he never actually paid up…*

“But—”

Lin Ming cut her off before she could ask more. “Just remember this: real power is the only truth that matters.”

“Oh…” Yuhan replied, dazed.

Watching her, Lin Ming decided he needed a serious talk with Rosen later. *Someone who’s roamed the wilderness for years shouldn’t be this naive. Like some sheltered young lady—wait!* His eyes widened. *She actually IS a young lady! How did this cliché plot twist land on me?!*

Rosen’s cheeks burned. He realized he’d overprotected his young mistress, trying to preserve her innocence even after leaving their Clan.

Darknight’s mood plummeted. Lin Ming’s words had left him deeply unsettled. *The Azure Spirit Academy’s Boss—the Alliance’s sole targeted powerhouse… What if he flies here right now and slaps the City Lord dead?*

Just then, his communicator buzzed. Darknight answered, “Yes, City Lord! Understood. We’ll head to the Dining Hall immediately.” He pocketed the device and turned to the group. “The City Lord invites us to dine and discuss matters.”

“Really? Let’s go! Hurry!” Yuhan urged anxiously.

Lin Ming fixed Darknight with a serious look. “Dining Hall? Hey—will there be enough food?”

Relieved Lin Ming hadn’t called him “effeminate guy,” Darknight replied stiffly, “Plenty. The City Lord is a Cultivator, after all.”

“Then let’s move!” Lin Ming’s eyes gleamed as he hurried forward.

“Yes! Yes!” Yuhan chimed in.

Rosen sighed, mortified by their behavior.

“This way, please,” Darknight said, leading them through the City Lord’s Mansion.

After a short walk, they entered an opulent Dining Hall. A long table draped in white linen held lavish dishes. At its head sat Lord Song Dugu—a middle-aged man radiating scholarly grace. Behind him stood a burly Guard in white Blood Armor, a massive Sword strapped to his back.

Darknight presented the trio. “City Lord, these are Songstress Yuhan He, her attendant Rosen, and Lin Ming—a student of Azure Spirit Academy.”

Yuhan curtsied like a Princess. “City Lord.”

Rosen placed a hand over his heart in a gentleman’s bow. “Lord Song.”

Lin Ming waved vaguely. “Hey. Can we eat now?” His eyes were locked on the feast. *Not as good as the Academy’s Dining Hall, but free and plentiful.*

Lord Song nodded politely at Yuhan and Rosen, but frowned at Lin Ming’s rudeness. “Please, be seated. We’ll talk over the meal.”

“Thank you,” Yuhan and Rosen murmured.

Lin Ming plopped into a chair, snatched a chicken leg, and devoured it in one bite. He tossed the bare bone aside, licked his lips, and grinned. “Tasty.”

He finally noticed everyone staring. “What? Dig in! No need to be shy.”

Their expressions were priceless. Yuhan and Rosen burned with shame. The City Lord’s party turned ashen-faced. *He didn’t wait for the host… and told US not to be shy? Who does he think he is?*

“Insolent!” The armored Guard barked. “How dare you eat before the City Lord? Where are your manners?”

“Oh?” Lin Ming replied flatly. He speared a steak with his fork, took a huge bite, and grinned as meat juices sprayed. “Chewy. Good.”

The Guard’s face purpled. He glanced at Lord Song, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

A vicious smirk spread across the Guard’s face. He strode toward Lin Ming, fist clenched in his armored gauntlet. Yuhan gasped and tried to intervene, but Rosen held her back—he’d caught Lin Ming’s look. *Don’t ruin my moment.* Rosen sighed inwardly. *Must he cause trouble even during a meal?*

“Boy,” the Guard growled, “let me teach you proper etiquette!” His armored fist shot toward Lin Ming’s face.

Lin Ming kept eating, ignoring the blow. The Guard poured more strength into his strike.

Yuhan paled, covering her eyes. *Why won’t Grandpa let me stop this? If Senior gets hurt…* She braced for a scream—but heard only lazy crunching.

*Crunch. Crunch.* “Seriously?” Lin Ming’s voice drawled. “Haven’t you eaten? Put some force into it.”

Yuhan slowly uncovered her eyes.