Chapter 174: Here We Go Again

There weren’t many people who dared to speak to Blade like that, and now everyone knew that Shi Ji was one of the few.

Lin Xinyan was completely taken aback by Shi Ji’s boldness. Even if she didn’t particularly like Blade, this wasn’t the time or place to confront him. The room was filled with almost all the S-rank and A-rank heroes. To openly criticize an S-rank hero like that, in front of so many people, was a bit too much.

Others who had witnessed Shi Ji’s brashness before, like Alloy and Auntie Cai, weren’t as shocked. 

The last time, Shi Ji had directed his irritation toward Divine Hunter, and now it seemed Blade was his next target. 

While Shi Ji’s boldness was commendable, his lack of restraint often overshadowed that courage, making it seem reckless rather than admirable.

Shi Ji was, after all, her student, and Jing Xin had initially been frowning in discomfort. But now, sitting quietly in her seat, she couldn’t help but smile with satisfaction.

Across from her sat Blade, his face as expressionless as ever. But Jing Xin knew this was the same man who had relentlessly challenged her in the past. She had lost count of how many times he had pestered her, and she had little fondness for him.

Sitting beside Jing Xin, Black Dragon was also smirking.

Of the top three S-rank heroes in Yinshuang City, two clearly had issues with Blade. This spoke volumes.

Blade’s face remained calm, but a sharpness crept into his eyes.

Everyone could tell that Blade was furious. But for the sake of his pride, he bottled it up, trying to maintain his composure.

Just then, Black Dragon broke the tension with a hearty laugh.

“Haha! Alright, alright, everyone calm down. We’re in a special situation right now. Whatever grudges there are, you can settle them after this is over,” Black Dragon said with a hearty laugh.

In any case, judging from the situation, it was clear that there was a full-blown feud brewing between Blade and Shi Ji. 

After three encounters, even Blade’s patience had to have its limits. And to be honest, if it ever came to taking sides, Black Dragon would choose Shi Ji without hesitation. He was also confident that Jing Xin would step in to protect her student when the time came.

Though Shi Ji’s personality could be a bit reckless, he was, without a doubt, one of Jing Xin’s best students.

Amid the tense atmosphere, the branch chief, who was in charge of leading the meeting, finally walked into the room with a stack of documents in hand.

“Apologies for being a bit late, everyone. Let’s not waste any more time—let’s get straight to the point. I’ve got the latest reports here for all of you to review,” the chief said as he began distributing the files to each hero present.

When the man reached Lin Xinyan and noticed a stranger beside her, he paused and asked, a bit puzzled, “Um… and you are?”

Shi Ji, who was in the middle of stuffing the last bun into his mouth, looked up.

Being a seasoned leader, the division chief wasn’t one to lose his temper over small things, especially in high-pressure situations. Noticing Shi Ji, he asked politely without showing any signs of anger.

Jing Xin quickly addressed the minister’s curiosity. 

“That scoundrel is someone I brought. Give him a copy too.”

Hearing this, the man nodded respectfully, smiled at Shi Ji, and placed a report in front of him.

There was no need to question Jing Xin Heart’s authority or capabilities. Anyone she brought in was obviously no ordinary person. With the gatekeeper and Divine Hunter both injured, they were already short-handed, so the division chief was grateful to Jing Xin for her efforts on behalf of the people.

“Lady Jing Xin, thank you for your help,” the chief said with appreciation.