Starting as a prodigy wanting milk? A world-destroying deception in the opposite direction.

Hogner's gaze swept over everyone present, lingering for a moment on Feng Yu's bright yellow robes and Shen Zhen and the others' temple uniforms, before he laughed heartily, his voice booming:

"So it is the Third Prince and the temple envoy who have arrived in Great Moon City. My apologies for my disrespect!"

I am Hogner Muruha, a merchant from the Uche Kingdom. I have come to pay my respects and admire your splendor upon hearing that an envoy from the Celestial Empire is here!

"What's wrong, Young Master Qian? Doesn't your Fengyun Empire claim to be a land of etiquette, yet you can't even afford to entertain a friendly guest with a cup of wine?"

His words seemed polite, but they were actually barbed. He referred to "闯" (chuǎng, meaning to venture out) as "拜会" (bàihuì, meaning to visit), and brought up "友邦" (yǒubāng, meaning friendly nation) and "礼之邦" (lǐzhībāng, meaning a nation of etiquette), which made Qian Duoduo blush with embarrassment.

Feng Yu put down his wine glass, a slightly aloof smile on his face:

"So it was Mr. Hogner from the Uche Royal Court."

Since they are from a friendly nation, we naturally welcome them to visit.

"Sit down, serve wine."

Hogner didn't stand on ceremony, sitting down with an air of authority. He took the wine glass offered by the maid, took a small sip, smacked his lips, and praised:

"Indeed, this is a fine wine from the Celestial Empire, far more mellow than the wines of our Wuche Royal Court!"

He put down his wine glass, his gaze sweeping over the exquisitely carved beams and pillars of the hall and the jade ornaments on the table, and exclaimed in admiration:

"Chairman Qian's mansion is truly magnificent, befitting the leading business in Dayue City."

I've heard that the Red Mountain Merchant Guild's caravans frequently travel between the border of the Wind and Cloud Empire and the Wuche Royal Court, which has benefited many tribes on our side.

Upon hearing this, Qian Sihai felt slightly relieved, assuming that this barbarian merchant had only come to establish a friendly relationship, and quickly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Mr. Hogner is too kind. It's just a small business, barely surviving on the stability of the border."

"Peaceful?" Hogner scoffed, his tone suddenly shifting, his eyes sharpening.

"What Chairman Qian said is not true."

During my trip to Great Moon City, I heard many rumors along the way, saying that there were frequent strange occurrences in the Burial Sand Sea area, and even many of the Empire's patrol teams had gone missing.

This border area is probably not very secure, is it?

The atmosphere in the hall froze instantly.

Qian Sihai's smile froze, unsure how to respond.

Feng Yu paused slightly in the hand holding the wine glass, his gaze turning indifferent as he looked at Hogner:

"Mr. Hogner is a businessman; he should be concerned with the profits and losses of trade routes and the security of the empire's borders. There's no need for you to worry about that."

"Your Highness is mistaken." Hogner leaned forward slightly, his gaze sweeping intently over Shen Zhen and the others.

"With borders unsettled, how can trade routes function?"

My Wuche Kingdom and the Fengyun Empire have been neighbors for generations. We are interdependent, so how could we not care?

Moreover, besides paying my respects to you all, I also want to see for myself what makes the temple messenger who can venture so deep into the Burial Sands so extraordinary.”

His gaze finally settled on Shen Zhen.

"This must be the recently famous Special Envoy Shen Zhen, right?"

Indeed, heroes emerge from among the young!

Shen Zhen calmly raised her glass: "Mr. Hogner, you flatter me."

A glint flashed in Hogner's eyes, his tone carrying undisguised provocation:

"Drinking alone is boring; we, the Uche people, respect heroes the most."

I've heard that you've already achieved many remarkable feats at such a young age.

"How about we have a friendly competition today, a contest of martial arts or a contest of skill, whichever you choose? Let me witness the true abilities of the divine messengers of our Celestial Empire, what do you say?"

The voice just fell.

Hogner's followers immediately echoed, each glaring at Shen Zhen and the others with hostile eyes, their bodies radiating subtle fluctuations of psychic energy.

This is no visit; it's clearly a provocation, an attempt to test the strength of the delegation.

The atmosphere in the hall instantly became tense, and the previous relaxed atmosphere vanished in an instant.

Qian Duoduo was so angry that her face turned blue. Just as she was about to explode, Qian Sihai held her back with a look.

Qian Sihai quickly tried to smooth things over:

"Mr. Hogner, this is a family dinner today. Let's not talk about these fighting and killing things. Let's drink and enjoy ourselves."

"Of course we should drink, but when heroes meet, wouldn't it be a pity if we didn't exchange a few blows?" Hogner waved his hand, his tone firm.

"Special Envoy Shen, are you perhaps afraid?"

Or is the rumor wrong, and the temple delegation is just a name without substance?

Shen Zhen sat calmly at the table, her fingertips gently stroking the rim of her wine glass.

He could sense the subtle psychic power emanating from Hogner. Although it had not fully erupted, it already carried a sense of oppression, clearly indicating that he was not just an ordinary merchant.

He looked up at Hogner and spoke calmly:

"Since Mr. Hogner is a guest from a friendly country, we should treat him with courtesy."

However, friendly sparring requires mutual consent; forced cooperation is never effective. Furthermore, the power of a spirit healer is not meant for brawling or violence.

"Oh? So, Envoy Shen is unwilling to offer his guidance?" Hogner raised an eyebrow, his tone even more provocative.

"Or are you afraid of losing and disgracing the temple?"

Feng Yu put down his wine glass, his face darkening.

"Mr. Hogner, how dare you be so insolent!"

Special Envoy Shen is the Temple's Pacification Envoy, representing my Fengyun Empire. How dare you provoke me like this?!

Hogner laughed heartily, completely unfazed by Feng Yu's threat:

"Your Highness, please calm down. I was just acting on a whim and wanted to exchange ideas with the delegation. I had no ill intentions."

If Envoy Shen and His Highness are truly unwilling, then so be it.

Feng Yu tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, his gaze sweeping over the group of eager Uche warriors behind Hogner, finally landing on Shen Zhen's face with a hint of inquiry.

Before Shen Zhen could even speak.

Ye Zhi Qiu snapped his folding fan shut and sneered:

"Mr. Hogner, your visit to the Uche royal court is quite unique."

"What, did you think we were tired from our journey and came here especially to help us relax?"

Hogner laughed heartily, completely ignoring Ye Zhi Qiu's mockery:

"Sir, you jest!"

We Uche people are straightforward and admire people with real skills the most.

I have long heard of the great supernatural powers of the temple's guardians and the numerous experts in the royal family. Today, I have the opportunity to meet them, and I am simply itching to do so.

If you find this inconvenient, or... well, just pretend I didn't say anything.

This tactic of provocation is clumsy yet effective.

If they did not respond, it would make the temple and the royal family appear cowardly and lose face in front of their friendly nations.

If they agree, the outcome is uncertain, and the opponent is clearly well-prepared.

Shen Zhen put down his wine glass and spoke in a steady voice:

"Since Mr. Hogner is in such a good mood, we will gladly keep him company."

"But I wonder what the specific rules are for these literary and martial arts competitions?"

Hogner's eyes flashed with a hint of smugness when he saw Shen Zhen respond:

"Great! We'll each send three people."

The text is simple; the contest involves identifying objects and deciphering patterns.

Martial arts competitions are even simpler: a friendly exchange in the ring, stopping when the point is reached. Of course, if a fight breaks out and things get awkward, you can only blame yourself for not being skilled enough.

The so-called "object identification" is to identify the origin and function of an object that contains spiritual power or has strange characteristics;

"Unbinding" refers to breaking the simple psychic seal or rune attached to an item.

These are all essential basic abilities for a Spirit Suppressor, but they require exceptional eyesight, perception, and knowledge.

The martial arts competition, on the other hand, is a real contest of combat strength.

"Okay." Shen Zhen nodded in agreement.

"Mr. Hogner, which competition would you like to start with?"