Chapter 172

Chapter 172: The Mysterious Knight

"It’s an honor to meet you, Miss Silvia Yunlang." Midi shifted his gaze from the handsome knight and addressed Silvia with flawless noble manners.

Yet the young lady, notorious for her arrogance, frowned at his calm expression.

Doted on by her family head and gifted with rare talent, Silvia had breezed past the level 40 milestone without rigorous training. As the Yunlang family’s second heir, she was destined for a high-status role without needing to scheme for power. Her noble lineage, enviable gifts, promising future, striking beauty, and fiery red hair would have drawn countless suitors—if not for her haughty attitude.

Though spoiled and willful, she remained Faero Bay’s jewel. A mere glance from her could rally dozens of eager heirs to do her bidding. But this time, despite her open interest in allying with the Red Lotus Arena, none dared challenge Midi after he’d effortlessly slain a level 40 expert. Worse, this so-called Count of Saint Tower Island appeared utterly unfazed by her presence—and indifferent to her charms!

*No matter his personal power or backing,* Silvia seethed, *he’ll surrender the Red Lotus Arena today!*

Her icy stare masked her resolve. Yet as a seasoned heir, she hid her intentions behind a dazzling smile that left many breathless.

"Count of Saint Tower Island," she began, "your swordsmanship is admirable. But on the West Coast, maritime Arenas are the backbone. Personal power may shine brightly, but for how long?" Her tone dripped condescension. "The Red Lotus Arena isn’t a prize to be snatched through brute force. Hand it over now, and spare yourself trouble."

Her blunt demand froze the tea party’s lively atmosphere like a northern gale. All eyes turned to Midi, awaiting his response. Would he yield? Stand firm? Or retaliate?

To their surprise, he chuckled as if humoring a child. "If you desire the Red Lotus Arena, I might consider parting with it. But surely the famously powerful Yunlang family wouldn’t beg for scraps?"

Silvia’s retort died in her throat. His casual dismissal implied the Arena was already his.

"Surrender it," she pressed, "and you’ll gain the Yunlang family’s friendship." *Once it’s mine,* she vowed silently, *I’ll send every thug in Faero Bay to harass his Lionheart Arena until he regrets crossing me.*

Midi shook his head. "A tempting offer. But this gathering is for individuals, not family representatives. Can *you* truly speak for the Yunlangs?"

The jab struck true. Even her doting family head wouldn’t let her barter the family’s honor. As she faltered, Midi added lightly, "Lies don’t suit you. If you’re serious, convince your family head to negotiate with me. I welcome all allies on the West Coast—provided the terms are fair. A minor Arena like the Red Lotus means little in the grand scheme."

The eavesdropping crowd marveled. Here was Silvia Yunlang, the West Coast’s most formidable heiress, being schooled like a naughty child! Not only had Midi brushed off her threats, he’d admonished her and invited her family head to *his* table. One thing was clear: the Count of Saint Tower Island didn’t fear the Yunlangs—not one bit.

He was either overconfident in his personal power or had hidden backing.

The crowd secretly wondered in their hearts.

Midi remained calm under everyone’s gaze, though his mind focused not on Silvia’s anger or the Yunlang family’s retaliation, but on the silent knight behind her.

_Time to act soon?_

Midi shifted his gaze past the furious Silvia to study the knight. Their eyes met, sparking an invisible clash of daggers.

The knight finally smiled and stepped forward. "Since the Count of Saint Tower Island considers the Red Lotus Arena insignificant, why trouble the Yunlang family head? Let me resolve this." His quiet voice carried clearly across the tea party.

"Your name?" Midi asked.

Among the gathered family heirs, the highest-level practitioners were level 40 Silvia Yunlang and Shalan Flying Sail. Even including guards and stewards, none surpassed level 43.

Yet Midi’s sharp senses revealed this mysterious knight’s level exceeded 45 – likely 48. His aura felt foreign, unlike anything bred in the commercial West Coast. Midi couldn’t even discern his profession.

Such experts didn’t escort spoiled heiresses without motive. This knight clearly aimed to probe the "Count’s" secrets.

Midi wouldn’t let him observe undisturbed. When Silvia attacked, he’d chosen aggressive demeanor to force this observer into action.

As predicted, the knight abandoned his low-profile guard act. Unexpectedly, the man made no effort to hide his origins.

"I’m Liufeng, Vanguard General under Xuzu’s King Xian’an." The handsome knight declared. "As Xuzu’s envoy to Faero Bay, I forge alliances with maritime families. Since Yunlang allies with Xuzu, Silvia’s affairs become mine. Any objections?"

His restrained aura exploded like a whirlwind, unleashing tsunami-like telekinesis across the garden – pure psionicist power, neither magic nor demon god’s energy.

Guests paled as if thunderstruck. Flying Sail guards rushed in with tension, weapons drawn. Only three stood unaffected: Silvia (protected by alliance), Wells (shielded by Midi), and Midi Asreks himself.

Even Midi felt surprised by the storm’s intensity. This Xuzu general sought to turn Wells’ tea party into Xuzu Kingdom’s power display!

A cold glow flashed in Midi’s star-dark eyes.