Things have gotten out of hand.
Zhao Qingtian's soldiers, though their actions were not voluntary, still possessed their minds.
At that moment, they were all shocked.
They felt a tremor of fear at Ji Xueyun's methods.
A Provincial Military Inspector, their ultimate goal was no more than this, yet Ji Xueyun had rendered him useless with a word!
The soldiers who had accompanied Ji Xueyun were also stunned.
They had never imagined that after traveling thousands of miles to Suzhou and Hangzhou, they would be confronting Military Inspector Zhao Qingtian!
Some rejoiced, while others worried.
Those who worried feared that Ji Xueyun had openly defied Qian Yuanshan's orders and would face repercussions.
Those who rejoiced were happy to have such a protective Marshal, believing that working under her would be without worry, allowing them to fight for her without hesitation.
The most shocked of all was Zhao Qingtian.
He could never have imagined that the one who crippled him was not Bai Zihe.
But rather Ji Xueyun, who also served in the War Department.
He glared, his eyes shooting out terrifying beams of light, "Ji Xueyun, you actually dared, dared to defy the War Department's orders and attack me?"
Ji Xueyun swept him a cold glance, "If you don't believe me, I can cripple you again!"
Zhao Qingtian immediately shut his mouth.
The anger in his heart could have burned the sky, but before Ji Xueyun, he could only endure it—he believed Ji Xueyun would truly dare to do it again.
Ji Xueyun looked at Liu Qianxun beside her, "The soldiers are innocent. Detoxify them."
Liu Qianxun, usually playful and mischievous,
was surprisingly obedient in front of Ji Xueyun. She immediately scattered a handful of purple powder.
As a breeze swept by, the kneeling soldiers caught the fragrant breeze, shook their heads in confusion, and a flicker of bewilderment crossed their eyes. They had clearly awoken.
"I am Ji Xueyun of the Eastern War Zone."
Ji Xueyun's sharp voice drew the attention of all the soldiers.
But no one dared to meet her cold gaze: "Carry Zhao Qingtian back and tell those in charge that I crippled him."
"Bai Zihe is my junior brother. Come at me if you have any issues."
"Anyone who dares to lay a hand on him again, forget about a mere Jiangdong Provincial Military Inspector; even if the Eastern War Zone Lord himself appears, I will not be polite!"
Ji Xueyun's words were incredibly domineering and soul-stirring.
The soldiers were all awed in their hearts.
With their commanding officer crippled, the soldiers had no desire to linger.
They immediately stepped forward, lifted Zhao Qingtian, and retreated like a tide, quickly leaving the scene.
Ji Xueyun's contingent also departed swiftly at her signal.
The ribbon-cutting and unveiling ceremony of the Bai Clan's Chamber of Commerce continued.
After Zhao Qingtian's farce, the attendees gained a deeper understanding of the Bai Clan's Chamber of Commerce.
This was a chamber of commerce backed by Marshal Ji.
Its future was boundless!
A moment later.
Bai Zihe and Ji Xueyun stood atop the building.
A gust of wind blew, their clothes fluttering.
Bai Zihe wore a wry smile, "Second Senior Sister, why did you have to do that?"
"Zhao Qingtian had Qian Yuanshan's military order, and you hold a position in the War Department. Crippling him will bring many troubles and be detrimental to your future."
"Future?"
Ji Xueyun shook her head and chuckled dismissively.
She gazed at Bai Zihe's face, her voice soft, yet incredibly firm, "You are my junior brother. I must ensure your safety."
"Even if I have to be an enemy to the world, I will fear nothing."
Bai Zihe's eyes welled up with tears.
If nothing else,
just the fact that she had rushed from the Eastern War Zone overnight to aid him moved Bai Zihe deeply.
And then, in front of all the soldiers, Ji Xueyun had crippled Zhao Qingtian and declared her intent to protect him.
These things...
he held them all in his heart.
Immediately, Bai Zihe said with a serious expression, "Second Senior Sister, don't be like this. You know, I'm easily moved."
Hearing his words, Ji Xueyun couldn't help but think of Qin Yuan from a few days ago.
Suddenly, she felt angry and grabbed Bai Zihe's ear, "Since you know you're easily moved, why did you find a woman less than a month after descending the mountain?"
"Is this how you are moved?"
A woman?
Which woman?
This was too unfair to him; he was known for his indifference to women!
Bai Zihe was immediately bewildered.
Even his father, Bai Zhanhong, had tried to arrange a match, urging Qin Yuan to get closer to him, but he had refused!
Bai Zihe said indignantly, "Second Senior Sister, although you are my biological senior sister, you cannot ruin my reputation!"
"Since I descended the mountain, I have maintained my purity and have never had any involvement with any woman."
"This is truly a grave injustice to me."
Seeing him still trying to argue, Ji Xueyun tightened her grip, "I caught you red-handed, and you still have the nerve to claim injustice?"
"It hurts, it hurts, it hurts..."
Bai Zihe said aggrievedly, "Senior Sister, I really didn't. I swear!"
Seeing that he didn't seem to be lying, Ji Xueyun released him and snorted, "Then tell me, what's the deal with that Qin Yuan?"
Qin Yuan?
So it was her!
Bai Zihe was on the verge of tears as he explained, "Second Senior Sister, you've truly misunderstood me. I have absolutely no relationship with this Qin Yuan!"
Immediately, Bai Zihe recounted the events of that night at the bar.
He then assured her, "If you still don't believe me, you can go to my house and ask. I really have nothing with her!"
"Tch—"
"Even if you had something with Qin Yuan, what does that have to do with me? Why would I go to your house!"
Although she said this outwardly, Ji Xueyun's expression clearly relaxed.
The clouds parted in the sky, and the sun shone brightly.
Ji Xueyun's tone shifted, her fair and slender fingers cracking with crisp sounds, "Junior Brother, haven't we sparred in a long time?"
"We didn't settle it last time. We must have a good fight this time."