With Qi Tian's words, both Ning Yu and Fang Qing looked at Qi Tian with a hint of strangeness in their eyes.
Lai Wuwei, as if on instinct, glared at Qi Tian.
Having lived for so long, they all understood the information revealed by Lin Xiao's statement. It was clear that Lin Xiao and Qi Tian had met before Lin Xiao arrived, and Qi Tian's delayed appearance was due to his apprehension about causing trouble. Furthermore, Lin Xiao knew Qi Tian, and not just casually, but intimately, and Lin Xiao was assisting the Ning family.
Considering that Qi Tian had recently been a guest at the Misty Immortal Palace, this presented a significant dilemma. Was it possible that Qi Tian had specifically visited the Misty Immortal Palace to gather intelligence for Lin Xiao, who then came to this location?
Qi Tian stared intently at Lin Xiao, convinced that Lin Xiao was being deliberate. He couldn't believe that someone who had cultivated to such a level in the mortal world wouldn't grasp the awkward predicament he was in.
Ning Yu, on the other hand, was even more bewildered. The Sect of Artifacts, that lofty sect, had not offered to help the Ning family when they intervened in the conflict between the Ning family and the Misty Immortal Palace. Their arrival had, in part, been to assist the Ning family, but also to extract benefits. The remains of the Unyielding Bone had all been taken by the Sect of Artifacts, who claimed they sought a method to refine products as powerful as the Unyielding Bone from its remains. This time, Qi Tian's arrival was likely an attempt to profit from the situation.
Facing the angry glares from both sides, Qi Tian managed a dry chuckle. He knew there was no time to dwell on Lin Xiao's intentions. He immediately stated, "I have come to prevent everyone from reaching a point of no return. I saw the Unyielding Bone from afar and understood that if it were to attack, the three uncles from the Misty Immortal Palace would perish. I rushed here hoping Elder Ning would show mercy."
Lin Xiao, for the first time, saw a flicker of youthful distress on Qi Tian's face.
"Hmph, do I need your reminder? Let alone if I were to let the Unyielding Bone unleash its full power, this very realm couldn't withstand it. I am also aware of our Ning family's current situation. The Misty Immortal Palace hasn't even sent their Palace Lord this time. If conflict were to arise again between our two factions, it would be the common folk in the surrounding areas who would suffer," Ning Yu said with a dismissive snort, his understanding far keener than anyone else's.
"Since Senior understands, that is even better... After all, the great battle back then did accelerate the world's descent into the Age of Dharma's End," Qi Tian quickly added.
"As expected of the young sect master of the Sect of Artifacts, your perspective on issues is indeed more comprehensive," Fang Qing interjected. The three of them were not restrained, but none made any rash moves.
"My Ning family will host, gentlemen, please join me for a simple meal. Even if you don't grant Ning Yu face, you would surely give the Unyielding Bone some consideration, wouldn't you?" Ning Yu continued, his gaze sweeping over Qi Tian and Fang Qing.