...
"Sigh, it probably won't be waking up for a few days."
"I'll have to hold back more in the next battle."
After carefully checking, Fei Xiao asked the system in her mind.
In short, she had been too heavy-handed. Even though the final strike had avoided a direct hit, the injuries caused by the residual impact at close range were still significant.
If it hit, it would be sleeping indefinitely; even if it missed, it would still have to sleep for two days and two nights.
Everyone:...
How could she not be heavy-handed? Didn't she see that the poor thing was almost split open!
"Alright, I've done all the treatment I can. The rest depends on its own recovery ability."
"Sorry to have kept you all waiting."
Fei Xiao stood up and faced the group.
...
"Ahem, um, Sister Fei Xiao, let me make some introductions!"
"This is my grandfather — Jiao Wuyan."
"This Elder Ye is the representative who, like you, proposed reconciliation with Pokémon — Ye Jinnian."
"And finally, the representative of the opposing side — Li Zhengxin."
Jiao Xiaoyan began introducing the identities of everyone to Fei Xiao one by one.
Fei Xiao nodded at Jiao Xiaoyan and then briefly looked around at the others.
The only surprise was that she hadn't expected this young girl to have such a background.
Fei Xiao also introduced herself, keeping a straight face.
"Mm, hello. Given your capabilities, I assume I don't need to introduce myself further."
Fei Xiao's tone didn't waver because of the identities of those present; instead, her imposing aura made them feel inexplicably nervous.
It had only been a few days, but Jiao Xiaoyan felt that the impression or aura Sister Fei Xiao gave off was different now.
The few elders were also slightly startled inwardly. Judging by her appearance, she was mature yet young. The style in which she had interacted with Lin Siyu earlier revealed her temperament and manner of speech.
Yet, they hadn't expected that during this exchange, her aura would steadily suppress them, these old folks. That aura was like that of a great general killing enemies on an ancient battlefield.
Jiao Wuyan spoke first, breaking the silence and avoiding any awkwardness.
"Hello, Miss Fei Xiao. Thank you for taking care of my granddaughter previously. It's my fault, really; if it weren't for the shortage of manpower, I would never have let her go out."
"Fortunately, thanks to your Helping Hand, I will definitely come to thank you in person in the future."
"There's no need for that. When seeing injustice, one should naturally draw their sword to help. I just happened to be passing by and offered some assistance, no thanks are necessary."
"Miss Fei Xiao is too modest. Your insights and philosophy regarding Pokémon are crucial; they have a profound influence not only on the future of the country but on the landscape of the entire world."
"Compared to all of you, the pillars of the nation, my status is insignificant. Besides, you really don't need to be so reserved."
"I have always been straightforward and dislike constraints, so feel free to speak your minds."
Fei Xiao sensed the slightly heavy atmosphere between them and took the initiative to end the small talk.
...
At this point, Fei Xiao had made things clear and went straight to the main topic.
Jiao Xiaoyan stood to the side, not daring to make a sound.
She knew in her heart that this exchange was not something she could get involved in.
After a moment of silence.
Ye Jinnian sighed and said, "Miss Fei Xiao is very straightforward, so let's speak openly."
"Please forgive us if we say anything offensive; you should be able to understand our difficulties."
Fei Xiao nodded, understanding clearly.
"I understand. The higher the position, the harder it is to sit in. Relying on the nation, every step must be carefully considered. I have some experience with this myself."
"You don't need to worry about me resorting to force; feel free to speak your minds."
Seeing this, the group breathed a sigh of relief; at least they didn't have to worry about the conversation breaking down.
Jiao Wuyan continued along that line of thought.
"Then thank you for your understanding, Miss Fei Xiao. Regarding those experiences, if there's an opportunity, I'd like to ask for your advice."
"Sure, but as I said, if you have something to ask, you can ask it now."
"There's no need to beat around the bush or fish for information."
"For one, I have no need to hide anything, and secondly, you are well aware that, at least until now, I have been on your side."
Fei Xiao answered neither humbly nor arrogantly, with a professional fake smile on her face.
She inwardly cursed, 'As expected of an old fox. On the surface, he talks sweeter than he sings, all while trying to probe for my identity information.'
But I never realized I was quite good at negotiating before. Anyway, at least it's a good thing that it hasn't turned out as worrisome as I initially planned.
Seeing Fei Xiao once again state things directly.
The two old men revealed awkward smiles.
"Alright, Miss Fei Xiao is indeed young and promising. That was our fault just now."
"Let's get to the main topic. Old Jiao, you ask first."
...
"Ah, sorry... Did I come at a bad time?"
A voice drew everyone's attention.
It turned out to be Meng Xi, who had returned alone.
Ye Jinnian saw this and smiled gently.
"How could that be? Since you're here, Miss Meng Xi, you can come over and listen in. After all, this is just an exchange."
"Ah, but I'm an outsider..."
"Not at all. You are Miss Fei Xiao's friend, so how could you be an outsider?"
"Besides, to use your words... you are currently the only... or second person to possess a Pokémon. In terms of status, you are no lower than us old folks."
"So of course you can stay."
Jiao Wuyan said, while signaling to his granddaughter.
Jiao Xiaoyan's mouth twitched. It was the first time she realized her grandfather was actually quite... clever, but she could only obey his command.
She stepped forward, grabbed the other person, and explained enthusiastically.
"Yeah, don't worry, come on over. Sister Fei Xiao surely won't mind."
Fei Xiao watched their coordinated performance and was speechless. She wasn't a prehistoric beast, so why make things so complicated?
Although there was indeed no rule against staying to listen to this conversation, everyone else had previously stayed obediently away from the group, effectively defaulting to the existence of such a rule.
Now it seemed these old guys had likely given orders in advance; otherwise, given the distribution of soldiers guarding the perimeter, there was no way Meng Xi could have approached directly.
There is a saying: ginger gets spicier as it gets older. These people were certainly well-prepared.
With Meng Xi present, it would highly likely prevent her from resorting to force, and she might even be able to persuade her using her status as a citizen of the country.
They really had a clever scheme!
Facing the gazes of the few old foxes, Fei Xiao simply nodded in agreement.
"Meng, if you want to listen, you can stay."
After hearing this and making a choice, Meng Xi decided to stay.
She wasn't worried about Fei Xiao, but she was curious about the content of their conversation.
"By the way, as an aside, these people around here must be quite tired from patrolling; it would actually be fine for them to go take a rest."
"Ahem, rest? Better not. We still have to settle the punishment afterward."
"That's right, that's right. These idiots are just asking for it, being so relaxed today."
Jiao Wuyan and Ye Jinnian said this casually, without blushing or skipping a beat.
They felt absolutely no guilt about being exposed.
Jiao Xiaoyan didn't understand the hidden meaning; she just assumed some people were in for a rough time.
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