Ye Kunlun's expression remained unchanged, clearly guessing the other party's identity even if Nalan Mingyue hadn't spoken.
The King of the Northern Border smiled as he approached Ye Kunlun, but beneath that smile, it seemed as if a venomous scorpion was hidden, ready to strike Ye Kunlun at any moment.
Wei Cangyun stepped forward, laughing heartily, and introduced Ye Kunlun, "King Shanhe, allow me to introduce you. This is the King of the Northern Border."
The King of the Northern Border stepped forward and smiled at Ye Kunlun, "King Shanhe is truly young, exceeding my expectations."
"I heard you turned the capital upside down and crippled the King of Black Mountain?"
"The King of Black Mountain is truly a piece of trash. It's fine that he's crippled. I admire young people like King Shanhe."
The King of the Northern Border continuously praised Ye Kunlun, making one think he genuinely admired him if they didn't know better.
However, Ye Kunlun sneered coldly, "Yes, he is indeed trash!"
Ye Kunlun emphasized the word 'trash.' "Before coming to the Northern Border, I heard that one of the twelve kings of the Northern Border was trash. It must be you."
Ye Kunlun's gaze was cold, carrying a condescending air, directly piercing through the King of the Northern Border's hypocritical facade.
The saying about not hitting a smiling face didn't apply here!
Wei Cangyun's expression faltered, and he frowned slightly.
Nalan Mingyue was also taken aback, not expecting Ye Kunlun to show the King of the Northern Border such little respect.
If the two were to clash, Ye Kunlun would likely be at a disadvantage within the Northern Border forces.
"Why, why am I suddenly worried about him..."
Nalan Mingyue became flustered, finding herself inexplicably worried about Ye Kunlun's safety.
This was absolutely impossible before.
The King of the Northern Border's smile froze, his gaze turned cold, and he stared fixedly at Ye Kunlun, "You, you are quite something, but it's a pity... you've underestimated me!"
Ye Kunlun smiled contemptuously, "King of the Northern Border, if I'm not mistaken, you have private dealings with the barbarians. The reason the barbarians are causing unrest on the border of Huaxia is also at your instigation."
"Nonsense!" The King of the Northern Border immediately denied it. Even if it were true, it wasn't time for a public confession.
"Ye Kunlun, don't think you can be arrogant just because you've been crowned King Shanhe!"
The King of the Northern Border was enraged. "Although I am the weakest among the twelve kings, I am still royalty!"
"Heh heh."
Ye Kunlun let out a mocking laugh. So, he thought the King of the Northern Border had some backbone and wanted to fight him.
As it turned out, the other party had backed down!
Of course, Ye Kunlun knew that the King of the Northern Border would not completely turn against him until his objectives were met.
Saying this, he ignored the King of the Northern Border and said to Wei Cangyun, "Old Wei, send a message to the barbarians. I want to meet their new tribal chief!"
Wei Cangyun nodded, "I can only try. If the barbarians refuse to meet..."
"Then tell the barbarians that I have already visited their temple!"
Wei Cangyun looked at Ye Kunlun with a shocked expression, disbelief evident in his eyes, "King Shanhe, you, you went to the barbarian temple?"
In his understanding, anyone who trespassed into barbarian territory would be afflicted with a power of misfortune, let alone venturing into the most mysterious of their temples!
Ye Kunlun didn't say more.
Shasha, who was beside him, lowered her head slightly, her eyes flickering with uncertainty, her thoughts unknown.
Half an hour later, news came from the barbarian side: they agreed to Ye Kunlun's request!
"King of the Northern Border, are you interested in accompanying me to the barbarians?"
Ye Kunlun suddenly spoke to the King of the Northern Border, whose expression was grim, standing beside him.
The King of the Northern Border was startled, then smiled, "Very well. As royalty, it is my duty to mediate between Huaxia and the barbarians for peace."
A few minutes later.
Ye Kunlun, accompanied by Nalan Mingyue, Shasha, the King of the Northern Border, and his confidantes, headed towards the border.
Soon, two barbarians emerged to greet them!
Upon seeing Shasha, the barbarians uttered a series of unintelligible sounds.
Shasha's eyes turned red, and her expression was also unsightly.
Though Ye Kunlun couldn't understand their words, he knew they must have uttered some slanderous remarks.
"Hmph!"
Ye Kunlun snorted coldly, and an invisible force immediately silenced the two barbarians, who looked at Ye Kunlun with a hint of fear.
They knew that Ye Kunlun was the one who had killed their divine beast and the one who had trespassed into their temple last night!
The temple was a place even the barbarians dared not enter lightly, for it was too terrifying.
Shasha cast a grateful glance at Ye Kunlun.
The King of the Northern Border, however, chuckled, "I didn't expect King Shanhe to be such a tender-hearted man. You've truly impressed me."
Ye Kunlun gave the King of the Northern Border a faint look and smiled, "I hope the King of the Northern Border can still smile so easily when facing the barbarians later."
"I don't quite understand what you mean by that," the King of the Northern Border avoided Ye Kunlun's gaze, a flicker of something obscure in the depths of his eyes.
A few minutes later, they entered the barbarian settlement, a somber atmosphere permeating the air.
Every barbarian who looked at Ye Kunlun and his companions had hostility in their eyes.
Especially when they saw Shasha walking with Ye Kunlun and the others, their hostility intensified.
Shasha spoke at this moment, "Perhaps you do not know, sir, but the barbarians consider me an ill omen. Even after the ritual purification at the temple, they still believe I will bring disaster to the tribe."
Ye Kunlun listened quietly, also sensing the barbarians' animosity towards Shasha.
However, these were ordinary barbarians. They revered the temple and their gods; they were the most 'innocent' people!
Ye Kunlun could understand their hostility and hatred towards Shasha.
They feared she would bring them misfortune.
Ye Kunlun sighed softly, saying nothing.
Soon, they were led into a large tent.
A person was already seated on the main seat. He was burly, with fierce determination in his brows and slightly reddish, dark brown eyes.
"Kui, Lord Kui!"
Upon seeing the man seated on the main seat, Shasha greeted him in a low voice.
Kui glanced at Shasha indifferently, his expression somewhat displeased. "Shasha, the Great Elder used to protect you the most."
"I know," Shasha lowered her head. "Can I see the Great Elder one last time?"
Kui sighed, "Alright!"
Shasha left the tent.
Kui's gaze fixed on Ye Kunlun, as if trying to see through him.
Ye Kunlun smiled faintly and went straight to the point with Kui, "Whatever the King of the Northern Border can promise you, I can promise too!"
The King of the Northern Border's brow twitched, and killing intent finally flashed in his eyes!
Kui remained seated, not moving or speaking.
"Ye Kunlun, you think too highly of yourself. Since you have come to the barbarians, you will certainly not leave here alive!"
The King of the Northern Border's eyes were filled with cold killing intent, no longer bothering to conceal it.
Nalan Mingyue's brow furrowed, and she looked at the King of the Northern Border with disbelief, "King of the Northern Border, are you truly colluding with the barbarians?"
"Colluding?"
The King of the Northern Border acted as if he had heard a joke. "I am merely cooperating with the barbarians!"