CHAPTER 425: CHAPTER 425: DEBATE

As soon as he spoke, the other few people also nodded their heads in agreement.

However, there was one person who remained quiet, not making an early statement like the others.

With a refined and cultured face, he looked to be about fifty years old. Although his hair was somewhat gray, his skin was in good condition, and he was full of vigor.

Sitting there, he gave off an unshakeable presence, like a mountain unaffected by the changes in the wind and rain.

Qin Wanfeng didn’t interrupt them but waited until they had mostly finished talking, and their voices had quieted down before he said, "As the overall person in charge of this mission, I have the right to decide on one spot. I’ve decided to use this spot for those two."

Calm and composed.

And not allowing any refusal.

Hearing this, the voices that had quietened down suddenly turned sharp again.

Especially the first person to stand out, who had a quick temper, was dissatisfied with Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong’s selection from the beginning, and now Qin Wanfeng was going to unilaterally make the call.

This caused him to stand up from his seat directly.

"Qin Wanfeng, you do have the right to decide on one spot, but you must realize what your actions mean!"

"Let me tell you, this is no child’s play; it concerns the fate of the entire Federation!"

"The price of relying solely on your so-called confidence is a heavy one. You can’t afford that cost!"

It was almost like a roar.

But Qin Wanfeng seemed to have anticipated this reaction, as it went in one ear and out the other, with a nonchalant expression on his face.

"My mind is made up, and I will naturally bear the consequences. Who else is in favor, who opposes?"

"Oh, I forgot, your opposition is futile anyway."

With that, Qin Wanfeng placed the file regarding Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong in the central position on the table.

It combined with the two documents already placed there.

This signified that his decision was firm, and no one could change it.

Seeing this, the displeasure was written all over everyone’s faces.

"Director Qin, this is far too arbitrary of you!"

"That’s right, if something goes wrong, do you really think you can bear the Federation’s losses?!"

"This Blessed Secret Realm is unprecedented, with countless precious resources, even capable of changing the fundamental strength of a Federation. If your unilateral decision leads to a loss for the whole Federation, are you sure you can bear that?"

People pointed their fingers at Qin Wanfeng one after another.

This was a preemptive warning, as well as an attempt to shift the blame and abdicate responsibility in advance.

If something does go wrong, they would have their excuses ready.

Of course, this was just a fallback thought. Their true aim was certainly for the good of the Federation.

Hoping that Qin Wanfeng would change his mind and choose a different pair to send.

However, Qin Wanfeng obviously wouldn’t change his mind; he was clearer than anyone present about Xiao Zhan’s strength, and he believed in Xiao Zhan’s abilities.

But even though he believed in his own decision and wouldn’t change it, since these people were high-ranking members of the Federation, he also had to give them some face.

Being too forceful would create a rift between them and make things uncomfortable.

At this moment, the refined man who had been sitting quietly beside them spoke up, "I’ve had the opportunity to interact with Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong. They are both very outstanding youths."

As he spoke, everyone’s voices quieted down.

And their attention turned to him.

It was clear that his opinion carried great weight here.

Seeing that everyone was looking at him, the man paused for a moment and then continued, "I believe it was the year before last when I interacted with them. Oh right, do you all remember the Zhanlong Secret Realm? That Secret Realm was the one they won on behalf of the Longxia Federation, securing the rights to it."

Hearing his words, everyone’s expression paused subtly.

Especially that quick-tempered person, who seemed to bulge his eyes out in shock at this revelation!

"Minister Song, are you talking about the culprits who looted the Zhanlong Secret Realm, leaving behind only some broken fruit, are they them?"

The polite man was none other than the minister of national courtesy, Song Chao’an.

Hearing the man’s words, Song Chao’an’s forehead darkened, and he couldn’t help but twitch at the corner of his eyebrows.

"Yes... it was them."

Song Chao’an actually wanted to vouch for Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong’s performance, but upon reflection, he realized he had nothing good to say.

Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong, these two bandits, had indeed almost pillaged the Secret Realm clean.

What’s more mysterious was that this was a newly born Secret Realm, yet since Xiao Zhan’s departure, the quantity of spiritual fruits dwindled, and the quality worsened.

This was a sign of the Secret Realm’s decline.

But how could such a situation occur in a newly born Secret Realm?

The only explanation was that the Secret Realm Origin had disappeared.

So, there was a covert investigation into whether Xiao Zhan had found and successfully obtained the Secret Realm Origin during his time there.

There was no concrete evidence, but considering Xiao Zhan’s subsequent growth, their guess was likely.

Hearing Song Chao’an’s confirmation.

The man’s mouth twitched, and his face darkened, "Then we absolutely cannot allow them to participate. If they get the right to the Secret Realm, won’t they just loot it clean again?"

Song Chao’an said, "If that really happens, wouldn’t it be a good thing? Doesn’t that indirectly prove their strength?"

"That was then, not now. This mission’s difficulty has increased several levels compared to before; they don’t have that kind of strength yet."

"It seems you have a big issue with them," said Song Chao’an.

The others, after hearing Song Chao’an’s words, already showed their approval.

Because here, aside from Qin Wanfeng, only Song Chao’an’s opinion carried the most weight.

And bandwagoning was these people’s best skill.

The man snorted coldly, seemingly detecting Song Chao’an’s dissatisfaction and said a bit defiantly, "I don’t have an issue with them; I don’t have issues with anyone. I just don’t want us to lose."

At this point, he knew he probably couldn’t change anything.

Before, when only Qin Wanfeng supported Xiao Zhan and Ye Youlong, he might have been able to argue a point.

But now, with Song Chao’an’s support, it was as good as settled; anything he said would be in vain.

"Anyway, the decision is in your hands; I can’t stop what you want to do. I only have one condition—if Xiao Zhan and his group really win, we must watch them closely, not letting them plunder the Secret Realm clean."

It was clear that the man still believed in Xiao Zhan’s strength.