For a brief instant, Yuan Huo'e stood frozen in place, at a complete loss for how to respond.0

At his side, Zhou Baiyun was still caught up in his own forceful words, secretly hesitating. This should have been a perfect chance to show himself before Yuan Huo'e. If Li Zhouwei had not exposed his identity earlier, and if he had not feared bringing trouble upon his elder brother, he would have spoken up long ago to support him. Now, he could only steal glances at Yuan Huo'e's face and saw the old man's beard trembling. 0

Yuan Huo’e’s voice cracked as he said, "So it is… so it is you, sir… my apologies for the discourtesy. It was my own ridiculous words earlier, actually daring to speak of your elders…"1

All the bluster drained from him at once, and he said awkwardly and in fear, "This old fool was blind and failed to recognize you… Back when Lord Xuanfeng was stationed...0