Chapter 27: The Old Companion

Wu Daoyu was furious, his aura slowly rising as he said, “You, a mere brigadier general, dare to be so audacious in front of me?”

Zhao Chengyi remained unfazed, saying, “Indeed, I am but a brigadier general. However, at this moment, I also hold the identity of an envoy of the Zhao clan! When did the military become so domineering that they can call for the head of a Zhao clan envoy before even speaking?”

Wu Daoyu’s eyebrows stood on end, his anger intensifying. Yet, Zhao Chengyi was right; injuring a Zhao clan brigadier general was vastly different from harming a Zhao clan envoy.

A shrewd brigadier general from the military noticed Wu Daoyu’s predicament and quickly interjected, “Let’s talk things out, let’s talk things out! After all, we have suffered heavy casualties in this matter, and General Wu’s anger is justified. But since General Zhao is an envoy of the Zhao clan, representing the Zhao clan, perhaps we should first hear what General Zhao has to say and understand the Zhao clan’s position.”

Wu Daoyu snorted, shaking the letter in his hand, “Has your Zhao clan run out of people? To request Zhao Jundu for a hearing, and still expect us to hold the defensive line for you?”

Zhao Chengyi ignored the sarcasm in Wu Daoyu’s words, stating solemnly, “General Jundu is hailed as the Empire’s number one genius. Who can replace him?”

Wu Daoyu was at a loss for words, unable to refute. The reputation of Zhao Jundu as the number one genius was well-recognized, and there was no one in their generation who could match him. Qian Ye had once held some promise, but with his exposure as a blood race member and his escape from the City of Unfallen, he was no longer a topic of discussion.

Wu Daoyu set that aside and continued, “Then what does this mean? To have Jundu come for a hearing, I must personally go to the Zhao clan for discussion?”

Zhao Chengyi declared, “The Fourth Young Master holds a high status, with unparalleled talent and royal blood. How can he be casually summoned for a hearing? Such a significant matter cannot be decided by just anyone. In the City of Unfallen, the Zhao clan is led by the Duke of Youguo. If you wish to summon the Fourth Young Master, you need the Duke of Youguo’s approval.”

With a cold laugh, Zhao Chengyi added, “Given your status, General Wu, it would be better to visit the Duke of Youguo rather than waiting for him to come to you.”

Wu Daoyu’s anger flared again, his voice icy, “I represent the military! Am I not more important than the Duke of Youguo?”

Zhao Chengyi sneered, “Can you represent the military? Hah! Calling you General Wu is a sign of respect. I have never heard of any former general who could represent the military.”

Wu Daoyu’s face turned pale, his eyes twitching, his murderous intent evident.

Ignoring him, Zhao Chengyi continued, “There is a hierarchy and order in the Empire. If you do not visit the Duke of Youguo, should the Duke of Youguo come to visit you? If I recall correctly, the outcome of your sparring with the Duke of Youguo was not favorable, was it?”

Wu Daoyu’s expression darkened further. Zhao Chengyi had given him some face, but the sparring was not just unfavorable; it was a complete defeat. This old wound being exposed certainly did not improve his mood.

Suppressing his shame and anger, Wu Daoyu said, “The Zhao clan is now led by the Duke of Youguo? I heard that the Duke of Cheng’en is also present?”

Zhao Chengyi replied, “Do you wish to spar with the Duke of Cheng’en? However, the Duke of Cheng’en is stationed on the Western Border, with significant responsibilities. He is only here for a few days. Additionally, Princess Gao yi has arrived. Do you also wish to pay her a visit?”

Wu Daoyu’s expression shifted, and he finally said, “Since the Duke of Cheng’en is busy, I will not disturb him. I will visit the Duke of Youguo early tomorrow.”

Zhao Chengyi bowed, “That is for the best. I take my leave.”

After Zhao Chengyi left, Wu Daoyu said, “Fetch Lord Rong.”

Moments later, a middle-aged man with a dignified air and a thin mustache entered, smiling as he greeted, “General Wu, what brings you to think of me?”

Wu Daoyu smiled, taking the man’s hand, “I need to ask Lord Rong about something. What is the Imperial Court’s stance on this matter?”

The man’s smile became enigmatic, silent.

Wu Daoyu signaled, and the brigadier general immediately presented a small box. Upon opening it, the man found a gemstone the size of a finger, blue and flawless. Pleased, his smile grew warmer, “Oh, this is too much!”

Though he spoke of modesty, he quickly pocketed the gift and said, “I am a minor figure in the Imperial Court, taking orders from above. But I do have some news related to this matter.”

“What news?” Wu Daoyu felt a sense of unease.

“The princes have decided not to intervene for now.”

This unexpected news shocked Wu Daoyu, “How can this be?”

The man sighed, “At first, I didn’t understand either. I asked and, given my good relations with the princes, I learned some inside information.”

“Please, tell me, Lord Rong.”

Lowering his voice, the man said, “Qian Ye is Qian Ye, and Zhao Jundu is Zhao Jundu. Do you understand, General Wu?”

Wu Daoyu frowned, “But these are two separate matters. Qian Ye is clearly a blood race.”

The man sighed, “These are two matters, yet also one. Pursuing the blood race, whatever you do is correct. But if you touch Zhao Jundu, it is another matter, a major one! With Princess Gao yi involved, the princes can only stay out of it. That’s all I can say. Farewell!”

After the man left, Wu Daoyu’s face darkened, muttering, “Zhao Jundu, you planned this all along!”

The brigadier general cautiously asked, “Will we still visit the Duke of Youguo tomorrow?”

“Of course. Without bringing Zhao Jundu to the hearing, where is the military’s dignity? I’ll bear this temporary indignity,” Wu Daoyu sneered.

The brigadier general hesitated, “General Wu, is there something suspicious about the Zhao clan insisting we take over the defense line?”

Wu Daoyu laughed coldly, “They hope we will back down. But I’ve fought countless bloody battles. Prepare more troops. I want to see how strong the dark races’ attack can be!”

The brigadier general departed, leaving Wu Daoyu brooding. Only he knew he had lost to the Duke of Youguo in the past and was unsure against Zhao Weihuang, who had grown stronger from constant battles. Had it not been for the established rules, Zhao Weihuang might already be a marshal.

Moreover, the military was rife with factions, even the Longevity King couldn’t control everything. The Right Prime Minister preferred to act behind the scenes, making Wu Daoyu the frontline man. Now, with the Imperial Court staying out, it was like the Right Prime Minister versus the Zhao clan, putting Wu Daoyu under immense pressure. Any mistake could lead to internal strife within the military.

In the vast void, a tattered airship sailed slowly.

Qian Ye entered the control room, looking at the barely moved marker on the navigation chart, feeling helpless. He was used to the Empire’s fast ships, especially Song Zining’s. But this ship was as slow as a snail, not much faster than a heavy cargo vessel.

“How long until we reach the Neutral Zone?” Qian Ye had asked this many times.

The captain, a burly man with a thick beard and a well-polished red pipe, claimed it was a simple hobby. But Qian Ye had heard that pirates in the void favored pipes, with a rare one symbolizing high status.

Hearing Qian Ye’s question, the captain grinned, “Just a few more days.”

Every time, the same answer. From the start, the captain had said it was just a few more days, and now it was still the same. According to the chart, it would take at least another seven or eight days.

Suddenly, there was a loud bang, and a corner of the control panel burst into flames, followed by thick smoke. The engine outside stopped. The captain frowned, kicked the panel, then punched it. Miraculously, it worked again, and the engine restarted.

The captain turned to Qian Ye, smiling, “Just a little tap, nothing to fix.”

Looking at the footprint and charred marks on the panel, and the void outside, Qian Ye felt uneasy.

The captain chuckled, “No worries. My Red Pipe ship never fails. This old buddy has been with me for twenty years, reliable as ever.”

Looking at the rusted ceiling and the numerous control levers, Qian Ye doubted the ship was only twenty years old.

The captain scratched his head, “Actually, when I got it, it was already 140 years old.”

Seeing Qian Ye’s skepticism, the captain hurried, “Don’t let its age fool you. It’s sturdy, better than those thin-shelled new ships. You got a good deal. Your silver ship was pretty, but in the Neutral Zone, it’d be sunk in one shot.”

Qian Ye couldn’t bear the self-praise, “The ballista on that silver ship could sink this old relic in one shot.”

The captain chuckled, “Not necessarily.”