In an unremarkable building, heavily guarded at one corner of the Indestructible City, the entrances were sealed so tightly that not even a fly could pass. Two massive crossbows were mounted on the adjacent rooftops. Off-road vehicles pulled up outside one after another, and from them emerged figures adorned in regalia, all of great importance.
Shortly thereafter, a military vehicle with the insignia of the Ministry of Defense parked at the main entrance, and Wu Daoyu, along with a General, alighted from it. The General, upon seeing the tight security, was somewhat surprised. As they approached the building, he whispered, “Marshal Wu, why is the Zonglu Office here? And with such a grand display?”
Wu Daoyu’s expression was grim as he coldly replied, “The evidence is solid. No matter who comes, can they really overturn it?”
The General quickly agreed, “Of course, of course.” Yet, his face betrayed his unease, indicating that he didn’t find it as straightforward as Wu suggested.
They ascended to the second floor, where they were led into a reception room. Inside, seven or eight people, all high-ranking members from the major clans of the Indestructible City, were already seated. Only the Zhang and Zhao clans had yet to arrive.
Wu Daoyu sat in the center, huffing, “What arrogance!”
The General hurriedly nudged him, and Wu Daoyu realized he had unintentionally insulted the Zhang clan. However, true to his self-proclaimed straightforwardness, he merely huffed, feeling no need to apologize.
A few moments later, representatives from the Zhang and Zhao clans arrived. For the Zhangs, a middle-aged elder with the title of Inner Marquis, appeared, which seemed appropriate. For the Zhaos, it was Zhao Junhong, much to everyone’s surprise.
Zhao Junhong, the least known among the four young nobles of the Zhao clan, had only recently begun to shine. Though he was acknowledged for his steady and efficient demeanor, his youth and lack of experience made him seem somewhat out of place here, both in terms of battle achievements and origin power.
Seeing Zhao Junhong, Wu Daoyu’s displeasure grew. Others from the other clans, however, remained unperturbed, their expressions unchanged. The Zhang elder even greeted Zhao Junhong at the door.
Once everyone was assembled, a smooth-faced, beardless man in his thirties entered, bowed, and stood aside. Next, a dignified man with neatly trimmed stubble, long eyebrows, and a refined air, entered, nodding with a smile.
Everyone stood up in surprise, greeting him, “Princely Duke Rui!”
Princely Duke Rui smiled, took a seat on the side, and motioned for everyone to sit, saying, “No need for formalities. I’m just here to escape the boredom of the capital, and I asked His Majesty for a casual assignment. I’m here merely to observe. The decisions will be made by Director Sun Chao of the Zonglu Office.”
Sun Chao bowed, his voice flat, “I am Sun Chao of the Zonglu Office, tasked with investigating the allegations of Wanzhou’s Zhao Jundu’s collusion with the Blood Race and foreign enemies.”
Two people leaned in, one whispering, “Why is the Zonglu Office involved?”
The other replied, “Don’t you understand? Zhao Jundu is a son of the High Yi Princess, carrying imperial blood. It’s only natural for the Zonglu Office to handle this.”
The first person nodded in realization, deep in thought.
The Zonglu Office was a prestigious body, focusing solely on matters related to the imperial family. Most officials might never encounter a member of the Zonglu Office in their lifetime. Though Zhao Jundu was a prince, there were many others with similar lineage. Sun Chao, with his stern demeanor, added an intriguing twist to the situation.
Each with their own thoughts, everyone settled down. Most had come with the intention of watching the Zhao clan and the Ministry of Defense clash. Specifically, to see the Zhao clan against the Right Chancellor’s faction.
But now, with the Zonglu Office’s involvement and Princely Duke Rui present, things were more interesting. Many considered whether to take sides.
Princely Duke Rui’s gaze swept over Zhao Junhong, nodding with a smile. This made many reconsider their stance.
Wu Daoyu, unwilling to let the situation go against him, said, “Qian Ye is a human in name but a Blood Race in reality, the evidence irrefutable. Zhao Jundu has harbored Qian Ye for a long time. With the Zhao clan’s capabilities, how could they not have noticed a Blood Race hiding among them? If this isn’t collusion, what is? According to the Empire’s laws, collusion with the Blood Race is treason, punishable by death. Not executing Zhao Jundu would be hard to accept.”
His words were forceful, but the other clan members remained impassive.
Zhao Junhong smiled calmly, replying, “Our Zhao clan has expanded the Empire’s borders, vanquishing countless enemies. If we are to be accused based on trivial suspicions, where would the loyal and righteous stand? I wonder, Marshal, what were your ancestors doing during those times?”
Wu Daoyu stood up, furious, “You dare insult me, you brat? You’re asking for death!”
Raising his right hand, Wu Daoyu prepared to strike. With his strength, Zhao Junhong would have no chance. But Zhao Junhong, showing no fear, maintained his mocking smile, his eyes locked on Wu Daoyu.
Unexpected by Wu Daoyu, Zhao Junhong showed no sign of submission. His eyes flashed with murderous intent, and he brought his hand down!
The movement startled the other clan members, surprised that Wu Daoyu would dare to kill in such a setting. Some, intending to stop him, were too late.
Yet, Zhao Junhong remained composed, not even flinching.
As Wu Daoyu’s hand descended, a wave of origin power surged toward Zhao Junhong, slicing through the hem of his robe. Several people rose, alarmed.
Suddenly, the air stilled. Wu Daoyu found a barrier of water-like fluidity blocking his path, and his hand felt as if gently pushed away, his attack dissipating without a sound.
Wu Daoyu’s anger cooled slightly as he turned to see Princely Duke Rui, whose hand was raised, having deflected his blow. He felt a chill in his heart, realizing the duke’s formidable strength.
Given Princely Duke Rui’s intervention, Wu Daoyu knew further aggression would be futile. He huffed, “I’ll give the duke a face, but another word from you, and I won’t be lenient!”
Zhao Junhong, unfazed, stood up, straightened his robe, and addressed Sun Chao, “My mother is the High Yi Princess, and I carry imperial blood. When did a mere commoner have the right to kill an imperial descendant? Director Sun, I appeal for justice!”
Hearing this, Wu Daoyu’s anger flared again, and he stood up to argue, but Sun Chao interrupted, “I am here on official business. If anyone dares to attack in my presence, this meeting will be over.”
Sun Chao’s words resonated, and many were visibly shaken.
Wu Daoyu, shocked by the power in Sun Chao’s words, realized the director was near the threshold of becoming a Divine General. Knowing it was unwise to offend him, especially with Princely Duke Rui present, Wu Daoyu felt a surge of resentment, knowing he could neither dominate nor suppress the proceedings.
Zhao Junhong smirked, “Marshal, are you so eager to kill me because you’re guilty?”
Wu Daoyu’s brows furrowed, “What do I have to feel guilty about?”
Zhao Junhong raised his voice, “Marshal, what do you mean by keeping so many Blood Race girls in your house? How long have you been colluding with them?”
Caught off guard, Wu Daoyu stammered, “You impudent! Nonsense! Many families have Blood Race concubines…”
Realizing his mistake, Wu Daoyu saw the other clan members’ expressions shift, some even moving their chairs away.
Sun Chao, still emotionless, was about to speak when a loud boom shook the building!
The experts in the room immediately identified the source, “Northwest, ninety kilometers!”
Clearly, powerful forces were clashing. Wu Daoyu’s face twitched, but he restrained himself.
Sun Chao, frowning, asked, “How could enemies reach so close to the Indestructible City, our last bastion? Who’s defending there?”
Several faces darkened, and Wu Daoyu’s turned black. Zhao Junhong, eyes lowered, scoffed. Sun Chao turned to the Zhang elder, “Lord Zhang, enlighten me.”
The Zhang elder, bowing, said, “General Jundu was originally responsible, but after being detained by the Ministry, the defense was taken over by the military. The line was initially two hundred kilometers away, but the dark races’ attacks have pushed it to the current position in seven days.”
Wu Daoyu, unable to hold back, roared, “The dark races attacked only our section, ignoring the Zhao clan’s positions. Isn’t that proof of their collusion?”
Zhao Junhong sneered, “Foolish! Jundu held the most dangerous and pressured line. When my younger brother was in charge, we lost no ground. How did you manage to lose a hundred miles in seven days? If holding the line is treason, then retreating is the right path? How many times did you retreat during your tenure? And how many times did the other clans hold firm?”
Pausing, Zhao Junhong continued, “Incompetent fools, holding high positions, biting at others, how can this not chill the hearts of the other clans?”
Wu Daoyu, sensing the shifting attitudes, felt uneasy. Rising from a lowly position, he had always been harsh and resentful. Now, his misstep had given Zhao Junhong an opening to drag everyone into the fray. But Wu Daoyu couldn’t back down, and the debate continued, with him losing ground.
The other clan leaders, seasoned strategists, were impressed by Zhao Junhong’s logic and acumen. They began to see him as a potential match for their daughters, considering his brother’s high status and the delicate position Zhao Junhong would occupy in the future.
The gathered elites, familiar with each other’s thoughts, pondered the case. To them, it was a farce. Qian Ye, with unclear origins, had risen to prominence, and the Ministry had discovered his connection to the Blood Race. The subsequent accusations against the Zhao clan were poorly executed, leaving the observers at a loss on how to comment.
Thus, the case itself became a distant concern, with the focus shifting to the political maneuvering and future alliances.
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