Chapter Fifty-One: A Jade Slip Arrives, Asking Him to Leave

Who is truly pulling the strings behind the scenes? The Council of Elders. And who is pulling the strings of the Council of Elders? Zhang Xuandao.

What is the relationship between Wu Yue and Zhang Xuandao? Fellow disciples? People from the same hometown? Of course, these are all true, but they are not the point. The real relationship is that they are enemies. As for the nature of their feud, Wu Yue’s memory was somewhat hazy. It likely had to do with heritage and power. Regardless, they were enemies, so there was little else to say. Wu Yue never cared for the "why" of such things; in any lifetime, he only cared about the result. It was simply a matter of kill or be killed.

So, was this appointment as Cabinet Chief, passed by a unanimous vote, meant to be Zhang Xuandao repaying his fellow disciple? Don’t make me laugh. There was undoubtedly a massive conspiracy behind it.

Wu Yue coughed lightly and said, "He and I are enemies."

"Who?" Hou Baiyu asked nonchalantly. "Lin Ya is dead. Wuyun Stronghold isn't bothering you. The Hai family has pardoned you. As for Guo Xiefeng, he was dragged off by his senior brother. What other enemies could you possibly have?"

Actually, he truly admired Wu Yue. He had also made a surprising discovery: Wu Yue had incredible luck! But why dwell on that? Hou Baiyu had already decided to throw his lot in with Wu Yue. "The old man always said every generation has someone who leads the era. Maybe I just happened to run into him?" Of course, that wasn't the main reason. Forget it, no point in overthinking. "Straight flush! Do you guys want it? If not, I’m out of cards."

Wu Yue twitched his mouth, trying to maintain a steady tone. "You can put it this way: that person is the real boss around here, and even those dragons are his friends."

The cards in Hou Baiyu's hands clattered to the ground. Could a person like that really be provoked? Had he placed his bet on the wrong horse? "If that’s true, then how did you become the Cabinet Chief?" Hou Baiyu asked, refusing to give up. The main reason he wanted to stick with Wu Yue was that Wu Yue had become the Cabinet Chief; as a good friend, he wouldn't have to leave and could continue to enjoy the good life here.

"Are you going to play your cards or not?" Yu Fu urged impatiently.

What was the point of playing cards now? Couldn't they hear what was being said? Wu Yue had no reason to lie, so Hou Baiyu believed him. His face immediately darkened. "Did you hear that? Did you all know about this?"

"Let's bolt. I’m well-fed, so I’ve got the energy," Yu Fu said casually. Hou Baiyu asked back, "We're just running away like this?"

Yu Fu rolled his eyes. "How else do you want to run?" Hou Baiyu felt as if he had been choked. He looked at Li Wenzhang and Zhao Qingzhi; one wore a smile, the other was expressionless, but neither seemed the least bit surprised. Hou Baiyu sighed up at the sky.

"You’re coming with us too?" Yu Fu asked with a look of surprise.

Hou Baiyu remained expressionless. "What do you think?" He didn't believe for a second that Wu Yue’s enemy would think he had nothing to do with them—friends always get caught up in the fallout. "Weal and woe together," Hou Baiyu declared with righteous indignation. Unfortunately, no one responded.

"Oh, right," Wu Yue said, as if suddenly remembering something. "Li Mosquito, I heard you can read fortunes." Li Wenzhang gave an awkward laugh. "Ahem, I’m only slightly versed in the mystic arts, only slightly..." Then, he flew into a rage. "Don't call me Li Mosquito!"

"Li Mosquito," Yu Fu repeated calmly.

The two stared daggers at each other. Hou Baiyu thought these people were truly interesting.

The noble Lord Rhys found himself shivering, which made him furious. But he was genuinely terrified. His legs retreated slowly. He unleashed his dragon aura, which should have suppressed all living things, but the beast opposite him only paused, took a few steps back, and then showed no further reaction. It then trotted over even faster, staring at him with curiosity.

Jet-black feathers, eyes that were either brown or green—what kind of beast was this? Its gaze was filled with killing intent. Rhys glared back viciously, hoping to intimidate it, but the beast was completely unafraid.

Rhys let out a fierce roar, and the beast mimicked him. Rhys had to admit its voice was more piercing and sounded even more terrifying. The beast raised its claw high. Though it lacked sharp, icy talons, Rhys still closed his eyes.

As a dragon—a noble Frost Dragon—was he really going to die like this? Rhys felt a heat in his eyes, as if something were about to flow out.

Suddenly, a loud noise rang out, and the beast fled. Then, a massive force lifted him up. The power was so overwhelming that Rhys panicked. Then, everything went black.

Wu Yue tucked the Frost Dragon into his robes and muttered, "Can't lose you. You're worth a fortune now, little guy. A dragon, an actual dragon—why bother getting into a fight with a dog?"

A streak of green light descended from the horizon and landed in Wu Yue's hand. As the light faded, a jade slip appeared, inscribed with eight characters in small, elegant script: "Speak no more. Depart at once."

The calligraphy was excellent, and the tone was plain. Yet, Wu Yue fell silent, letting out a sharp breath, though his heart remained heavy with frustration.

"What is it?" Hou Baiyu asked in a low voice. He was the most worried person present; this place was far too dangerous.

"Let’s go." Wu Yue swallowed his frustration. Who knew if this sprout would grow into a towering tree in the future?

"Where are we going first? Should we go to Bone Mountain?" Yu Fu asked excitedly. Hearing the name "Bone Mountain," Zhao Qingzhi perked up. There was a secret realm there. What could be inside? He was so curious.

"In a couple of years," Wu Yue said. He didn't think Zhou Yihu was a good person. Crows are black the world over, and Wuyun Stronghold was likely no different. Wu Yue pulled out the small jar key. This once-unremarkable object had become extraordinary after absorbing enough energy. Anyone who saw it now would instantly recognize it as a treasure. With its silvery finish and sleek, cool lines, there was no trace of the small jar it once resembled.

In the Vermilion Bird District, a small pavilion.

"Kill him if you can; if not, let it be," Zhang Xuandao said while writing. "I don't want to see him right now."

The gray-clad elder hummed in acknowledgment, then asked with confusion, "Young Master, didn't you say he might be your predestined rival? Why not strike with full force now and nip him in the bud?"

"Just because I said he is, does that make him so?" Zhang Xuandao pressed down to finish the final stroke. It was the character for "Fate."

"To kill you requires only a whim," Zhang Xuandao said calmly.

The gray-clad elder did not understand the meaning, but he dared not ask further.

The single character for "Fate" felt like the clash of steel and horses. This was the Dao of Zhang Xuandao.