After receiving the order, Wan Zhong immediately began rallying the troops to prepare for the rescue operation at the residence.
Li Guanglong had no time for further small talk
and stormed out with fierce determination.
“Your Highness, wait!”
Just then, Lord Eugene Montgomery called out.
“Uncle Eugene, something urgent has happened at
the manor --- whatever it is, it can wait!” Li Guanglong was clearly agitated.
Whoever dared to run rampant in his home would
have to pay with blood.
“Your Highness, remain calm --- lest you fall
into a trap,” Lord Eugene Montgomery raised his voice.
“A trap?” Li Guanglong frowned. “What do you
mean by that, Uncle Eugene?”
“You have no enmity with the Pantheon of the
Gods, so why would they send their God King to cause havoc in your residence?
Don’t you find it suspicious?” Lord Eugene Montgomery said calmly.
“Once I capture Zeus, I’ll know the truth soon
enough!” Li Guanglong gritted his teeth.
“Your Highness, I must remind you --- across
the entire Western world, aside from the Pantheon’s mysterious leader, God King
Zeus is undoubtedly the most powerful individual. Capturing him with your
current forces may be a far cry from realistic,” Lord Eugene Montgomery warned.
“No matter how powerful Zeus is, he’s still
just one man. I have thousands of troops! Even sheer numbers can drag him
down!” Li Guanglong protested.
Under his command were many elite warriors,
including several grandmasters. A coordinated attack might just give him a
chance, and with thirty thousand elite troops in reserve, why should he fear
Zeus?
“Your Highness, even if your forces could
defeat him, it would come at a heavy cost. Are you truly willing to accept such
a pyrrhic victory?” Lord Eugene Montgomery countered.
“What else can I do? Am I supposed to sit back
while Zeus defiles my house? If I cower now, what authority will I have left?”
Li Guanglong frowned deeply.
“Though the details remain unclear, something
about this situation feels off. It may well be a deliberate provocation. My
suggestion is not to confront Zeus directly. Doing so will only waste your
strength,” Lord Eugene Montgomery advised, shaking his head.
“Uncle Eugene, I understand your point, but I’m
caught between a rock and a hard place --- I can’t ignore this.” Li Guanglong’s
face darkened.
If he remained passive while his estate was
being ravaged, his dignity as a prince would be completely lost.
“I do have an idea that may help you resolve
this crisis --- but whether it works will depend on your own ability,” Lord
Eugene Montgomery suddenly said.
“Please, Uncle Eugene --- enlighten me!” Li
Guanglong perked up.
“Rather than clashing with Zeus and losing
soldiers, why not bring in an even stronger power to turn the tables—drive
the tiger to devour the wolf,” Lord Eugene Montgomery said, sipping his
tea.
“Drive the tiger to devour the wolf? What do
you mean?” Li Guanglong asked, confused.
“To deal with a peak expert like Zeus, you’ll
need someone even mightier. According to what I know, the old Chief Astrologer
of the Imperial Observatory is such a person --- like a living immortal. If you
can get him involved, the crisis will resolve itself,” Lord Eugene Montgomery
said meaningfully.
Though not listed on the Shattering List
(ranking of peerless martial masters), the old astrologer’s abilities rivaled
even Zhang Xuanji, the so-called “land-bound immortal.” His role in the
nation’s long-lasting stability was indispensable.
“The Chief Astrologer?” Li Guanglong furrowed
his brow. “My father has mentioned him --- supposedly a very powerful man. But
he has long retired and avoids all worldly affairs. Even my father couldn’t get
him to act --- how could I?”
“There is no such thing as an impossible task
--- only a lack of effort.”
Lord Eugene Montgomery pulled out a round jade
pendant and handed it to Li Guanglong. “Years ago, I saved the life of the
astrologer’s descendant. This pendant is a token from them. Take it to the
Treasure Pavilion. That person will assist you. As for whether you succeed --- that’s
up to fate.”
“Thank you, Uncle Eugene!” Li Guanglong’s face
lit up with joy.
This token was more than just a trinket --- it
represented a powerful favor, more valuable than gold or jewels.
Though it wasn’t guaranteed to work, it at
least gave him a shot. If used wisely, it could be a life-saving trump card ---
possibly even his ultimate fallback in the future.
Say, during a military seizure of the throne…
With someone like that old sage supporting him,
the road to the crown would be smooth.
“Your Highness, I advise you not to get any strange
ideas.”
As if reading his mind, Lord Eugene Montgomery
reminded him at the right moment, “The old astrologer never intervenes in
political struggles. Saving your life is possible --- helping you claim the
throne is absolutely out of the question.”
Such a god-like figure would only act in the
face of national collapse --- not petty power struggles. To him, dynastic
change was simply part of the natural order --- what they called following
Heaven’s will.
“Fine. Let’s just focus on surviving this
ordeal first.”
Though disappointed, Li Guanglong eventually
dismissed his thoughts, took the jade token, and hurried off toward the
Treasure Pavilion.
If he could persuade the old astrologer to act,
he’d strike back hard at the Pantheon of the Gods --- boosting his prestige and
attracting even more allies to his cause. - Ton
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