Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1112 - 1112 0651 Quit While Youre Ahead_2

Chapter 1112: Chapter 0651: Quit While You’re Ahead_2 Chapter 1112: Chapter 0651: Quit While You’re Ahead_2 Emperor Jianwu’s complexion changed abruptly. He didn’t expect that in such a short time, Shen Ziyu would change his mind, from dissuading them from entering the Saint’s Tomb to directly obstructing their entry, preventing them from accessing the tomb.

Emperor Jianwu could no longer tolerate Shen Ziyu’s insolence. He said, “Mr. Shen, don’t you think you are going a bit too far? We are the true masters of the Imperial Family Secret Territory, and you are but esteemed guests of our Zhao family. Even Manager Chen acknowledges this fact. As the masters of the Imperial Family Secret Territory, we seek to explore our own domain, yet you, our guest, are blocking our way, denying us entry. What kind of reasoning is this? Are you openly defying Manager Chen’s command? Do you disregard Manager Chen’s words? When I see Manager Chen next, I shall have a word with him to see what he truly means. If he feels that he is more qualified to be the master of the Imperial Family Secret Territory, fine, as long as he makes his claim, the Zhao family can step down and let the worthy lead. Of course, if you think you are also capable of being the master of the Imperial Family Secret Territory, then so be it. Speak now, and we can cede it to you.”

This time, it was Shen Ziyu whose expression shifted dramatically. He didn’t expect Emperor Jianwu to speak such pointed words, especially the last sentence, which was incredibly impactful. If this reached Manager Chen’s ears and he misinterpreted Shen Ziyu as coveting the position of the master of the Imperial Family Secret Territory, the trouble could be immense.

He was well aware that Manager Chen had always regarded the Imperial Family Secret Territory as his to claim, only because Manager Chen’s cultivation level was not yet sufficient, being a mere Half-step Nascent Soul cultivator. He was tasked with guarding the Imperial Family Secret Territory, and if he ever entertained the thought of controlling it as his own private domain, Manager Chen would face suppression from the higher-ups of the Wanjie Marketplace. This was an outcome Manager Chen simply could not afford, forcing him to settle for the status quo. However, this didn’t mean Manager Chen had extinguished his personal ambition; on the contrary, he had never wavered from his original intention. Manager Chen was waiting for an opportunity to arise, and should he find it and successfully break through to the Nascent Soul Stage, he would undoubtedly seize control of the Imperial Family Secret Territory as his own at the first opportunity.

Shen Ziyu knew all too well how formidable Manager Chen was and exactly what kind of person he was. If Manager Chen were to find out that Shen Ziyu had designs on the Imperial Family Secret Territory, even if it were just a rumor, that alone could change Manager Chen’s view of him. In such a case, Manager Chen wouldn’t even need to take any action; a mere twist of the mouth could condemn Shen Ziyu to an irreparable place, with no chance of turning the situation around.

Shen Ziyu’s eyes narrowed, and a chilling murderous intent burst forth from his gaze. He had indeed harbored a real intent to kill.

Emperor Jianwu was not easily frightened. As a former emperor, he had seen all manner of conspiracies and deceit. He said, “Mr. Shen, I advise you to carefully consider your actions before you take them. If your memory serves you well, you should remember the exact nature of the task that Manager Chen entrusted to you. If you fail to execute Manager Chen’s orders precisely, do you think you can explain yourself upon your return? Changing the mission handed down from your superiors on your own accord—can you handle the consequences of such actions?”

The murderous intent in the depths of Shen Ziyu’s eyes grew denser, clearly, Emperor Jianwu’s words had not intimidated him.

Emperor Jianwu felt a chill down his spine, as if a knife were held to his neck. He did not wish to be beheaded out of the blue. He hurriedly spoke with utmost urgency, “Mr. Shen, I beseech you to consider this: do not think that murder is the best choice. Even if you kill us all, what then? Do you really think word won’t reach Manager Chen’s ears? Take a look around you, how many stand by your side right now? And think, how many of us entered here together?”

“I’m not afraid to tell you that we’ve already divided our manpower into three groups: front, middle, and rear. Even if you can kill, by the time you eliminate everyone from the front group, those in the middle and rear will have received the news and sent it out. Can you kill all of the people from the five imperial palaces—and then everyone in the Eastern Capital City? If you can’t, then the news will definitely reach Manager Chen’s ears. What consequences will you endure then? Do you think Manager Chen will let you off?”

“I’ve been an emperor, I can understand the mindset of someone in power like Manager Chen. I can assure you, if you go against Manager Chen’s orders, if you change his instructions without authorization, no matter how beautify you handle the aftermath, you will only be judged as having presumed to surmise his wishes, and your intentions will be deemed punishable without a doubt. If you don’t believe me, you can try and see whether you understand your manager better, or if I grasp his modus operandi more clearly.”

Shen Ziyu’s face turned from green to white, as Emperor Jianwu’s words hit him where it hurt, seizing on his deepest fears. The murderous intent in his eyes flickered on and off; clearly, Shen Ziyu was wrestling internally, debating whether or not to kill Qi Tian and Emperor Jianwu.

Emperor Jianwu quit while he was ahead. He knew better than to continue provoking Shen Ziyu with words. Sometimes moderation is key, to prevent overstepping.

He said, “The choice is yours to make, Mr. Shen. As outsiders, we can only offer some advice. We truly hope to coexist peacefully with everyone, including yourself. We don’t wish to exacerbate any discord between us. Furthermore, I would like to ask Mr. Shen to convey a message to Manager Chen—please assure him that no matter the circumstances, the five princes here and the forces we represent will always be friends with Manager Chen, never his enemies.”

The murderous look in Shen Ziyu’s eyes gradually faded, and at that moment, he completely relinquished his intent to kill. Torn between “eliminating future threats” and “preserving his own safety with Manager Chen,” he ultimately chose the latter.

Emperor Jianwu could clearly sense the change in Shen Ziyu’s demeanor and heaved a silent sigh of relief. Reaching out, he took out another Storage Bag filled with even more spirit stones and handed it to Shen Ziyu, saying, “Mr. Shen, it must have been tiring to come here with this message. Please accept these spirit stones, not as a token of respect, but as a modest gift to enjoy a cup of tea later.”

This time, Shen Ziyu did not refuse. He didn’t rebuke the bribe from Emperor Jianwu as a “petty favor” like before. Instead, he reached out, took the Storage Bag, and pocketed it.

Just when Emperor Jianwu thought everything had calmed down and the matter was resolved, Shen Ziyu spoke again. He stared fixedly at Qi Tian and said, “My manager’s good intentions were to dissuade you from entering the Saint’s Tomb, which I have conveyed to you. But it seems to me that you will not take my manager’s kindness to heart. Thus, I hope you won’t disregard the effort he took in sending this message of goodwill. I will make you understand why my manager advised you against entering the Saint’s Tomb.”