**Chapter 37: No Chivalry – Dorethea [4K]**
Hearing the blonde girl in front of her call out “Luxianbei,” Luxianbei was momentarily stunned, her first reaction was that Jiang Li had mistakenly called the wrong name in her desperation.
But soon after, she regained her composure and sensed a hint of something different this time.
Since the two of them recognized each other through the Urban Legends Chat Group’s entry task as “Miaomiao Sauce” and “Wang Buliu,” Jiang Li had never called the wrong name, even after confirming multiple times in various ways that Wang Buliu was indeed Luxianbei; she hadn’t made a mistake.
She wasn’t an incompetent online novelist who couldn’t even remember character names, so how could she make such a low-level error?
Now that Jiang Li called her “Luxianbei,” it indicated that she intended to address her this way, and it wasn’t a mistake.
Then why did she use the name “Luxianbei”?
It shouldn’t be the case that she truly didn’t know how to deal with the dilemma in front of her; at least, not completely.
If it were Jiang Li, she would definitely be able to think of more than one countermeasure within a short time. And as the owner of the Xiezhi powers, she could also judge the most “correct” one among various approaches, which was likely far more reliable than the torturous bad ideas Luxianbei might concoct.
So, she only needed someone she could rely on, someone to comfort her.
This was like how a child playing alone, if they fell, would often get back up bravely, but if someone close was nearby, they might instead lay on the ground and cry loudly.
Gradually understanding everything, Luxianbei withdrew her thoughts, steadied herself, slightly lowered her head, and looked at Jiang Li, allowing her gaze to meet Jiang Li’s.
Her exquisite face remained as cold as usual, appearing unapproachable.
She looked quite calm, at least from the perspective of bystanders.
But Luxianbei wasn’t a bystander; through Jiang Li’s eyes, she saw the anger and helplessness that Jiang Li desperately tried to hide.
Deep within those eyes burned a dull red light, making one feel as if something was gnawing at her heart, ready to rend her chest apart and erupt into a painful whimper at any moment.
And above that red light loomed a shadowy gloom, like dark clouds obscuring the sunlight.
After a brief silence, Luxianbei stepped forward, gently wrapping Jiang Li in her arms, just as Jiang Li had done to her in Dream Come True Entertainment City, softly patting her back and whispering in her ear, “You must have been so anxious when you found out, right?”
Jiang Li, “…”
“Now that it’s out, does it feel a little better? There’s really no need to be so tangled up about it. Knowing your mother’s whereabouts is good news, right? At least there’s a direction to work towards.”
“We can find Tan Qiuming first, ask him for information about your mother, and then find her together. If she’s been misled, we can tell her the truth.”
Jiang Li hesitated for a moment, quietly voicing her biggest worry into Luxianbei’s ear, “What if she remains stubborn even after knowing the truth?”
Would they really treat her mother according to the Siye Society’s plan for dealing with cult followers? Jiang Li thought.
Although her file in the Siye Society contained ambiguous information to obscure her detailed experiences in the Solar Eclipse Society, leading some to believe that she had personally killed her wayward parents, she had never denied it.
But when it came to actually having to deal with a situation where righteousness meant turning on one’s family, how many people wouldn’t hesitate?
Luxianbei thought for a moment and said seriously, “Then let’s destroy what she believes in. Though this might be a bit cruel, it should be quite effective, don’t you think?”
But eliminating the offspring of the X God wasn’t the same as taking down the X God itself; they should think of more methods, right?
According to Stinky Sister, the X God would immediately erase any offspring after their birth. With proper operation, they might even collaborate with the X God!
As everyone knows, collaboration with calamity often leads to a win-win!
Hearing Luxianbei propose an unexpected solution, Jiang Li was taken aback, an expression of surprise flashing in her eyes.
This is also an option?
“As for the psychological trauma caused by the collapse of her beliefs, I’m afraid I can’t help much. It’s up to you, as her daughter, to think of a way,” Luxianbei said.
“I will,” Jiang Li nodded, her eyes finally regaining some sparkle.
“In addition, the fact that you’re willing to share your worries and seek my help makes me really happy.”
Hearing the light banter by her ear, Jiang Li was momentarily stunned, a faint blush coloring her cheeks, she mumbled, “Um.”
Thus, the two fell into a brief silence, and the entire world seemed to quiet down.
In the unspoken stillness, only the soft rustling of the breeze through the tree branches and their breathing could be heard, echoing like the sound of bubbles rising in a soda-filled glass on a hot summer day, bringing a sense of peace.
In this moment, Luxianbei felt Jiang Li’s unprecedented authenticity.
Not because Jiang Li was in her arms, allowing her to smell the faint scent of Jiang Li’s hair and feel her warmth.
But because of Jiang Li’s vulnerability and reliance displayed before her.
That’s how it should be!
Who in the world can always remain strong?
They’re not made of iron; even iron can rust!
After a long time.
Luxianbei glanced at Jiang Li out of the corner of her eye, seeing her gradually emerging from her low spirits. It seemed she had reached a moment where her psychological defenses were weak, so Luxianbei seized the opportunity and asked, “Feeling better? Do you need a deep kiss to end the embrace?”
“Are you dreaming?”
“Oh, I see.”
Meanwhile, Grandpa He, who was hurriedly arriving after sending the little girl back to her ward, stood far away watching the two girls in an embrace, frozen in place.
Did I come at the wrong time?
As someone who had quit smoking for over ten years and had cancer cells already metastasized to the lungs, he suddenly felt a desire to smoke.
On the other side, at Longmen Tea House.
The negotiations between Zhang Xian and Zhang Shuisheng had, as expected, completely fallen apart.
When Zhang Yu ruthlessly exposed Zhang Shuisheng, who had always been insincere with the Elders’ Council’s orders, for working painstakingly to collaborate with the X God during this time, even giving up the “business” that could bring him E profits each year because he was nearing d*ath and simply wanted to live, Zhang Shuisheng exploded with rage, directly flipping the table over.
With the sound of the table flipping, like a signal to attack, all the men in black quickly surrounded them, amidst a chaotic flurry, each armed with standard spirit energy items resembling short knives.
The blades gleamed under the grim daylight, glinting with a faint crimson glow.
However, in the next moment, Zhang Yu’s trusted subordinates aimed weapons engraved with spell inscriptions and loaded with alchemical bullets at the foreheads of the men in black, silently signaling them that times had changed.
A genuine standoff!
The air seemed to be filled with gunpowder, and a single spark could trigger fierce explosions.
Dorethea had never seen a scene like this, one that would only occur in a gangster movie.
Her mind went blank and she almost crushed the Zhipianxian in her pocket to summon her teacher for assistance.
But after a few deep breaths, she quickly calmed down, focusing on Zhang Yi, who was equally trembling, and recalled what her teacher had once told her.
In dire situations where escape is impossible, even if there’s a chance of winning, one should avoid a direct confrontation and find a way to exploit the enemy’s weaknesses!
This man was the old man’s son, so he should be considered a soft spot, right?
Although she had been taught that misfortune should not befall family, the teacher said that in necessary times, there’s no need to uphold chivalry against the enemy!
Having made up her mind, she gathered her focus, silently approached Zhang Yi from behind, gripping his neck like lifting a chick, and activated a spell while exclaiming, “Don’t move! If any of you dare to move, I’ll k*ll him!”
Thus, in the silence, both sides looked at Dorethea with a gaze of disbelief, and together they lowered their weapons.
“Miss Hathor, actually, we wouldn’t have fought just now,” Zhang Yu said to Dorethea in the car leaving Longmen Tea House, “That was a test, a mutual probing of each other’s limits.”
“It’s somewhat like a weapons display, you understand? As long as we prove to each other that we have the strength, it’s enough to point fingers at each other.”
“Now, it’s not an era where problems can be solved solely by fighting; if a fight breaks out, it not only incurs losses but also gives the Siye Society leverage to intervene, which would be counterproductive.”
“Of course, if one side’s strength turns out to be significantly weaker than expected, the other side might act without hesitation, as long as their actions are clean, the Siye Society wouldn’t have a chance to intervene,” Zhang Xian added in his mind.
“Really?” Dorethea said as she accepted the drink from Zhang Yu, puzzled, “So, I ended up making things worse with a good intention?”
Zhang Yu smiled awkwardly, “Not entirely; without Miss Hathor’s courageous act, it likely would have taken several rounds of verbal probing to end the standoff.”
Dorethea nodded, feeling a bit embarrassed.
Zhang Yu’s comments made her completely understand; she had witnessed and heard of many similar situations at Dream Come True Entertainment City.
It was like when Liu Bang first arrived at the Hongmen banquet; before Xiang Zhuang could begin his sword dance, a brash man rushed in, shouting “For the Overlord!” and then violently struck Liu Bang on the head.
No pretense, defying the rules of the martial world!
The vehicle continued, and a moment later, Zhang Xian patted Dorethea on the shoulder and pointed out the window, “Miss Hathor, we’ve arrived.”
Dorethea looked in the direction Zhang Yu pointed, seeing deep grey brick walls, pure white spires, and brightly colored glass panels of the European-style low-rise buildings.
Pulling back her gaze, she turned to Zhang Yu and asked, “What’s that?”
“One of the highest-end restaurants in Shancheng!” Zhang Yu feigned surprise, “Did Miss Hathor forget? Before we set off for the negotiation, we agreed to have a meal afterward.”
There seemed to be such a thing? Dorethea looked down and rubbed her little belly, saying, “Then let’s walk?”
“I also really want to go with Miss Hathor,” Zhang Yu waved his phone in front of her with a bitter smile, “But I first need to report the results of the negotiation to Mr. Phoenix, so I can only ask Miss Hathor to go ahead. I hope you understand.”
“I understand, I understand, duties come first!” Dorethea nodded politely, “Then I’ll go in first?”
With a feast on the horizon, she couldn’t care less about not having Zhang Yu around; she’d probably enjoy eating even more without him there.
Moreover, she also wanted to take the time to tell her teacher about what had happened during the negotiation!
Hearing this, Zhang Yu nodded, making a gesture for her to go ahead, then exchanged a glance with his two bodyguards who had long been waiting outside the car. The two bodyguards opened the car door and welcomed Dorethea out, walking towards the restaurant with her.
Watching Dorethea walk away until her figure disappeared from view, Zhang Yu put away the phone he had shown her earlier, took out a satellite phone from the compartment in the car, and dialed a pre-set number.
After a few rings on the line, a strong voice came through.
“Zhang Yu? Has the negotiation ended?”
“It’s me, Mr. Phoenix. The negotiation is over, just as you expected; that old guy is indeed near d*ath,” Zhang Yu replied.
“Yes, he believes it! Ha, in that old guy’s eyes, I probably still seem like that good-for-nothing playboy, right?”
“However, Mr. Phoenix, there’s something I’m puzzled about.”
“Speak,” the person on the other end replied briefly.
“Why did you want me to mention the Yunshen Machine and Lime Men during the negotiation with that old guy? That seemed completely unnecessary?”
“That was the instructions from the Chairman,” Mr. Phoenix said, “That’s all I can say; knowing more won’t be good for you.”
“I understand,” Zhang Yu paused before changing the subject, “By the way, there’s something else I’d like to discuss, but I’m not sure if I should or not.”
“Then don’t say it for now; wait until you’ve thought it through to talk to me.”
“It’s about Miss Hathor.”
There was a brief silence on the other end before Mr. Phoenix spoke in a deep voice, “Speak!”
Zhang Yu recounted Dorethea’s performance during today’s negotiation, asking, “Mr. Phoenix, is Miss Hathor always this valiant and resolute in her actions?”
Mr. Phoenix replied, “Clearly, she isn’t! How did she go off the rails after just a few days? Could it be that Hathor’s powers have quietly shifted toward Sekhmet without me knowing?”
Seeing the other end fall silent, Zhang Yu waited for a while, guessing he wouldn’t answer his question, and shifted the topic.
“Mr. Phoenix, should I continue following orders without difficulty for my leadership? A good subordinate should provide a way out when needed.”
“Everything as usual, proceed according to plan.”
“Understood!” Saying this, Zhang Yu paused, then solemnly declared, “For the rise of the Black Sun!”
“For the rise of the Black Sun!” The voice on the other end echoed back with equal seriousness before hanging up.
Hearing the “beep” of the phone, Zhang Yu’s expression darkened. After a moment of contemplation, he casually tossed the satellite phone aside and sneered.
“Ha, the Black Sun?”
In this world, where could one find such absolute loyalty? It was all just about mutual benefit.
Working for the Solar Eclipse Society was fine, but to give one’s life for it?
He thought that was unacceptable!
