Chapter 402: Divine Reversal

His face flushed red, and a strange fear washed over him. If things weren’t already past the point of no return, he’d have rather just gone home and slept.

He snorted. “The world’s affairs have always been the people’s to manage. The people are paramount, the state is secondary, and the ruler is least important! If a ruler treats his people like dirt, then the people have the right to treat him as an enemy!”

Long Shou calmly picked up his teacup, took a sip to wet his throat, and only then did he speak.

“Since I am already an enemy in your eyes, why don’t you take out your weapon and put a bullet in my heart?”

As he spoke, his gaze was sharp enough to feel, as if it were a physical thing.

Song Gang was forced back several steps by that gaze. He reached for his holster, then sheepishly drew his hand back.

“What are you saying, sir? What right do I have? How could I dare be disrespectful to you?”

Although the man was a brute, he loved listening to storytellers and watching operas in his spare time.

He suddenly recalled the story of the coalition of eighteen warlords who challenged Dong Zhuo.

In that era, did you think Dong Zhuo was the only villain?

He just fired the first shot, giving everyone else a reason to stand against him.

‘At the beginning, all these Elders were filled with righteous indignation when they criticized Long Shou. Who would’ve thought they’d all chicken out when it came down to it? Only he was foolish enough to charge to the front.’

Seeing this, Chen Qingdi shook his head in disappointment.

‘This Song Gang looks all loud and blustery, but he’s really not much of a threat.’

‘At best, he’s like Li Kui or Zhang Fei—just a brute who’s good for charging into the fray.’

‘How could a man like that be a match for the battle-hardened Long Shou?’

Seeing Song Gang standing there, at a complete loss, the Second Elder stepped forward.

“Lord Long Shou, the elimination of our former Seventh Elder was actually your doing. If you don’t give us an explanation today, I’m afraid the brothers won’t be willing to let this go.”

Long Shou sneered. “Are you also planning a little drama? Perhaps a ‘shadow of axes in the candlelight’ or ‘blood on the imperial robes’? The Great Seal of Long Shou is in my hand, and this chair is beneath me. If you have what it takes, come and get them!”

The Second Elder’s face was livid. “You should know that you’re a king with no subjects now. If you know what’s good for you and abdicate, we’ll give you a high position and let you retire in peace. But if you insist on this foolishness, once we all turn on each other, nothing will be off the table.”

Long Shou looked at the men before him. “I know. My decision to thoroughly investigate that drug has threatened all of your interests. What I am doing is a great service to the world. Why must you oppose me?”

The Second Elder said arrogantly, “Anyone can spout high-minded ideals at a time like this. I love the people of the world too, but who loves me? There is only one path for you now: accept a peaceful abdication!”

Long Shou glanced thoughtfully at the Second Elder, then at the Grand Elder.

“There is only one throne. Who should I cede it to? You, Second Elder, or him, Grand Elder Wan Qisong?”

Although Wan Qisong couldn’t speak, his glare toward the Second Elder was already full of malice.

‘Though he was already under another’s control, he never imagined someone else was waiting to swoop in and steal the prize for himself.’

Sure enough, the Second Elder sneered. “We Seven Great Elders are united as one. We all have a single goal: to make you abdicate. It makes no difference whether I or my big brother takes your seat!”

Long Shou snorted. “I still think the Grand Elder is far superior to you. Your behavior is despicable, and you lack the bearing of a sovereign. If you were to actually sit in this chair, it would be the world’s biggest joke!”

The Second Elder suddenly burst out laughing.

“Lord Red Hand, you can stop with the cheap tricks to sow discord. To tell you the truth, the Grand Elder has had a stroke and is unable to speak. But when he was still lucid, he gave clear instructions for me to carry on his will and manage Dragon Country in your place!”

‘Holy shit, he’s literally forcing a mute man to speak!’

Chen Qingdi saw that the time was right and quietly released the Grand Elder’s Mute Acupoint.

The Grand Elder let out a long sigh and looked coolly at the Second Elder.

“Second Elder, when did I ever say I wanted you to manage Dragon Country in my stead?”

No one had expected such a sudden turn of events. The Second Elder, especially, plopped onto the ground, all of his former arrogance instantly gone.

“Big Brother, when did you recover?”

Before the Grand Elder could speak, Long Shou said from his seat, “The Grand Elder has always put the greater good first. How could he be such a short-sighted scoundrel? You people have twisted his intentions and launched a rebellion on your own, pushing yourselves into an abyss of sin!”

As he spoke, his gaze shifted to the Grand Elder’s face.

When masters face off, a single glance is enough.

The Grand Elder’s life was now in Chen Qingdi’s hands. He knew his dream of vying for the throne was shattered.

‘Rather than let that backstabbing Second Elder get what he wants, it’s better if we all just walk away from this mess.’

He snorted. “Second Brother, I believe only the current Long Shou can truly hold the position of Long Shou. Anyone else’s wild ambitions are nothing more than a mantis trying to stop a chariot. I advise you to see the error of your ways and turn back!”

“You… you…”

The Second Elder was completely bewildered.

‘Is this still the big brother I once respected?’

‘When we first started this whole affair, you were more gung-ho than anyone.’

‘How could you say something so full of loyalty and righteousness today?’

‘My dear big brother, just how many bottles of cheap liquor did you drink?’

The Grand Elder ordered the attendant behind him to push his wheelchair over to Long Shou’s side, positioning himself beside Long Shou’s seat.

“Song Gang, your master is here. Do you still intend to persist in your folly?”

Song Gang looked at the Second Elder, then at the Grand Elder, completely unsure of what to do.

At that moment, the Grand Elder said sharply.

“Brothers! I know you have all been bewitched and coerced by this ambitious schemer, the Second Elder. As long as you realize your mistake now, lay down your arms, and return to the righteous path, I will plead with Long Shou to pardon you for the crime of rebellion! If you continue to persist in this folly, when the suppression army enters the city, it will be your doomsday!”

When the other Elders heard this, they realized the Grand Elder was clearly drawing a line between himself and the Second Elder.

If they didn’t take this opportunity to get out, what awaited them was truly a death by a thousand cuts.

So, those few Elders forcibly dragged Song Gang along with them as they returned to Long Shou’s side.

Of those who had come to force the abdication, only the Second Elder remained.

“You… you all…”

He wanted to ask, ‘Why did you people abandon me?’

Suddenly, he heard Song Gang, who had been so arrogant just moments before, turn his gun around and point it at him.

“We were instigated by a bastard like you and made a terrible mistake! Thankfully, we received Lord Long Shou’s guidance and were able to see the light!”

PTHOO!

A mouthful of blood sprayed from the Second Elder’s mouth. His body went limp, and he collapsed onto the ground with a THUD.

The oh-so-wise Song Gang gnashed his teeth and said, “I have never seen such a shameless person!”

Alas, the Second Elder was no Wang Lang; he wasn’t about to die just from being cursed out.

He decisively ordered his subordinates, “Men, arrest this scoundrel, the Second Elder!”