Chapter 123: Who will be the king?

Su Menqi's words were like a shock to the guy. " How dare you say that? We are supposed to be partners who have joined together to take down the Bai family. We are entitled to compensation."

Su Menqi said with a severe tone. "Let us analyze the situation. My men took down three different halls, while you only took down one. It was our reinforcements that arrived at the time and killed all three of the Bai ancestors. So what makes you think I will consider you people for compensation."

" I am already doing your clan a big favor by helping you kill the Bai family descendants. You are supposed to be the one who is going to pay our group."The clan required resources. 

One of the elders came forward to intimate Su Menqi, but his spirits were soon in shatters. A hit from one of the black-buck squad members shot him into a distance. " Are you trying to provoke me? I don't mind taking action against your clan." The whole group on Su Menqi's side came forward.

.......................................

Long Zhi Ruo was watching this from a distance. The exhausting set of events that just passed drained him quite a bit. Multiple pills appeared before him.

When he heard what SU Menqi said, he felt quite betrayed. How could they do this? The vice-general belonged to Long clan, but Su Menqi's voice didn't have any respect for them. 

He rushed towards the scene, along with his brothers. " I hope miss will be impartial. My clan would require some compensation to make for our losses.". 

" I am asking you to leave along with these fools. Please don't force me to use violence. The belongings are of the Dragon General. Even the king doesn't dare to ask for it. Who the fuck are you?"

Long Zhiruo lost his cool. He released his Qi, dominating Su Menqi completely. " I suppose your general forgot to teach you manners when talking with your seniors." Su Menqi couldn't react. The difference in the realm was too big.

Before the Long clan members could count their stars, another powerful aura burst out, canceling the current one. " My subordinates are my property. Others are not allowed to teach them anything." 

Long Tao appeared. For the first time in his life, Long Zhi Ruo got a view of Long Tao. He was the so-called outcast of the clan. But his current power exceeds even his. He wanted to try and patch thing sup, but Long Tao signaled him to shut up.

" Apologize to her." Long Zhi Ruo couldn't believe his ears. He was being asked by a junior of his clan to apologize to a Qi master. One of his brothers rushed out with a shout. " How dare you disrespect your elders?', but his figure was sent flying with a slap.

The one who slapped him was Di Tao, who arrived a moment ago with Jiao Shen. " Senior, you say. Look around you. Do you think we needed you to take care of them?" It was a truth that the power of Long Tao's group was already enough to take out the Bai clan. 

" We did you a favor by inviting you. We helped you kill you, enemies. But you being the ungrateful bastards, are asking for compensation." Di Tao was mocking Long Zhi Ruo. 

Long Tao didn't want to waste time " I will be taking everything within the Bai clan's possession, along with their territories and properties. You are excused. Please see yourself out of this place." 

Long Zhi Ruo could only sigh for the misfortune of his clan. They didn't manage to patch things up with Long Tao. Having lost a powerful heir, all he could do was to repent and review his future actions. 

................................................

The border regions-

The forest provided excellent cover for any organization to create a stronghold. The 'Shadow Moon' was not foreign to this idea. They had a broad base set up in the border regions of the Jiao country. 

A man could be seen running towards a nearby building holding a set of documents. " tell the leader its an emergency. We need to call in all our forces."

The man who was referred to as 'Leader' was sitting in the throne room. " What is the news. Did another one of our groups got killed in the hands of Long Tao's goons.". 

" the matter is far more sensitive than that, my lord. The Bai clan was wiped out yesterday night." The man stood up from his seat, rage-filled his eyes. He banged his fist against the wall. " how did this happen.". " The spies reported seeing Long Tao's group along with the Long clan attacking the Bai clan together. There were two more figures present at the scene. "

" Did you managed to identify them?". " It was Jiao Shen and Di tao from the royal academy.". Even the royal academy students were involved. It was a severe blow to his plan. Without the Bai clan, here wouldn't be a possibility of rebellion against the royals. He needed to drop the project within the Jiao country. The upper echelon was going to be angry.

" Pack all our belongings up. We are leaving the Jiao country ASAP. The plan is canceled. Tell the merchant company's employee to leave too. He wanted to report this to his superiors ASAP. Long Tao needed to be taken care of.

.............................................

The Royal palace –

Jiao Mingue was waiting in the elder's meeting hall along with Jiao Bo and some head ministers. " Is there any report regarding Long Tao's current progress with the mission." A guard came in at the moment. " Sir Long Tao requests an audience with the princess and sir Jiao Bo. "

Long Tao appeared with Jiao Shen and Di Tao. The princess was surprised to see Jiao Shen our of the royal academy. She could already estimate the situation from his clothes. He was involved in Long Tao's plan. 

"The operation was a huge success. We managed to wipe the Bai family out completely. A special mention of thanks to Di Tao and the prince for providing back-up to all my troops. We killed the three ancestors. That sums my report about the fight. A more detailed one would be available to you in your rooms." 

I" I hope you managed to regroup with your supporters, princess. We are moving in to finish the Merin merchant company. We can't let the enemy pawn's escape. Wiping the Merin merchant company out would be a blow to their finances. 

" I have a more urgent matter to discuss with you, Sir Long Tao. I would like to excuse the prince and DI Tao out of this room". 

Long Tao. Jiao Bo and Jiao Mingue wee alone in the room. " the political unrest in the nation is rising. The rebellion might have been our biggest hindrance, but the chaos caused by my father's death is a huge one. We need yo take necessary measures."

" I already asked you to use all the methods at your disposal, princess. If the carrot doesn't work, we need to use the stick. I suppose the 150 bodies were not enough to satisfy the appetite of the nobles. I don't mind setting a much more clear example for them. "

Long Tao asked the guard to call Su Menqi. When she arrived at the scene," I need you to form an assassin group with the most capable soldiers of the black-buck squad. I will be giving you the list of targets. You need to kill each one of them tonight. " 

"Do we any other options except for killing." The princess interrupted Long Tao's conversation. " I had a thought which I need you to consider on. I would like to hear your thoughts about it." Long tao was interested. 

" I am thinking about coronating a new ruler.". Long Tao didn't expect the princess to have this thought. Even Jiao bo was surprised by it. A new king. Who will be taking that mantle? " I hope you have someone in your mind," Jiao Bo enquired.

" I do have a candidate, but I would like to hear Long Tao's thought on this topic.". 

" a new ruler would surely manage to quench some of the chaos. I would have preferred you for the position, but your involvement is not a favorable option here. I seem to think of a candidate who might be suitable. His recent feats would help him in assuming the position. " 

" who might that be?" Jiao Bo curiously asked.

"It's the third prince, Jiao Shen. I got to experience his strength during yesterday's fight. I am positive about him being strong enough. He would be the perfect candidate for this occasion." Jiao Bo nodded after brief thinking. Jiao Shen seemed to be a valid option. 

Both of them looked towards Jiao Mingue. " I agree with this proposition. I, too, had him in my mind. We need to discuss this matter with him". The guard was recalled to invite Jiao Shen over to the room.