Chapter 360: Tipping Points

He spared us the usual official platitudes.

Li Xuanguo, who had always believed in Yenir, stood up at that moment and stepped down from the stage.

In his eyes, Yenir was truly exceptional—and that was exactly why he was determined to look after her, both publicly and privately. He had done everything within his power.

Yet, as the current Prime Minister, there were matters he had to handle with caution.

No matter how valuable or brilliant Yenir might be, there were certain unbreakable lines and rules.

Pull one thread and the whole fabric unravels—national issues are no child’s play.

In his view, Yenir might possess a maturity and extraordinary talent far beyond her peers, but sometimes she acted too impulsively, with a juvenile streak.

“Yenir, I can assure you—and the Military can promise as well—that whatever happened between you and Lu Tianming is over. He’ll never threaten you, and no tragedy will befall your family again. Starting today, I’m assigning dedicated guards to protect them, just as Liang Lie did, guaranteeing their absolute safety!”

With sincere eyes, Li Xuanguo, standing at the pinnacle of Huaguo, humbled himself and let out a deep sigh.

“Don’t act rashly any longer. There’s no need to risk your life over a feud with Committee Member Lu.”

“Your journey is still long….”

As his words died away, the Secretary General—fresh off informing the other committee members—listened in a daze to the Prime Minister’s speech.

Frankly, watching Yenir keep her head down as if unwilling to accept this, he felt a surge of anger. Who did the Prime Minister think he was? After all he’d said, couldn’t Yenir take a small step back?

“Impulsive?”

“A long journey ahead…?”

Seconds later, under everyone’s gaze, Yenir raised her head. The hesitation that had plagued her resolve vanished in an instant.

“If I die in the copy, will Lu Tianming return what he stole from me?”

“If the Sea Beast only acted once, does that mean I’m to be blamed for the ruined city? Should the East Sea’s losses fall on my shoulders?”

“If I hadn’t produced the evidence, wouldn’t Ming Luo, Commander Chen, and I already be in custody for questioning?”

“If I didn’t have this authority…”

“Prime Minister, are you really going to stand here and listen to me?”

With calm eyes, Yenir didn’t care if her words came off as disrespectful or accusatory.

In that moment, she realized clearly: even though in her past life she had held the highest position and commanded the entire army, her thoughts and character were worlds apart from those in power.

After so long in peace, people had grown accustomed to compromise and balance in politics.

Especially in Li Xuanguo’s final words—it was a clear admonition to consider the bigger picture and to ‘slow down.’

But there was no time left…

In peacetime, Li Xuanguo’s approach would have been spot on. Stability was everything in the official realm.

But in the face of doomsday…

Doomsday doesn’t negotiate—it means the annihilation of clans, nations. Civilizations would be obliterated in a catastrophe unlike any in human history!

“Lu Tianming wants to kill me, and I’m only asking for justice!”

Every word hit hard. Yenir knew that a single retreat might lead to everyone’s contentment—but she simply couldn’t back down.

If she took one step back, ten thousand more would be waiting to pounce!

“Prime Minister, let me ask: Is the punishment for Lu Tianming, according to national laws and military regulations, really all there is?”

“Did nobody notice his corruption in the East Sea? And what about Wang Hong swallowing the compensation fees? Isn’t the Dongqing Safe Zone backing him up?”

“He’s pulling every trick to try and kill me—am I wrong for demanding fairness?”

Faced with Yenir’s questions, Li Xuanguo fell silent, and even Hong Tiangang—who had once admired her—looked at her in disbelief.

From behind the gathered crowd, the Secretary General couldn’t help but blurt out.

“Committee Member Yenir! Weren’t you fine just a moment ago?”

“Show some mercy. Committee Member Lu has already been punished. The fairness you long for probably doesn’t exist in this world!”

He left the rest unsaid.

The Secretary General glared at Yenir impatiently, as if to say that true fairness was nothing but a myth.

The Military had punished Lu Tianming partly because of your contributions, Yenir.

Some people simply aren’t comparable.

At his level, mistakes that would send ordinary people to jail—or even to their deaths—were trivial.

Look around at the other committee members—who among them is entirely clean?

What? Do you expect them all to be executed?!

Off to one side, watching Yenir refuse to bow her head, Hu Zhiping shook his head and spoke in a low, measured tone:

“Yenir, Committee Member Lu is the son of Lu Heng. Surely you’ve heard that name before.”

“Their family once rendered great service to China. Some mistakes can be forgiven.”

Without another word, Hu Zhiping turned his gaze to the Secretary General.

“Let the others come in. This matter…”

“…is over.”

As his words faded, Hong Tiangang glanced at Yenir, who had silently clutched her fists, and inwardly he shook his head.

She was still too young.

Perhaps after this ordeal, she’d learn a few lessons.

…………….

Outside the hall, Lu Tianming exhaled deeply as he saw the Secretary General finally usher in his group. The tension in his muscles melted away instantly.

There was no other reason.

He noted the Secretary General’s softening stance towards him—and the fact that no one moved to apprehend him!

Sure enough, how could the Military ever indulge that brat’s absurd demands!

Who would dare try to kill him? That’s just too naïve! What position does he hold? Could someone insignificant like him really kill him?!

With a cold laugh, Lu Tianming strode into the hall. The other committee members, sensing what was coming, quickly began to flatter him.

“Committee Member Lu, don’t lower yourself to his level.”

“Yeah, Committee Member Lu. You’ve devoted so much for the country that surely the Authorities wouldn’t simply believe the other side’s story and fall for that little brat.”

“I’ve never seen anyone so arrogant. Just because you’ve made a few contributions, you suddenly think you can do whatever you please?!”

With a low chuckle, the others converged around Lu Tianming as he walked into the hall.

Although on the surface Lu Tianming was punished, for an ordinary committee member it was hardly a big deal.

Many shrewd onlookers marveled at the strength of his backers.

Yet within half a minute of entering the hall, Lu Tianming deliberately strode right past Yenir.

Seeing Yenir’s silent demeanor sent a thrill of pleasure surging through him!

“Committee Member Yenir, weren’t you expecting the Military to seize us?”

“And what? Got any evidence?”

“Accuse me of treason? Hahaha, how laughable!”

Laughing heartily, Lu Tianming glared at the defeated Yenir, his eyes burning with unmistakable murderous intent.

“You want to kill me?”

“Dream on!”

Yet just as Lu Tianming was about to speak further, Yenir, who should have been raging, simply looked up with a cold detachment.

“That’s right.”

“I lack the evidence, and I can’t force the Military to kill you.”

“But I can!”

“Bang!”

In an instant, Yenir kicked the committee seat where Lu Tianming sat, sending it crashing apart. Her psychic energy rippled out, the sound echoing throughout the hall.

“In accordance with Central Act Article 131 of the Committee Regulations, the rotation eligibility for executive committee members can be determined by strength!”

Before anyone could react, Yenir swiftly drew her sword and pointed it directly at Lu Tianming!

“Three months from now, we fight to the death!”

“You worthless scum! Dare you face me?!”

Her words sent a shocked silence through the hall.

Without giving anyone time to respond, Yenir, already set on the death duel, leaped out of the hall as if too impatient for further words.

Since the Authorities wouldn’t act against Lu Tianming for the sake of balance, then…

I’ll settle this myself!

If Lu Tianming doesn’t accept the challenge, he’ll be the laughingstock of all China!

Meanwhile, on the Dais, Li Xuanguo—who should have halted this ‘farce’—could hardly believe the private message flashing on his screen from Yenir.

There, in the private message window, was the authority granting unrestricted entry into the copy!

This is!?

………

An hour and three minutes later, the Capital trembled.

An explosive piece of news sent shockwaves through the city.

And like a raging storm, that news quickly spread to all the Battle Zones.