Chapter 475: A Clash of Ambitions in the Capital

Yenir? Have you finished what you needed to do?

You’re on your way back to the Capital now!?

Inside the Special Operations Department meeting room, Zhao Hongtu, in the midst of a meeting, looked on in surprise at Yenir’s message.

Although he wasn’t entirely sure what Yenir was up to in the Far Frontier this time, he suspected it was most likely linked to that material.

Once he realized who held the mutated materials, Zhao Hongtu instinctively assumed Yenir had failed to secure them and had no choice but to return.

Trying to offer some comfort—though he wasn’t very good at it—he let out a resigned sigh:

“So? You didn’t manage to get it?”

“But don’t worry; the Military will find a way to get it back for you.”

“And your timing is perfect—our Action Team has just uncovered a peculiar incident at the Border. Interested in joining?”

After deliberately dodging the subject, Zhao Hongtu asked in a somewhat awkward tone.

A split second later, upon seeing Yenir’s message, his gaze suddenly sharpened.

“Uncle Zhao, could you send me the list of those who stole the ore this time?”

“Also, I want to know who else, along with Lu Tianming, took a share of what’s mine!”

Without any pretense, Yenir’s cold words made it clear—just like that East Sea incident, if you want the list, you’re asking for trouble!

Momentarily stunned, Minister Zhao realized that Yenir had returned because of the Lu Tianming matter, and his expression darkened slightly:

“Yenir, you must not act recklessly!”

“I know what happened—and that even your men have come to see me.”

“All I can say is that some matters are too convoluted, but I’ll find a way to set things right for you!”

Wearing a wry smile, Zhao Hongtu shook his head, thinking Yenir was just fuming and planning to stir up trouble with the higher-ups.

Really, who can tolerate such anger?

No exaggeration: this massive payoff was entirely Yenir’s own doing. He risked his life for it!

Not only did the Military offer little help, but an insider traitor nearly got the kid killed.

Yet once the dust settled, Yenir not only refrained from complaining but chose to hand over most of the spirit energy ore to the Military, keeping only a portion for himself.

No one could fault that decision—and it even persuaded some high-level officials to silently condone Yenir’s disruptive antics.

But the current turn of events is indeed chilling…

“Uncle Zhao, I have my own ideas on what needs to be done. Just give me your orders.”

“Honestly, I’m curious—who gave them the nerve?”

With no attempt to hide the lethal intent in his words, Yenir furrowed his brow after speaking.

It wasn’t that he was careless for not sending more people with his ore; he never believed anyone would dare to interfere!

The quotas were predetermined. Even Lu Tianming’s Third Army received an allotted share—after all, his grudge was with Lu Tianming, not the entire Army!

The troops below are innocent!

Yet he never expected that after Lu Tianming snatched the supplies, he wouldn’t use them but would instead crazily resell them for profit! That move was utterly deranged!

Yenir refuses to believe that Lu Tianming’s backing could be so formidable that the authorities would just turn a blind eye!?

How does this differ from treason? With internal corruption this rampant, Yenir wondered if he could ever fix anything!

As if sensing Yenir’s lethal intent, Zhao Hongtu paused, contemplating his next words.

“Yenir, I understand your feelings and your point.”

“In this matter, it wasn’t only Lu Tianming who played a part.”

“Precisely speaking, it was the Army and Lu Tianming’s faction that split your ore among themselves.”

“Too many parties were involved, and since Lu Tianming managed to cover his tracks flawlessly, the operation was officially carried out in the Army’s name—even part of the supplies was returned.”

“Thus, the higher-ups couldn’t say much either…”

For some reason, faced with Yenir’s ordeal, Zhao Hongtu felt both powerless and deeply regretful.

So many people bullying a youth—arguably the most promising genius since Huaguo’s apocalyptic crisis—made him, as a high-ranking official, feel a twinge of shame.

Yet reality remains unchanged; when profit rules, morals and rules are trampled at will!

Let me put it this way.

“Now, everyone in the Capital’s upper echelons knows you’ve fallen out with Lu Tianming. His insults mean nothing.”

“With Lu Tianming leading the charge against you, the others won’t dare oppose you.”

“After all, even if trouble arises, it’s only Lu Tianming who will bear the brunt. The others simply follow along to grab their share without any loss.”

“Besides, Yenir, you’re not the type to kill someone simply because they slyly grabbed a little extra, are you?”

He analyzed the situation carefully.

Zhao Hongtu responded with gravity, trying to make Yenir understand the true state of affairs.

Yenir is undeniably talented and highly regarded. In time, he’ll become a cornerstone of Huaguo—but that’s a matter for the very top tier.

To those below, a genius like Yenir only means one more competitor for their resources.

In these apocalyptic times, nothing is truly essential—a little more for you means less for me.

In many minds, even if you, Yenir, lack the resources to boost your abilities—and even if the Military’s reserves are depleted—what difference does it make?

In a vast Huaxia Battle Zone, those with resources can thrive anywhere! Even if another disaster erupts, it’ll be the underlings who pay the price!

Listening to Zhao Hongtu’s counsel, Yenir fell into a brief silence.

So, Uncle Zhao, are you saying that the entire Third Army, with you at its core, is in deep trouble…?

Of course, he understood the treachery of human nature, but it appeared he had underestimated them.

If that’s the case…

Then it’s time to kill.

Perhaps sensing Yenir’s silence, Zhao Hongtu realized just how bitter and helpless his heart felt.

In the conference room, Zhao Hongtu waved his hand, indicating that the meeting was over for today.

“Yenir, a gentleman’s revenge is never too late.”

“Hold on—wait until you reach Peak Third-Stage, until you become one of the Four Commanders. By then, none of this will happen!”

“Your footing is too shallow right now, and you’ve ruffled too many feathers!”

“Listen to me: drop this petty feud for now!”

“For example, a death match between you and Lu Tianming in three months—I don’t doubt your prowess, but it’s simply unnecessary!”

“You might be unaware, but many are eagerly waiting to see you fail. Losing isn’t disgraceful in such a lopsided contest, but they can’t wait to watch this so-called genius fall from his pedestal and get crushed!”

“Don’t let them have that opportunity! We’ll wait for a later time!”

After sending his solemn message, Zhao Hongtu instinctively glanced towards the Far Frontier.

He truly regarded Yenir as one of his own—even as his prospective successor. He was willing to invest everything in nurturing this kid into a towering pillar of Huaguo.

But first, he must protect this ‘seedling’ from being torn away by the storm!

One is Third-Stage Advanced while the other is Third-Stage Beginner—the difference is enormous…

After a prolonged silence, before Zhao Hongtu could add anything further,

Yenir’s message flashed on the screen.

“There is no future.”

“Uncle Zhao, tomorrow I’ll start the death match!”

“Kill him…”

“One sword strike is enough!!”