Chapter 81: Sima Yi Emerges
Liu Lao smiled slightly and said, "Young Master Yun has always been very disciplined and behaves with great propriety. For him to act so rudely must be due to someone deliberately causing trouble. The only ones who have done so in the past are Sister Bei Yan, Liancheng's Son-in-Law, Grandma, and Lianjiang along with Sister Le Yan."
Chen Tao felt a bit surprised, but he merely smiled and continued recounting the events of the past half month.
When Liu Lao heard that Lian Yun had single-handedly wiped out an accidental encounter with a Ten-Person Team, his expression was mixed with joy and concern.
The joy came from the fact that Young Master Yun had grown up and was no longer solely focused on benevolence. The concern stemmed from the possibility that this ruthlessness might be rooted in the betrayal from three years ago. Clearly, Young Master Yun could not completely shake off the shadows of that incident.
He worried that Lian Yun would be crushed under the weight of hatred and pain from three years prior.
However, Chen Tao did not dwell on such thoughts. After finishing his account of the past half month, he handed over a letter and said, "This is a letter from the captain; please take a look, Liu Xianpei!"
The moment Liu Lao opened the envelope, his eyes lit up.
Seeing the words was like seeing the person themselves; Zhou Tong's disguise seemed to instantly shed its mask. Yet Liu Lao had already learned about Zhou Tong's capabilities from Chen Tao's explanation, and he couldn't help but feel a renewed sense of admiration, indicating he had previously underestimated Zhou Tong.
As he read the letter, Liu Lao frowned several times and gasped in astonishment.
After finishing the letter, Liu Lao suddenly sighed and said, "Well then, since Zhou Tong is wholeheartedly assisting Young Master, I shall comply with his request and do what he asks! However, while I won't disclose specific details to Lin Clan, I will inform Matriarch that it is for Young Master’s sake!"
"Captain, even if you inform them, it’s fine; just don’t allow Lin Clan to intervene. He—"
"Haha! This Zhou Tong is quite ambitious!" Despite saying this, there was no hint of dissatisfaction on Liu Lao's face. It was clear from the handwriting and the content of the letter that he recognized Zhou Tong's sincerity and earnestness.
He was someone willing to go to great lengths for Lian Yun’s cause—or even sacrifice everything to elevate Lian Yun to greatness.
How could Liu Lao possibly feel discontented?
Still, he furrowed his brow slightly and asked, "Why choose Sima Family?"
"Captain, does the Nobility truly have any worth? Is the Sima Family really so unkind and unjust? Regardless of whether the Sima Family intends to rise again as kings, they will never settle for mediocrity. Furthermore, even the historical records that cannot discern truth from falsehood cannot conceal Sima Yi's talents. Such an ambitious family is the best partner for collaboration!"
"Later, when I arrive at the Sima Family's vehicle, I will also clarify Young Master Yun's current capabilities to gain the Sima Family's trust and facilitate our initial cooperation!"
"To conspire with a tiger is all we can do; I only hope that Zhou Tong does not entangle himself unnecessarily!"
"I will report truthfully to the captain. For now, I shall take my leave!"
"Chen, you..." Liu Lao wanted to advise Chen Tao against entering Fengdu, yet his young master was already inside Fengdu, so he hoped that Chen Tao could return to assist.
Caught in a dilemma, this was why Liu Lao trailed off mid-sentence.
However, Chen Tao smiled slightly and said, "When I left Fengdu, I finally understood why my wife insists on having someone protect her. Although she would be heartbroken if I were to die, if I achieve success, not only can I protect her with my own strength, but I can also provide a role model for both of us to strive for greatness instead of merely getting by."
With that, Chen Tao bowed deeply to Liu Lao, then gracefully exited the vehicle.
Under the watchful eyes of dozens of predators, Chen Tao stepped into the Sima Family's car. As soon as he got in, he felt an immense pressure; the old man inside was glaring at him with piercing eyes and an imposing expression that exuded an air of untouchability.
"Why?" the old man asked in a deep voice.
Chen Tao steadied his mind and bowed respectfully, saying, "It is my captain who has a request; I hope to exchange a spirit herb for one of the twelve top-tier Nutrient Extractors from the Sima Family."
"Not enough!"
"I humbly ask for your forgiveness, but may I request that a core member of the Sima Family speak with my captain?"
The old man's eyes suddenly turned icy, as if he could crush Chen Tao at any moment.
Yet Chen Tao remained deeply bowed, not daring to raise his head. He felt little fear; although he did not understand why, he did not sense an overwhelming threat.
This indicated that the old man was unaware of Chen Tao's capabilities and was merely putting on an act to intimidate him.
"Why have you sought the Sima Family?"
The voice, though relatively calm, sent a jolt through Chen Tao, who had yet to rise. He recognized it, not as familiar but deeply etched in his memory.
It was the voice of Sima Yi!
Chen Tao had never anticipated that his request would draw Sima Yi's attention.
Despite the shock coursing through him, he recalled Zhou Tong's instructions. Without uttering a word, he took two steps back, pressed the communicator in his hand, and projected a three-dimensional image.
"Junior Zhou Tong pays respects to Ancestor Sima!"
"Mm."
"Surely, Ancestor has come personally because there are those in Evil Spirit City daring enough to trade with the Sima Family, likely using the secrets of Evil Spirit City as leverage?"
"Are you willing to join our clan? I can grant you the title of First Guest Elder!"
The elder in the vehicle was immediately struck with astonishment!
In a single statement, Ancestor had offered him the position of First Guest Elder of the family, regardless of background or strength. Just how formidable and valuable this person must be was beyond the elder's imagination!
However, he understood that Ancestor would not extend such an olive branch without reason, indicating that Zhou Tong was indeed extraordinary.
Yet the elder was no ordinary man; his expression quickly turned cold, though his eyes trembled even more intensely.
Only now did he realize that Zhou Tong could discern Ancestor's intentions, suggesting that Zhou Tong's talents might rival those of Ancestor!
The elder was at a loss for how to express his feelings.
"Thank you for your kindness, Ancestor. However, I am already devoted to another. His name is Lian Yun, known to the world as the Cloud Emperor! My loyalty to him is unwavering; I have no intention of serving two masters in this lifetime. I hope Ancestor can understand."
"Hmph! If there is a conflict of interest in the future, I will definitely eliminate you, Zhou Tong, before the Cloud Emperor!"
"Hehe! My lord Lian Yun's talents are beyond the understanding of ordinary people! Whether it be resources, perseverance, or intelligence! However, I must still thank the Ancestor for their great favor!"
Sima Yi's words actually indicated that he valued Zhou Tong even more than Lian Yun. However, as a subordinate, no matter what, Zhou Tong had to defend his lord's reputation to prevent anyone from looking down on him.
But still~~
"Are you not afraid of bringing disaster upon your yet-to-mature lord?"
"Hehe!" Zhou Tong laughed casually.
The implication was that his lord could withstand the schemes of the entire Demon Clan, the Huaxia Alliance, and their own family, and still strive for greatness. What else was there to fear?
Zhou Tong used words and his own mindset to elevate his lord to a level equal to Sima Yi.
This also represented the premise for his cooperation with the Sima Family.
(End of Chapter)
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