The Second Elder's inexplicable departure to the Dragon Tomb was already shocking enough, but now the Grand Elder had also rushed over.
What exactly had happened at the Dragon Tomb to compel two powerhouses comparable to Great Emperors to handle it together?
Even Yang Kai wore a pensive expression, reaching up to scratch his chin.
Then, without warning, the corner of his mouth twitched, and he said through gritted teeth, "I've been duped."
"What?" Zhu Qing looked up at him, puzzled.
Yang Kai ground his teeth. "Truly the cunning of old foxes!"
Judging from what had just happened, something truly catastrophic had occurred at the Dragon Tomb — something so serious that the Second Elder alone couldn't handle it, which meant the Grand Elder had to rush over no matter what.
In other words, whether or not Yang Kai released Fu Chi, the Grand Elder could not stay here any longer.
If he had just stalled a bit longer, there would have been no need to negotiate with the Grand Elder at all. With Fu Chi in hand, wouldn't it have been easy to leave Dragon Island safely with Zhu Qing? Without the Grand Elder and the Second Elder standing guard, the Fourth Elder alone certainly couldn't stop them.
Now he had fallen for the Grand Elder's trick. The hostage was gone, and he had lost the initiative in one stroke.
But on second thought, perhaps this was actually the best outcome.
If he had refused the Grand Elder's proposal earlier, it might have forced the Grand Elder to personally intervene and end things quickly. Fu Chi would have met a terrible end, and he himself wouldn't have fared much better. Thinking it over this way, Yang Kai calmed down. Though the Grand Elder had played him, the result was still acceptable.
With both Elders gone, only Fourth Elder Zhu Kong and numerous dragons remained in front of the palace.
Yang Kai grinned and looked toward Zhu Kong. "What does the Fourth Elder say? Will you let my wife and me leave? Or shall we settle this with a fight and see who prevails?"
Today's situation had been full of surprises at every turn, but everything was developing in his favor. Facing a group of dragons without the Grand Elder or the Second Elder, Yang Kai was brimming with confidence.
Zhu Kong sighed. "Dragon Island is in troubled times. If it's possible, would you be willing to stay a few more days? We can make plans after a few days have passed."
Yang Kai chuckled. "Is the Fourth Elder taking me for a naive fool? If I don't seize this chance to leave Dragon Island today, when would I ever get another opportunity? So I'm afraid I can't agree to that proposal."
"Fair enough," Zhu Kong said, nodding lightly. "I was asking too much."
Zhu Qing stepped forward, her expression earnest as she looked at Zhu Kong. "Fourth Elder, neither Yang Kai nor I wish to make enemies of the Dragon Clan. We only want to leave. Please grant us this."
Zhu Kong shook his head solemnly. "You heard what the Grand Elder said. Today's matter cannot be resolved peacefully — unless you surrender without a fight."
"Then let's fight!" Yang Kai took a thunderous step forward, his massive body towering like an iron pagoda, overwhelming dragon might rolling forth.
The Fourth Elder narrowed his eyes. "You have only two people. You don't stand much chance. I advise you not to resist."
As soon as he finished speaking, a figure flashed forward and stood beside Zhu Qing.
Zhu Qing turned to look at him, frowning slightly and opening her mouth as if to say something, but in the end she said nothing.
Zhu Lie cupped his fists. "Fourth Elder, forgive the offense!"
It was none other than Zhu Lie who had stepped forward.
The dragons' expressions changed. Though Zhu Lie and Zhu Qing were siblings, his action still meant standing against Dragon Island, against the Dragon Clan. To make such a decision required not just the bonds of family — it took tremendous courage.
Zhu Kong's expression didn't change, as if he had anticipated this. He nodded. "It's nothing. Every choice carries its price. I only hope you won't regret today's decision."
Zhu Lie said in a low voice, "I won't regret it."
Yang Kai burst into hearty laughter. "Brothers fight side by side, father and son march to war together. Well done, brother-in-law!"
The corner of Zhu Lie's mouth twitched. Every time he heard Yang Kai call him brother-in-law, he felt an overwhelming urge to punch him.
Just then, another figure emerged from the crowd and walked resolutely to stand beside Zhu Lie. However, his demeanor was a far cry from Zhu Lie's — his expression was strained, his body trembling visibly, clearly gripped by fear.
"You too?" Zhu Lie stared at Li Jiao in surprise.
Li Jiao's mouth twitched. "Young Master Zhu, it's been a while."
Zhu Lie said nothing, merely reaching out to pat him on the shoulder.
Li Jiao's face immediately lit up with a look of being deeply honored. Though he had interacted with Zhu Lie before and had even fought alongside him for a time in the Samsara World, throughout it all Zhu Lie had never once given him a proper look.
Li Jiao could clearly sense Zhu Lie's disdain and contempt. He knew his own place — as a Dragon Descendant, he could never earn the genuine regard of true dragons.
Until today.
Though it was just a simple gesture, it represented acknowledgment. It represented acceptance.
Li Jiao didn't know whether to feel glad or sorrowful. Standing forward like this had won him Zhu Lie's recognition, and if he somehow survived, the benefits would be enormous. But in today's situation, it was likely a nine-in-ten chance of death. He didn't know if he would ever have the chance to return to Li Long Palace.
"A Dragon Descendant?" The Fourth Elder frowned at Li Jiao, identifying his status at a glance. Dragon Descendants were easy to spot — the dragon blood in their bodies was impure. All dragons despised Dragon Descendants because they disliked the scent they carried.