Chapter 43

Chapter 43 - Faang Wen

In Eylas, a dashing young man clad in comfortable loungewear sat with perfect posture, respectfully offering a cup of freshly washed tea to the elder seated across from him.

The elder accepted the teacup with a gracious hand. After taking a sip, he smiled and remarked, “Wen'er, your mastery of the tea ceremony has deepened considerably.”

The taste of the tea lingered in his mouth even after he finished his drink.

The young man responded with a smile, “Uncle, I'm glad you enjoy it.”

“Wen'er, surely your visit isn't solely to brew tea for me, is it?” the elder inquired, gazing at the young man.

“Uncle, what's your take on the whole Ye Hao situation that's stirring up the internet?” Wen'er asked, pausing slightly before posing the question.

“And what about your perspective, Wen'er?” Zhang Runlue set down his teacup and asked with a warm smile.

“I believe Ye Hao deserves a chance,” Wen'er replied earnestly.

“Why is that?” Zhang Runlue asked, his tone indicating no surprise at Wen'er's statement.

“Because I firmly believe that my title as champion is well-earned,” Wen'er stated with conviction.

After a thoughtful pause, Zhang Runlue assured him, “I'll give it careful consideration.”

“Then, Uncle, I'll leave you to your rest,” Wen'er said, rising to his feet.

“Wei Ze, would you see Wen'er out?” Zhang Runlue requested, turning to his secretary.

Shortly after, Wei Ze returned to the room.

“Do you understand what needs to be done regarding Ye Hao?” Zhang Runlue inquired coolly.

“I'll make sure my team expedites Ye Hao's reexamination,” Wei Ze replied quietly.

At this, Zhang Runlue's face fell into a look of disappointment.

Wei Ze's expression shifted as he asked, “Have I made a mistake?”

“Do you recognize these tea leaves?” Zhang Runlue pointed to the two servings of tea leaves on the table and questioned.

“They're the clovershrub from Wuyi Mountain,” Wei Ze responded confidently, recognizing the variety at a glance.

Zhang Runlue explained, “There are varying grades of Wuyi Mountain clovershrub. These two servings come from ancient tea trees that are centuries old.” At this revelation, Wei Ze instantly understood the exclusivity of the tea.

“Even in my retirement as a former minister, I'm not entitled to such a luxury,” Zhang Runlue continued. “Is Faang Wen's generous gift intended to enlist our aid for Ye Hao?”

“But I heard Faang Wen say he wanted his champion title to be truly deserved.”

“Without Ye Hao contending for it, wouldn't his title be deserved by default?”

Wei Ze couldn't help but smile wryly.

He thought to himself, “If it weren't for Zhang Runlue's reminder today, my career would be over. Being an official is certainly no easy task.”

So, they quickly returned the chain, and the incident was left unresolved.

Upon recalling this story, Ye Hao decided it was time to leave.

But as he walked away, his expression darkened; he realized he had circled back to Black Dragon Spring.

In other words, Ye Hao had been walking in circles.

“I've been going round in circles,” Ye Hao thought to himself.

“It's an illusion.” Just then, an ancient voice echoed in Ye Hao's mind.

Ye Hao jumped.

“Who are you?”

“Who do you think I am?”

“Are you a ghost?” Ye Hao asked cautiously, scanning his surroundings.

“I belong to the noble Dragon Clan,” the voice thundered in Ye Hao's heart.

Hearing this, Ye Hao turned his attention back to the ancient well.

“Are you the black dragon that's been imprisoned?”

“Correct.”

“Aren't members of the Dragon Clan supposed to be incredibly powerful?”

“The Dragon Clan isn't invincible, you know.”

“Then who imprisoned you?”

“Some old men from the Way of Nature.”

“And why would they do that?”

“Simply because I belong to the Dragon Clan!”

“Is that supposed to be a valid reason?” Ye Hao was taken aback.

“They fear the strength I'll possess once I mature,” the black dragon stated with fury.

“But why are you telling me all of this?”

“Don't you want to rescue me?”

“I don't.”

“How can you lack even a shred of empathy?”

“I just do.”

“Well, if you're devoid of empathy, I won't feel guilty about devouring you.” Just then, a figure cloaked in black emerged before Ye Hao. His hand swiftly reached out towards Ye Hao.