Chapter 742: Dan Zhu Faces Death, the Four Seas Map, the Safe

What's going on?

Dan Zhu's gaze hardened, "You think our blades are dull?"

He was no longer gentle; only decisive in killing, cold and ruthless.

No matter what is said.

The Dragon Master remains one of the four great ruffians among humanity today!

Fire Master, Bird Master, Cloud Master, Dragon Master!

Even if the Dragon Master suffers setbacks and heavy blows, look at its foundation!

Struck by the Heavenly Court, schemed against by the Bird Master—these are tolerable.

But when?

Even cats and dogs dare to bully us?!

Chao Feng sighed, "Weren't we previously overdrawing credit, overdrawing the future, to develop the present?"

"If everything goes smoothly, it's naturally irrelevant."

"But now a sudden change has occurred, and overall they no longer favor us."

"Whether they favor us or not, what does it matter!" Dan Zhu said indifferently, "We don armor and wield weapons precisely so we need not care about worldly opinions."

"This is the greatest deterrent; killing a few upstarts is no problem!"

"Who dares to lightly step beyond the thunderbolt?"

Dan Zhu calculated clearly, "As long as no one steps forward, the chance of triggering a run is not high."

"The theory is indeed like that……but reality……" Chao Feng whispered, "Someone stepped forward right away."

"Moreover, the reason puts me in a difficult position."

"Because they treat disaster as a precondition, saving the people like fighting fire, sparing no expense to rescue the populace, urgently needing funds and supplies, so they must withdraw from us."

"This may be unreasonable, violating the original agreement, failing to hold for many years, and not acknowledging the bonds we issued."

"Yet it conforms to human sentiment!"

"Now these holders would rather suffer losses than fail to overcome the immediate crisis… what can I say?"

Chao Feng let out a long sigh, "If we firmly refuse, grit our teeth, and insist on only recognizing the written agreement, that is not impossible."

"But after that, the Dragon Master's reputation would completely collapse!"

"Who would support a leader who is utterly selfish and self-serving?"

"My personal ability and authority cannot decide such a major matter, so I bring it before you, elder brother, for you to rule—how should the Dragon Master proceed?"

"Where lies our future path…?"

Chao Feng whispered softly.

Dan Zhu sank into a long silence.

—Things were fine; how did they develop into this situation?!

Dan Zhu's eyes were deep, his mind sorting out the context.

Everything must begin with governing the Heavenly River Weak Water.

A great flood swept away the Dragon King Temple!

Then came…

When the roof leaks, it rains all night!

"Whoosh!"

After a long exhale, Dan Zhu steadied his heart, word by word, "Now that it has come to this, we must abandon all fantasies and oppose with a will that prefers death to life."

"Obviously, this is our enemies' meticulous plot, one link interlocking with another."

"A premeditated action, solely to place the Dragon Master at deadly odds."

"Water control… this was a trap from the start."

Dan Zhu is not foolish… in fact, even the leader of the Xia Clan, Wen Ming, could not help but praise his wisdom, a talent capable of great sagacity.

Our present loss is merely due to youth and lack of experience, lacking absolute authority, and being ambushed and deceived by unscrupulous elders, suffering a loss from information asymmetry.

However, although we suffered a loss, we can quickly react… being a sensible ghost is no problem.

"It is our enemies, using this seemingly relevant benefit to lure us in."

"Because this is our domain, we are confident from familiarity, yet we overlooked that our forefather is no longer here, and his control over the world's waterways is no longer strong, making it hard to detect the enemies' pre‑laid hazards, spread across mountains and rivers, drifting with the Weak Water's flow."

"When the time comes, they will strangle our unprepared personnel, seize the water‑control valves, detonate all nodes, causing great calamity and loss, leaving us unable to escape blame."

"And such an opportunity is still being created… there is a black hand that has continually pulled our strings."

"From when we took money to start production and revive the economy, to the need to boost military strength… every clan dragged in became a pawn."

"But the accounts are fine, and in the long run the strength of the whole camp, including the Eastern Barbarians, has indeed increased, so all hidden dangers have been concealed, preventing us from noticing them at first."

"That black hand operates cleverly… each pawn's entry appears to bolster our strength, yet because of its demands, it constantly disperses our power and checks our center."

Dan Zhu's words seemed to bleed, letting the Dragon Master's senior cadres present listen in silence, a tragic and fierce aura brewing.

The cruel laying bare of the complex reality made everyone understand—abandon all fantasies, fight to the bitter end!

"Until today!"

Dan Zhu clenched his fist, squeezing out blood that reddened the tabletop, himself seemingly unaware, "When our sunk costs have already been maximized, one more step and we can begin to recoup!"

"The enemy then chooses to puncture our revival dream, letting it explode only as a bubble, unable to opt for a stable landing on its own!"

"This is a death‑or‑life struggle!"

"The Dragon Master will bear the stigma of incompetence, shamelessness, and rascality, walking the world in the most disgraceful manner."

In the field of professional water control, someone caused an explosion, the project failed—if not incompetence, what is?

Overdrawing the future, overdrawing credit, yet still unable to repay… you are not shameless and rascal, what else could you be?

I admit, this is a major setback and failure of our generation's Dragon Master management; I'm sorry for the efforts of our ancestors. Dan Zhu spoke with a sorrowful tone: "We stand in the forest of myriad races contending for hegemony, yet we overlooked the dangers of this era, underestimated the harshness of the times, and underestimated the enemy's ability to break through their limits."

Names: Dan Zhu is a character. Also "Dragon Master" (possibly a sect or title). "Myriad Races Contending for Hegemony Forest" is probably just a phrase, not a name. "Heavenly Court" appears later. Not yet.

"The Bird Master has betrayed humanity!"

Names: Bird Master. "Human race" is generic.

His words were firm and resolute: "They must have joined forces with the Heavenly Court!"

Names: Heavenly Court. Also "he" refers to someone (perhaps Dan Zhu). Not a name.

"Weak Water... Weak Water!"

Weak Water is a place name, likely referring to a mythical river, and should be translated and included.

Apart from my Dragon Clan, the Heavenly River Navy also excels at fighting there.

Names: Dragon Clan. "Heavenly River Navy". "Heavenly River" possibly refers to the Milky Way; translate as "Heavenly River". So "Heavenly River Navy". Also "Dragon Clan" translates as "Dragon Clan".

Furthermore, who could manage the timing better than the Bird Master, the enduring leader of the Eastern Barbarians and a longstanding hegemon, to have more leeway for precise control?

Names: Bird Master. "Eastern Barbarians" is likely a group, not a name. "Longstanding hegemon" is generic.

So, we need to prepare for the worst.

We're not dealing with a mere internal factional squabble or a one‑sided resistance to outside invasion; we're up against a coalition where internal and external forces have joined forces!

They want me, the Dragon Master, to die!

Dan Zhu's voice sounded as if it were being squeezed out from between his teeth.

"The Bird Master is despicable!"

Many Dragon Master senior ministers and divine generals, their faces flushed with anger, shouted in unison.

That's utterly despicable!

Colluding with outsiders to bully one's brothers—even if they're fighting over family property, beating them is one thing, but driving them to death is just wrong!

Things have come to this point; they can no longer be resolved. Dan Zhu's angry expression faded, returning to calm.

However, beneath this calm lies a terrifying storm.

Someone must die.

I am one of them.

Dan Zhu said calmly.

"Elder brother!"

The Nine Sons of the Dragon Ancestor were shocked and turned pale.

"Your Highness, no!"

Dragon Master senior ministers all urged against it.

"You don't need to say anything more." Dan Zhu waved his hand, showing his resolve.

The Dragon Master has suffered sudden misfortune, accumulating debts overnight; someone must bear responsibility for this.

But we didn't do it on purpose; we were set up! the Baxia Divine General snarled.

Aside from our own people, no one else has that obligation; we don't look at the outcome, only the process. Dan Zhu spoke in a calm tone.

When he disregards life and death, even putting his own life and death on the table as a bargaining chip, his mindset and wisdom seem to have undergone a dramatic leap.

So, the most urgent task now is to distinguish our own people from outsiders.

Dan Zhu, calm and rational, said: "The Dragon Master's reputation must not be utterly destroyed... like this."

He looked at Chaofeng, "Chaofeng, the mission on your shoulders is heavy."

When facing the representatives of all the clans who have come to demand repayment, you must first confidently announce that the Dragon Master will definitely repay the money, reassure them, and first stabilize them.

"Mm-hmm." Chaofeng nodded repeatedly, "Stabilizing people's hearts, I understand, I understand."

"Then, the key point comes… Bi'an!" He looked at his other younger brother.

"I'm here!" Bi'an the divine general raised his head, a face upright and proper, very imposing.

Your duty is, among all those people, to see through their thoughts as much as possible… to determine how many are truly concerned citizens because of the genuine disaster.

And how many of them harbor ill intent, taking advantage of the fire to loot, are pawns of the Bird Master, coming to short-sell our Dragon Master.

You must adopt the most rigorous attitude; it's better to scrutinize everyone with suspicion than to give the enemy an advantage.

Dan Zhu calmly arranged, "The Dragon Master has suffered a setback, but its reputation cannot be completely bankrupt."

Otherwise, in the future we will also find it difficult to return to the peak.

Therefore, we must preserve the seeds of steadfast and reliable allies.

From our reserves, we should squeeze out some resources to fill part of the gap, targeting those genuinely affected disaster victims… These will be aids for our Dragon Master's future return and revival.

As for the rest…

Hah!

Dan Zhu suddenly burst out laughing, "Line up slowly then!"

Our Dragon Master isn't refusing to repay; it's just that the procedures are somewhat complicated, so let them bear a bit more.

If, during the processing, our headquarters unfortunately gets breached, and even the former leaders who signed all those documents die in battle, making the agreement's validity doubtful… well, that's just unavoidable!

The old Dragon Master regime has been destroyed here.

The new regime, after many twists and turns, was barely established, constantly in exile… whether to acknowledge the old debts? That's a question!

The causal relationship is doubtful, the succession of orthodoxy is unrelated; whether to acknowledge the debts of the old era, however, is a matter of two opinions.

Unless one day we become strong enough and confident enough, perhaps we can accept 'since ancient times' and resolve these historical legacy issues.

Others shouldn't resent either… after all, investing, where is there a principle of only profit and no loss?

Those who are capable, come with swords and spears, and force the later Dragon Master to repay the money!

Dan Zhu said these playful words to ease the atmosphere.

But nobody could laugh.

The ministers and divine generals of the Dragon Master all wore sorrowful expressions.

Because of this, Dan Zhu must die, even if he wants to die!

Moreover, not only must he die, but he must die bearing disgrace, being cut off from the Dragon Master's image!

It is inevitable.

Not long after, in articles facing the public, it will be mentioned that this Dragon Master's successor, whom his father once called "unfilial" in his words, is not wanted by Faxun to take over and manage the Dragon Master.

Thus, only then can we cleanse the Dragon Master's negative image to the greatest extent; a string of major mistakes now have a scapegoat.

——Look!

——It's not that the Dragon Master has a problem; it's that this second‑generation leader has odd ideas, doesn't follow his father's path, is both stubborn and fond of litigation, aggressive and brave, unwilling to adapt, lacking the harmonious political wisdom, and ultimately caused a great disaster.

——So when problems arise, this is absolutely not because the Dragon Master is incapable!

Dan Zhu used his own life and reputation to pave the way for the future.

Who among the Dragon Master officials who know the situation can still laugh?

However, while everyone else was solemn, Dan Zhu himself could still talk and laugh…… Having arranged his own fate, he became extraordinarily carefree: "Don't look at me like that…… My skills are inferior, I was schemed against by the enemy; dying is what I deserve."

"Dying with greater value also satisfies me completely."

Dan Zhu's eyes shone bright: "The Dragon Master's reputation has gone bankrupt, but not completely."

"At the brink of collapse, we can see which of our former allies are sincere and which are insincere…… The wealth remaining in the treasury will be used to repay those sincere people; they will become the Dragon Master's aid in rebuilding after the collapse."

"As for those insincere 'friends'…… it doesn't matter."

"Either they are enemies, or they are fence‑sitters…… This is all something we can later use military force to intimidate and redefine relations with."

"Furthermore."

"Since we are openly bankrupt, the transfer of assets that ought to happen, the post‑exile relocation and resettlement of the central authority, all need to be arranged in advance…… After all, the enemy will try to destroy us completely."

"Therefore, we need some 'safes' to store the Dragon Master's most important treasures; they will be the capital for our future revival."

"Fortunately, I had already made arrangements for these matters……" Dan Zhu self‑mocked, "Back then it was just a precaution for any eventuality; I never imagined it would actually come to this—how absurd and laughable!"

"But this is also good…… It prevents our most important things from being lost; even if the enemy storms in, they cannot gain the greatest benefit."

Saying this, Dan Zhu flicked his hand, and several things appeared.

Many veteran officials who had once followed the Dragon Ancestor turned solemn in expression.

That is……

It is the Four Seas Water Momentum Map, it is the Authority of Cloud and Rain, it is the Fundamental Water Origin of Heaven and Earth!

These are the Dragon Master's most precious foundations!

Ordinary wealth is important to the Dragon Master, yet not important.

Because it can be accumulated over time.

Only these things are truly precious strategic wealth!

It cannot be accumulated by mere accumulation…… One must have been the former Heaven‑and‑Earth Hegemon, who once dominated and ruled the world, to hold it in hand; it is one of the most steadfast and valuable shares of Honghuang heaven and earth!

Even if the Dragon Master is crippled, perhaps not long after, the Dragon Master himself will replenish his numbers through reproduction.

But if these things are lost, the Dragon Master will feel heart‑rending pain, his breath almost ceasing.

Moreover, one must also worry that these things could become a fatal point strangling his own throat.

——For example, that Four Seas Water Momentum Map.

If someone wants to act against the Four Seas, to suppress the waves and billows, having this map in hand versus not having it makes the difficulty a matter of earth versus heaven!

This is a strategy guide!

Without a strategy guide, relying solely on brute force to hurl bricks…… Few people in the world could achieve this.

With a strategy guide, perhaps only one tool is needed to thrust a spear into the Dragon Clan's lungs, making them struggle to breathe and shattering their mindset.

This principle, the Dragon Master himself understands, and his enemies…… naturally understand it as well.

Dan Zhu knows that the Dragon Master's enemies, scheming by every means, will absolutely not let these things go when they reap the harvest; they will investigate them by every possible method.

Therefore, he will not let the fleeing Dragon Master regime after the collapse carry these things——that would be inviting self‑destruction.

Even the Dragon Master at its peak cannot keep them, let alone a fled exile.

If that's the case, it would be better to hide the truth and seek a few safes to place them in.

Actually, safes aren't even necessary.

They can be directly handed over to the Fire Master and the Cloud Master…… Besides the Bird Master, these two great scoundrels are also suitable.

(End of Chapter)