Chapter 459: Reason Persuades

Disaster Star?

Ding Laji suddenly turned around, his expression twisting again.

Lei En heard their conversation, gave the elderly Lion‑Heart Knight a glance; this man was Duke Dansi. The Soul Eye showed that Duke Dansi was at the initial stage of Legend, his strength respectable but not outstanding, far weaker than his son Koste. He had been able to firmly control the Dansi Principality and serve as the kingdom's Prime Minister for many years, likely relying not on power but on noble birth and ambitious scheming.

But at this moment, Duke Dansi's demeanor collapsed completely, showing none of the aura of the "Old Lion King".

His eyes seemed about to spew fire as he pointed at Ding Laji and shouted, "What are you if not a Disaster Star? If it weren't for you, how would Qiaolinna have died in a difficult birth? If it weren't for you, how would the dragon‑born have used the family secret and provoked the king's hostility? If it weren't for you, how would Koste and Linna have been injured?"

"It's all your fault!"

"You Abyss devil, you should not have been born into this world, let alone appeared in the Dansi family!"

"Back then I shouldn't have hesitated; I should have sent you straight to the pyre to be burned, then the family wouldn't have suffered so many calamities!"

Duke Dansi seemed to have accumulated years of anger, and upon seeing his most beloved children injured, it finally erupted completely.

Each of his curses hammered into Ding Laji's heart like nails, leaving him gasping, stumbling back several steps, barely able to stay upright. The last flicker of luck in Ding Laji's eyes vanished quickly, and he said coldly, "So this is how you see me; in your eyes, my birth is a mistake, inherently sinful."

Duke Dansi merely stared at him with a resentful gaze, taking it as tacit acceptance.

Koste's wound had improved a bit; fearing another disaster, he spoke, "Father, it's not entirely Ding Laji's fault…" His words were cut off by a burst of laughter.

"Hahaha…"

Ding Laji burst into a manic laugh, the sound grating, as if he'd heard the world's funniest joke, laughing until tears and snot streamed out, like a true madman.

In the ruined living room, only the bleak laughter echoed.

Lei En saw his soul's hue shift rapidly, his emotions teetering on collapse, the Blood Soul Curse lurking deep within his soul stirring, and fearing he might fall, Lei En stepped forward two paces, ready to strike.

Ding Laji's laughter abruptly stopped, his complexion returning to normal.

He didn't wipe the tears from his face, yet his tone was as cold as ice, self‑mockingly saying, "I only realized today how much power I have; what a pity, if only I could truly achieve it." He became so unfamiliar that Koste felt he was a different person.

Duke Dansi's gaze grew grim; the long sword he held in his hand glowed with golden light, as if it would be drawn the next instant.

Ding Laji, however, stood calmly before him, unguarded, and said lightly, "Your Grace, I come on behalf of Her Majesty Aimeilisi to negotiate with the Dansi family."

"What are you? You really think being a dragon‑born's dog gives you any right…" Duke Dansi completely dismissed Ding Laji, disdainful of negotiating with him.

However, just as he was halfway through, a terrifying aura enveloped him, and his whole body shivered.

Lei En flashed to Ding Laji's side, "If Ding Laji has no right, what about me?"

His gaze locked onto Duke Dansi, a faint smile on his lips, appearing harmless, yet Duke Dansi's hair stood on end, feeling as if a primeval dragon had fixed its gaping maw on him.

"Lion‑King's Heart" kept Duke Dansi calm.

He recognized Lei En, having learned of Lei En's existence from the leaker last month.

He had deliberately delayed, avoiding the living room, as a test.

Koste was to approach Ding Laji, refuse negotiations, bargain, and decide the family's plan once the situation cleared. He never expected Lei En to appear, leading to a clash; a single strike gravely wounded Koste, the family heir and the strongest transcendent, the scene spiraled out of control, ruining all his preparations, losing his leverage and nearly destroying Koste as well.

His desperate love for his children combined with the failed scheme caused Duke Dansi's mindset to collapse then.

It was only then that he recalled Lei En's identity.

From the leaker he learned that Lei En was closely linked to Aimeilisi Zhuogengbao, so Duke Dansi sent people to investigate, gathering intel, and was shocked after reviewing it.

He could hurl vicious curses at Ding Laji, yet dared not show any disrespect toward Lei En.

Duke Dansi's eyes filled with apprehension; his resentment toward Ding Laji vanished instantly. He sheathed his sword, adjusted his bearing, and solemnly bowed, saying, "Wote Dansi has met Chairman Weizelan, apologies for making you look foolish."

"Everyone, step back."

Duke Dansi waved to the Lion‑Heart Knights surrounding the living room and added, "Chairman, this is not a place for conversation; please follow me."

"I think this is fine," Lei En declined his suggestion.

"Then I'll follow Your Excellency's wishes," Duke Dansi greeted with a smile, standing amid the wrecked living room, and asked, "Your Excellency, may I ask whether you have come to Rock Lion City…"

Lei En raised his hand, cutting him off, "I'm here only to protect Ding Laji; the details should be discussed between him and you."

Duke Dansi's face stiffened, yet he had to look at Ding Laji.

Ding Laji hummed, dragged a chair from the rubble at his feet and sat, "Your Grace, the dragon‑born's return is now a certainty; it is the will of the gods. His Majesty offers the Dansi family two choices: first, pledge loyalty and welcome the dragon‑born back to the throne; second, become the monarch's enemy and perish alongside the Laobodier family."

This is pressuring the Dansi family to pick a side, a blatant threat.

Lei En glanced at Ding Laji; Aimeilisi never said that, it was clearly Ding Laji's own idea to coerce the opponent in negotiations.

Yet Duke Dansi remained unmoved, "Which god are you referring to?"

"Naturally, the Dragon God," Ding Laji replied.

"Is that so?" Duke Dansi sneered, "If the Dragon God cared about the Zhuogengbao family's rule, he wouldn't have stood by while the dragon‑born were slaughtered back then. Why now the sudden change, letting the dragon‑born return to Kangjiatuo? This is probably your own false rhetoric, isn't it?"

Lei En muttered an impressed exclamation; Duke Dansi, having served as Prime Minister for decades, saw through the crucial point at a glance.

This is Aimeilisi's greatest weakness.

The Dragon God Bahamut created the dragon‑born, granting them the "Dragon Summon," but this was merely a single soul trial that ended in failure; thereafter He paid little attention to the dragon‑born. In over three thousand years, the Zhuogengbao family has never produced a Divine Chosen.

That deity only cares about the great‑dragon believers; even His regard for rogue dragons that do not worship Him exceeds that for the dragon‑born families.

The Dragon God does not oppose the dragon‑born's return to Kangjiatuo; after all, under their rule the kingdom's number of believers would increase.

Even if the increase is modest, it's better than none.

In short, Dragon God Bahamut is pleased to see the dragon‑born reclaim the throne, but He will not intervene, adhering to a stance of "neither initiating, nor refusing, nor taking responsibility," allowing Aimeilisi to pursue her restoration plan; success or failure matters not to Him.

Of course, Aimeilisi would never tell the truth to outsiders.

That day on Dragon Crystal Island, she claimed her prayers had received the Dragon God's response and support, and said the Dragon God had negotiated a compromise with the other deities to boost her troops' confidence, but it was a lie she concocted after consulting Walogen and others.

There are two real reasons the Kangjiatuo deities remain silent:

First, the deities never easily meddle in mortal wars; second, the involvement of the Weizelan Wizards— the teacher pre‑reported the matter to the God of Magic, swaying Her, and secretly promised the Kangjiatuo deities that He would not interfere with the Kangjiatuo people's faith.

The God of Magic is one of the most powerful deities in the Ai Lun E Si world, and other deities must tread cautiously around Her.

Among Kangjiatuo's seven gods, the "Beast‑Man and Power God" Grolosh worshipped by the Laobodier family wields the greatest divine power, yet still far below the God of Magic; even if His interests stand to lose the most, He can only compromise.

This is a pact among the deities, a mortal secret; only the Weizelan Six Council knows the details, even Aimeilisi is unaware.

She has some conjecture, but dares not be certain.

Not to mention Ding Laji, but he was not at all flustered, his face calm, "How could mortals fathom the mind of a god? Duke, you must already know the battle that took place in Baroske City; the River God did not send an avatar to intervene, that is a fact."

"That's a lie." Duke Dansi did not believe it at all.

Ding Laji was momentarily at a loss for words, and began to suspect in his heart whether Duke Dansi had learned something through other channels.

The Dansi family worships the Guardian God Haim, a benevolent deity possessing the offices of "Guardian", "Sentinel", and "Protector". Among the gods He is unremarkable and has few followers, yet He favors the Dansi family and often answers their prayers.

Duke Dansi's few words gave him the upper hand, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

Ding Laji's reaction undeniably revealed information.

That gave him more confidence; in a deep voice he said, "Without a god's support, even the strongest mortal army is futile. I will not let the Dansi family risk divine punishment by opposing you and Ma Erke." He paused, "I might as well tell you that just yesterday Ma Erke's envoy arrived at Rock Lion City and offered extremely generous terms; I am still contemplating them."

Duke Dansi's gaze fell on Lei En.

He knew clearly that Lei En was the one who could truly make decisions, at least having more say than Ding Laji.

Lei En remained silent.

Ding Laji, anxious inside but keeping a calm face, mocked, "A would‑be usurper destined to fail cannot fulfill even the best terms, and not long ago he was an enemy. If you believe his promises, you are too naive, and I despise you."

"It's not for you to point fingers at how I act." Duke Dansi sneered, making clear he did not wish to negotiate with this detested son.

Ding Laji was almost provoked again.

Lei En reached out and pressed his shoulder; Ding Laji, facing the father he had hated for years, remained restrained, far below his usual standard, being led by the nose.

Negotiations are not conducted this way.

"It seems the Duke has already made a choice, to side with the usurper." Lei En finally spoke.

"I have no such intention." Duke Dansi denied outright.

"To refuse loyalty is to be an enemy." Lei En ignored his explanation entirely, the warhammer reappearing in his hand, its head crackling with lightning, a terrifying aura radiating outward, and he said, "I have always persuaded by reason; whoever has the bigger fist has the right. Duke, do you think I have any right?"

Duke Dansi's expression changed dramatically.

He was only a few steps from Lei En; Koste, who once could protect him, had been gravely wounded by Lei En, and the Lion‑Heart Knights in the castle had no time to rescue. The multiple protective gear he wore offered no sense of safety.

If Lei En were determined to act, he would have no chance of escaping alive.

Koste, dragging his severely wounded body, stood before his father, straining his neck to say, "If the Speaker thinks that killing us will make the Dansi family submit, they have greatly underestimated us. The followers of Haim never fear death!"

He mentioned the Guardian God Haim, hoping to give Lei En pause.

Lei En merely shrugged.

"Courage is commendable, but also foolish enough." Lei En looked at Ding Laji, laughing, "The Dansi family is not just you few; there must be other Dansi who would become the new Duke and lead the family to swear fealty to Her Majesty the Queen."

His laughter sent chills through Duke Dansi and Koste.

The Dansi family is populous; the direct line alone has over twenty members, the collateral lines even more, totaling four to five hundred people, with an unknown number of clan members biding their time for advancement.

Koste gritted his teeth, voicing hatred, "The Lion‑Heart Knights will not recognize any clan head besides my father and me."

"No matter, kill them until they concede."

Lei En said calmly, "Reducing a few hundred followers should not bother Haim; even if He does, a greater being would surely counsel Him to calm down and not break the harmony."

Those two sentences carried so much information that Duke Dansi and Koste trembled all over.

They could doubt Ding Laji's veracity, yet they believed Lei En's words without question, because Lei En seemed about to act.

The Arcane Torrent Staff was gripped in his hand, an invisible force field flared, enveloping the entire hall.

Everyone except Lei En was immobilized.

At the brink of life and death, Duke Dansi's face showed terror, golden light shone on Koste, but he was gravely wounded; a slight exertion caused the freshly healed wound to burst open, his breath faltering, nearly slipping into unconsciousness.

Linna, lying on the ground, had just woken when she heard Lei En's words and was instantly frightened into losing control.

Lei En swung his hand and delivered a hammer blow.

"Hold!"

"Hold!"

Two voices sounded simultaneously, one from Ding Laji, who had entered a Demon‑possessed state, unable to break free of the static force field's spatial bind, but finally able to speak.

The other voice was Duke Dansi.

A magical item on his body was triggered, a shield projecting outward to resist the force field, as he struggled backward while speaking.

Bang!

Lei En's hammer struck Koste's chest, but he withdrew most of the force as the warhammer connected; Koste was slammed hard to the ground, clinging to his last breath.

"Duke, do you have anything to say?"

Lei En, standing on Koste's body, asked, the warhammer pressing on his head, while Koste emitted a painful moan.

Duke Dansi, looking at his son trampled beneath him, felt his heart seize, struggled for a few seconds, then finally bowed his head, "The Dansi family will pledge fealty."

(End of Chapter)