### Shanghai Combat Command Center
When Ye Zhentian saw Ye Xiang's lifeless body, his shoulders trembled ever so slightly. He could never have imagined that the Southern Jiang faction would stoop to such despicable depths.
Casting a glance at Ye Huan, whose face was swollen like a pig's, Ye Zhentian exhaled heavily. At least they had spared one of the elder brother's bloodline—otherwise, he truly wouldn't have been able to account for this tragedy.
He knew Zhao Xian and his team had done their best. Otherwise, not even one of them would have made it back alive.
As his gaze swept the room, it finally settled on Ye Jingchen. His fierce, unrestrained glare bore into Ye Jingchen, his fists clenched tightly.
"Why?" Ye Zhentian roared in anger. "Why would you do such a thing?"
Ye Jingchen scoffed disdainfully. He knew he was finished, and that the Southern Jiang Ye family would also be dragged down. Yet he had no regrets. From the moment he chose this path, there was no turning back.
Seeing Ye Jingchen's unrepentant demeanor, Ye Zhentian took a deep breath, suppressing the rage rising within him.
"Mr. Centipede," Ye Zhentian said coldly, "did you think you were well-hidden?"
Hearing his codename, Ye Jingchen's face twisted in shock as he looked at Ye Zhentian.
"You think taking the fall alone can resolve this mess?" Ye Zhentian's voice was sharp. "The Southern Jiang family's actions have been under our scrutiny all along. Do you think we haven't acted because we were blind? It was only because the elder brother, for your grandfather's sake, spared you—the third son's grandson. Did you really think we were ignorant?"
Boom!
The weight of Ye Zhentian's words hit Ye Jingchen like a thunderclap.
It was over—everything was over!
He had naively believed that his actions would escape the notice of those in Beijing. Yet from the very beginning, they had been watching his every move.
What Ye Jingchen didn't realize was that the Ye elders in Beijing had long dismissed the Southern Jiang branch as inconsequential. It was only due to the Blue Star upheaval and Xu Que's intelligence that they discovered the Southern Jiang Ye family was attempting a resurgence.
"This has nothing to do with Southern Jiang!" Ye Jingchen shouted, panic lacing his voice. "The Zhuoyue Corporation is entirely my creation! You can't punish the innocent!"
Ye Zhentian shook his head, his voice heavy. "Such familiar words, such familiar expressions. You're so much like your grandfather—even in the fatal choices you've made."
Crash!
Ye Jingchen's face turned ashen. He understood the veiled meaning in Ye Zhentian's words.
"No! You can't do this! My younger sister is innocent—she knows nothing of the family's dealings!" Ye Jingchen pleaded desperately.
Ye Zhentian sighed once more. "Child, during an avalanche, no single snowflake is innocent. Each denies its role, yet every snowflake contributes to the disaster."
...
Ye Jingchen knew then that no one could save him now.
Suddenly, as though grasping at straws, he blurted out, "I'll trade information! Just spare my sister!"
"The Chesterfield family, is it?" Ye Zhentian said with a knowing look, as if peering straight into Ye Jingchen's mind. "They'll soon face their reckoning. Someone has already gone to settle their debts."
Hearing this, Ye Jingchen slumped like a frostbitten eggplant, utterly deflated.
At that moment, he finally realized—he was nothing more than a clown, courting death in his own folly.
Seeing Ye Jingchen's despondent state, Ye Zhentian waved to the four guards.
As Ye Jingchen was dragged away, Ye Zhentian turned his furious gaze to Ye Huan. "Get your ass back to Beijing. Dissolve your damned company. If I catch wind of you messing around again, I'll personally come to Beijing and finish you off!"
"Yes, Second Grandpa!" Ye Huan nodded furiously like a chicken pecking at grain.
"I'll have someone send you and Xiang'er's body back to Beijing shortly," Ye Zhentian said after some thought. "If the family head punishes you, tell him it was my wish to avoid further tragedy. After all, our Ye family only has you and Xiao Gouzi left."
"Yes, Second Grandpa," Ye Huan replied pitifully.
Ye Zhentian cast one last glance at Ye Xiang's body, then closed his eyes and waved dismissively. "Go."
After the guards escorted Ye Huan and Ye Xiang's body away, Ye Zhentian turned to Zhao Xian.
"You've worked hard."
"My condolences," Zhao Xian replied solemnly.
"Condolences are worthless," Ye Zhentian snapped. "It's not my grandson. Let the family head grieve in peace."
"Pfft!"
Zhao Xian couldn't help but crack under the absurdity. He hadn't expected Ye Zhentian to joke about death so casually.
What Zhao Xian didn't know was that Ye Zhentian had been hardened by the fires of war.
Over two decades ago, amidst Middle Eastern turmoil and Taiwan's recovery, blood and tears had carved an unforgettable history. Back then, jokes about death—even their own—were a means of survival.
Seeing Zhao Xian salute, Ye Zhentian continued. "When you return, tell him the Beijing families have mostly been dealt with. If necessary, let him exchange a few territories with them."
"Understood, Elder Ye. I'll convey your message."
"Good. That's all from me. Go on now."
Ye Zhentian stood and dismissed Zhao Xian with a wave.
### Chesterfield Family Manor, Y Country
Xu Que glanced at the **Divine Weapons Leaderboard**, which now featured ten new names. A smirk tugged at his lips.
Though he wished he could dominate the top ranks entirely, his strength wasn't enough just yet. For now, the Chesterfield family members would have to settle for the lower spots.
As he pondered how to expand his roster, Peter approached with a smile.
"Xu, how have you been lately?"
"Oh, Peter! I've been all right," Xu Que replied, grinning. "After all, forging weapons is my livelihood."
Peter laughed heartily. "You're as humorous as ever. But I'm not here to commission weapons this time. The family is holding a meeting, and Major General wants you to attend."
"Me?" Xu Que blinked, startled. "But I'm not a Chesterfield member."
"No, but you're an esteemed internal talent. Major General hopes you'll participate in all future family meetings," Peter explained.
Xu Que was surprised but saw this as an excellent opportunity to get closer to the power players within the family.
"All right. Give me a moment to change."
"No need," Peter waved his hand. "Everyone knows how busy you've been. Come as you are."
"Fine," Xu Que shrugged, following Peter toward the main villa.
As they passed the pool, Xu Que's gaze lingered for a moment.
"That feeling remains. It seems no one has discovered its secret yet."
Though he didn't know what lay beneath the pool, it was clear the Chesterfield family remained unaware of its anomaly.
Inside the villa, seven individuals were seated around a long table. Xu Que and Peter took their places at the end.
Soon, the inner doors opened, and Lacey helped Major General enter slowly.
Major General surveyed the group and nodded in satisfaction. "All right, Meyer will chair this meeting."
All eyes turned to Meyer.
Though they didn't know Major General's intentions, Meyer's smug expression left little doubt—he was likely being considered for the heir shortlist.
"Uncles," Meyer began, his tone respectful, "I'm honored that Grandfather has entrusted me with this meeting. I hope you will all take its agenda seriously."
Seeing Meyer's seriousness, everyone set aside their doubts, anticipating that this meeting would concern critical resources and territories.