Zhao Youqian was panic-stricken. He could no longer restrain himself and dropped to his knees, clutching his younger brother Zhao Manyan's thigh, begging desperately: "I'm sorry, brother, I was wrong. Please spare my life."
"That's right, that's right." Suddenly remembering, he wailed: "For the sake of our parents—Father seriously ill, Mother gentle in temperament—if they knew we two brothers were killing each other, they would be devastated."
"You still think of our parents?!"
Hearing this, Zhao Manyan's fury ignited even more. He stepped forward swiftly, delivering a vicious punch squarely to Zhao Youqian's face.
Bang! A dull thud of flesh colliding rang out. Zhao Youqian was sent flying, slamming heavily onto the ground. Several teeth were knocked out, half of his face swollen and bruised, black and blue, streaked with blood.
Yet Zhao Manyan did not stop. He stepped forward and continued to beat him relentlessly!
Hmph! Zhao Youqian silently endured, lowering his head, a flash of resentment in his eyes—not just toward Zhao Manyan, but also toward Lu Jun. "Damn it, why are you interfering?"
Several minutes later, Zhao Manyan, exhausted, finally paused, leaving his brother half-dead. He slumped to the ground, bewildered and dazed.
Lu Jun, sensing the lingering resentment in Zhao Manyan's mind, let out a cold snort and asked: "What do you intend to do?"
"Do?" Zhao Manyan's gaze grew increasingly vacant. He looked down at Zhao Youqian, barely breathing, covered in blood. Hatred? Of course he hated him!
But would he kill his brother? He didn't know. If he killed Zhao Youqian, what would make him different from Zhao Youqian's actions?
His mind was chaotic—not only about dealing with Zhao Youqian, but also his father's grave illness, his mother's gentle face, and the fear of managing the vast Zhao family estate.
Originally, this was Zhao Youqian's domain, with many considerations. If their father learned of this, would he still support Zhao Youqian's authority? If it were Zhao Manyan, could he handle the situation?
Lu Jun could see the turmoil in Zhao Manyan's thoughts and smiled: "You now have two choices."
"First, execute Zhao Youqian immediately, then return quietly, pretending nothing happened. Since your brother secretly tried to assassinate you, when news of his disappearance spreads later, you naturally take the position."
"Second, bring Zhao Youqian before the Zhao family. In front of your father and the elders, expose his crimes and take the position under immense pressure."
Hearing this, Zhao Manyan fell silent. The first choice was the easiest, with the fewest variables. The second carried enormous pressure, full of uncertainty—but it was legitimate, leaving no room for criticism.
Most importantly, he wouldn't have to personally execute Zhao Youqian.
Lu Jun understood and felt relieved. Old Zhao's kind-heartedness showed through. This trait was perfect for a brother—at least he wouldn't backstab you like Zhao Youqian.
As for being soft-hearted, Lu Jun didn't comment. Without firsthand experience, how could one truly empathize? Blood relatives killing each other…
"Don't worry, I recorded everything that just happened. When you confront the family, I'll broadcast it globally."
"This way, the Zhao family cannot, under any circumstances, place someone who cruelly harms his brother in a position of authority."
Lu Jun paused, then candidly said: "You don't need to worry about consolidating your position after taking power. I'll provide you with a great gift. We'll cooperate…"
Listening to Lu Jun's methodical plan, Zhao Manyan was speechless, his heart full of gratitude. Gritting his teeth, he said: "Fine, let's do it! No time to waste. I'll immediately take Zhao Youqian back to the country to see Father!"
At this moment, Zhao Manyan no longer cared about the champion team collecting the Divine Seal Tribute at Parthenon in a few days.
Such matters could be handled later, but if this opportunity was missed, by the time Zhao Youqian's subordinates reacted, it would be too late.
To ensure secrecy, Zhao Manyan didn't even book a commercial flight. He took his private plane, quietly returning home overnight.
Lu Jun bid him farewell, glancing once at the sea along the Venetian coast.
At that moment, a thick fog rolled over the water, white and boundless. An island loomed faintly, and the atmosphere grew inexplicably heavy, as if a massive stone pressed upon the heart.
He couldn't help but chuckle softly, whispering: "Baxia."
Lu Jun ignored it and turned to leave.
When he returned to the National Residence, Mo Fan had just woken up, surprised: "Old Zhao?"
"Ah, him? Off chasing girls."
Lu Jun said casually, then glanced at Mo Fan, hesitating. Izisha's actions might have already started—he wondered whether he should warn him.
Knock, knock, knock!
At that moment, a series of forceful knocks came from the door of the hotel where the National Residence team was staying. Lu Jun frowned and turned.
Two middle-aged mages approached, dressed in sacred, dignified priest robes. They carried an aura of authority without showing anger; their eyes swept across everyone, naturally radiating a strong mental pressure.
Everyone felt a chill. The newcomers' cultivation was extremely high.
Jiang Shaoxu recognized them and exclaimed in surprise: "Tribunal Mages?!"
Members directly under the Judgement Institute—all of them were at least Super-Tier.
The two Tribunal Mages flanked Lu Jun, one on each side, and spoke calmly: "You are Lu Jun, correct? Come with us to the Holy Tribunal."
Seeing this, Lu Jun's brow furrowed. These people were hostile. Their domineering style resembled that of escorting a prisoner. Were they afraid he would escape?
Lu Jun's inner displeasure stirred, but he forced his anger down, planning to clarify the situation. He asked calmly: "What's the matter? I don't recall having any dealings with you."
One of the middle-aged Tribunal Mages replied: "Judge Dulank requested you to report on the Red-Cardinal Salan incident after the competition. Did you forget?"
Hearing this, Lu Jun relaxed slightly. It wasn't anything serious—he had nearly thought his Metal elemental power had been exposed earlier.
Jiang Shaoxu, perceptive and knowing not to offend the Holy Tribunal, quickly tried to smooth things over, smiling brightly: "Honorable Mages, why not wait a little longer? It's not a crime after all. The champion's blessing ceremony at Parthenon is in a few days; you can come after Lu Jun grants the Divine Seal Tribute."
The middle-aged Tribunal Mage sneered arrogantly: "We already considered Lu Councillor's celebration mood and allowed three days. That's very generous. No mage has ever dared to delay a summons from the Holy Tribunal."
The other mage added forcefully: "Besides, we're here today anyway—we don't want to waste the trip."
Hearing this, everyone looked uneasy. Mo Fan snorted coldly, cursing: "Troublemakers first thing in the morning—what nonsense."
"What did you say?!"
At once, Mage Siso's gaze hardened, and a terrifying psychic wave pressed outward. The air crackled, forcing Mo Fan's face pale as he staggered back several steps.
Siso sneered: "Hmph! I know you've taken first place for the National Residence, breaking the historical unbeaten record, but when facing the strong in society, show some respect. Don't provoke those you can't handle."
"The Venice tournament is merely the starting point for the younger generation."
Lu Jun held Mo Fan steady, his expression calm, but inwardly brimming with murderous intent. No wonder all major forces in the original story feared the Judgement Institute. Today, seeing it firsthand, they truly were domineering.
For additional chapters
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