C20 I will Protect You(1)

"When we get to the first floor, quickly rendezvous with Urendir. Chen Ming and Jiang Wei should stay out of sight, and then, Su Kouye, you'll take me hostage. I'll act as if I've been gravely wounded. Urendir will undoubtedly question your motives, to which you'll respond, 'I'm after the complete World's Toppling Strategy, and I intend to rule as king.' When she asks why, tell her, 'Why should I obey Jiang Feng? You've consistently underestimated him, and I've always done as I please. This only highlights Jiang Feng's lack of authority. If even his closest allies won't listen to him, how can he expect to command respect from outsiders?' At that moment, Urendir will realize her error and grasp the gravity of the situation. She'll understand that without showing me respect in front of others, my ability to lead will be questioned. Once she hands over the World's Toppling Strategy, switch gears and demonstrate your unwavering loyalty."

"Oh my god, this is so intricate. Is this really the best approach? If Urendir discovers we've deceived her, won't she be even more upset? I feel it might be better to discuss this issue with her one-on-one."

Jiang Feng let out a sigh and said, "Ah, you think I haven't tried talking to her? I've been sharing a room with Urendir, and I've brought this up numerous times, but she doesn't take it to heart. When she's angry, she's unstoppable. Remember the incident with the survivors? She pinned me against the wall, looking like she was about to hit me. More often than not, she doesn't just ignore my advice; she commands me."

"But if we put on this act, won't Urendir resent me even more?"

"Yes, she'll resent you, and you'll have to bear that burden. But at least she won't see you as an adversary. After you receive the World's Toppling Strategy and don't flee, but instead show your fidelity, your relationship with her will start to improve."

Despite his reluctance, Su Kouye agreed to assist Jiang Feng.

"Alright, let's get some practice in so we don't botch it when it counts."

And so, Su Kouye and Jiang Feng spent ten minutes rehearsing. Su Kouye's comical expressions even managed to make Jiang Wei laugh.

After their practice session, the group returned to the first floor. Little did they expect that shortly upon arriving, Su Kouye's right claw would suddenly lash out, catching Jiang Feng completely off guard. The razor-sharp claw impaled Jiang Feng's abdomen, causing blood to spray wildly.

"Daddy..." Jiang Wei cried out, terrified by the abrupt turn of events.

With a powerful flick of his wrist, Su Kouye sent Jiang Feng flying into a corner some ten meters away.

Chen Ming's instincts kicked in and he bolted, but he was no match for Su Kouye's speed.

Like a tiger descending on its prey, Su Kouye leapt forward, his claw aimed straight for Jiang Feng's heart.

Chen Ming met his end without so much as a scream.

A thunderous explosion followed as Su Kouye felt a blast of heat on his back—Jiang Wei had unleashed her flames at him.

Su Kouye plunged to the ground, narrowly evading the fireball. His claw, swift as lightning, aimed for Jiang Wei's head.

"Don't hurt Jiang Wei!" Jiang Feng, despite the excruciating pain, managed to yell out.

Remarkably, his cry seemed to have an effect. Su Kouye withdrew his claw, swiftly circled to Jiang Wei's back, and struck her head with his elbow, rendering her unconscious.

Su Kouye then approached Jiang Feng and said, "Jiang Feng, I'm sorry, I've betrayed you after all."

"Why don't you get it? Are you afraid I haven't given enough?" Jiang Feng asked through gritted teeth, enduring his agony.

"It was enough, more than enough. I know you would've given me plenty—reputation, wealth, prestige."

"Then why betray me?"

"Because I fear you. You have the uncanny ability to peer into my soul. Staying by your side is like walking on a knife's edge."

"Is that not an overstatement?"

"To draw from an ancient saying, if my power overshadows my leader, I'd be assassinated eventually. Life is more precious to me than riches and gold."

"Damn it, you've been watching too many historical dramas, thinking so far ahead. I'm not the type to bite the hand that feeds. Don't you know me at all?"

"I truly don't. You've made me a stranger to myself," Su Kouye said, his smile tinged with conflict.

"Why overthink it? Why can't you understand me?" Jiang Feng seethed, his frustration palpable.

"Nevertheless, you've helped me far too much, so today, I'll spare your life and Jiang Wei's as well. Take it as my way of repaying the kindness you've shown me. For you, this is a stroke of luck amidst misfortune. Think of it as my rare act of mercy."

"Su Kouye, Su Kouye, could I have really misread you?" Jiang Feng slammed his fist into the ground, seething with anger.

"Jiang Feng, enough. What's done is done, and there's no going back. Farewell. I'm off to the 27th floor to retrieve the complete survival guide for the post-apocalyptic world."

As Su Kouye departed, Urendir's distant call reached them.

"Jiang Feng, where are you?" Urendir's voice reverberated through the air.

"It looks like you're not going anywhere, Su Kouye," Jiang Feng mused, sensing an opportunity to regain control.

But Su Kouye just scoffed and retorted, "Jiang Feng, remember that terrible scheme you proposed? I'll indulge you in this charade. Only this time, let's make it real. And actually, taking Jiang Wei hostage might be more advantageous than taking you."

Back in the present, Urendir stood in shock after hearing everything.

This was madness. Urendir couldn't fathom that all this had unfolded in the mere thirty to forty minutes she'd spent hunting the mutated dog.

Urendir's fists tightened, tears brimming in her eyes as she cried out, "Jiang Feng, what are you playing at? If you saw through Su Kouye all along, why give him any opportunity? Why concoct such a devious plan to ensnare me?"

"Urendir, do you really think going it alone is wise? This was my double gamble. If I win, I gain a powerful ally in Su Kouye and you'll start showing me respect in public. Our team will only grow stronger from there."

"Respect? Public image? I can't believe you value these things so much. I wish you had kept all this to yourself, never to be revealed." With those words, Urendir turned and drew back the curtains, gazing out the window.

Jiang Feng didn't need to see Urendir's face to know it was etched with disappointment.

Jiang Feng couldn't see Urendir's face, but he could still sense her tears.

In that moment, his heart was wracked with pain. He hadn't anticipated that he would cause such sorrow in the person who meant the most to him.

It was only now that Jiang Feng realized Urendir's true significance in his life.

"Urendir, I was wrong. Please, don't be mad," Jiang Feng offered his apology.

Urendir remained silent, not turning to face him.

"From now on, I'll do as you say. If you say go east, I won't even consider west. Okay?" Jiang Feng tried to soothe her again.

But Urendir turned sharply and said, "There's no need. I'm leaving. You won't have to worry about anyone damaging your pride anymore."

"What are you saying? Are you serious?" In that instant, panic seized Jiang Feng.

"Look after Jiang Wei," Urendir said, and then she headed for the door.

Ignoring his wounds, Jiang Feng rolled out of bed in desperation.

With a "thud," the sound of his body hitting the floor momentarily halted Urendir's departure.

She looked back to see Jiang Feng dragging his injured body across the floor, reaching out to clutch at her feet.

"Urendir, I know you're hurting, but we must confront certain things. We need to resolve our issues. Today's events may not have ended well, but we haven't lost everything. The strategy for survival remains, and Su Kouye is gone. We don't have to live in fear anymore. If it's at all possible, I truly wish you would stay."

"That's just you trying to console yourself. So much has changed. I've come to see who you really are: full of plots, always looking to manipulate and test others, quick-tempered, yet concerned with appearances..."

Before Urendir could finish, Jiang Feng interrupted, his voice rising,

"Don't you see? If it weren't for the King's Path, if I could just be an ordinary man with you, I wouldn't give a damn about pride. I wouldn't have to exhaust myself with endless schemes. And believe it or not, your scolding, your anger – those are the moments I cherish most."

Jiang Feng's impassioned words struck a chord in Urendir, stirring something deep within her heart.

Urendir suddenly had a realization. Jiang Feng, normally so concerned with his pride, was now clinging to Urendir's leg. This must mean a great deal to him; otherwise, he wouldn't be acting this way.

"Jiang Feng, please stand up. Look at yourself—you're a mess."

"If I sit back and do nothing, I could enjoy a happy 20 years with Jiang Wei, but it would be just that—20 years. Jiang Wei is still young; she deserves more than just two decades. That's why I must embark on this path of the king. It's a difficult journey, and I truly hope you'll be by my side…"

Jiang Feng's plea was cut short by Urendir's interjection.

"That's enough, no more. I just need some time away from you to clear my head." With those words, Urendir began to walk away.

"Are you really going?"

"Yes."

"I can't bear it. A day without you feels like an eternity."

"Save your sweet talk; I'm not buying it."