Chapter Forty-Six: The Final Ultimatum

“Don’t worry, Mr. Jiang. We were all involved in what happened back then. If the Prince of Another Surname dares to come, we’ll join forces against him!”
“That’s right. I’d like to see how powerful this Prince of Another Surname really is!”
Those who sat here conversing with Jiang Zhongtao were all members of the Jianghai Business Alliance. Even the Prince of Another Surname was of little concern to them.

Bang!
Suddenly, a loud crash echoed as the front door of Jiang Zhongtao’s residence was blown apart, causing everyone inside to turn pale with shock.
“Who is it?”
“Damn it, someone’s come to stir up trouble in the Jiang household!”
A group of bodyguards in black suits immediately rushed out—they were the trusted men of these prominent figures.
But when they stepped outside, they saw only a single masked figure.
The masked silhouette had a strikingly elegant form, a high ponytail gleaming coldly in the moonlight.
“By the order of the Prince of Another Surname, I have come to deliver a warning.”
“What? The Prince of Another Surname?”
At those three words, everyone’s expression darkened further.
None of them had expected an emissary of the Prince of Another Surname to appear at Jiang Zhongtao’s residence.
A letter flew from the masked figure’s hand, landing before Jiang Zhongtao like a drifting blossom.
“The Prince of Another Surname commands: Within half a month, surrender the Qingzhu Jade Flute, relic of the Xiao family.”
“Otherwise, the Jianghai Business Alliance will cease to exist!”
As the masked figure’s icy voice rang out, everyone present shuddered, their eyes filled with terror.

Whoosh!
A sudden gust of wind swept through, raising a cloud of dust before their eyes. When they opened them again, the masked figure was gone.
The once spacious hall was now left with only a stunned crowd, frozen in place.
Jiang Zhongtao was the first to recover, recalling the words spoken by the shadowy figure, his jaw clenched tightly.
Half a month to hand over the Qingzhu Jade Flute?
There were many rumors about this flute.
The only credible one was that it held clues to the largest treasure vault in the Dragon Nation.
Ever since the downfall of the Xiao family, the flute had fallen into Jiang Zhongtao’s hands.
For years, Jiang Zhongtao had tried to unravel its secrets, but to no avail.
Now, just as he made a bit of progress, he was expected to give it away?
He would never agree!
He was, after all, the leader of the Jianghai Business Alliance—when had he ever been threatened like this?
Even if Xiao Ye was the Prince of Another Surname, his alliance was no easy target!
Face grim, Jiang Zhongtao called over a man at his side.
“What are your orders?”

The man stood respectfully before Jiang Zhongtao, awaiting instructions.
“Tell the other two great families—it’s time to meet and discuss the recent events.”
A cold gleam flashed in Jiang Zhongtao’s eyes, his tone devoid of warmth.
The man nodded slightly, but the many tycoons present drew in sharp breaths.
The Jianghai Business Alliance only summoned a joint meeting of its three leading families in times of dire emergency.
Everyone understood: Jianghai City was about to change.

...

Xiao Ye returned to the former Xiao family’s estate, where Qin Xue’er and her child had already been brought by him.
At this moment, Qin Xue’er sat in a wheelchair, pushed into the room.
The furnishings were much the same as before, and everything around her brought memories flooding back.
Back then, the Xiao family had not yet fallen, and she herself had not suffered misfortune.
Gazing at the familiar surroundings, tears welled in Qin Xue’er’s eyes, spilling over.
Seeing her, Xiao Ye said nothing, simply came to her side and gently embraced her shoulders.
Neither spoke, but everything was understood in silence.
“From now on, you and Mother-in-law will live here. There will always be someone guarding you—it’s very safe.”
“I promise, what happened before will never happen again!”
With those final words, a fierce light flashed in Xiao Ye’s eyes.
Qin Xue’er gradually stopped sobbing and nodded gently.
Just then, Red Dragon entered from outside.
“Boss, Black Eagle has arrived.”
Hearing this, Xiao Ye rose, murmured a word to Qin Xue’er, and left the room.
Outside, the figure in black robes stood at the door.
“Lord Xiao!”
As Xiao Ye stepped out, Black Eagle dropped to one knee, addressing him with utmost respect.
This was the top assassin spoken of by Wang Yang, who had already died.
Black Eagle and Xiao Ye had met by a twist of fate.
Years ago, she had been ordered to the frontier to assassinate Xiao Ye.
The outcome, of course, need not be detailed; Xiao Ye had recognized her abilities and taken her into his service.
Over the years, Black Eagle had become as trusted as Red Dragon.
“No need for formalities,”
Xiao Ye waved his hand and continued,
“I asked you to investigate the Jianghai Business Alliance—what did you find?”
Black Eagle rose, speaking clearly and deliberately to Xiao Ye.

“The Jianghai Business Alliance is comprised of thirty-nine families. Aside from the four families that were eliminated, there remain three leading families.”
“They are the Jiang, Chu, and Lin families.”
Xiao Ye frowned—the alliance’s structure was exceedingly complex.
“My lord, I also discovered that the Qingzhu Jade Flute, under the joint efforts of the three families, has begun to reveal its secrets.”
Black Eagle reported truthfully.
“Withdraw for now. I’ll call you if needed.”
Xiao Ye nodded, dismissing Black Eagle.
He understood the importance of the Qingzhu Jade Flute.
These useless people had tried to crack its mysteries for years and had only just made progress.
Even without his intervention, they would never solve it in their lifetimes.
Watching the black-clad figure disappear, Xiao Ye returned to the room.

...

Jianghai City, Yunhai Pavilion.
This was the city’s most prestigious restaurant, favored by wealthy elites for years.
In the private suite on the top floor, Jiang Zhongtao dined with two men seated opposite him.
These two were the heads of the Lin and Chu families: Chu Chuang and Lin Zhenjiang.
“Gentlemen, do you know why I summoned you today?”
Jiang Zhongtao took a sip of water and spoke.
Chu Chuang and Lin Zhenjiang exchanged glances; Chu Chuang spoke first.
The three-family meeting had not been convened for many years; clearly, Brother Jiang faced a thorny problem and needed the families to unite against an external threat.
Jiang Zhongtao nodded slightly, took a photo from his pocket, and placed it before them.
“What’s this?”
Lin Zhenjiang asked curiously.
“This man is the legendary commander of the frontier army, the fourth Prince of Another Surname in the history of the Dragon Nation: Xiao Ye!”
At these words from Jiang Zhongtao, Chu Chuang and Lin Zhenjiang were stunned, dropping their knives and forks—their eyes filled with shock.
The Prince of Another Surname—they could hardly be unaware!
“This young man is the legendary prince? How can he be so young?”
Chu Chuang’s eyes widened in disbelief.
“Gentlemen, do you know that the extermination of the four great families recently was the work of this very man?”