Legend of the chosen ones: Beyond Destiny

Chapter 1420 - 717: Father and Son on the Battlefield

The coronation of the new king was destined to be a chaotic and lengthy ceremony, clearing out the rebels, promoting trusted followers, and the transition of power was bound to be bloody and turbulent.

Moreover, the new king was a madman, having just ascended to the throne, he slaughtered half of the Chopra family!

However, he was at least a tolerant and benevolent madman.

As long as one hasn't offended him, he left them untouched, even extending real power held tightly by the Chopra family to outsiders, promoting many people of different surnames into positions of authority.

Even though everyone could see that he was out of capable individuals... who isn't useful when truly needed?

No matter how talented one might be, positions and power are required, hence the saying, 'It can either make one a dragon or a worm.'

Bestowing power and receiving loyalty, this was a pact.

At this moment, undeniably, the entire Xiang State was amidst an unprecedentedly painful experience, welcoming a sweet burden and the unlimited distribution of the Family Head's benevolence.

As long as you have sworn before my family fire, we are family. As the saying goes, the Four Seas are brothers, anyone can be a Chopra!

As for the price, don't ask.

Although among the Thousand Islands there was already sufficient prosperity, Xiang State was still not large, incomparable to the Central City of the Federation and Empire, roughly equivalent to one or two wealthy independent urban districts. A smaller ship can turn easily; the transition of power was far smoother than anticipated, except that allegiance cannot be resolved in just a day or two.

The vows made to family fire and the surveillance of the Family God were convenient, but not a panacea, unable to solve all problems, with solutions only gradually coming over time.

And in the Family Head's mansion, when Ji Jue saw Minkler once more, his gaze involuntarily fell upon the ghost floating in mid-air behind him.

A manifestation of the Family God.

But that face...

"Busstaman?"

Ji Jue was shocked: "You still keep him?"

Minkler sighed immediately, shaking his wine glass, sighing with melancholy: "After all, he is my biological father."

Ji Jue nodded repeatedly, clapping his hands to applaud: "That's a good joke, very humorous, and then?"

Minkler shrugged:

"Useful."

That was the only reason.

Regardless of whether it's a father's demise or a son's laughter, without mentioning the grudges between the two, at this critical juncture, if Minkler wanted to swiftly control Xiang State and maintain stability, Busstaman's assistance was indeed crucial.

No matter how beastly, no matter how evil, he was the Family Head with the longest tenure in the Chopra family's history. For so many years, amidst infiltration and interference from various sides, he managed to run Xiang State like a sealed drum, enabling the Chopra family to thrive among various factions, stable internally as a rock, his skill and ability evident.

Nowadays, Busstaman has fused with the Family God, becoming part of it, thus partially realizing his former ideal. Unfortunately, the chains around his neck were already held by his son, Minkler, who he once disregarded.

Without the Family God, he would probably have dissipated long ago.

Even with the Family God, things might not be well.

If Minkler were displeased, in an instant, Busstaman could be completely consumed by the remaining fierce thoughts and resentment within the Family God, not to mention the souls of siblings beneath him watching him like tigers eyeing prey.

No one minds having one more bite.

In this predicament, faced with Minkler's request, he accepted his new role without the slightest hesitation, and welcomed his re-employment with honor.

Recognizing the situation is also an advantage; Busstaman clearly knows his position well, glancing at Minkler seated on his former throne, and at Ji Jue who entered leisurely as if he was shopping; he wasted no patience and time from Ji Jue, decisively nodding.

"Since things have turned out this way, there's nothing else to say."

He bowed his head respectfully, without delay: "I will fully cooperate with you in the future."

"That certainly saves a lot of trouble."

Ji Jue tossed the suitcase he just retrieved over, "First, clear the accounts and assets of your family."

Within minutes, Busstaman came up with the result: "Checked, no problems whatsoever; aside from that, Bogio still has some anonymous accounts in the Federation and Empire, specific clues should be in his bedroom's cigar box."

"And you?" Minkler asked.

"All are family assets, how could I monopolize them."

Busstaman humbly bowed: "To be cautious, some funds and savings are stored in Yongji Bank, the vault key is hidden in the interlayer behind the oil painting behind you, the verification number is the date the family was founded."

Open to sharing all knowledge, hold back none.

An exceedingly humble attitude without appearing sycophantic or shameless, giving appropriate handling suggestions and methods of utilization...

Even Ji Jue couldn't help but want to applaud; after all, dealing with muck a lifetime, Old Deng truly had some talent.

"Your father really is a genius."

"..."

Minkler's expression twitched, hesitating to speak, finally understanding where Lou Feng's skillful opening gambit originated.

Why do you Federation craftsmen love these ethical jokes so much? Especially the ethical jokes from the Chopra family, they're the funniest.

What can be said?

Don't say anything.

"What's next?"

He rubbed his forehead in frustration, "This damn position of Family Head is a real headache, with so many issues to deal with."

"That's the nature of power. The more people covet something, the more troublesome it is to control."

Busstaman replied indifferently, "Every new Family Head faces troubles. The absence of trouble is more frightening. Once your confidants gradually take control of key positions, things will naturally become easier."

Regarding Minkler's actions to dismantle the Chopra family and his completely different style of doing things, he had no criticisms or resistance. Like a professional manager, once he understood the client's needs, he would provide an execution plan.

He was entirely focused on showcasing his own value, without hiding his intentions in the slightest.

"By comparison, what you should be worried about now is not Xiang State, but beyond it… how do the Seven Cities view you? May I ask how many congratulatory notes have come from the other families?"

"Three."

Minkler said, "Pu City, Yamen, and Dan City."

The three families reaching out first was an acknowledgment of Minkler's authority as the Family Head and Xiang State's power within the Seven Cities Alliance.

In other words, the remaining four families are still observing.

"Hmm…"

After contemplating for a moment, Busstaman interpreted: "Pu City is the administrative center of the Seven Cities, where the parliament is situated; it's critically important. The previous Old Alliance Leader, Aquilino, represented Pu City. Over the decades, Pu City reaped many benefits, but unfortunately, lacks successors. The other six families wouldn't want Pu City to produce another Alliance Leader, so Pu City is the most heavily scrutinized with no possibility of making any moves. At this critical juncture, offering some benefits and face is just them adopting a wait-and-see approach.

Yamen is the most fragmented, with the widest and poorest territory, messy internally. At this juncture, they probably hope to provoke conflict between the Chopra and Sujano families to profit from it. They can be appropriately wooed.

But Dan City isn't trustworthy. Any decision made requires caution regarding Dan City. Though it seems inconspicuous, from years of observation, I suspect that secretly, Dan City and Sujano family of Luo Island share a deeper alliance…"

He paused and continued, "Besides, Xi Island is clinging to the Empire's Holy Tree Family and now wants to advance further. We might consider forming an alliance.

Ma City, however, needs support from Xiang State the most. After all, Luo Island is right next to Ma City, and over the years, the Sujano family has secretly encroached on much of their businesses and land. They are eager for someone to stand up against Luo Island. Their current lack of response is just a façade; you can expect a congratulatory note by tomorrow morning.

Ma City needs Xiang State the most now. The Family Head just needs to consider how much they can negotiate for.

As for the Sujano family of Luo Island… it goes without saying. Your ascendancy as Family Head stepped on the Sujano family as a foothold; their losses were so severe that it's absolutely impossible for them to let this go without reprisal.

Their temporary silence is likely to be about gathering strength, please be prepared in advance."

Minkler questioned, "This is right next to the Federation, would the Tyrant be so bold?"

"Tyrant?"

Busstaman paused, directing a puzzled look at Ji Jue, without saying a word.

"What's the matter?"

Ji Jue frowned, "Speak straight, stop beating around the bush."

"... I see, I understand."

Busstaman's expression turned complex, he sighed and spoke directly, "In reality, the relationship between the Sujano family and that Tyrant is merely cooperation.

As for what they truly rely on... as you, the Family Head, said, this is next to the Federation, who else could it be but the Federation?"

"..."

Suddenly, silence descended.

In Minkler's bewildered gaze, Ji Jue's eyes widened.

He hadn't even figured out the intricate relationships between the Seven Cities yet, and all of a sudden, another familiar face popped up under his nose.

Damn Federation!

In the sudden shock, he almost couldn't help but laugh out of frustration.

He finally understood what those complex looks from Busstaman meant — Do you really not know, or are you just pretending?

After all, in Busstaman's view, Ji Jue's decisive and purpose-driven approach was clearly about taking control of Chopra and crushing the Sujano family.

If interpreted closely, it could be understood as the families of Hai Province, unwilling to remain inactive any longer after so long, are stretching their muscles and looking to open up a source for themselves, while helping their friends cut off a flow.

No matter what Ji Jue says about not representing anyone, his identity is evident; even the rogues of Desert Market know, once you're in a gang, you're in it for life!

Now, he's experiencing the same treatment as Tong Zhiwu — every move of his will be scrutinized closely by everyone, with every possible hint and implication behind his words and actions.

Why does it have to be so exhausting!

Causing trouble is getting increasingly difficult.