Ye Qiu’s face showed shock at Elder Tang’s words.
Nine nations’ experts attacking the Vatican!
The Pope dead!
The Prophet trapped, in dire straits!
Each was earth-shattering news.
Moreover, with the Vatican’s hundred thousand disciples, half dead or injured, the battle must have been brutal.
“Why are the nine nations’ experts attacking the Vatican?” Ye Qiu asked.
Elder Tang shook his head. “I don’t know the specifics. The Prophet only asked for help, requesting I send you to save her.”
“What’s your opinion, Elder Tang?” Ye Qiu asked.
Elder Tang said, “The Vatican isn’t closely tied to us. We rarely interact, so I don’t think we should intervene. Helping them would make enemies of the nine nations’ experts. With the current volatile international situation and many uncertainties, it’s unwise to get involved for the Vatican’s sake.”
Ye Qiu looked at Grandpa Ye and War God.
War God said, “Elder Ye and I agree.”
Ye Qiu frowned, puzzled. “Elder Tang, if you’ve already decided, why summon me to Beijing so urgently?”
Elder Tang replied, “I heard you have some connection with the Prophet. Given the urgency, I called you to hear your stance.”
Ye Qiu fell silent.
He didn’t speak for a while.
“Ye Qiu, speak your mind. No outsiders here,” Elder Tang said kindly.
Ye Qiu finally spoke, “In terms of national relations, there’s no need to aid the Vatican and risk angering nine nations. But the Prophet helped me once, saved my life even. If she’s in trouble and I ignore her plea, I’d be ungrateful.”
Elder Tang’s expression grew stern.
War God cautioned, “Ye Qiu, this isn’t a game. You’d face nine nations’ experts. Think carefully.”
Ye Qiu said, “I’ve thought it over. The Vatican’s others don’t concern me. My goal is to save the Prophet.”
War God sighed. “You’re too loyal, kid. It’s both a strength and a weakness for a man. The Prophet’s situation is dangerous. Getting involved could put you in peril. Reliable sources say the nine experts are all King Realm. You could lose your life.”
“Ye Qiu, think this through,” War God urged, turning to Grandpa Ye. “Old Ye, talk some sense into him.”
Grandpa Ye looked helpless. “Ye Qiu’s like Wushuang, stubborn as a mule. Once he decides, nothing changes his mind.”
Ye Qiu grinned, “Grandpa knows me best.”
“You’re sure?” Elder Tang asked.
“Yes, I’m sure,” Ye Qiu said. “Please approve.”
Elder Tang said, “I don’t want you to go, but I know I can’t stop you. Since you’ve decided, handle it your way. But I have a few points to stress.”
Ye Qiu nodded, “I understand.”
“First, this is your personal action, not a national one,” Elder Tang said.
“I understand,” Ye Qiu replied.
“Second, after rescuing the Prophet, return immediately. Don’t linger, and avoid direct conflict with the nine experts if possible,” Elder Tang continued.
“I’ll try to avoid conflict, but if it’s unavoidable, don’t blame me,” Ye Qiu said.
“That’s my third point,” Elder Tang said. “If conflict arises, don’t reveal your identity. If your identity is exposed, leave no trace.”
In other words, eliminate witnesses.
Ye Qiu nodded, “Got it.”
“One last thing,” Elder Tang said. “With Wushuang in the cultivation world, as War God of the Nation, you’re vital to us. Be cautious and prioritise your safety. Save her if you can, but if it’s impossible, abandon the mission. Your family, friends, and billions of our people depend on you. We need you.”
Ye Qiu said solemnly, “Elder Tang, rest assured, I know my limits.”
Elder Tang nodded slightly, “Good. Elder Ye, War God, anything to add?”
“Be careful, Ye Qiu,” Grandpa Ye said.
War God added, “I’ve ordered Hades Hall to stand by. Though you’re going alone, they’ll support you fully if needed.”
“Thank you,” Ye Qiu said.
War God handed him a tablet, “The Prophet is trapped in the Vatican’s palace. This has detailed intel and a map of the palace. Some of the nine experts’ profiles are incomplete, so stay alert.”
“Thank you,” Ye Qiu said again.
“Don’t thank me. Diao Chan prepared this. Thank her,” War God said.
Elder Tang interjected, “Ye Qiu, you’re not young. It’s time to think about your future. My granddaughter can’t wait forever.”
Here we go again, Ye Qiu thought, head aching.
“Elder Tang’s right. Scholars always say establish a family before a career. Your career’s set. Time to settle down,” Grandpa Ye said, then shifted, “This Vatican mission is perilous. Use your brain. In the Three Kingdoms, Zhuge Liang, a mere scholar with no strength, defeated vast armies. Learn from that.”
Ye Qiu nodded.
War God said, “I’ve arranged your route to the Vatican. Tang Fei’s waiting downstairs to take you to a fighter jet at the border. Someone will meet you there and get you to the Vatican. After that, you’re on your own. Be careful.”
Ye Qiu raised an eyebrow, “War God, you’ve planned everything so thoroughly. Did you know I’d go save her?”
War God laughed, “Your grandpa knew you’d go, so I made arrangements.”
“Thank you.”
Ye Qiu stood, saluted the three elders respectfully, and said, “I’m off.”
With that, he left without looking back.
