“It's good that Your Highness understands. The Envoy acts on behalf of the Son of Heaven, serving as the assistant to the Central State’s Emperor Hua. Wealth and power are things ordinary people can only dream of, yet Your Highness has suddenly attained such a high position and should feel honored.” David Wood bowed his head again as if nothing had happened, then finally stood up, his tall figure firmly locking onto all of Henry Linton’s vital energies. He spoke, word by word: “I have already sent people to issue proclamations to the four nations, announcing that the new Central State Envoy has appeared. By now, the lords of the four nations are likely discussing this matter. Furthermore, His Majesty the Emperor Hua has also received the news and should already be on his way here. Your Highness, remember this: when one prospers, all prosper; when one suffers, all suffer. If you cannot handle this, then both of your elders will suffer as well.”

A few calm words struck Henry Linton’s heart like a thunderclap. After only a few days of warmth and peace, he was once again plunged into a vortex of strife, still as a puppet. Why? Why can’t he escape this fate that seems predestined? Why is he never able to control his own destiny? Why!

David Wood looked calmly at the youth before him, confident that the other would do as he said. After all, everything here was under his control. What he wanted was legitimacy, the return of the four nations to the king’s rule—this had been his greatest wish since obtaining the title of Envoy. Although this time the mission failed and the true Envoy perished, he still gained a youth who, by coincidence, received the soul power. Not to use him would be a waste.

“Has Your Highness made up your mind?” David Wood’s tone grew a bit impatient. “I don’t have much time, and neither do you. From the time His Majesty sets out to his arrival here is less than half an hour. If you say anything inappropriate, you should know the consequences yourself. The crime of impersonating the Envoy is to be torn apart in the marketplace, your bones never to be buried, left to the wind until you turn to ashes. Even if you don’t care for yourself, you should think of your two elders. They are already old and could have enjoyed wealth and honor, but now must suffer because of your stubbornness. As a son, surely you wouldn’t be so heartless?” He watched with satisfaction as Henry Linton’s face changed dramatically, his persuasive tone growing even stronger.

“Why me?” Henry Linton stepped forward, trying his best to meet David Wood’s piercing gaze. “I want to know why you chose me. Since I am a puppet, then not being exposed is my only way to survive, isn’t it?”

David Wood finally smiled with pleasure. “A wise man submits to circumstances”—it seems this saying is true. He bowed slightly, his demeanor elegant and refined. No one would have guessed he was the chief of the eight great Envoys, known as the Pillar of the Central State. “Your Highness is exceptionally gifted and received soul power at that moment. The three Right Ministers of the Central State can verify this with secret arts. To say you are an impostor is not entirely accurate. In fact, if Your Highness is willing to cultivate, you might truly become the Envoy one day.” In an instant, he reverted to the dignified and solemn chief Envoy seen by all. “They are about to arrive. If Your Highness can win the hearts of the people, your future situation will be much easier.”

“David Wood, I will remember every word you said today!” Henry Linton took several steps back, raised his pale face, and spat out harsh words: “If you harm even a hair on my parents’ heads, then even if I must go to heaven or hell, even if I become a vengeful ghost in the underworld, I will take your life! I, Henry Linton, am but a commoner—if I can drag you to the Yellow Springs with me, it will be worth it!”

David Wood seemed not to hear this oath-like declaration. He merely smiled faintly and turned to leave. “I forgot to tell Your Highness, Zhao Manor is now in ruins. Right after we left, a second group of assassins arrived. All seventy-two people in Zhao Manor perished in this catastrophe. If you care for your two elders, you must do as I say.” He stopped at the door, his tone suddenly turning icy cold. “The appearance of the Envoy is a great omen for the Central State, but not what the other nations desire. You and your two elders are all hanging by a thread. Whether you live or die depends on fate from now on!”

Without looking back, David Wood already knew what expression Henry Linton wore, so he gave another indifferent order. “This place is called the Hall of Veneration, the residence of successive Envoys. I will go ahead to make preparations. Your Highness, please straighten your attire and get ready to receive His Majesty. He should be arriving soon!”

Watching David Wood’s departing figure and the slowly closing door, Henry Linton collapsed numbly onto the steps behind him. Everything that had happened in these few days felt like the most vivid dream. He had gained what he wanted, only to lose it even faster. His parents, imprisoned somewhere unknown—were they still safe?

Staring blankly for a long time, Henry Linton finally threw his head back and laughed wildly. Heaven, you really have played the biggest joke on me! In Lingyun, I was a puppet on strings; here, I must be a puppet with no will of my own. The seventy-two lives of Zhao Manor were snuffed out like grass and trees—was this my retribution?