Any monarch who obtained a general-appointing tiger tally would be as powerful as a tiger with wings.
To others,
The general-appointing tiger tally was a blade hanging around their necks.
With the slightest carelessness, this sharp blade would cause the holder's demise. It seemed like a god-tier mythical item that defied heaven, but in reality, it was supreme harbinger of disaster.
However—
If one could endure the most difficult period, it would also transform into a handy weapon.
Chen Yu's current state
was precisely in the most difficult period of holding the tiger tally.
He needed time!
Although he had released the news, he knew deep down that no matter what, he could not hand over this tiger tally to anyone else.
The tiger tally was already bound to him, inextricably linked.
Even though those who intended to obtain the tiger tally might not know this, Chen Yu could use it as bait to lure as many ambitious individuals as possible.
From initial concealment to the current open declaration.
The hidden ambitious figures were pressing closer and closer,
and Chen Yu's situation had reached its most perilous point. kAnshu伍.ξà
In reality, he was not as masterfully strategic as he appeared. He had little confidence in his current decision, relying solely on his understanding of human nature to take a risky gamble.
He dared to estimate that those in the shadows would not kill him.
Chen Yu was using the tiger tally as leverage, but on the other hand, they also wanted to obtain the tiger tally legitimately. Seizing it secretly would draw criticism and likely lead to a united attack. However, if it were legitimate, even if other powers were greedy, they would need a proper reason to launch a sudden assault.
Whether in the caves or outside, kingdoms needed to maintain an image.
For this, Chen Yu was willing to make a desperate gamble.
Trading life for life!
"You've truly pushed yourself into the spotlight, haven't you?" Seeing the madness flickering in Chen Yu's eyes, Su Zhan grabbed his shoulder and gritted his teeth, saying in a deep voice, "Since we were kids, you've always had the best mind among all our friends. What you just said has convinced me, and I believe you can pull yourself out of this mire. My abilities are limited, and perhaps I can't help you much with this matter."
"Train your troops well and conquer cities."
Chen Yu said with a smile, shrugging.
"Don't forget, you still owe me thirteen cities. If you can conquer them early, I, who will possess thirteen cities, might just have the qualifications to contend with those big shots."
"Then you better stay alive and not be buried by those old geezers before I give you the cities."
"Don't worry!"
For some reason, both Chen Yu and Su Zhan fell silent, simply looking at each other. Although no words were spoken, they felt the unspoken thousand words in each other's gazes.
After a few minutes, Su Zhan, with a complex expression, patted Chen Yu's shoulder again.
"Allow me to ask one last question, must you go to Tatou Royal City?"
Su Zhan's words were easy to understand. It was highly likely that Chen Yu had already come to the attention of the royal family by now, especially after he had revealed he possessed the tiger tally. The Tatou Kingdom's royal family's attitude towards him would be even more unpredictable.
Moreover, the situation in the Tatou Kingdom was particularly special at this moment.
War was imminent!
If the Tatou Kingdom could obtain the general-appointing tiger tally at this juncture, it would be like adding wings to a tiger, potentially deciding the outcome of this war.
Although Chen Yu had made many assumptions previously, human hearts were the most fickle and difficult to grasp.
If the Tatou Kingdom truly risked going to war with other nations just to obtain the tiger tally from Chen Yu, Chen Yu would be powerless to resist.
Once inside the Tatou Kingdom, the holders of power would change.
"I must go."
Without a hint of hesitation, Chen Yu's gaze was firm as he glanced sideways at the sandstorm swirling outside River Town.
"The wind howls…"
"Get lost!"
"Alright."
Thinking of adding some sentimentality, before he could even finish his sentence, Chen Yu was instantly foiled by Su Zhan.
"I want you to live, don't make it so tragic," Su Zhan gripped Chen Yu's shoulder tightly. "Since you are determined to go to the Tatou Kingdom, I won't stop you. I cannot interfere in the conflict between nations, nor can I help you much. Let Nuoyi go with you."
"Nuoyi?"
Chen Yu looked at him with surprise. Sensing Chen Yu's gaze, Nuoyi even grinned at him.
"Don't be fooled by her usual flippancy, she's actually the strongest in our River Town," Su Zhan said softly. "She specializes in necromancy. While not the type to summon hordes of undead, her soul perception is extremely keen. We can't guarantee there won't be assassination attempts in the coming days. With her, she might be able to provide early warnings for you."
"Then your River Town…"
"My River Town is well-manned and strong, we don't lack her," Su Zhan shrugged. "Besides, her disposition isn't suited for participating in battles. Letting her accompany you and see more of the outside world isn't a bad thing. This is the only thing I can do for you."
"Thanks."
Chen Yu smiled and nodded, accepting without refusal.
"Nuoyi!"
With Chen Yu's agreement, Su Zhan also turned his head and raised his hand. The grinning Nuoyi trotted over obediently, her eyes sparkling as if with little stars as she stared at Su Zhan.
"Let me introduce you, Chen Yu is the close friend I've been looking for." Su Zhan whispered.
"Ah?!"
Nuoyi's eyes widened in surprise, and she looked at Chen Yu in disbelief.
"Brother Batian, you... you're the person Brother Su was looking for." Nuoyi, who still habitually called Chen Yu Brother Batian, covered her mouth and exclaimed, then grinned, "Heeheehee, I knew it, why is Brother Batian so much to my taste? So he's Brother Su's friend."
Chen Yu nodded with a smile, and Su Zhan said in a low voice.
"Chen Yu will be leaving our River Town shortly, but his situation is rather special. There might be people trying to assassinate him in secret. I want you to accompany him and ensure his safety on the journey. Are you willing?"
"What?!"
Nuoyi, with wide eyes, directly pulled up her sleeve.
"Anyone who dares to touch my Brother Batian is truly tired of living. Don't worry, Brother Su, this is my responsibility. I'll see who dares to touch my Brother Batian, and if anyone comes, I'll just..." Nuoyi bared her teeth fiercely, twisting her small hand in the air, "Pull out his soul and put it in a glass jar to roast with fire!!!"
"It seems you are willing?"
"I'm always willing to do things Brother Su asks of me," Nuoyi expressed her affection for Su Zhan without hiding it, her eyes fixated on him.
Chen Yu watched this scene with interest, then noticed a gaze from afar and raised his hand.
"Boss..."
Black Bean, with pursed lips, rushed over. Chen Yu ruffled his head and took out a prepared crystal card from his pocket, placing it in his hand.
"There should be tens of millions in here. Cultivation costs money, don't deprive yourself."
"Can I... can I really not go with you?" Black Bean clenched his fists tightly. "With the tiger tally exposed like this, how many people will be on the way..."
"How can you help me?"
Chen Yu suddenly sternly looked at Black Bean and said in a low voice.
"Right now, do you think you'll be a burden or an aid if you follow me? Dou'er, if you truly want to help me, don't slack off while I'm gone. Cultivate diligently and strive to be able to stand on your own, understand?"
Black Bean, with his head lowered, clenched his fists unwillingly but remained silent.
He knew Chen Yu was telling the truth.
At his current level, let alone helping Chen Yu, it would be good enough if he didn't cause him trouble.
"Don't worry, Boss."
After a long silence, Black Bean slowly looked up, his eyes filled with determination.
"I will never let you down!"
"Hey, Su Zhan... I have something I'd like to consult you about." Just then, Little Devil quietly approached, tilting his head and asked, "When you harvested the Seven-Colored Fruit, how many Seven-Colored Trees did you see? Do you remember?"