Chapter 254
"It's true," Zhang Yao nodded. "This newly appointed Vice City Lord resolved the sea-region anomaly just a few days ago, dismantling a Mist God ritual that would have cost hundreds of thousands of lives. His strength is more than sufficient for the responsibility. Does Excellency Tang have any advice?"
"I wouldn't dare." Tang Hanxi paused, a knowing smile spreading across her lips. "This is Black Cloud's affair—I wouldn't presume to offer reckless suggestions. Brother Xie would be quite displeased when he returns. It's simply that the Federation's Inner and Outer Courts have never seen an ordinary person serve as Vice City Lord. Even with Black Cloud's might, once this news travels, it will draw a great deal of covetousness. Did you anticipate that?"
"Since we made the decision, Black Cloud will bear the consequences." Zhang Yao's expression remained impassive; he gave a slight nod. "I only wonder how Excellency Tang learned of this. We originally intended to suppress the news for a while and buy a few peaceful days."
"Someone is spreading it deliberately, naturally. A mortal serving as Vice City Lord is already a rarity. To hold such a post without even being a Blood Ancestor, his devouring value must be extraordinary—the benefits of devouring him would far eclipse those of an ordinary Blood Ancestor." Tang Hanxi smiled.
"What do you mean by that?" Zhang Yao asked after a brief silence.
"Why ask when you already know the answer, Brother Zhang? Everyone is burning with curiosity. What kind of fortune could allow a mere mortal to rise and rival Divine Descendants—or even lesser Mistborn? If one could devour and fuse with a fortune like that, what heights could they reach?" Tang Hanxi let out a soft, unhurried laugh. "Tsk, tsk… frightening just to think about."
Zhang Yao said nothing. This was precisely the concern he had already raised with his eldest brother and third sister. Now Tang Hanxi was stating it plainly to his face. He shared the same worry, but his siblings were straightforward by nature—they believed in dealing with others in good faith. Devouring was reserved for enemies alone and could never be turned on their own people. So he had pushed his misgivings down and said no more.
Now those misgivings were coming to life. Once news of Lin Hui's existence spread, he would become a blazing beacon in the dark for every Mistborn hungry for greater strength. The Federation only governed Mistborn on the surface; in the shadows, solitary rogue Mistborn had almost certainly already caught wind of him and were converging.
"Regardless, my eldest brother and third sister are currently out—partly to intercept those who have already moved on the news," Zhang Yao said gravely. "I must still thank Excellency Tang for bringing this to our attention so promptly." He cupped his fists.