Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1603 - 369: Entering the Ruins, Crisis Descends

"Prince Ming has arrived!"

That announcement drew every gaze toward the entrance, where the Little Ming King soon strode in, accompanied by his hundred-member Guard Team.

They rushed forward swiftly, their steps carrying the speed of the gale!

"Why have they come?"

As the Little Ming King drew closer, Chen Long, positioned next to Du Zundao, narrowed his eyes and remarked. His voice betrayed a complete absence of even minimal deference toward the Little Ming King.

Such an attitude stirred no outrage from the onlookers, indicating they shared the same arrogant mindset.

This revealed the Zoroastrian Sect's dire circumstances, where the prince commanded scarcely any respect in their view.

Such a situation was unavoidable; Han Lin’er remains far too immature, embodying the classic case of a youthful emperor overshadowed by domineering officials.

History offers plenty of examples: why did numerous emperors, nearing death, purge the veteran comrades who aided their rise? Take the Han Dynasty, where Liu Bang executed Han Xin, Peng Yue, and Ying Bu.

Zhu Yuanzhang plotted against Lan Yu and Fu Youde for identical reasons.

They all feared their heirs couldn't rein in these mighty, accomplished retainers.

The Ming Sect faces a parallel crisis to those ancient dynasties. With feeble leadership and overbearing subordinates, these seasoned officials nurture rebellious ambitions, encroaching on the young master's domain.

Reality bites hard. Doubt it? Had Han Shantong survived, would these folks still dare scorn the Little Ming King? They'd fawn as loyal kin or kindly mentors. Han Shantong's battlefield demise alone enabled their brazen oppression of the orphan ruler.

Mr. Guan surveyed the scene and shook his head in disgust. These individuals' countenances grew ever more loathsome.

With that thought, Du Zundao edged over to Mr. Guan and murmured, "Did you summon them?"

Mr. Guan shook his head, replying, "I don't make a habit of stirring up extra problems."

Puzzled by this, Du Zundao probed, "I already commanded that news be withheld from him. How did he learn of events here?"

Doubt flickered in Du Zundao's gaze toward Mr. Guan, convinced he'd leaked the details.

Rather than clarify, Mr. Guan met his eyes and countered, "Prince Ming is here—won't you greet him, Dharma King Du?"

Du Zundao eyed Mr. Guan before flicking his dark cloak and advancing toward the Little Ming King; Mr. Guan paused briefly, then followed suit.

"Greetings to Prince Ming."

Du Zundao and Mr. Guan offered salutes. Despite the Little Ming King's eroded power, both upheld the necessary decorum.

The Little Ming King regarded Du Zundao and Mr. Guan, stating, "No need for such formalities, uncles."

Du Zundao then fixed his gaze on the Little Ming King and inquired, "What brings Prince Ming here?"

This remark dripped with insolence. In Han Shantong's era, such words to Prince Ming would invite swift chastisement.

Yet under the current Little Ming King, nobody saw fault in it. Though reluctant to voice it, all recognized him as little more than a figurehead.

Turning to Du Zundao, the Little Ming King responded, "Uncle Du, must I have a reason to visit my two uncles? Moreover, word reached me of your plans to venture into the Ruins for our faith's supreme rite, the Qiankun Great Method. As Prince Ming, how could I stand idle?"

Du Zundao's eyes sharpened on the Little Ming King as he retorted, "Prince Ming, the Ruins brim with peril. We kept you in the dark to protect you. Recall the proverb: 'He who is precious as a thousand gold pieces sits not beneath the eaves.' As such a vital personage, Prince Ming should safeguard the lives of our Zoroastrian Sect's millions from the safety of the court—why risk such deadly grounds?"

The Little Ming King eyed Du Zundao and replied, "Uncle Du truly watches over my safety, yet how can I, heir to the Ming King, cower from death and accomplish naught?"

Du Zundao regarded the Little Ming King and pressed, "Does Prince Ming intend to brave the Ruins himself?"

"Not at all, Uncle Du—you've got it wrong. I know Uncle Du acts from care for me; how could I overlook your kind intentions?"

Surprise crossed Du Zundao's face at the Little Ming King's words, while Mr. Guan observed with interest. Neither anticipated this tactful restraint from the formerly hot-headed youth. Had the Little Ming King matured?

Relieved by the Little Ming King's stance, Du Zundao relaxed—as long as he stayed out of the Ruins, he posed minimal danger. Truth be told, even entering wouldn't greatly threaten him.

Should the Little Ming King jeopardize his grasp of the Qiankun Great Method, Du Zundao wouldn't hesitate to remove him.

Only in dire straits, of course. Slaying the Little Ming King lightly could spark backlash, heavy casualties, or outright revolt.

But cornered, he'd dispatch the Little Ming King ruthlessly. He revered Han Shantong's prowess, not some blind fealty to the Han lineage.

The Little Ming King's self-exclusion delighted him now. His scheme stayed intact, so granting the prince some courtesy cost nothing.

With these musings, Du Zundao addressed the Little Ming King: "Truthfully, Your Highness, I dispatched messengers about the Ruins' disturbance. Did they fail to find you?"

Noting Du Zundao's evasion, the Little Ming King let it slide—his aim today wasn't confrontation.

He gestured dismissively, saying, "Servants err sometimes; it's no great issue. Forget it."