Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1698 - 393: Chen Jie: Big Bro, I Really Don’t Want to Be the Dharma King!

"Grandpa!"

Liu Caidie rushed into Liu Futong’s embrace, her eyes wet with tears of joy. Liu Futong, equally thrilled to see his beloved granddaughter, held her close.

"It’s alright now, everything is fine!" he reassured her, stroking her head.

A wave of mixed emotions washed over Liu Futong as he embraced her. He felt a deep sense of responsibility towards Liu Caidie. His son had tragically died in a mission long ago, leaving only her to be cared for by an old man like himself.

Consequently, Liu Futong had raised his granddaughter with immense care and affection, ensuring she lacked nothing.

Their bond as grandfather and granddaughter was incredibly strong. As Liu Caidie sobbed uncontrollably, Liu Futong gently patted her back. "Alright, Caidie, no more tears. We have important matters to discuss."

Liu Caidie looked up, her gaze falling upon the two bloody wounds on Liu Futong’s shoulders. Her tears began to flow anew.

"Grandpa, your shoulder?"

"Oh, these are just minor injuries, nothing to worry about," Liu Futong dismissed them lightly. Having weathered countless storms in his life, these were mere trifles to him.

After comforting his granddaughter, Liu Futong turned his attention to Han Ling’er. She immediately stepped forward and offered a respectful bow. "Uncle Liu."

A smile touched Liu Futong’s lips. "Ah, Ling’er, you must have been filled with worry and fear these past few days."

"As long as you are well, Uncle, that is all that matters," she replied sincerely.

Liu Futong then shifted his gaze to Mei Tu, Chen Long, and Monkey. The trio appeared visibly uneasy, aware that they had once served Du Zundao and Mr. Guan. Liu Futong’s scrutinizing look sent shivers down their spines.

Liu Futong assessed them carefully. "The fact that you could pull back from the brink and cease your wrongdoings in time counts as atonement for your sins."

"Thank you, Venerable. We acknowledge the gravity of our transgressions and await your judgment," they said in unison.

Liu Futong regarded them with a stern yet understanding expression. "There is no need for punishment. If I say you have atoned, then you have. More importantly, the enemy stands at the gates of Wangchuan Pass. This is the critical moment for you to prove your worth in battle. Do not disappoint me!"

A surge of determination filled Chen Long and the others. They immediately bowed their heads. "Rest assured, Venerable, we will give our absolute all!"

In that instant, Chen Long and his companions became remarkably compliant, each man swearing an oath to dedicate their efforts to redeeming their past betrayals.

It was undeniable that Liu Futong possessed a remarkable talent for leadership and influence. With just a few carefully chosen words, he had transformed these elders into a formidable and united fighting force.

Finally, Liu Futong turned his gaze towards Chen Jie.

"Brother."

Liu Futong had not forgotten his promise to be Chen Jie’s elder brother, and thus addressed him as such.

Liu Caidie faltered slightly upon hearing Liu Futong address Chen Jie as his brother.

Liu Futong beckoned her closer. "Caidie, come here. Let me introduce you properly. This is Chen Jiusi, my newly acknowledged brother. You should address him as Uncle."

Liu Caidie’s jaw dropped. In what seemed like an instant, Chen Jiusi had gone from being a mere servant to her grandfather! The speed of this elevation was astonishing.

Even more bewildering was that only a short while ago, Chen Jiusi had been her servant. This drastic shift, from subordinate to revered elder, felt like a revolution. Adding to the strangeness, Chen Jiusi was only four years her senior.

They were practically the same age, peers in every sense. How could he suddenly be her grandfather?

Liu Caidie felt a strong sense of reluctance. Chen Jie, with a knowing smile, looked at her and urged, "Hurry, call him Grandpa."

Liu Caidie shot Chen Jie a resentful glance before reluctantly uttering, "Gran-, Grandpa."

Liu Futong observed the subtle exchange between Chen Jie and Liu Caidie, their shared apprehension, and simply smiled. He understood the underlying reasons for this complex situation.

He reiterated the newfound sibling relationship with Chen Jiusi and then gathered everyone.

Cutting straight to the matter at hand, Liu Futong looked at Chen Jie. "Brother, you have indeed learned our Zoroastrian Sect’s Qiankun Great Method, haven't you?"

Chen Jie blinked in surprise, uncertain of Liu Futong’s intentions. He couldn't deny his knowledge of the Qiankun Great Method, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Liu Futong continued, "Brother, do not be anxious. While the Qiankun Great Method is our sect’s exclusive technique, and outsiders are technically forbidden from learning it, I am not an obstinate old fool. There are always exceptions. Since you are my sworn brother, you are, by extension, part of our Zoroastrian Sect. Just as Du Zundao betrayed the sect, leaving the position of Dharma King vacant, I now bestow that position upon you, brother."

"Ah?"

Chen Jie was utterly taken aback by Liu Futong’s sudden promotion, appointing him to the vacant Dharma King position left by Du Zundao.

Chen Jie turned to Liu Futong, expressing his hesitation. "Brother Liu, I... I haven't yet contributed to your sect. To be suddenly bestowed such a high-ranking position might not earn the general approval of others."

Liu Futong declared, "I give my approval, and who would dare to object? Do the three of you object?"

Liu Futong's gaze fell upon Chen Long, Mei Tu, and Monkey. The three, filled with apprehension, shook their heads in unison. "No, we agree, we most certainly agree."

Noticing their compliance, Liu Futong turned back to Chen Jie, stating, "You see, no one opposes this."

Chen Jie then responded, "But, Brother Liu, I am alongside Brother Peng; this arrangement doesn't seem entirely fitting..."

Chen Jie's words faltered, and he was acutely aware of Liu Futong's understanding of his concerns. At this juncture, Liu Futong reassured him, "Rest assured, your designation as Dharma King is confidential, known only to those present. It shall not interfere with your regular duties. Furthermore, I am aware of your aspirations and your disinclination to serve under others. Be at ease, this is merely an honorary title, requiring no active participation in the specific affairs of the Holy Sect. Consider it a token of my gratitude for saving my life."

Chen Jie grasped Liu Futong's underlying meaning. Liu Futong's objective was straightforward: Chen Jie would receive the associated prestige without any accompanying obligations. Faced with such an advantageous offer, Chen Jie found no reason to decline.