Chapter 34: The Traitor

Le Kai did not attempt to evade in the slightest. Although Wu Meitian’s gaze was sharp and murderous, terrifying to behold, in Le Kai’s eyes it posed less of a threat than a wild wolf. He simply did not sense any genuine intent to kill.

Wu Nitian frowned. “Mei, let it go. He’s just a child.”

“A child? Dear brother, have you forgotten who injured you just now, who held you hostage? Do you still think he’s merely a child?”

Wu Nitian gave an awkward smile. “That was my own carelessness. Now this boy has exhausted his strength; he poses no threat to us. Besides…” He moved closer to Wu Meitian and whispered something only the two of them could hear.

“Are you telling the truth? He really has… Or is it another trick?” Wu Meitian’s opinion of Le Kai’s character was less than favorable. But Wu Nitian was the opposite; he nodded with conviction. “I trust him.”

Le Kai watched them with a smile, showing no concern for his own safety. Instead, he found himself curious about this brother and sister. Were they so confident of their victory?

Though these special forces soldiers were well-equipped, it was merely adequate. The troops under Lanska were true elites; their equipment was in another league altogether—a fact Le Kai had foreseen. In a direct confrontation, this ragtag army would stand no chance. Did they naïvely believe that capturing Lambeau would force Lanska to abandon all of Central Huazhong City? Or did they have other cards to play?

The answer to this question revealed itself half an hour later.

When the immaculately dressed group appeared, not only was Lambeau’s fury etched across his face, but Le Kai’s expression grew grave as well. Clearly, they were all familiar faces—at least to Lambeau.

“Deputy Mayor Hua, I didn’t expect to see you here. Truly an honor!” For the first time, Lambeau addressed the middle-aged, bald man not as Uncle Hua, but with a mocking tone, emphasizing his title: Deputy Mayor of Central Huazhong City.

Deputy Mayor Hua Keqiang showed no surprise, laughing heartily as he spread his arms for an enthusiastic embrace. Lambeau shoved him away in disgust, spitting, “Stay away from me. Being with a traitor like you is a disgrace.”

A flicker of gloom crossed Hua Keqiang’s face, but he feigned magnanimity. “Lambeau, there you go again, so mischievous. You’re just a child—you can’t understand all this. Lanska’s ways are cruel and oppressive; even a deputy mayor like myself can’t stand to watch.”

He sighed dramatically, adopting a posture of mournful compassion. “All beings are equal and should enjoy the same rights within the Empire. But Lanska promotes racial discrimination, forcibly classifying the natives as second-class citizens. This behavior gravely violates imperial law. Since this place lies outside imperial jurisdiction and the law cannot reach here, we must revolutionize ourselves to seize our rightful liberties.”

“Nonsense, utter nonsense!” Lambeau exploded in rage. “You old scoundrel, your skill at twisting truth is remarkable. When I get out, I’ll tell my father and let you truly feel the power of imperial law.”

“What an adorable child.” Hua Keqiang was unperturbed. He stepped forward, forcibly hugging Lambeau. Yet as he did, his voice hissed coldly in Lambeau’s ear, “You little bastard, do you think I’ll give you that chance?”

It was as if a cold venomous serpent had suddenly slipped into his collar; Lambeau felt frozen to the core, his limbs stiff. He stared in shock at Hua Keqiang, who released him, unable to utter another word.

Hua Keqiang sneered, but when he turned to face Wu Nitian and Wu Meitian, he donned a mask of kindly, false friendliness.

“Rest assured, we support you. Remove Lanska, and Central Huazhong City will be completely liberated. Once I take the mayor’s seat, all these agreements will stand permanently.”

“You… you actually made a secret pact with terrorists, Hua Keqiang! You shameful traitor, you deserve a miserable end!” Lambeau trembled with rage.

“You brat, what do you know? Once Mayor Hua takes charge, the hundred million people of Central Huazhong City will gain true freedom—no more oppression, no more humiliation. Look what your father has done: he’s relegated our noble Huaxia people to second-class status. We can’t dine in fine restaurants, can’t enjoy imperial technology, must always lower ourselves unconditionally before true imperial citizens. These are intolerable. Liberty or death!” Wu Nitian proclaimed with passionate fervor, and the surrounding special forces were equally stirred.

Le Kai’s heart stirred in silence. Regardless of how Hua Keqiang had manipulated or deceived these rebels, their spirit of national identity was sincere. Compared to the apathetic masses outside, Le Kai sympathized more with these fiery revolutionaries.

Once Le Kai’s curved blade and wristwatch were confiscated, the threat posed by the three children was eliminated. As a martial artist, Wu Nitian understood Le Kai’s physical state well, and was secretly astonished—what had this boy endured to be so gravely injured at such a young age?

The other girl, Li Yan, was also unlike most children; her demeanor and bearing clearly surpassed those of her peers. Though young, her every action displayed the grace of one raised among the elite, commanding respect.

Hua Keqiang was momentarily startled, but dismissed it. With so many nobles, he could hardly know them all. Likely, this girl was merely the daughter of some family; if she were truly of high status, she would have a skilled bodyguard at her side.

Wu Meitian, however, frowned as she examined the wristwatch she had taken from Li Yan. She compared it to the one confiscated earlier from Le Kai, and her expression subtly changed.

Though both watches appeared identical to those used by the city’s high-ranking nobles, they remained unaffected by the signal block that covered hundreds of kilometers. Yet, unlike Le Kai’s, this one was powered off. Earlier, Le Kai’s watch had been directly connected to city hall. Where was this one linked?

Wu Meitian pondered, then pressed the power button.

“If I were you, I wouldn’t do something so foolish,” said Li Yan, not stopping her, but her voice was tinged with pity.

“Why? Little sister, can you tell me what’s going on?” Wu Meitian, fond of the charming girl, was not angered by her words. Instead, she walked gently to Li Yan’s side and asked softly.