Jin Muzhen looked at the Black Scale Tribe elders kneeling on the ground, their heads drenched in sweat, his eyes full of mockery.
He sneered. "The brothers Mo Tu and Mohe showed disrespect to the King of Chu. Their crimes deserve death!"
"But for the sake of our shared blood, I, Jin Muzhen, can leave your Black Scale Tribe a path to survival."
He abruptly drew the saber at his waist and tossed it before them with a clang.
"Whoever picks up this saber and cuts off Mo Tu's head..."
"Will become the new chief of the Black Scale Tribe!"
The moment those words fell...
Dead silence reigned.
Every Black Scale Tribe elder looked as though he had been struck by lightning.
They stared fixedly at the saber on the ground, fear, anger, and inner struggle flashing through their eyes.
Pinned beneath his foot, Mo Tu heard those words, and his eyes all but spat fire.
"Jin Muzhen, you beast!"
"The men of my Black Scale Tribe would rather die than submit! We will never let a treacherous scoundrel like you sow discord among us!"
Mo Tu roared.
Jin Muzhen's cheek twitched. He pressed down harder, grinding Mo Tu's face beneath his foot until it twisted.
"What? Have you all chosen to follow Mo Tu into the grave?"
Jin Muzhen narrowed his eyes.
"Fine. In that case, I'll grant..."
Before he could finish with "your wish"...
A young figure rushed forward.
He picked up the saber from the ground.
His chest heaved violently.
At the sight of this young man...
Every elder's eyes widened.
Even Jin Muzhen froze for a moment.
The one who had picked up the saber...
Was not an elder of the Black Scale Tribe.
It was Mo Tu's most cherished son, the Black Scale Tribe's young