Though Yue Pengju had suffered a devastating setback, falling from a prodigious young genius to rock bottom in an instant, he had also endured trials beyond the reach of ordinary people. His personality had changed considerably.
Even so, a few traces of youthful spirit remained.
It was hardly surprising that he would make such a decision.
"Pengju, this is no time to act on impulse.
Tiger of Black Stone is no ordinary figure. I've studied his way of doing things.
He never acts without reason, and when he does, he always strikes true!
Since he went to such lengths to travel thousands of miles and slip into the Snow-like Defense Line, pulling us into this subspace,
he must be confident he can win.
What I said earlier was meant to bolster the morale of everyone aboard the Royal Ark.
In truth, I don't feel very confident.
When I left Cizhou Territory, I instructed Zong Ying to treat you as a mentor from now on.
Zong Ying is brave and eager to improve, but he lacks a broad view of the world. He'll need you to guide him in the future."
Zong Ying was Zong Rulin's eldest son. He was an honest, dependable man who had always held Yue Pengju in high regard.
Zong Rulin had committed himself to stopping the allied forces of the Three Nineteen Kingdoms' proxies, staking everything on a desperate last stand. He had brought several of his descendants with him.
Some had indeed died in the battles so far.
Yet Zong Rulin had left his eldest son, Zong Ying, behind in Cizhou Territory to manage affairs.
That had been the natural choice, of course, but it also reflected Zong Rulin's resolve.
Before setting out, he had been prepared to give his life for his country.
He