I Have a Dice Left by a God

"Brother Li, don't joke around. This is no different from deserting. In other countries, I don't know, but here in Hedan, there will be no place for me." Simmons smiled wryly. In a place where knightly spirit prevails and honor is valued, not even family members would spare him.

"You're not being very wise. You know you can't win, and you know their purpose, yet you still accept. You don't seem like someone who would act impulsively." Li Xin wanted to drink some coffee, only to find his cup empty. Hmm, where did the other cup go?

"I'm young too, and I care about face. He kicked open the door and tainted our family honor. Even if I don't accept today, what about tomorrow? And there's Zheng Shengxun—they won't let me go."

Li Xin thought about it and agreed. Having a reputation can sometimes be a hassle; it's challenging to avoid some situations.

"Before doing anything, I need to understand the intricacies, otherwise, it's hard to make a judgment. What exactly do you plan to do?" Li Xin asked.

Simmons pondered, unsure of how to start. Li Xin smiled, "Take your time, organize your thoughts first."

He wasn't in a hurry. This matter was complicated; it wasn't a simple duel. It involved the Hex Bird Report, and the power struggle among Hedan's high-ranking officials. Rushing in with just good intentions might do more harm than good.

Simmons thought Li Xin would consider it carefully. If this matter wasn't clarified, even if Li Xin helped, settling accounts later would be scarier than facing Didia.

"It's a long story. Our George Family has always been responsible for the kingdom's intelligence as 'Eagle Eye,' one of the stronger dukes. But during my grandfather's tenure, he made a significant mistake, was demoted twice, and resigned. After that, 'Eagle Eye' was handed over to the Zheng Family." At this point, Simmons's voice was full of regret and confusion. "Honestly, considering our family's accomplishments, it's not entirely justifiable."

Li Xin nodded, "And then?"

"Later, there was a major upheaval in the kingdom. Originally, Crown Prince Oliver was the heir, but he lost his status somehow, and the current King took the throne." Simmons lowered his voice, looking a bit dejected. "Some say Grandpa knew the news in advance and tried to betray his old master."

Changing the crown prince is a major event in any country, undoubtedly causing shifts in various forces. Old George, knowing the news in advance, tried to retreat to gain favor with the new crown prince. From an outsider's view, it seemed distasteful, and no matter how well executed, insiders knew the truth.

"After the new king ascended, he invited Grandpa to come back. Perhaps due to opposition from the Cabinet, Grandpa didn't agree. Only after multiple requests did he agree to take on part of the responsibility, mainly to check the Zheng Family, without restoring his original title." Simmons said, "The family internally believes Grandpa is senile, not only offending Prince Oliver, but the king ended up relying heavily on the Zheng Family, leaving us isolated."

Simmons smiled wryly. If it were him, he'd do the same. Who would dare use a family like theirs that shifts allegiances?

The situation between the Zheng Family and the George Family is inherently oppositional. The Zheng Family controls the Hedan Daily, while the George Family supports the Hex Bird Report.

"Why did the old king change the heir?" Li Xin asked curiously.

"It's said that the Crown Prince was hasty and did something he shouldn't have, angering the old king." Simmons said softly.

Blessed by the Earth Mother Goddess, having too good a physique can sometimes be troublesome. Oliver was eager to ascend, perhaps revealing something, incurring the king's displeasure, leading to a change in heir. But after all, it's still his son, so he didn't eliminate him completely. Thus, Prince Oliver still holds significant power in the kingdom today.

Li Xin frowned. This palace intrigue seemed like child's play—aren't they supposed to eliminate all rivals?

Perhaps it's due to the Earth Mother Goddess's faith, making a straightforward comparison inappropriate.

"Is the Zheng Family very close to the prince?" Li Xin asked.

"Well, openly and secretly, they're trying to please both sides except for our family." Simmons lamented, which is also why the king reinstated the George Family.

The situation in Hedan reminded Li Xin of the aristocratic eras of the past—hard to manage.

To Ola the Eighteenth, the George Family's role was to counterbalance, serving as the king's hounds. Why Old George made such decisions isn't mentioned, but playing it safe is a survival strategy. If the prince wasn't around, it would be less awkward. They must stay tightly aligned with the king, but among peers, they are an oddity, caught in a dilemma.

Old George's actions most likely fulfilled the king's demands, like the Canon Law School and the Hex Bird Report. His motives were justifiable, probably kingdom-driven. If I were the king, having such a large presence as a vice-emperor would be uncomfortable too.

As for the Zheng Family, Nather, and Seat—these families truly only serve themselves. Why does it feel like after years of ruling, the king is considering action? If it happens, it will be a major storm.

In this matter, what role does the Night Patrol play? Christie clearly has a mission of some sort, hence the disguise. But what's the reason?

From the perspective of promoting Hex-Tech, efforts have already gone above and beyond. What more could they want? Could they want the Moon God to spread in Hedan? That's quite laughable, unimaginable. He has witnessed the Earth Mother Goddess's unparalleled influence in Hedan, from top to bottom, with no chance at all.

But whether helping Simmons or Christie, he really needed to put in some effort.

"What kind of person is Didia?"

"Honestly, among our circle, he's someone I admire more. Completely different from Anthony, very focused on cultivation, a true example of knightly spirit."

"What about Anthony?"

"Back in the Divine Grace Academy, he was wild and twisted. He was sent to the border only after causing deaths. As for those military exploits, they're mostly dubious." Simmons said, "Unfortunately, Didia always thought Anthony was excellent, a role model. On the surface, Anthony did a great job."

"Why would Anthony behave that way?" Li Xin said, puzzled. Hedan people highly value face; in secret, they might do anything, yet a noble behaving crazily after a drink seems extreme.

Simmons spread his hands with a wry smile, "That's nothing."

"Huh?" Li Xin was taken aback.

"It's thrilling," Simmons said, surprised that Brother Li had a naive side. "The women they play with have their own agendas. They didn't realize that ordinary things no longer satisfy these twisted bastards. Three people died that day, she was just one of them. When trying to escape, she was caught on the street. Anthony probably found it more thrilling and made a move on the street, coincidentally running into the Funeral Attendant. The person in charge at the time didn't know who he was, but by the time they did, it was too late, too many people had seen."

Li Xin developed more respect for the current king. He always assumed such a kingdom would be particularly conservative, resisting change the stronger and older they were. But Moncalleta was trying Hex-Tech proactively, introducing the Hex Bird Report, establishing the Canon Law School. The Celestial Principle School was also heavily used, and the king was demanding of himself. It's hard for such a nation to decay. Thinking about it, the king probably felt helpless too. If any disaster or famine occurred, significant problems would arise.

The king likely wants to use Anthony's case as a catalyst, to set an example. Yet, even this "chicken" is hard to kill.

Li Xin couldn't intervene in these matters, but his dear Simmons could not die young. Otherwise, where would he find free lunches and dinners, especially since Simmons still owed him a meal?

"Your main gap with him is Thunder Power. Let's train your resistance in these few days. This way, you'll have a better chance." Li Xin said.

"Resistance?"

"Simply put, the core of the fight is who can endure more. If your body can withstand Thunder Power's attack, you might surprise him." Li Xin smiled. "My dear Simmons, I'll be putting in a lot of effort, and you'd better remember this favor."

Simmons smiled wryly, "Brother Li, the Holy Land only opens on Sundays, hence I set it for Monday. But distant water can't quench a present thirst."

Usually, duel appointments don't drag on too long; ten days is the rule.

"Who said you have to enter the Holy Land?" Li Xin smiled, extending a finger, and then a flash of lightning passed by.

Simmons was shocked, "Brother Li, have you also awakened Thunder Power?"