053 Song Mingsong’s Face

As soon as the phrase "Titanium Crystal" was mentioned, Zhu Yaokui's eyes widened and his heart felt a little uneasy, but he quickly regained his composure.

He knew his son well. If Zhu Kang had succeeded in obtaining something valuable, he would have proudly flaunted it. The absence of such a display meant only one thing—failure.

"Not only did you not secure it, but it seems the other party wasn't an easy target," Zhu Yaokui remarked coolly. "Tell me, who was it this time? And how many Titanium Crystals were involved?"

Normally, Zhu Yaokui would have dismissed such matters, but given the scarcity of Titanium Crystals, he couldn't help but be concerned.

"The person concealed their identity. I checked after the incident, but found no useful leads," Zhu Kang explained, frustration evident in his voice. "But I'm quite certain they're from Jiangyuan City."

"And why do you think that?" Zhu Yaokui inquired, his brow furrowing.

Zhu Kang nodded emphatically. "It's highly likely. After breaking through the Silver Edge's energy shield, they spared me, clearly fearing repercussions. Even after concealing their identity, they seemed wary of any investigation you might launch. It strongly suggests they have ties to Jiangyuan City."

Zhu Yaokui absorbed this information stoically, showing no outward emotion.

Sensing his father's calm demeanor, Zhu Kang grew anxious. "Dad, I'm telling you..."

Before Zhu Kang could finish, a communication alert interrupted them. Zhu Yaokui glanced at his Morning Star Principality Premium Edition communication bracelet. The caller's name displayed was "Song Mingsong."

"Song Mingsong? Why would he contact me now?" Zhu Yaokui mused aloud, turning to look at Zhu Kang, who seemed to share his unease.

Zhu Kang recognized the name well. Song Mingsong was one of the top figures in their circle, someone Zhu Yaokui had warned his sons never to provoke.

"Could this be about the Titanium Crystals?" Zhu Kang wondered aloud, though he hoped otherwise.

Zhu Yaokui tapped to connect the call. Soon, the holographic projection of Song Mingsong appeared—a rugged face with an ageless look and a faint smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Why the surprise visit, making me contact an old man like me?" Zhu Yaokui greeted lightly, attempting to set a cordial tone.

Song Mingsong chuckled in response. "Lao Zhu, I'm reaching out regarding a matter involving our juniors."

He glanced briefly at Zhu Kang, then refocused on Zhu Yaokui. "You must have heard about the incident between our juniors. They clashed due to a misunderstanding involving your family's involvement with the 'Black Mountain Club.'"

Fortunately, both parties showed restraint, and no serious harm was done," Song Mingsong continued smoothly. "I believe it's best to leave this matter behind us, don't you agree?"

While Song Mingsong's tone was amiable, Zhu Yaokui's unease deepened. If someone of Song Mingsong's stature was willing to settle matters so swiftly, it indicated the issue wasn't as straightforward as it seemed.

After a brief pause, Zhu Yaokui asked cautiously, "Which junior are you referring to, specifically?"

Song Mingsong hesitated briefly, his demeanor shifting subtly. "I must admit, Lao Zhu, it's someone from my own bloodline."

Understanding dawned on Zhu Yaokui. The implication was clear: the conflict involved Zhu Kang and Song Mingsong's son.

With this revelation, Zhu Yaokui swiftly agreed to bury the issue. Both parties agreed not to pursue further action.

Before ending the call, Song Mingsong pledged 200 of the 1,000 Titanium Crystals involved in the incident as a gesture of goodwill, to be delivered to Zhu Yaokui soon.

The mention of 200 Titanium Crystals brought a genuine smile to Zhu Yaokui's face. Despite the tumultuous events, Zhu Kang was safe, his reputation intact. He wouldn't delve further into the matter, outwardly or covertly.

As Zhu Kang departed silently, Zhu Yaokui's gaze remained uncertain. It was a rare moment for him not to voice his thoughts.

Regardless of their strengths, Song Mingsong's relative youth posed a potential threat. As a 500-year-old third-level Xinhuo captain, Zhu Yaokui was entering his twilight years. Even if he could hold Song Mingsong at bay momentarily, what about in the long run?

And Zhu Kang, the strongest among his sons, was only at the peak of the second level, with less than a 10% chance of promotion to the third level. If anything happened to Zhu Yaokui, Song Mingsong could easily wipe out their family.

This realization underscored why Zhu Yaokui was reluctant to provoke Song Mingsong—a man not yet 300 years old, with the potential to advance to the fourth level.