Chapter 118: The Traitor Within

Li Jing?

Upon hearing this name, Chen Mu immediately thought of the Investiture of the Gods.

Looking at the young boy, who had a sturdy and lively appearance and seemed no older than a teenager, and judging by his attire, he was likely involved in scientific research.

The King of Hua Kingdom, hearing Li Jing’s words, grew even more embarrassed, momentarily at a loss for how to respond.

At that moment, Long Xueyao said, “This is wonderful! Father, let’s go see it right away!”

A minister nearby quickly tried to stop them. “Your Majesty, this is not advisable. The invention has just been developed; we may not be able to control the power of lightning yet. In my humble opinion, it would be better to wait until the technology stabilizes before inviting Your Majesty to observe it.”

The King’s eyes lit up, finding this excuse quite reasonable.

“Yes, yes, that makes sense.”

Li Jing was displeased and shouted at the minister, “What nonsense are you spouting? My master has already produced the finished product and conducted an experiment. Otherwise, how could I have rushed here to report?”

The minister almost choked on his words, giving Li Jing sly glances, but Li Jing was oblivious.

The King of Hua Kingdom was also deeply worried and glanced secretly at Chen Mu. If they went to see it now, Chen Mu would certainly have to come along. What if Chen Mu discovered the immense power of the lightning and attempted to seize it?

In truth, Chen Mu was eager to see it. After the experiences of the past few days, he could already speculate that this so-called invention for controlling lightning was very likely an electric generator.

Chen Mu was familiar with engine mechanics, but when it came to generators, he only knew they worked on the principle of electromagnetic induction; the specifics were unknown to him.

If he could catch a glimpse of the finished product, he would be confident enough to replicate it.

But right now, it was inconvenient for Chen Mu to speak up.

Hua Kingdom was already wary of the Great Xia, and if he pressed to see it too eagerly, it would only provoke more tension.

Suddenly, Long Xueyao smiled and said, “Everyone, there’s no need for such worry. The Crown Prince of Great Xia does not fear our technology, nor is there any need for theft.”

“Remember when the Cheng clan invaded Great Xia with firearms and cannons? They were defeated by the Crown Prince.”

“Though we now possess more advanced technology, Great Xia has also acquired advanced firearms and cannons. With the strength of Hua Kingdom, victory over Great Xia is impossible.”

Chen Mu was delighted to hear this; he almost wanted to kiss Long Xueyao on the spot.

“Princess, you are absolutely right.”

“If Hua Kingdom is unwilling to share the technology, it doesn’t matter. Great Xia can develop it on its own.”

The King of Hua Kingdom realized that it was inappropriate to continue denying Chen Mu access.

He had already learned from the Cheng family about the strength of Great Xia. If Chen Mu intended to seize the technology by force, Hua Kingdom would be powerless to stop him.

All they could do now was hope that what Chen Mu had said earlier was true.

“Hahaha… Your Highness, what are you saying? Hua Kingdom is naturally willing to share this technology so that all the people of Huaxia can live better lives.”

“Li Jing, lead the way.”

With the King’s words, no one else objected, and they all followed.

Long Xueyao was very happy. If, as Chen Mu said, a piece of land could be ceded from Great Xia to live beyond the snow-capped mountains, it would be wonderful.

The group followed Li Jing to the research institute.

Li Jing ran in excitedly, “Master! The King has arrived!”

Chen Mu followed and saw that a team was already waiting inside. Among them was an elderly man with graying hair, gently stroking Li Jing’s head and speaking kindly.

Long Xueyao happily ran over, “Grandfather Jiang, please take us to see it.”

Grandfather Jiang smiled and nodded, about to speak, when someone nearby said,

“Princess, you have finally arrived.”

Chen Mu caught the tone immediately and, noticing the person’s demeanor, felt something was wrong. He quickly stepped forward to Long Xueyao’s side.

The man was about to grab Long Xueyao’s arm.

Chen Mu drew his sword and slashed upward, forcing the man’s hand away.

Startled, the man quickly retreated and shouted, “Attack!”

Chen Mu hurriedly pulled Long Xueyao aside. Inside the room, the team raised their guns, and some dragged Grandfather Jiang and Li Jing back.

Chen Mu shielded Long Xueyao and dashed into an adjacent room. Several bullets struck behind him but were deflected by his armored suit.

The King of Hua Kingdom was shocked. “Shen Gongbao! What are you doing?”

The royal guards quickly shielded the King and aimed their guns at the assailants.

Shen Gongbao laughed menacingly. “What else? To steal this power of lightning!”

Chen Mu hid behind the wall, pondering how to handle the situation.

“Shen Gongbao? That old man must be Jiang Ziya, right?”

Long Xueyao asked in surprise, “How do you know?”

Chen Mu replied awkwardly, “Well… I guessed.”

The King shouted, “Shen Gongbao! I have treated you well. Why do this? What use is stealing the power of lightning?”

Shen Gongbao laughed wickedly. “Treated me well? Here, I’m just a captain of the guards. But if I hand this over to the Western Kingdom, that changes everything!”

“The Western Kingdom has promised me that once they rule the world using this lightning power, they will grant me a country to govern!”

He then threw a bundle toward the door of the room where Chen Mu and Long Xueyao were.

“Long Xuhǔ, order your men to clear the way immediately, or I’ll detonate this bomb and blow your daughter and the Crown Prince of Great Xia to pieces!”

“Heh heh… If the Crown Prince dies here, what do you think Great Xia will do to Hua Kingdom?”

The King’s face turned pale. “Fall back, everyone, fall back!”

The royal guards retreated step by step, stepping out of the research institute’s gates.

Chen Mu was furious. “Sure enough, anyone named Shen Gongbao is no good!”

He shielded Long Xueyao and shouted toward the door, “Shen Gongbao! You really believe the Western Kingdom’s words? They’ll give you a country? At best, you’ll get Siberia to grow potatoes!”

Shen Gongbao was stunned. “Siberia?”

“Hmph! Crown Prince, you’d better watch your own life.”

At that moment, someone came running out from the inner room carrying a bundle.

“Captain, the item is secured.”

Shen Gongbao nodded. “Good, let’s go!”

With a wave of his hand, the guards began to march out. Several vehicles pulled up to the gate.

The King and his guards stepped back, watching as Shen Gongbao and his men climbed aboard.

Throughout, Shen Gongbao kept his gun trained on the bomb; neither the King nor Chen Mu dared to make a move.

Once everyone was aboard, Shen Gongbao gave a sinister smile and fired a shot at the bomb.