The system forced me to blow up the female lead's fishpond.

The laughter echoed in the silent courtyard, filled with endless self-mockery and sorrow.

Zhang Jiali shifted his gaze from the wall, straightened his posture, and a thick fog settled over his dark eyes. "Since I dared to do what happened tonight, I will bear all the consequences. But if it means taking her life, I absolutely cannot comply."

"Having spent so many years in this invincible pavilion, on the long road to restoring my kingdom, I have never slackened in the slightest. Is the effort and loyalty I have poured in not enough to protect even a single piece on this chessboard?"

Elder Ouyang glared at him, his anger directed only at his words. “Don’t try to be clever here. One day, when the armies of Fengchi Kingdom march into Dachu Kingdom, she will be a remnant of the Chu Kingdom. If you don’t stop your entanglement with that witch in time, it will be too late to regret it.”

"Remnants of the Crown Prince?"

Zhang Jiali's cold gaze shifted, a cold light seeming to shoot out as he stared directly at the person before him with clear eyes. "As far as I am concerned, in the future, she will only have the position of one wife. This is a settled matter, and no one can change it, let alone impose it on her with false pretenses."

Elder Ouyang was speechless for a long time after being choked by Zhang Jiali's resolute words. His face turned red and then pale as he glared angrily at Zhang Jiali.

A moment later, he suddenly raised his hand and said to the guards surrounding him, "Men! Quickly take the young master to the ancestral hall and order him to reflect on his mistakes behind closed doors."

The Invincible Pavilion's secret guards exchanged glances, hesitating for a moment.

But under Elder Ouyang's angry rebuke, they still slowly surrounded Zhang Jiali.

Seeing this, Xue Zhi and Xue Liao quickly stepped forward and stood in front of Zhang Jiali.

With hands on their swords, they assumed a defensive stance and chanted in unison:

"How dare you!"

Elder Ouyang roared, "Insolence!"

However, before he could finish his angry outburst, the guards in white robes in the courtyard instantly surrounded him, their chilling swords pointing directly at him.

"You, you—"

Elder Ouyang stared in astonishment, his eyes wide with disbelief as the Seven Stars Society guards suddenly drew their swords against him.

The elders in the courtyard all looked surprised.

Although the Seven Star Society was founded by Zhang Jiali, the elders have long been the ones who actually control its power.

They were all convinced that Zhang Jiali was just a greenhorn, lacking the experience and ability to control such a powerful force in the martial arts world.

However, the current situation has severely impacted their past understanding, almost causing it to collapse.

The prestige Zhang Jiali established within the Seven Stars Society has likely risen to a level far exceeding their expectations, perhaps without their awareness.

Its influence and appeal are far greater than they previously imagined!

Raising a tiger will only bring trouble! Raising a tiger will only bring trouble!

"Since the elders are unwilling to sit here and speak kindly to Jiali, then—"

After speaking, Zhang Jiali lowered his eyelashes slightly, and as his eyes flickered, the members of the Seven Stars Society surged forward.

All the elders present had their shoulders pressed down by the Seven Star Society's guards, forcing them to kneel on the ground.

Zhang Jiali parted his thin lips slightly, his dark eyes flashing with coldness, "Then please treat me with the highest courtesy that Fengchi Kingdom uses when addressing its superiors, and listen attentively to my decree."

Elder Situ, who had been silent for a long time, could no longer bear it and struggled to shout angrily: "Zhang Jiali, you want us to kneel before you? Aren't you afraid of divine retribution for this treasonous act?"

Elder Ouyang was both ashamed and angry. Over the years, as the most respected elders in Fengchi Kingdom, they had received the highest level of respect. Now, however, they were being humiliated by this young brat. How could they tolerate it?

He was furious, his brows furrowed and his eyes blazing. "Zhang Jiali, this is disrespectful! Don't think you can win people over with this. Such behavior will surely be punished by heaven!"

Zhang Jiali's expression remained calm and composed, as if he had not heard Elder Situ and Elder Ouyang's angry shouts.

He simply stood quietly in place, his posture as straight as a pine tree, his white robes pristine, emanating an aura as cold as frost.

His gaze was sharp as he swept over the elders who were forced to kneel on the ground. His eyes contained an undeniable authority. "Raising a tiger will only bring trouble upon yourself. Why do you elders think that I can still be at your beck and call?"

Panic suddenly gripped the courtyard. The elders all wore expressions of fear, seemingly at a loss for what to do about this unexpected turn of events.

"Over the years, you have been in charge of the Seven Star Society. I have always been mindful of your seniority and experience. Even though the elders have sometimes tried to shake my foundation, I have silently endured it."

However, you have disregarded my words and hurt what I cherish in my heart. This is something I absolutely cannot tolerate, and I must take appropriate action and will no longer show leniency.

Under the clear moonlight, Zhang Jiali walked slowly toward Fang Yan beside him, following closely behind, his demeanor exuding a captivating charm and refined elegance.

"All of you elders have dedicated your lives to assisting the Fengchi Kingdom. You should be well aware of the Fengchi Kingdom's etiquette, but it seems that you have forgotten it today."

Zhang Jiali paused slightly, glancing sideways at Xue Liao beside him. "Xue Liao, could you explain to the elders the details of the highest etiquette in Fengchi Kingdom for those in positions of authority, so that they may understand their current situation and their responsibilities?"

Xue Liao nodded, his narrow eyes clear and cold, his tone respectful, "In Fengchi Kingdom, place your right hand on your chest and bow downwards to show your sincerity. You must be devout and not be negligent or perfunctory in the slightest."

Zhang Jiali curled his lips, a cold glint in his eyes as he nodded. “Elders, although this ceremony is elaborate, for the royal family of Fengchi Kingdom, following etiquette is a necessary measure to unite people’s hearts and demonstrate order. I do not wish to embarrass you all with a forceful attitude today, but the hierarchy cannot be abandoned. I hope you will all act in accordance with the etiquette.”

Upon hearing this, the elders exchanged glances, their eyes filled with resentment and unwillingness, and naturally could not perform the rituals as he suggested.

Elder Ouyang flicked his sleeve, using his inner force to shake off the person holding him, and shouted angrily: "You brat, how dare you speak to us like that? Do you really think you can control everything? Invincible Pavilion, listen to my order, detain this traitor!"

The guards of the Invincible Pavilion obeyed the order and instantly moved forward.

"call out--!"

Zhang Jiali remained motionless and did not turn his head; he merely raised his arm slightly and slowly lifted his sleeve.

A cold light flashed from his hand, shooting out like a shooting star, and accurately struck the guard who was the first to rush forward.

puff!

The sharp blade pierced his body, blood splattered on the spot, and the guard died instantly.

Thick, fresh blood gushed out like a spring, spreading out in a fan shape. The guards who tried to surround them were unable to dodge in time and were all stained with blood.

In an instant, the stench of blood filled the entire courtyard.

Upon seeing this, everyone was terrified, their eyes wide open and their faces filled with horror.

Zhang Jiali, however, seemed not to hear, and strolled forward leisurely, his thin lips slightly raised, "The Invincible Pavilion is a military force left behind by the Fengchi Kingdom. Its mission is to be loyal to the monarch and the royal family. As members of the Invincible Pavilion, you should be even more aware of this."

Zhang Jiali's voice was steady and powerful, clearly carrying through the blood-soaked courtyard. The terrified guards were forced to stop moving forward by this oppressive aura.