Chapter 802 - 49: Rise of the Unparalleled Genius, the Battle for the Unification of the World Begins

Intending to crush their dignity, to test their obedience.

But, what can they do, no matter how unwilling?

Under those glaring eyes, they had no choice but to stand up, walk into the center, and mechanically begin to dance.

One, two...

When Yelv Yanxi’s mocking gaze finally settled on the steadfastly seated Wanyan Aguda, the laughter in the tent gradually quieted.

Everyone sensed something amiss.

"Wanyan Aguda," the attendant loudly called his name, urging, "Your Majesty’s grace, it’s your turn."

All eyes, like sharp arrows, focused on him.

Wanyan Aguda slowly raised his head, his face expressionless, only his eyes sharp like a hawk, directly confronting Yelv Yanxi on the throne, without fear, without pleading, only a cold calmness and a surge of murderous intent beneath that calm.

He did not rise, only slightly clasped his fists, his voice not loud but clearly audible to everyone: "I, from childhood, practiced archery and horsemanship, only knowing to fight bears and tigers to protect the tribe and respond to Your Majesty’s summons."

"This dance of entertainers is not my strong suit, and I disdain to perform it."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

The words were out, and the tent was left in shock!

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, as if even the flames in the charcoal basin stopped flickering.

The smile on Yelv Yanxi’s face stiffened instantly, his gaze suddenly turned icy and sharp, an invisible murderous intent spread like something tangible, pressing down so hard that breathing became difficult.

The guards at the tent corner had their hands on their sword hilts, ready to draw blood with a single command.

The air was stretched tight, like a fully drawn bowstring.

Countless gazes swept back and forth between Yelv Yanxi and Wanyan Aguda, everyone held their breath, some Jurchen chieftains paled with fright, cold sweat dripped down, almost collapsing to the ground.

But Wanyan Aguda remained calm throughout.

He could no longer tolerate it.

Over the years, the oppression by Liao had intensified, and the strength of the Central Hub had faded, showing him a chance for resistance!

And why act at the headfish banquet?

Wanyan Aguda had his reasons.

He must stand out, unite the tribes!

And clearly, this was the best opportunity.

Regarding whether these Liao people would harm him, although uncertain, he felt no fear.

Only death, what’s there to fear?

Moreover, if Wanyan Aguda died here, it would certainly rekindle the resistant spirit among the tribes, no matter what, this was an opportunity for all the Jurchen!

Worth the gamble!

Yelv Yanxi’s chest subtly heaved, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

A chieftain from a small border tribe dared to openly defy orders at such an important occasion, in front of all tribe leaders and officials, challenging his authority!

If not punished severely, where is his dignity?

Where is the dignity of Great Liao?

Amidst these thoughts, he was about to give the order.

However, at this tense moment, a prudent old minister leaned slightly, whispering a few words in Yelv Yanxi’s ear, causing his hand to pause immediately, and his expression changed again.

The old minister’s words were simple.

He analyzed the current situation of Liao, and the impact of reigniting internal turmoil...

But just this was enough to make him hesitate.

Wanyan Aguda can be killed anytime... but not so obviously.

Yelv Yanxi’s expression fluctuated, staring hard at Wanyan Aguda as if trying to etch his image into his memory.

And the entire tent’s air seemed to freeze into ice.

After a long time, Yelv Yanxi let out a faint, but chilling cold snort from his nose.

He no longer looked at Wanyan Aguda, but picked up his wine cup, turned to others, as if nothing before had happened.

"Continue the music, continue the dance."

The tense string suddenly loosened.

But that suffocating feeling never dissipated.

Despite Wanyan Aguda’s stance, many Jurchen chieftains continued dancing, yet the atmosphere in the tent grew more complex.

The entire banquet ended in a bizarre and awkward atmosphere.

Wanyan Aguda stood up, walked straight out of the tent.

The cold wind by the Hun River smacked into him, billowing the collar of his robe, but making him feel a sense of relief.

Without turning back, he knew, after today, the path had become clear.

He not only regained dignity for himself but also silently screamed to all Jurchen.

The Emperor of Liao’s forbearance was not magnanimity, but the best proof of weakness.

News cannot be concealed.

The events at the headfish banquet would surely spread and thoroughly validate Wanyan Aguda!

And events progressed as Wanyan Aguda anticipated.

Even before the news fully spread.

That night, the numerous Jurchen chieftains came to find him.

.....

The night was ink-like.

In a secluded tent.

The tent lacked the clamorous song and dance, only the crackling of butter torches, illuminating several solemn and resolute faces.

Several Jurchen chieftains forced to dance at today’s headfish banquet gathered here, their humiliation still raw, all eyes fixated on the central figure as steady as a mountain — Wanyan Aguda.

"Aguda!" the fiery Heshile Tribe leader spoke first, his voice hoarse with suppressed anger, "Today’s shame, we all feel it deeply!"