To say Prince Atago was pleasantly surprised to receive Su Ze’s message would be an understatement.
He hadn’t contacted Su Ze in a long time, not out of any desire to distance himself, but because Su Ze’s power and status had skyrocketed to the point where they were no longer equals. Atago found he could no longer maintain the same casual attitude he once had, treating Su Ze simply as a friend of the same age.
When Su Ze became an overlord, his status was already on par with Atago’s father. In terms of future potential, and even connections, he had surpassed the King.
When Su Ze became a Supreme, he became a great figure that even Atago’s father could only look up to.
Just a couple of days ago, news spread of Su Ze fighting a legendary-tier expert. This meant that across the entire Blue Star, Su Ze was now a figure of considerable renown.
Faced with such a vast difference in status, Atago had no idea what title to use or what attitude to adopt if he were to contact Su Ze.
Coincidentally, Su Ze had been busy and hadn’t initiated contact either. This led Atago to think that Su Ze no longer wanted to be his friend, which made him even more hesitant to bother Su Ze.
But today, Su Ze had not only contacted him first, but had even spoken to him as a friend. How could Atago not be overjoyed!
Calming his excitement, Atago carefully considered how to reply.
’Should I address him as a friend, like before? Would that seem presumptuous?’
’But if I’m too polite and deferential, it’ll seem distant.’
Torn by indecision, Atago finally replied, "Thank you for thinking of me. All is well. How may I be of service, Mr. Su?"
Between familiarity and reverence, he chose reverence, but without being overly subservient.
’I’ve figured it out,’ he thought. ’For a person like Su Ze, if he doesn’t want to be my friend, there’s no point in shamelessly trying to cozy up to him.’
Besides, they had only met once. You couldn’t say their friendship was particularly deep.
’In the future, the gap between Su Ze and me will only grow wider. We can never be true friends, but I can seize this opportunity to gain a powerful backer.’
Su Ze replied quickly. He didn’t correct Atago’s form of address, instead saying, "I happened to be passing through the Great Desert Kingdom and thought I’d visit an old friend."
’Su Ze is in the Great Desert Kingdom?’
Atago was thrilled. He shot to his feet, ready to order his subordinates to prepare a banquet and to inform his father, the King.
But just then, a sudden knock came from the door.
Atago’s expression flickered. He went to open the door himself and, just as he’d suspected, saw Su Ze standing outside.
Beside him was none other than Yargha, the Guardian God of Dongli.
Su Ze smiled. "Sorry for showing up unannounced. I hope I’m not disturbing you."
Atago quickly replied, "No, the discourtesy is mine. Two honored guests have arrived, and I wasn’t here to welcome you properly."
Atago wanted to contact his father, Jasim, but Su Ze stopped him.
"We’re just passing through. I’m mainly here to see an old friend and catch up. No need to make a big fuss."
Seeing this, Atago could only relent. He invited the two inside and personally brought them tea and snacks.
Su Ze didn’t waste time on pleasantries, nor did he make a special effort to close the distance between them. His friendship with Atago wasn’t particularly deep.
However, Atago had indeed helped him before. The Sand Blind Snake Extract Su Ze had absorbed was from a hunt Atago had helped arrange, and he had even given him a discount.
For that, Su Ze owed him a favor.
He had come this time intending to repay that favor.
According to Chen Suifeng, this visit was primarily to appease and warn Jasim. If that didn’t work, they would consider replacing the King.
But in Su Ze’s view, Jasim had already joined the Blue Star Party and knew of the Nian Race’s existence. For him to still be wavering in his stance at this point was a huge problem.
A king who wasn’t loyal to his own kind and wanted to be a fence-sitter—it was better to replace such a person as soon as possible.
Su Ze didn’t have the time or energy to delve into Jasim’s mindset or try to re-educate him. If he wasn’t suitable, he would simply replace him.
Once Jasim fell, the family behind him would inevitably decline as well.
However, considering his connection to Atago, and not wanting to cause too much political instability, Su Ze chose a more moderate approach.
"I’m grateful for your help back then, Atago. I came this time to give you a gift."
Atago looked curious.
Su Ze smiled. "How about I give you the throne of the Great Desert Kingdom?"
Atago was stunned. He had to admit, he was tempted.
But he forced himself to remain calm and said with a laugh, "Mr. Su, you must be joking. My father is in the prime of his life, and I have over twenty older brothers."
"In terms of strength or knowledge, I’m not particularly outstanding. Even if my father were to pass on the throne, it wouldn’t be my turn."
Su Ze took a sip of tea. "You are neither the most legitimate heir nor the most outstanding one, but you have one advantage that no one else does."
"What’s that?"
"You have me as a friend."
Atago took a deep breath, his voice becoming uncontrollably hurried. "Are you planning to have my father name me as his heir?"
Su Ze shook his head. "I plan to have him step down immediately and abdicate the throne to you."
Atago studied Su Ze’s expression. Seeing how incredibly serious he was, he confirmed that Su Ze was not joking.
Atago couldn’t understand. He asked, "Why? Is this your decision, or does it come from... above?"
Su Ze didn’t answer him. Instead, he said, "I believe that someone in power should have the perspective of a leader. Neither personal nor family interests should ever be placed above the interests of the nation, let alone the interests of one’s entire race."