Chapter 1598

So what? Lao Yao was merely a prisoner now. Treating him well was simply out of respect for their past connection.

"Speak if you wish, hang up if you don’t. I won’t force you for their news," Lao Yao said calmly. "I know your character too well. I won’t fall for tricks." After all these years, claiming not to understand the Godfather would be a lie.

The Godfather chuckled softly. "Old Yao, no matter how you pretend, you still care about your disciples."

"They are my disciples. Who else would care for them?" Lao Yao replied openly, never hiding his concern. "But they have their own paths to walk. I believe they will find their way. So, whether you speak or not matters little. I only need to know they are alive and well."

"Old Yao, Zhu Yanyi is already a famous little divine doctor. Her medical skills have surpassed yours. Domestically and internationally, she firmly holds the top seat in medicine. She is stronger than you," the Godfather finally revealed, though her words seemed to carry hidden meaning.

Lao Yao did not take the bait. "Good." A smile touched her face. "I always knew she had more talent in medicine than I did. This result was expected."

"And most unexpectedly, she dares to challenge anyone for her family," the Godfather continued. "For Gu Jingtian, she challenged the Chen family of Xiangshui, leading to their decline. For her brother, Zhu Zhibin, she challenged the entire nation, forcing them to hand over the murderer. Her status and power now far exceed yours." In this regard, the Godfather envied Lao Yao. Both came from the same era, yet Lao Yao had such outstanding disciples, while he struggled to find a successor.

"This is the best news I have heard," Lao Yao said, her heart filled with joy. Zhu Yanyi’s ability meant her medical skills were accepted by the world.

"What if I strike her down?" the Godfather suddenly asked. Seeing others succeed made her want to sabotage them.

"Strike?" Lao Yao’s heart sank. "What do you intend to do?" This man was a true madman; one never knew what he might do.

"What can I do? Since I am rarely in Kyoto, I naturally want to gather with old friends," the Godfather said slowly.

"You have already given up that qualification. Gathering is impossible now. If you appear, you expose yourself to everyone. How will you explain your presence? I do not believe you will do this," Lao Yao pointed out directly. He suspected the Godfather had a specific purpose and was likely testing him.

The Godfather laughed. "We are old friends. You know my nature. It is hard to deceive you."

"Tell me your purpose. If it is only to share news of my disciple, I have heard it. Thank you," Lao Yao said, his mind calm.

The Godfather stopped beating around the bush. "Your disciple’s family, the Zhu family, is rising. Zhu Shunyo’s Azure Sovereign Qingdi Group is growing larger. His eldest daughter, Zhu Yanli, married Taishu Yuanxiang of Taishu Industry, as you know. Taishu Yuanxiang, known as Seventh Master in the underworld, has whitewashed his image but retains influence.

You may not know about the youngest son. She is this year’s national top scholar. Your disciple is her second daughter, the famous little divine doctor. Today is the one-month celebration for Taishu Yuanxiang and Zhu Yanli’s eldest son. Zhu Yanyi will introduce her family to the world, serving as a warning to all."

"If she has the ability, a warning is appropriate. It prevents some from becoming too lax," Lao Yao commented.

"True, but your disciple is developing too fast. She has not yet established her own medical institution. That is not good," the Godfather noted.

Lao Yao pondered for a moment. "You are wrong. A true healer can become an object of faith without an institution. If she reaches that level, she will surpass me. Moreover, she has Yan Aohan behind her."

"Indeed, Yan Aohan is her fiancé, as you know," the Godfather acknowledged. "But my influence in Kyoto is weak. I must act."

"Against whom? Taishu Yuanxiang?" Lao Yao instantly understood. "If you do not fear exposure, act freely. I may not understand others, but I know Ani. If you harm her family, she will stop playing games and destroy your Holy Church directly." she added calmly, "Do you really think disappearing means you are gone? Do not underestimate my disciple’s intelligence. She is merely choosing not to engage with you for now."

"Do you think she has that ability now?" the Godfather asked.

"Heh, it does not matter if she does. The Kyoto Venerable Yanluo has that ability," Lao Yao replied.

The Godfather paused. In Kyoto, the Kyoto Venerable Yanluo knew everything. Even if his arrival was secret, he had to be cautious. To ordinary people, he was a dead man. A dead man appearing in Kyoto would raise suspicions.

The Godfather raised an eyebrow, tilting his head in thought. He could act, but failure would ruin him. Yet, he wanted to live in the sunlight for a few more days.

"Godfather," Old Ma entered, bowing slightly.

The Godfather nodded and spoke into the phone. "Let it be so. I will find a chance to test if I have fate with the sunlight." He hung up.

Lao Yao was stunned. He looked at the receiver emitting busy signals. "Does he intend to risk his life?" He then dismissed the thought. This man cherished his life too much to take such risks. He put the phone down and ignored the matter.