Apart from the "mascot" twelfth leader and the eleventh leader who had climbed the social ladder through Qi Maojin, the others either remained neutral and waited for developments to unfold, or they were hostile and wished she would step down as soon as possible.

They were initially displeased when they heard Ji Zhao's words and were about to make a sarcastic remark. However, seeing that their leader was so humble—at least on the surface—and even gave everyone enough face, most of them felt much better, and the atmosphere at the banquet eased.

After another round of toasts and pleasantries, the leader forced a smile and exchanged pleasantries with them. While using the restroom, he accessed the intelligence report that his spy had just passed to him—

The guards outside Shixi Tower fought desperately against those blocking their way, barely managing to tear open a gap to send one person in to investigate. The person approached only to find countless golden-scaled butterflies lying on the ground outside the tower, most already dead, but a small number still lurking in the shadows. He dared not approach, and unable to see clearly inside the tower, he had no choice but to return and report the situation.

The first leader had trained with Huo Shaoying in the border forest, and she knew best just how terrifying these seemingly beautiful creatures could be. Her expression immediately changed, and she hurriedly processed the intelligence before leaving.

Before she even reached the door, someone suddenly blocked her way.

Turning his head, he saw Ji Zhao.

He wore a meticulous yet gentle smile, looking like a kind elder who cared for his juniors: "Why do you look so flustered? Could it be—that something has happened at your residence?"

He didn't lower his voice intentionally, and as soon as he said this, everyone who was talking turned to look at him.

The first leader's face darkened. "Indeed, there are some urgent matters to attend to."

Ji Zhao chuckled softly, "What urgent matter requires your personal attention? Miss Huo by your side is a capable woman whom many men can only dream of; she'll surely handle it for you! Don't rush, come and have another drink with us! I was just about to introduce you to someone—"

The First Leader was anxious but dared not show it too much. She frowned and said perfunctorily, "Let's do it another day. I will definitely invite you to my residence next time."

Upon hearing this, Ji Zhao's smile vanished instantly. He slowly lowered his face and stared at her expressionlessly.

"Oh—the banquet has only just begun and you're leaving already? Are you looking down on me alone? Or are you saying that you don't care about any of us?" He said, curling his lips in a sarcastic smile.

This is a trap problem; no matter which option the first leader chooses, he will not fare well.

At this moment, all she could think about was Huo Shaoying's safety. She wished she could transform into a butterfly and fly to Shixi Tower. She had no desire to listen to his roundabout nonsense. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of the sarcastic smile on his lips. In an instant, all the displeasure and anger she had suppressed all night erupted like a volcano.

To hell with formalities! To hell with politeness! To hell with restraint!!!

I am the number one leader. If you don't listen to me, then you can all die!

She had long disliked Ji Zhao. He should either speak his mind directly or fight her openly if he wanted her position. But this guy always spoke in a sarcastic and sarcastic way, his words oozing with bitterness. Did he think she couldn't see through him?

She turned around and took a few steps toward Ji Zhao.

Seeing her expression, Ji Zhao subconsciously felt a little nervous, but still straightened his chest and asked, "What are you doing—"

"Bang—thump!"

The first leader blew on his fist, looked at Ji Zhao lying on the ground covering his face in shock, and sneered disdainfully.

"If I find out that those golden-scaled butterflies are related to you, Ji Zhao, I will grind you to dust!"

Ji Zhao lay on the ground, stunned for a full half minute. His eyes were wide with rage, his teeth bared, unable to believe that she dared to humiliate him like this in public. He felt as if his lungs were about to explode with anger, and his whole body was trembling.

His attendant finally realized what was happening, broke out in a cold sweat, and rushed forward to help him up.

Ji Zhao's eyes flashed with murderous intent. He wiped the blood from his lips and was about to order his men to hunt her down when he suddenly remembered something and paused—

What did she just say? The Golden Scale Butterfly?