The Dragon's Mandate

"Do you like it, Priya?

This bracelet looks really nice. Are you sure it suits me?" Priya Yarrow asked, her fingers gently tracing the jade bracelet, a hint of worry in her voice.

"Of course it suits you. This bracelet belonged to my grandmother. It's meant for the lady of the Byrd family," Navid replied with a sigh, thinking about his older brother.

"It's impressive that he managed to bring it out. He's had a tough time these past years."

"But what about my sister-in-law? Will she be okay with it? After all..." Priya hesitated.

"She'd be glad for you to wear it. Being the lady of the Byrd family isn't an easy role," Navid interrupted, not offering much explanation. He didn't mention the more valuable wedding gift he had given his brother and sister-in-law. Nor did he mention that in seven days, it would be the anniversary of their Jones family relative's passing.

Tonight, they would only talk about love and not family feuds.

Three days later, Navid stood in the backyard garden, his face expressionless as he listened to Hector Iker's report.

"Master, on the surface, it seems like the Zhang, Wang, and Xia families joined forces to destroy the Byrd family. But the real mastermind points directly to the capital," Hector said, his face icy.

"We're still investigating the true culprit, but we need a bit more time."

"Make sure to get to the bottom of this. I will settle this score one by one!" Navid Byrd's voice was as cold as ice, his eyes like a bottomless abyss.

"Master, leave these insignificant pests to me. There's no need for you to dirty your hands," Iker said through gritted teeth, eager to tear apart those who dared to annihilate the Byrd Family.

Anyone who dared to insult the master must die!

He was determined to eradicate the Zhang, Wang, and Xia families, leaving no one alive.

Navid waved his hand, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Letting them die quickly wouldn't satisfy my hatred."

"Hector, before you kill, you must first break their spirit."

His heart was as cold as ice, recalling that rainy night five years ago when disaster struck the Byrd Family, leaving blood everywhere.

Even now, he could almost smell the metallic scent of blood in the storm and hear his mother's cries and his father's roars.

With his unparalleled might, unmatched in history, no one could rival him.

Yet, despite his strength, he was too late. His parents were gone, his family turned to dust, and time could not be reversed.

The storm was brewing, and the chill was setting in.

The autumn leaves crunched loudly under Navid's feet as he walked away from the old Byrd Family residence without looking back.

In the southern part of Tongnan City, a grand and majestic traditional courtyard stood.

Today marked the 80th birthday of the Zhang family patriarch. As the leading family in Tongnan, it was no surprise that the birthday banquet was filled with guests.

Almost every family and business from Tongnan city had sent representatives, both to celebrate and to forge connections, showing their loyalty. With less than twenty minutes until the ceremony began, the entire Zhang family estate was buzzing with excitement and joy.

The men were dressed in their finest suits, exuding an air of sophistication and wealth. The women were adorned in dazzling gowns, each more stunning than the last.

Old Master Hector sat at the head of the table, surrounded by his grandchildren on one side and the city's most influential figures on the other. The scene was grand and lively, with Hector at the center of it all, like the moon surrounded by stars.

"Thank you all for taking the time out of your busy schedules to celebrate this old man's birthday. I truly appreciate it," Hector said graciously.

The eldest son of the Anderson Family quickly responded, "Patriarch Hector, you're too modest.

You are the leader of the foremost family in Tongnan City and our respected elder. It would be disrespectful for us juniors not to attend your birthday celebration."

"Troy Anderson, the grandson of the Anderson Family, wishes you boundless happiness and longevity. I heard you are a devout Buddhist, so I hope you will appreciate my birthday gift."

With that, two servants brought in a large jade Guanyin statue. The moment Old Master Hector laid eyes on the jade statue, his eyes lit up.

"Young man, you've truly touched my heart with this gift. I reckon it's worth at least six million, right?"

The affectionate term "young man" filled Troy Anderson with joy.

"Old Master, this jade Guanyin statue is valued at eight million eight hundred thousand. I specially purchased it to honor you!"

Wow!

The crowd erupted in amazement. A gift worth over eight million was indeed a generous gesture! It seemed the Anderson Family was determined to latch onto the Zhang family's influence.

"You've been thoughtful. Later, come sit at my table, and let's have a drink together!"

What? The chance to sit at the same table as Patriarch Hector?

Such an opportunity was rare. If the Anderson Family, a mere third-tier family in Tongnan City, could gain the favor of Old Master Zhang, they might just rise to prominence.

Without hesitation, everyone rushed to present their gifts, fearing someone else might seize the chance first.

"Patriarch Hector, the Lewis Family wishes you great fortune, Dominic, and presents an original landscape painting by Shidaozi, valued at five million eight hundred thousand!"

....

As the crowd continued to present their lavish gifts, each worth no less than a million, Old Master Zhang, seated at the head, couldn't stop smiling.

In Tongnan City, everyone now looked up to the Zhang family with respect and admiration. Years ago, choosing to align with the Tian family from the capital was indeed the wisest decision for the Zhang family. It's always good to have a strong backing.

After everyone had presented their birthday gifts, Hector Zhang smiled and nodded, saying, "In the future, we hope the Zhang family can work together with all of you for greater success.

Robert, join our esteemed guests for a drink on my behalf."

Robert nodded and had just raised his glass when a booming voice suddenly echoed through the courtyard.

"The head of the Byrd family has arrived!"

"Presenting a blue stone coffin, valued at two hundred and fifty thousand!"

What!

The entire Zhang family courtyard fell into a dead silence.

Giving a coffin for Hector Zhang's birthday?

A sense of oppressive tension suddenly filled the air, making everyone too nervous to even breathe.

Sitting at the head of the table, Hector's smile vanished, his face turning a deep shade of blue.

His eyes, worn by years, now gleamed with a sharp

intensity.

Who would dare?

Who would dare to bring a coffin to the Zhang family, to his birthday celebration?

Before Hector could speak, his eldest son, Robert, slammed the table and stood up.

"Who dares to ruin our Zhang family celebration?"

As his words fell, two figures, calm and unhurried, walked in.

Navid Byrd led the way, standing out with his distinguished presence.

Ignoring the whispers and the shocked, angry faces, he walked in leisurely, as if stepping through five long years...

A strong, imposing figure followed behind, carrying a blue stone coffin.

With a loud "boom," the stone coffin hit the ground, sending dust flying everywhere. The tiles in the Zhang family courtyard shattered into pieces.

Everyone gasped in shock. A real coffin was delivered?

How dare he?

"Who dares to be so audacious?" Robert demanded coldly.

Navid Byrd ignored him and stepped forward, standing in front of the old Mr. Zhang.

"Old man, long time no see. How have you been?"

The Zhang family members looked at Navid's stern face, frowning slightly. He seemed familiar, but what did he mean by that? Was he an old acquaintance?

The elder Mr. Zhang shook his head. Age had blurred some of his memories.

Seeing the confusion on their faces, Navid couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

"Only five years, and you've all forgotten the Byrd family, huh! Let me remind you, I am Navid Byrd!"

What!

Everyone was stunned!

Navid Byrd? Could it be that infamous playboy?

The second son of the Byrd family?

Everyone present knew that today's birthday celebrant, Hector Zhang, had risen to prominence by stepping over the Byrd family. It was this success that led to his current glory.

Originally, the Byrd family name was a taboo in Tongnan City, a name no one dared to mention.

But at this moment, the truth was spoken bluntly.

As Navid Byrd stood proudly in the center of the room, the faces of everyone in the Zhang family darkened.

Then, Robert burst into laughter.

"Who do we have here? It's the last remnant of the Byrd family!"

"Five years ago, the Byrd family was destroyed, your entire family slaughtered! We couldn't find you, the little pup that got away. I thought the wolves had finished you off, but here you are, not only alive but daring to seek revenge!"

The crowd's expressions turned complex, and they fell into a contemplative silence.

Five years ago, Tongnan City didn't have the hierarchy of top-tier and second-tier families.

Back then, there was only one mighty family in Tongnan.

The Byrd family!