Chapter 1228: Trouble Resolved
The Black Talisman Master, who had previously been unwilling to reveal his name to Yang Haoran, now proactively introduced himself to Yang Haoran, and even did so with great delight, willingly stating his name to Yang Haoran.
This Black Talisman Master, Gao Xinxing, who hailed from the largest Talisman Ancestor Temple in Jingling Continent, had previously been unwilling to disclose his name to Yang Haoran not because he feared Yang Haoran knowing it, but because he was arrogant and looked down on Yang Haoran. He felt that Yang Haoran was not worthy of knowing his name.
The fact that he now proactively revealed his name naturally meant that he had accepted and acknowledged Yang Haoran as a new friend.
"Heh heh, to be able to meet a Heavenly Chosen like Emissary Gao today, I, Yang Haoran, am truly blessed by three lifetimes of good fortune. It's fortunate that Emissary Gao didn't hold my previous rudeness against me, otherwise I truly wouldn't know how to apologize to Emissary Gao," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
In truth, Gao Xinxing's previous decision not to confront Yang Haoran's assertiveness wasn't due to the generosity Yang Haoran suggested; it was entirely because Gao Xinxing didn't dare. He knew that Yang Haoran's strength surpassed his own, and if Yang Haoran were pushed too far and did something outrageous, Gao Xinxing would be the one to suffer.
Gao Xinxing, of course, understood this better than anyone. However, now that Yang Haoran not only didn't expose him but even praised his magnanimity, Gao Xinxing naturally became even happier.
"Hahaha, you're too polite, Emissary Yang. You speak too politely. Since we both feel like we've met an old friend, then we are naturally friends. How can friends say such things?"
Gao Xinxing laughed heartily. After saying this, he glanced at the teacup beside him, then continued to smile at Yang Haoran.
"We're having such a pleasant chat, tea isn't quite fitting. In my opinion, it's more appropriate for us to drink alcohol, and the kind where we don't stop until we're drunk, no one is allowed to use their power to expel the alcohol from their body!"
However, his drinking depended on his mood and the company. If the mood or the person wasn't right, he wouldn't waste his time.
Under normal circumstances, Yang Haoran would never drink heartily with Gao Xinxing, but today was different. Whether his troubles could be resolved depended on this fellow, Gao Xinxing. Since he had now suggested drinking, Yang Haoran, as the host here, certainly wouldn't refuse.
"Heh heh, to be honest, Emissary Gao, I rarely drink. If my mood isn't right, I won't drink. If the person I'm with isn't right, I also won't drink. However, today, to have the good fortune to meet Emissary Gao, and for us to feel like old friends at first sight, I am truly delighted. My mood is perfectly aligned, and so is the company. In such circumstances, if I don't have a good drink with Emissary Gao, it would truly be too great a pity. To miss such an opportunity would surely become a lifelong regret for me, Yang Haoran."
When Yang Haoran spoke these words, he didn't display exaggerated expressions, nor was his tone impassioned. Instead, he maintained a faint smile, speaking with a steady tone and a slow pace. When he spoke in such a state, it felt like genuine truth to Gao Xinxing. If Yang Haoran had spoken with an impassioned tone and exaggerated expressions, Gao Xinxing would have felt that Yang Haoran was making fun of him.
Yang Haoran's words were even more sickening than his previous flattery. If his personality hadn't undergone such a significant change, where he rarely showed his emotions on his face, his performance just now might have become overly exaggerated, his tone wouldn't have been so steady, and he might even have burst into laughter.
He found it nauseating, but Gao Xinxing didn't. Instead, he thought Yang Haoran's words were quite brilliant.
"Haha! Good! Today, we'll drink to our hearts' content!"
Gao Xinxing burst into laughter. Yang Haoran didn't waste any more words and immediately summoned a Night Watcher from the premises, instructing him to arrange for good wine and dishes.
The Yellow Talisman Master sitting beside Gao Xinxing was utterly bewildered at this moment. He hadn't forgotten the purpose of their visit today; it wasn't to drink and make merry, but to confront Yang Haoran. They needed to demand an explanation and reclaim all the treasures Yang Haoran had taken from their Talisman Order.
But what was happening now? Not only did Gao Xinxing fail to bring up the matter, he was instead calling Yang Haoran his brother, and even wanted to drink heavily here. Were they here to cause trouble?
At first, the Yellow Talisman Master had thought that Gao Xinxing would surely cause an uproar at Yang Haoran's Death God Temple today, to vent their Gu Mo City Talisman Order's anger. But the outcome was completely different from what he had imagined. He had never dreamed that things would escalate like this in such a short time.
The Yellow Talisman Master had wanted to remind Gao Xinxing to remember the promise he had just made, but in the end, he didn't speak, because he didn't dare.
This Yellow Talisman Master was not an idiot. Seeing Gao Xinxing so happy at the moment, if he were to speak up, it would surely dampen Gao Xinxing's spirits. If Gao Xinxing became angry, he would undoubtedly be the one to suffer, not Yang Haoran, and certainly not Gao Xinxing. Since he knew the final outcome would be like this, he certainly wouldn't be foolish enough to speak.
The huge disparity in their statuses forced the Yellow Talisman Master to remain silent. After all, Gao Xinxing came from the largest Talisman Ancestor Temple in Jingling Continent. For Talisman Masters of their level, Gao Xinxing's status was far beyond what he could compare to. Moreover, on this visit to the Death God Temple, he was merely an insignificant follower, and Gao Xinxing was fully in charge of handling the matter, so he had no right to interfere with Gao Xinxing's decisions.
Following Yang Haoran's instructions, the Night Watcher had the kitchen swiftly prepare a large table of delicious food. Various delicacies were continuously brought out, and Yang Haoran even took out the fine wine treasured by their Death God Temple.
In an instant, the entire guest hall was filled with the aroma of meat and the fragrance of wine, and Gao Xinxing's laughter echoed incessantly.
The Yellow Talisman Master, basking in Gao Xinxing's presence, naturally took a seat at the table. However, he had no appetite for these delicious dishes, as his mind was still preoccupied with the serious business they were there for today, not drinking and eating meat. With matters weighing on his mind, he naturally had no appetite at all.
In the past, the Yellow Talisman Master could enjoy such delicious dishes every day. After all, at that time, the Talisman Order was a prominent power in Gu Mo City, not only strong but also possessing abundant resources, making it very wealthy. As a Talisman Master of the Talisman Order, his life was naturally very comfortable.
But now, this Yellow Talisman Master hadn't tasted such delicacies for a long time, hadn't even seen them. This was because Gu Mo City had changed, and their Talisman Order was now a mere shell. Not only did they no longer have abundant resources, even their cooks had long since vanished. With no ingredients and no skills, how could he possibly see such delicious dishes again?
If his mind wasn't preoccupied, he would surely have eaten and drunk to his heart's content, allowing himself to truly enjoy and satisfy his cravings.
Aside from having matters on his mind, there was another reason he didn't wholeheartedly eat and drink: his low status. Yang Haoran and Gao Xinxing had already been very polite by allowing him to sit at the table. He wouldn't dare to ignore the two of them and indulge himself; at least, that's what he believed.
Gao Xinxing paid no attention to the Yellow Talisman Master. Engaged in such a pleasant conversation with Yang Haoran, he barely noticed the follower he had brought. Yang Haoran, however, occasionally spoke a few words to the Yellow Talisman Master, telling him not to be shy, to eat and drink freely, and to treat the place as his own home.
Although Yang Haoran said this, the Yellow Talisman Master knew it was merely polite talk. He naturally didn't take it seriously, only cautiously picking up a few bites and taking a few sips of wine, not daring to be presumptuous or unruly.
After three rounds of drinks, Yang Haoran and Gao Xinxing, who had not used their power to expel the alcohol from their bodies, both felt a little tipsy. However, Yang Haoran's condition was much better than Gao Xinxing's. Although he felt a bit dizzy, he wasn't completely drunk yet.
Although Gao Xinxing was also not completely drunk, judging by his state, he was not far from it.
"Yang. . . Emissary Yang, to be honest, the reason I came to Gu Mo City this time was entirely for you."
Gao Xinxing burped, then mumbled to Yang Haoran. Before this, he hadn't proactively brought up the matter, nor had Yang Haoran asked. Only now did he shift the conversation to it.
The Yellow Talisman Master, who had been absent-minded, instantly perked up upon hearing Gao Xinxing finally address the real business. Although he still didn't speak, he pricked up his ears, fearing he might miss a single word.
"For me? Heh heh, I think I know what this is about. It must be because of the great upheaval in Gu Mo City last time. I killed many people then, from various major factions, and among them were quite a few from your Talisman Order, Emissary Gao. But under those circumstances, I was truly helpless. Wan Wu Yi used his Demon Cult techniques to awaken my inner demon, and my entire being was controlled by Wan Wu Yi, which is why I committed such immense slaughter."
At this point, Yang Haoran paused slightly in his speech, the faint smile on his face turning into a helpless, bitter smile. He even let out a feigned sigh before continuing to speak.
"Alas, to be honest, when it comes to this matter, I am also a victim. Because everything I did at that time was not of my own volition, but Wan Wu Yi's intentions. Wan Wu Yi wanted to kill people from various factions, but he used my hands, causing my hands to be stained with blood, and I was even made to bear the blame for it. Don't you think I'm quite innocent?"
As he finished, Yang Haoran looked at Gao Xinxing and asked, and Gao Xinxing, without even thinking, nodded at Yang Haoran.
"Lis. . . Listening to you, you really are innocent in this matter. However, if it's just your word, I. . . I'm afraid it will be difficult to explain to my superiors."
Gao Xinxing mumbled. Yang Haoran smiled and immediately responded.
"Heh heh, Emissary Gao, this isn't just my side of the story. On that day, when Wan Wu Yi awakened the inner demon within me and controlled my body to slaughter people from various factions, many people can testify for me. For example, Emissary Xia from the Saint Mother Sect can testify for me. If it weren't for her intervention, using her sacred arts to awaken my main consciousness, I don't know what I would have done under Wan Wu Yi's control. I estimate the entire Gu Mo City would have been massacred."
Yang Haoran chuckled softly, his tone still calm, though compared to before, it now carried a hint of helplessness.
Yang Haoran wasn't actually sure if Xia Xinger would testify for him. After his last encounter with Xia Xinger, he suspected that she might have already guessed something, so he wasn't confident if she would vouch for him.
However, whether Xia Xinger would testify for him was one thing, and what he should say was another. Even if Xia Xinger truly wouldn't testify for him, he still had to say this under the current circumstances, and it was imperative that he did. Because he needed to convey a message to Gao Xinxing: he wasn't lying, and Xia Xinger had always been one of Gu Mo City's rare prominent figures. Bringing her up would make his story more convincing.
Moreover, Xia Xinger might not necessarily refuse to testify for him. Besides, Gao Xinxing might not necessarily go to Xia Xinger to verify the matter, so he felt no pressure at all when saying these words.
"This. . . *hiccup*. . . I know this Xia Xinger. I heard she's been a Saint of the Saint Mother Sect in Gu Mo City for a long time. If she can testify, then it means this matter isn't false."
Gao Xinxing burped, speaking indistinctly. Yang Haoran listened, then nodded slightly, seemingly agreeing with Gao Xinxing's statement, and then continued to speak.
"Besides Emissary Xia, there are many others who can testify for me. Most of the people still alive in Gu Mo City can testify for me, because that bloody massacre was known to everyone in Gu Mo City. Except for some cowards who hid, those who were a little braver saw me become a killing machine under Wan Wu Yi's control."
At this point, Yang Haoran looked at the Yellow Talisman Master beside Gao Xinxing, then continued with a smile.
"For this matter, I believe this Talisman Master friend can also testify for me."
The Yellow Talisman Master hadn't expected Yang Haoran to suddenly drag him into this, which caused him to momentarily freeze.
Gao Xinxing, with alcohol clouding his judgment, didn't care so much. Hearing Yang Haoran's words, he turned his head to look at the Yellow Talisman Master beside him.
"Can you testify?"
Gao Xinxing's question brought the Yellow Talisman Master back to his senses. He didn't respond immediately, but first thought for a moment, then nodded slightly at Gao Xinxing. From his reaction, it was clear that he seemed unwilling to nod, or more accurately, unwilling to nod for this matter.
Because once he nodded, it would mean he could also confirm that Yang Haoran's words were true.
But under the current circumstances, he had no choice but to nod. After all, the matter of Yang Haoran's inner demon being awakened and him being controlled by Wan Wu Yi was no secret. As Yang Haoran said, many people witnessed that scene.
Although he nodded, the Yellow Talisman Master said nothing. Nodding alone had already been very reluctant for him; how could he possibly volunteer to speak on Yang Haoran's behalf?
Gao Xinxing, seeing the Yellow Talisman Master nod without speaking, showed a displeased expression on his face.
"What's with the nodding without speaking? Say what you have to say, don't act like a mute."
Gao Xinxing's voice carried an undisguised dissatisfaction. The Yellow Talisman Master's face instantly changed, and he hurriedly spoke.
"Emissary Yang is right. Emissary Yang was indeed under the control of Wan Wu Yi after his inner demon was awakened on that day. As Emissary Yang said, if we're being honest, Emissary Yang was indeed a victim."
The Yellow Talisman Master's answer not only satisfied Gao Xinxing but also pleased Yang Haoran greatly.
Now that even a Talisman Master from the Gu Mo City Talisman Order had admitted and testified to this matter, if anyone were to come forward later to question it, he could shamelessly use the Talisman Order as a shield. However, not this specific Yellow Talisman Master, as his status was too low and not convincing enough, but the Talisman Order as a whole was different.
"Upon returning to the temple, I. . . *hiccup*. . . I will truthfully report to my superiors. Although. . . although Emissary Yang still bears unavoidable responsibility. But it's not a big responsibility, after all, it wasn't your original intention, it was all Wan Wu Yi's doing."
At this point, Gao Xinxing grinned at Yang Haoran and patted him on the shoulder.
"Heh heh, don't worry, Emissary Yang. If I, Gao Xinxing, had nothing to my name, I certainly wouldn't be qualified to enter the largest Talisman Ancestor Temple in Jingling Continent. Since I can get in, it means I have the capability, so don't worry about this matter. When I return to the temple, I'll take care of it for you. It's nothing major."
Gao Xinxing's face was filled with a triumphant smile as he patted Yang Haoran's shoulder and made his assurance.
Yang Haoran's smile deepened upon hearing this. He immediately raised his wine glass and proactively toasted Gao Xinxing.
"Heh heh, with Emissary Gao's words, I'm much more at ease. This toast is for you. Thank you, Emissary Gao, for your assistance in resolving a huge problem for me. Otherwise, if the Talisman Order had misunderstood me, I would have been truly wronged."
"Heh heh, no big deal, no big deal,"
Gao Xinxing also raised his glass, chuckling as he clinked it with Yang Haoran's, then drained the wine in one gulp.
The Yellow Talisman Master beside them couldn't help but feel anxious and exasperated, because Gao Xinxing not only showed no intention of causing trouble for Yang Haoran, but was instead helping him. This was truly difficult for him to accept.
Moreover, the issue they were currently discussing also made him feel utterly speechless.
Although Yang Haoran had slaughtered many people from various major factions that day, it was widely known that it was because Yang Haoran's inner demon had been awakened by Wan Wu Yi, so the primary responsibility did not lie with Yang Haoran.
Secondly, before the various factions went to the Ancient Demon Palace, they had gone to the Death God Temple to cause trouble and even fought fiercely, not only destroying Yang Haoran's newly built Death God Temple but also costing many lives, among which their Talisman Order had been the most boisterous and aggressive.
Therefore, in his opinion, there was no need to discuss the events that happened in the Ancient Demon Palace that day during this meeting with Yang Haoran, because it was not only meaningless but would also put their side at a disadvantage. What they should discuss was Yang Haoran's looting of the various factions' collections, including their Talisman Order's years of accumulated treasures.
Their main purpose for coming today was to retrieve these collections from Yang Haoran, but so far, Gao Xinxing hadn't mentioned it. He had even made a promise to Yang Haoran, offering to help him resolve the trouble of the killings. As one of the last few Yellow Talisman Masters of the Gu Mo City Talisman Order, he naturally felt uncomfortable.
However, despite his discomfort, the Yellow Talisman Master remained rational and didn't speak, because he knew he wasn't qualified to speak. Yet, the frustration in his heart made him feel utterly stifled.
No one cared about the Yellow Talisman Master's feelings. Gao Xinxing didn't have the leisure, and Yang Haoran certainly wouldn't care about his thoughts.
However, at this moment, Gao Xinxing spoke to Yang Haoran again. The question he brought up this time made the Yellow Talisman Master's spirits tremble once more.
"Oh, right, there's a very important thing I almost forgot. After that great battle in the Ancient Demon Palace, I heard that Emissary Yang plundered all the collections of the various factions. Is there any truth to that?"
Gao Xinxing, with a drunken look, asked Yang Haoran. Yang Haoran, hearing this, smiled and shook his head.
Seeing Yang Haoran shake his head, Gao Xinxing didn't react much, but the Yellow Talisman Master, who was already feeling uncomfortable, couldn't hold back when he saw Yang Haoran shake his head.
"Emissary Yang, you plundered our Talisman Order's collection that day! I was right there, and I even tried to stop you! Isn't it a bit too much for you to deny it right in front of me? !"
The Yellow Talisman Master's voice was filled with rage. At this moment, he was completely overwhelmed by anger, and his last shred of rationality had vanished. Thus, not only was his face clearly furious, but his tone was also full of indignation!
Yang Haoran's expression did not change because of the Yellow Talisman Master's angry questioning. His face remained as before, as if he hadn't heard the angry voice or felt the Yellow Talisman Master's fury.
In contrast, Gao Xinxing's reaction was exactly opposite to Yang Haoran's. Seeing the Yellow Talisman Master speak to Yang Haoran with such anger, his face instantly turned grim.
"Bastard! When did it become your place to interrupt when I'm speaking to Emissary Yang? Do you not even understand such a basic rule?"
Gao Xinxing's reprimand was like a bucket of ice water poured over the Yellow Talisman Master, and the anger in his heart was extinguished by that cold water. Having been overcome by rage, he now regained his composure.
The Yellow Talisman Master's body trembled slightly, the anger on his face vanishing, replaced by a look of panic.
"Emissary, I apologize. I was too agitated just now, which is why I. . ."
The Yellow Talisman Master quickly stood up and bowed to Gao Xinxing in apology, but before he could finish, he was coldly interrupted by Gao Xinxing.
"Why are you apologizing to me? If you're going to apologize, you should apologize to Emissary Yang. He's been treating you with good food and drink today, and yet you're yelling here. What kind of behavior is that? !"
At this moment, Gao Xinxing was less drunk and more angry. He was not as polite to the Yellow Talisman Master as he was to Yang Haoran, speaking entirely in the tone of reprimanding a subordinate.
To be fair, it was reasonable for Gao Xinxing to reprimand the Yellow Talisman Master in such a tone. After all, Gao Xinxing had a different status; he came from the largest Talisman Ancestor Temple in Jingling Continent, and here, he was like an imperial envoy. Let alone a mere Yellow Talisman Master, even the still-living Yi Xuan would have been polite to Gao Xinxing.
Though unwilling, the Yellow Talisman Master still bowed to Yang Haoran and apologized.
"I'm sorry, Emissary Yang, I was too agitated just now. Please do not blame me."
Yang Haoran smiled and waved his hand, looking as if he hadn't taken the matter to heart at all.
"Heh heh, I can understand your feelings. However, my shaking my head just now was merely to disagree with your particular phrasing; it wasn't a complete denial that the incident never happened."
Yang Haoran chuckled faintly. Upon hearing Yang Haoran's words, the Yellow Talisman Master already somewhat guessed what Yang Haoran would say next. However, he had just been reprimanded by Gao Xinxing, so he naturally didn't dare to speak casually again, only nodding in affirmation.
"You go out first and wait outside this guest hall. There are some things I want to discuss privately with Emissary Yang. If you stay here, I'm worried you'll cause more trouble later."
The Yellow Talisman Master dared not disobey Gao Xinxing's command. After nodding in assent, he bowed to Yang Haoran and Gao Xinxing once more, then respectfully exited the guest hall.
During this time, Gao Xinxing did not speak again. After the Yellow Talisman Master left the guest hall, he casually set up a soundproofing barrier here, and then spoke to Yang Haoran.
"Heh heh, this fellow is ignorant. He made Emissary Yang laugh. He's just a small fry, Emissary Yang, please don't take it to heart, and there's no need to fuss with him. When I go back later, I'll teach him a good lesson."
Gao Xinxing said with a smile to Yang Haoran, then proactively picked up the wine bottle, first filled a glass for Yang Haoran, then poured one for himself, and finally, with a broad smile, raised his glass.
"Come, let's have a drink first. After this glass, we'll continue our previous topic."
Yang Haoran did not refuse. He smiled and nodded, raised his glass to clink with Gao Xinxing, and then drained the cup in one gulp.
After the two men put down their glasses, Gao Xinxing smiled and spoke to Yang Haoran.
"Regarding the matter we just discussed, it's also a problem I need to solve here in Gu Mo City. This is a task given to me by my superiors, and I must complete it before I can return. So, Lord Yang, please tell me exactly what happened in detail. Only with a thorough understanding of the situation will I know how to resolve this problem."
At this moment, although Gao Xinxing still carried a drunken flush, compared to before, the tipsiness on his face had significantly subsided.
"Heh heh, since you and I are friends, and it's just the two of us here now, I won't play any games with you, nor do I wish to hide anything; that would make me seem insincere. Actually, that Yellow Talisman Master wasn't entirely wrong just now. After the great battle in the Ancient Demon Palace, I indeed moved all the collections of the various major factions to the Death God Temple, which naturally included your Talisman Cult's collection."
Yang Haoran paused, and seeing that Gao Xinxing had no intention of speaking, he continued with a smile.
"I moved all the collections of the various major factions to my Death God Temple, publicly claiming that I was safeguarding them for these factions, to prevent opportunistic individuals from snatching them up. In truth, not even a child would believe such words. Everyone knows that once these collections fall into my hands, they certainly won't be returned."
Gao Xinxing still remained silent. Instead, he poured Yang Haoran another glass of wine, then refilled his own.
"And indeed, that is the truth. I took all the collections of the various major factions into my possession, and I genuinely had no intention of handing them back. However, I don't believe there's anything wrong with what I did, because this is simply the prevailing custom in Gu Mo City; everyone operates this way."
At this point, Yang Haoran's voice paused once more. This time, Gao Xinxing did not remain silent. Instead, he nodded in agreement and then spoke.
"I've also heard about the customs of Gu Mo City. I know this is a place where it's every man for himself, where might makes right."
Yang Haoran smiled and nodded, then continued.
"You're right, in this Gu Mo City, whoever has the bigger fist dictates what's right. Back then, when our Gu Mo City Underworld Office was annihilated, although the main culprits were Spirit Mediums, the various major factions of Gu Mo City were also involved, and your Talisman Cult was among them. After our Underworld Office was destroyed, these factions scrambled to seize our resources. Not only were all of our Underworld Office's Death God Temples plundered clean, but even the territories within and outside Gu Mo City were completely divided among these factions in a very short time. They could snatch away our Underworld Office's collections, they could snatch our Underworld Office's territories, so why can't I pay them back in their own coin?"
Gao Xinxing not only did not deny Yang Haoran's words but instead strongly agreed.
"If it were me, I would definitely do the same as you."
Yang Haoran smiled and shook his head, seemingly disagreeing with Gao Xinxing's assertion.
Seeing Yang Haoran shake his head, Gao Xinxing couldn't help but show confusion. Before he could ask, Yang Haoran spoke first.
"Heh heh, if you were in my shoes, you wouldn't just do as I did; you might even be more ruthless than me."
Gao Xinxing, who was already somewhat puzzled, felt even more confused upon hearing Yang Haoran's words.
Yang Haoran saw all the confusion on Gao Xinxing's face, knowing that Gao Xinxing didn't understand why he would say such a thing, so he said with a smile.
"There are some matters, Lord Gao, that I'm not sure if you're aware of. But since the conversation has reached this point, whether you know or not, I believe it's best to inform you of some situations. That way, you'll understand my difficulties, and also why I acted as I did."
"Heh heh, Lord Yang, just speak your mind. If you've truly suffered any injustice, I will certainly see that justice is done for you!"
Gao Xinxing chuckled, a hint of tipsiness still in his smile, and once again made a promise to Yang Haoran. Yang Haoran's expression remained unchanged, as he smiled faintly.
"When I first arrived in Gu Mo City, the various major factions here did not wish to see our Underworld Office rise again in this city. Therefore, they tried every possible method to eliminate me, to kick our Underworld Office out of Gu Mo City once more, and your Talisman Cult was among them. When their first attempt failed, they came a second time, looking as if they would never rest until they had cut me, Yang Haoran, down and eradicated our Gu Mo City Underworld Office."
After a slight pause, Yang Haoran continued.
"Before the Ancient Demon Palace appeared, the various major factions placed a heavy accusation upon me, fabricating the missing persons cases in Gu Mo City and pinning them on me. They then sought to use this opportunity to eliminate me. Back then, your Talisman Cult struck the most ruthlessly; even their leader at the time launched an attack on me. If I hadn't possessed some strength, I would have died a tragic death at his hands right then and there."
Speaking to this point, Yang Haoran raised his glass and clinked it with Gao Xinxing. After draining it, he asked with a faint smile.
"Heh heh, if you were in my position, Lord Gao, having suffered such a great injustice, would you strike even more fiercely than I did?"
To Yang Haoran's question, Gao Xinxing didn't even think. He heavily set his wine glass on the table and immediately responded.
"No need to ask! I would definitely strike far more ruthlessly than you. You merely picked up a windfall after the various factions were destroyed; you didn't personally act against them. Even if you hadn't picked up that windfall, others would have. I believe no one, if put in your shoes, would relinquish such an easy gain to others, nor would there be any reason to let that windfall go. If it were me, I wouldn't just pick up the windfall; I'd also demand compensation from the major factions for my losses. This matter certainly wouldn't be settled so easily. For you not to have actively sought trouble with the major factions, that's already incredibly magnanimous!"
Gao Xinxing's words deepened the smile on Yang Haoran's face. The reason he had spoken so thoroughly and at such length to Gao Xinxing was precisely to achieve this outcome.
If Gao Xinxing hadn't been affected by his Enchantment Art, he certainly wouldn't have said these things to him, let alone in such detail. Because once these words were spoken, they would only bring him harm, not benefit; he wouldn't intentionally create trouble for himself.
It was precisely because he knew Gao Xinxing was under the influence of his Enchantment Art that he dared to speak this way. However, not everything he told Gao Xinxing was the truth; he mixed truth with falsehood. Of course, he wouldn't reveal certain truths, not even if Gao Xinxing was affected by his Enchantment Art, he absolutely would not speak them.
After all, being affected by an Enchantment Art doesn't mean one will be completely controlled and manipulated. Gao Xinxing still possessed his own thoughts, and overly sensitive remarks, once uttered, would still have a negative impact on him. He wouldn't do something so foolish.
Of course, it cannot be denied that if Gao Xinxing hadn't been affected by his Enchantment Art, he would never have so easily taken his side. After all, Gao Xinxing was a Talisman Master, and he was an Underworld Official; their identities and positions differed. For the sake of their respective interests, even if some matters were clearly reasonable, they would absolutely not side with the other party.
"Lord Gao can understand me; I am truly delighted. If even my friends thought I was in the wrong, then I truly would have to seriously reflect on my actions," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
"I feel an instant kinship with Lord Yang, and I also believe that Lord Yang's actions are perfectly fine, so of course, I will stand by your side. However, if I were to return and report the full details of this matter to my superiors just like this, I'm afraid it wouldn't pass muster," Gao Xinxing said, a look of difficulty on his face.
"Heh heh, Lord Gao, you needn't worry about that. Since we two have already become friends, I, Yang Haoran, certainly won't make things difficult for my friend. Of the collection I obtained from your Gu Mo City Talisman Cult, all the spiritual medicinal ingredients have been consumed, but only a small portion of the other items has been used. I can return the majority of what remains to your Talisman Cult. If you take these back, I believe you should be able to complete your assignment," Yang Haoran said.
Gao Xinxing waved his hand, not agreeing with Yang Haoran's approach.
"Lord Yang, there's no need to return the majority of our Gu Mo City Talisman Cult's collection. You only need to take out a small portion. With that small portion, I'll be able to complete my assignment back home. I don't want to hide it from you, Lord Yang, but that small collection from the Gu Mo City Talisman Cult is truly nothing to me. Compared to our Ancestral Talisman Temple, that collection isn't even worth worthless scraps. Compared to that collection, our Ancestral Talisman Temple cares more about its Face. As long as Lord Yang can help our Talisman Cult save Face, a small loss is harmless. As for any future troubles, I will find a way to take care of them for you."
Yang Haoran naturally understood what Gao Xinxing meant by those words. He didn't bother with courtesies with Gao Xinxing but instead nodded with a smile, agreeing to Gao Xinxing's suggestion.
"Heh heh, alright, let's proceed as Lord Gao suggests. I, Yang Haoran, will remember this favor. Should there be a time in the future when you need my assistance, Lord Gao, please do not hesitate to ask," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
"It's nothing, nothing at all. These are just minor issues, Lord Yang, no need to take them to heart. We're all friends; helping each other is only natural," Gao Xinxing said with a smile.
"Heh heh, with this friendship from Lord Gao, I believe that from now on, our Gu Mo City Underworld Office will certainly establish a very good relationship with your Talisman Cult," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
Yang Haoran originally thought his words would surely receive Gao Xinxing's agreement, but he didn't expect Gao Xinxing to shake his head instead.
Gao Xinxing's reaction, on the other hand, thoroughly puzzled Yang Haoran.
"Heh heh, with the relationship between me and Lord Gao, is it still not enough for our Gu Mo City Underworld Office to establish a good relationship with your Talisman Cult? " Yang Haoran asked with a smile.
"Of course not! Given my relationship with Lord Yang, how would the Gu Mo City Talisman Cult dare to cross you, Lord Yang? Unless they no longer wish to remain within the Talisman Cult. The reason I shook my head just now is because, in the future, there will no longer be a Talisman Cult in Gu Mo City. At least, not for a very long time."
Gao Xinxing took a sip of wine, then spoke. His words, however, somewhat surprised Yang Haoran, prompting him to speak.
"Although the Gu Mo City Talisman Cult suffered heavy losses this time, with barely any Talisman Masters left alive, they could still operate as usual by simply transferring some Talisman Masters from other places. Why abandon this location?"
Upon hearing this, Gao Xinxing first let out a helpless sigh, then a bitter smile appeared on his face as he spoke to Yang Haoran.
"Heh heh, it seems Lord Yang isn't quite aware of the current situation with our Jingling Continent Talisman Cult. Allow me to tell you, our Jingling Continent Talisman Cult, much like your Jingling Continent Underworld Office, is severely understaffed!"
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