Chapter 1242: Administering the Bad Medicine
Ding Tianhua and Luo Yao became Emissaries of Death in the same batch, and they knew each other from that time. However, their relationship had never been very good. After Luo Yao became a Guardian, Ding Tianhua remained an Emissary of Death, and indeed, became an Emissary of Death under Luo Yao. This made Ding Tianhua extremely uncomfortable, and precisely because of this, Ding Tianhua became even more estranged from Luo Yao, with very little contact between the two of them. As for Luo Yao's attitude towards Ding Tianhua, while it wasn't hostile, it certainly wasn't close either. Perhaps because they were from the same batch of Emissaries of Death, or for some other reason, after Luo Yao became a Guardian, he didn't exactly open doors for Ding Tianhua, showing no intention of giving him a leg up. Ding Tianhua already harbored resentment, and Luo Yao's indifference naturally amplified his grievances. At this moment, Ding Tianhua's pent-up resentment burst forth, as he poured out his bitterness to Emissary Huo, venting his inner dissatisfaction with Luo Yao, not once considering whether his outburst would reach Luo Yao's ears. It wasn't just when he was with Emissary Huo that Ding Tianhua would speak ill of Luo Yao; he would complain just as much in front of others. He had been complaining for as many years as Luo Yao had been a Guardian, and the resentment in his heart hadn't diminished with his complaints; instead, it had accumulated more and more. Today's tirade from Ding Tianhua lasted for almost an hour. During this hour-plus, Emissary Huo wasn't completely silent; he would occasionally respond, making sure Ding Tianhua didn't feel like he was performing a solo act. However, Emissary Huo's responses were carefully crafted, neither denying Ding Tianhua's complaints nor openly endorsing them.
After Ding Tianhua finished his complaints, Emissary Huo raised his wine glass. He first shared a drink with Ding Tianhua, then smiled and spoke.
"Heh heh, this time, our Jingling Continent Underworld Office is holding a martial arts competition to select two Guardians. After these two Guardians are successfully chosen, they will also be subordinates of the Emperor. It seems Emissary Ding has no interest in these two Guardian positions."
The moment Emissary Huo said this, Ding Tianhua's expression instantly changed, a look of anxiety appearing on his face.
"How could I have no interest? If I had no interest, why would I be asking you for inside information about the competition?"
Ding Tianhua was worried Emissary Huo would misunderstand, so he quickly clarified his attitude towards the competition. He still wanted to learn some inside information about the competition from Emissary Huo. If Emissary Huo misunderstood that he wasn't interested in the competition and told him nothing, it would be his loss.
"With your strength, Emissary Ding, if you participate in this competition, winning a Guardian position shouldn't be a big problem. But if you become a Guardian, how will you face the Emperor in the future?"
Emissary Huo asked. Ding Tianhua replied without even thinking.
Ding Tianhua spoke with great arrogance. Emissary Huo sighed inwardly. He knew Ding Tianhua's strength was considerable, but he felt there was almost no hope for Ding Tianhua to climb to the position of Guardian under Luo Yao.
Of course, Emissary Huo wouldn't voice this thought, because doing so would not only bring him no benefit but might also anger Ding Tianhua and even affect his plan for this trip. He certainly wouldn't do such a thankless task.
"Alas, I can't say much about the grievances between Emissary Ding and the Emperor. However, since Emissary Ding has decided to participate in this selection, then as a friend, I certainly must tell you some information that will be useful to you, Emissary Ding."
Emissary Huo first let out a theatrical sigh, indicating that he wouldn't get involved in the feud between Ding Tianhua and Luo Yao. Then he told Ding Tianhua that he was willing to provide some useful information.
Ding Tianhua hadn't paid any attention to Emissary Huo's earlier words, but he not only heard the latter part, he seemed exceptionally pleased.
"What useful information? Hurry and tell me, Brother Huo, don't keep me in suspense any longer!"
Facing Ding Tianhua's urging, Emissary Huo smiled faintly, not at all rushed.
"Heh heh, Emissary Ding, don't be anxious. Since I've brought this matter up with you, I certainly won't hide anything. I will definitely tell you everything I know, Emissary Ding."
Emissary Huo's words still hadn't gotten to the point, which made Ding Tianhua even more anxious, and this anxiety was clearly evident on his face.
"Oh come on, Brother Huo, don't tease your elder brother's appetite! Whatever information is useful for this competition, just say it generously. Your elder brother will definitely remember this favor, and after your elder brother secures the Guardian position, there will certainly be no shortage of thanks for you, my friend!"
Ding Tianhua urged again. Emissary Huo's smile deepened a bit. He nodded gently and then responded.
"Emissary Ding is too polite. Since we are friends, helping each other is only natural. There's no need for thanks, nor any need to prepare anything for me."
Emissary Huo paused slightly here. Ding Tianhua saw that Emissary Huo still hadn't gotten to the main point, and his anxiety naturally intensified. However, this time, before Ding Tianhua could even urge him again, Emissary Huo spoke once more.
"Our Jingling Continent Underworld Office has quite a number of Emissaries of Death who have opened both their Heaven and Earth Souls, though not as numerous as cattle. The vast majority of them, just like Emissary Ding, attach great importance to this competition because they also want to sit in the Guardian position. After all, such opportunities are rare. If they don't seize this one, once it's missed, no one knows when such an opportunity will arise again. Therefore, this competition is bound to be a fierce struggle."
Emissary Huo said this, then raised the wine glass in front of him and clinked it with Ding Tianhua's. Although Ding Tianhua was not satisfied with Emissary Huo's words, as they contained no solid information and he already knew these circumstances, he still raised his glass, clinked it with Emissary Huo, and drained the wine.
After putting down his glass, Emissary Huo continued to smile and speak.
"I know Emissary Ding's strength. Looking at the entire Jingling Continent Underworld Office, there are few among the Emissaries of Death who can surpass you, Emissary Ding. So, your chances of winning the Guardian position are very high. However, high chances don't guarantee absolute success, because there are still some Emissaries of Death whose strength could pose a threat to you. Therefore, if Emissary Ding wants to successfully secure the Guardian position, you must have a deeper understanding of these threatening individuals and make targeted preparations. Only then will you possibly be able to defeat them and claim the Guardian position."
Ding Tianhua nodded, clearly agreeing with Emissary Huo's statement.
"Brother Huo is right. Although my strength is formidable, I am definitely not the strongest among the Emissaries of Death in the Jingling Continent Underworld Office. Before Luo Yao became the Emperor, I dared to guarantee that no Emissary of Death in his jurisdiction would be my match, Ding Tianhua. But looking at the entire Jingling Continent Underworld Office, I can't say that."
Ding Tianhua's words seemed to agree with Emissary Huo, but in reality, he was gloating about his own formidable strength. Emissary Huo, upon hearing this, gently shook his head.
Seeing Emissary Huo shake his head, Ding Tianhua's face immediately showed displeasure.
"What? Brother Huo doesn't seem to agree with what I just said?"
Emissary Huo smiled and nodded, then chuckled.
"I indeed don't quite agree with Emissary Ding's words. But Emissary Ding, don't be angry just yet, let me finish. Even when the Emperor was still a Guardian, your strength, Emissary Ding, might not necessarily have been at the very top among his subordinate Emissaries of Death."
"Heh heh, I'm not the strongest Emissary of Death under Luo Yao. Is Emissary Huo, then?"
Ding Tianhua sneered. Not only did a clear look of displeasure appear on his face, but his words also carried a sarcastic bite.
Upon hearing this, Emissary Huo quickly waved his hand.
"No, no, no, Emissary Ding, you've misunderstood. I was certainly not the strongest Emissary of Death in the Emperor's former jurisdiction. How dare my strength be compared to yours, Emissary Ding? You are a senior figure in our Underworld Office. For my strength to surpass yours, it would still be a hundred and eight thousand miles away. Let alone when I was an Emissary of Death, I couldn't compare to you. Even now that I've become a Guardian, my strength is utterly insignificant in your presence, Emissary Ding."
Emissary Huo's words somewhat lessened the displeasure on Ding Tianhua's face, but a few more lines of suspicion appeared instead.
"Since it's not you, Brother Huo, then who else dares to compare themselves to me? Among our batch of Emissaries of Death, besides Luo Yao, almost all the others are dead. Those who are still alive aren't even serving under Luo Yao. Who else would dare to contend with me?"
Ding Tianhua spoke with immense confidence and imposing presence. In the past, facing Ding Tianhua in such a state, Emissary Huo would definitely not have contradicted him and would have agreed with his statement.
But now, Emissary Huo didn't agree. Instead, under Ding Tianhua's gaze, he smiled and shook his head once more.
"Heh heh, there's another person. Perhaps Emissary Ding isn't very familiar with him, but his strength is very formidable. I can't be one hundred percent sure that he has caught up to you, Emissary Ding, but even if he hasn't, I estimate it's not far off. So, I can be certain that this person will definitely be one of the threats to your bid for Guardian in this competition."
Emissary Huo's words made Ding Tianhua quite uncomfortable, but seeing Emissary Huo speak so earnestly, he could only suppress the anger in his heart and ask Emissary Huo,
"Heh, who is this person you're talking about? I'm quite interested in him now!"
Ding Tianhua sneered, then asked Emissary Huo, his face clearly showing his defiance. But he didn't know that this was precisely the effect Emissary Huo desired.
"Heh heh, this person's name is Yang Haoran. Besides a few others, Yang Haoran is also one of the threats to your competition for Guardian this time. Let's talk about him first, and then I'll analyze the others for you."
Emissary Huo said with a smile. Ding Tianhua only heard Emissary Huo's first words; as for the latter part, he didn't hear it at all.
"Yang Haoran?"
Ding Tianhua frowned deeply, a thoughtful expression on his face, as if trying to recall all information related to Yang Haoran from his mind.
But then he furrowed his brow and shook his head, his face filled with confusion, because no matter how much he searched his memory, there was no information about Yang Haoran in his mind.
"This Yang Haoran you speak of, where is he an Emissary of Death?"
Unable to find any information about Yang Haoran in his own mind, Ding Tianhua asked Emissary Huo.
"Heh heh, don't you have the Underworld Iron Tome? Look him up in there, and you'll get a preliminary understanding of him."
Emissary Huo said with a smile. Ding Tianhua didn't hesitate. Yin Qi surged in his hand, and the Underworld Iron Tome appeared above his palm. With curiosity in his heart, he opened the Underworld Iron Tome and input the three characters "Yang Haoran."
Emissary Huo smiled, but he didn't speak at this moment. Instead, he simply picked up his wine glass and drained its contents in one gulp, quietly waiting for Ding Tianhua. The beauty beside him, seeing this, quickly refilled his glass.
Inside the Underworld Iron Tome, Ding Tianhua easily found Yang Haoran's information. It included Yang Haoran's photo and some details, but these details were very simple: besides his name, it was the time Yang Haoran became an Emissary of Death and the cities he was responsible for.
Yang Haoran had been responsible for two cities in total. The first was Lecheng, which was the first city he was in charge of after becoming an Emissary of Death. Besides Lecheng, there was another city: Gu Mo City, which was Yang Haoran's current assignment.
Apart from this information, there was no other superfluous information in the Underworld Iron Tome.
Ding Tianhua closed the Underworld Iron Tome, then put it into his independent space, finally looking at Emissary Huo with a disdainful expression.
"This Yang Haoran you're talking about, he's the Emissary of Death of Gu Mo City?"
Seeing Ding Tianhua ask, Emissary Huo didn't deny it and simply nodded.
"That's right, it's him."
After receiving Emissary Huo's affirmative reply, Ding Tianhua burst out laughing.
"Hahahaha, Brother Huo, you're not trying to joke with your elder brother, are you? This Yang Haoran is supposed to be a threat to me in this Guardian competition? Are you mistaken?"
Ding Tianhua's tone was filled with strong disdain. From his reaction, it was clear that he hadn't taken Emissary Huo's warning to heart at all; instead, he felt Emissary Huo was being an alarmist.
"Heh heh, Emissary Ding, rest assured, I am absolutely not mistaken."
Emissary Huo responded with a smile, his tone very firm.
Ding Tianhua didn't wipe the disdain off his face because of Emissary Huo's words. With an uncontrollable smile, he asked Emissary Huo,
"Haha, hahahaha, alright then, tell your elder brother, how can he threaten me? What makes him capable of threatening me? He's just a little kid who's only been an Emissary of Death for a few years. Does he have that kind of ability?"
Emissary Huo's smile remained unchanged. He didn't show any displeasure because of Ding Tianhua's words. Instead, he patiently began to explain to Ding Tianhua.
"Although Yang Haoran has only been an Emissary of Death for a few years, he has indeed achieved some remarkable feats. First, under his management, the Lecheng Underworld Office developed very well, overpowering other forces and becoming the top power in Lecheng. Afterwards, he was transferred by the Emperor to Gu Mo City. I originally thought he would die there, but the result exceeded my expectations."
Speaking of this, Emissary Huo paused, then picked up his wine glass and clinked it with Ding Tianhua's before smiling and speaking to Ding Tianhua.
"Among the regions the Emperor formerly governed, your Tongyou City, Emissary Ding, was one of the rare large cities. Gu Mo City was also one of the rare large cities. The difference is that Tongyou City, under your management, Emissary Ding, was very stable, with no forces daring to act presumptuously in your presence. But Gu Mo City was the exact opposite. The Gu Mo City Underworld Office not only couldn't raise its head but was even directly destroyed by other forces. And after Yang Haoran became the Emissary of Death of Gu Mo City, in just a short time, he not only made the Gu Mo City Underworld Office rise again but also completely wiped out all other forces in Gu Mo City except for the Saint Mother Sect. Afterwards, he brazenly plundered all the resources of the major forces. Tell me, without absolute strength, would he dare to do this? Could he achieve all of that?"
The things Emissary Huo mentioned were not recorded in the Underworld Iron Tome's information about Yang Haoran, so Ding Tianhua didn't know them. At this moment, after listening to Emissary Huo's words, the smile on his face lessened a bit, but only a bit; he didn't show shock or any other emotion because of it.
"I know about the chaos in Gu Mo City, and I know that experts are as numerous as clouds there, making it indeed difficult to gain a foothold. If Luo Yao hadn't sent Yang Haoran to Gu Mo City then, but rather assigned me to take it over, I could have achieved everything Yang Haoran did, and perhaps even in less time than him. If you, Brother Huo, think he's a threat to me, or even that his strength has caught up to me, based solely on these achievements, isn't that a bit too alarmist?"
Ding Tianhua asked with a smile. The meaning conveyed by these words was, first, disbelief, and second, disdain.
"Heh heh, Emissary Ding is right. With your strength, Emissary Ding, if you had been transferred to Gu Mo City, you would definitely have done better than Yang Haoran and taken less time. I absolutely believe that."
Emissary Huo first affirmed Ding Tianhua's words, then continued.
"At that time, Yang Haoran's actions in Gu Mo City certainly couldn't prove that his strength had caught up to yours. But that was then; now, things are different. One event led to a leap in his strength, which is why I now believe his current strength poses a threat to you."
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