Chapter 1243: A Pitfall at Every Step
Funeral Director Huo's words caused a shift in Soul-Sower Ding's expression. Before he could speak, Funeral Director Huo continued with a smile.
“When Yang Haoran single-handedly confronted the major powers in Ancient Demon City back then, his strength had certainly not yet broken through to the Earth Soul realm. According to the information we've gathered, he was likely in the mid to late stage of the Heaven Soul realm at that time. His ability to eliminate the other factions in Ancient Demon City wasn't solely due to him; other factors were at play. However, that doesn't negate his strength and methods, especially considering he'd only been an Emissary of Death for a few short years. ”
Funeral Director Huo paused slightly in his speech. After clinking glasses with Soul-Sower Ding and taking a drink, he continued with a chuckle.
“Heh heh, back then, Yang Haoran hadn't even opened his Earth Soul. Such strength was naturally beneath contempt in Soul-Sower Ding's eyes; he couldn't possibly pose a threat to you. But now, I can confirm that he has not only opened his Earth Soul, but has even stabilized his power at that realm. Furthermore, he possesses quite a few Soul Pills; once refined, his strength will receive another significant boost. That is why I believe he will become a threat to Soul-Sower Ding in the competition for Guardian. ”
Funeral Director Huo's explanation finally made Soul-Sower Ding take Yang Haoran slightly more seriously. But it was only a slight increase in regard.
“Heh heh, merely a young man who just broke through to the Earth Soul realm. What if he does have some Soul Pills in hand? The martial arts competition is almost here; even if he refines Soul Pills every day, he won't be able to significantly increase his strength in such a short time. So, his threat to me is quite limited. Compared to that, I'm far more curious about what method he used to advance his strength from the mid to late stage of the Heaven Soul realm to the Earth Soul realm in such a short period. What exactly was that matter you mentioned, my dear Funeral Director Huo? ”
In response to Soul-Sower Ding's inquiry, Funeral Director Huo's face showed a hint of hesitation, as if he were deliberating whether or not to speak.
Soul-Sower Ding took in every change in Funeral Director Huo's expression. Seeing his hesitant look, a flicker of displeasure immediately crossed his mind.
“My dear Funeral Director Huo, you and I have been friends for many years. I've always regarded you as a younger brother. Is there anything you can't tell your elder brother? ”
“Heh heh, indeed, there's nothing for me to hide from Soul-Sower Ding. Furthermore, if I don't explain this matter clearly, I believe Soul-Sower Ding would never give Yang Haoran enough attention, nor would he truly believe that Yang Haoran's current strength could pose a threat to you. ”
Funeral Director Huo spoke with a smile, then, after a slight pause, asked Soul-Sower Ding with a grin.
“Heh heh, I wonder if Soul-Sower Ding is aware of the Supreme Yin Body? ”
Soul-Sower Ding furrowed his brow, a look of confusion spreading across his face.
“Supreme Yin Body? ”
He muttered to himself, then shook his head, giving Funeral Director Huo an affirmative reply.
“I don't know anything about a Supreme Yin Body. What in the hell is that? ”
Seeing that Soul-Sower Ding was unaware, Funeral Director Huo began to explain.
“The Supreme Yin Body is a rare constitution. Those who possess it naturally generate Supreme Yin Qi within their bodies, and this Supreme Yin Qi is of immense benefit to those of us in the Underworld Office. Once one cultivates with a person possessing a Supreme Yin Body, both parties can significantly increase their strength. As for how much their strength can improve, that depends on the person with the Supreme Yin Body; the stronger they are, the more terrifying the joint power increase will be. However, once a person with a Supreme Yin Body loses their virginity, their body will no longer produce Supreme Yin Qi. ”
As Funeral Director Huo spoke of this, the smile on his face noticeably diminished compared to before, but Soul-Sower Ding failed to notice, nor did he give it much thought.
“Are you implying that Yang Haoran slept with a woman possessing a Supreme Yin Body, and this woman's strength wasn't weak, so Yang Haoran's power dramatically increased? He not only successfully opened his Earth Soul, but also stabilized his power at that realm, and perhaps even surpassed the early stage of the Earth Soul realm by a considerable margin? Is that what you mean? ”
Soul-Sower Ding's words completely wiped the smile from Funeral Director Huo's face. This time, he uncharacteristically remained silent, merely nodding to Soul-Sower Ding.
“Haha, hahahahaha! ”
Soul-Sower Ding suddenly burst into loud laughter. Funeral Director Huo watched the ceaselessly laughing Soul-Sower Ding, a hint of doubt stirring in his heart.
“What is Soul-Sower Ding laughing about? ”
Funeral Director Huo asked, his face devoid of a smile.
“My dear Funeral Director Huo, regardless of this Supreme Yin Body, or how many Soul Pills he possesses, your elder brother has but one question for you: do you believe this junior named Yang Haoran can raise his strength to the mid-Earth Soul realm before the martial arts competition begins? ”
Soul-Sower Ding asked Funeral Director Huo with a mocking smile, his tone and expression once again exuding intense disdain.
Funeral Director Huo heard this, then gently shook his head.
“I cannot say for certain, but I wouldn't rule out the possibility. ”
Funeral Director Huo's words made Soul-Sower Ding laugh even louder.
“Hahahahaha, I simply don't believe this Yang Haoran can raise his strength to the mid-Earth Soul realm before the competition. As for this 'Supreme Yin Body' or 'Supreme Yin Qi,' I'm not familiar with them. But I know Soul Pills very well. The martial arts competition is starting at the end of the month; with so little time, how much can Yang Haoran improve, even if he refines Soul Pills every day? I, on the other hand, am different. ”
Funeral Director Huo remained silent. Soul-Sower Ding, seeing Funeral Director Huo's darkened face, mistakenly thought Funeral Director Huo was worried about Yang Haoran posing a threat to him, so he continued with a smile.
“I'm not like that junior, Yang Haoran. My strength already broke through to the mid-Earth Soul realm a long time ago. What kind of threat do you think this junior, Yang Haoran, could pose to me? ”
Soul-Sower Ding spoke with a smile, his tone brimming with confidence.
Upon hearing this, Funeral Director Huo didn't immediately respond. Instead, he took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing the intense displeasure bubbling within him, and a smile returned to his face.
“Soul-Sower Ding's words are not without reason. If Soul-Sower Ding were to face Yang Haoran, I also believe the likelihood of Yang Haoran winning is small. But it's always good to be cautious; prudence ensures safe passage for ten thousand years. What if his strength increases far more than we imagine, and you haven't prepared in advance? Then it would be Soul-Sower Ding who suffers the loss. ”
Soul-Sower Ding remained completely dismissive of Funeral Director Huo's reminder. Judging by his demeanor, he truly didn't take Yang Haoran seriously, nor did he believe Yang Haoran had the ability to threaten him.
“Heh heh, my dear Funeral Director Huo, you worry too much. How many 'what ifs' can there be in this world? Being suspicious all the time does you no good; aren't you tired of living like this? Let's stop talking about this junior, Yang Haoran. I don't think he poses any threat to me. Why don't you tell me about others instead? ”
Seeing that Soul-Sower Ding was unresponsive to persuasion, Funeral Director Huo had no choice but to pull out his trump card.
“Heh heh, Soul-Sower Ding, there's no need to rush. There's one more thing about Yang Haoran that I forgot to mention to Soul-Sower Ding. After hearing it, Soul-Sower Ding might change his opinion of Yang Haoran. ”
As soon as Funeral Director Huo spoke, Soul-Sower Ding's face immediately showed interest, and he stopped urging Funeral Director Huo to quickly move past Yang Haoran.
“Oh? What is it? Tell me. Perhaps I truly will change my opinion of this junior. ”
Funeral Director Huo, a smile on his face, immediately spoke to Soul-Sower Ding with a grin.
“This Yang Haoran was personally promoted by the Emperor. Initially, the Emperor didn't pay much attention to him. Sending Yang Haoran to Ancient Demon City to clean up that mess was merely a trial, an attempt to see what he could do, without expecting Yang Haoran to make any significant contributions in Ancient Demon City. He merely asked Yang Haoran to ensure the Ancient Demon City Underworld Office could stand on its own once more. ”
Speaking to this point, Funeral Director Huo paused, then raised his wine cup.
Soul-Sower Ding felt a stir of displeasure in his heart. On one hand, it was because Funeral Director Huo kept stopping mid-sentence, saying half and leaving half, always fond of building suspense. On the other hand, it was because Funeral Director Huo had once again brought up Luo Yao.
Despite the displeasure in his heart, Soul-Sower Ding still raised his wine cup and clinked it with Funeral Director Huo's. The two drained their drinks. Without waiting for Soul-Sower Ding to complain or urge him on, Funeral Director Huo continued to speak.
“After Yang Haoran went to Ancient Demon City, he not only helped the Ancient Demon City Underworld Office regain its footing but also made it the premier power in Ancient Demon City. His contributions were considerable; I've already told you about these just now. However, there's one point I haven't mentioned: Yang Haoran's achievements in Ancient Demon City this time around greatly satisfied the Emperor. The Emperor saw Yang Haoran's capabilities, and thus, he now holds Yang Haoran in considerable admiration. ”
Funeral Director Huo's words caused a drastic change in Soul-Sower Ding's expression. The man who had been laughing loudly just a moment ago now wore no smile at all; his face had, in fact, turned quite unsightly.
“Is that true? ”
Soul-Sower Ding asked, his tone quite hostile. From his manner of speaking, it was evident that he was in a terribly foul mood at that moment.
Funeral Director Huo took in Soul-Sower Ding's reaction. With his keen insight, he naturally knew that Soul-Sower Ding was greatly displeased at the moment. However, he had no intention of falling silent because this was precisely the outcome he desired.
For Funeral Director Huo, Soul-Sower Ding wasn't angry enough yet; he was far from achieving his ideal outcome. He wanted to make Soul-Sower Ding even angrier, and to transfer that anger onto Yang Haoran. Only then would he have accomplished his goal for this trip.
Thus, he did not fall silent. Instead, he gave Soul-Sower Ding an affirmative reply and further provoked him with his words.
“Heh heh, you and I have been friends for many years; would I lie to you? The Emperor truly admires Yang Haoran now. He even made a special trip to Ancient Demon City to lavish praise upon Yang Haoran without reservation. When he left Ancient Demon City, the Emperor generously bestowed upon Yang Haoran a considerable number of Soul Pills. ”
Speaking to this point, Funeral Director Huo paused, then asked Soul-Sower Ding with a smile.
“Take a guess, what do you think the Emperor bestowed so many Soul Pills upon Yang Haoran for? ”
The anger in Soul-Sower Ding's heart was now considerably stronger than before, and he was getting somewhat carried away. So, in response to Funeral Director Huo's question, he answered without even thinking, his tone curt.
“What for? Does that even need thinking about? Soul Pills are, of course, for enhancing strength! Is it possibly to fill his belly? ”
Soul-Sower Ding's words were barbed, but Funeral Director Huo showed no anger at all. On the contrary, the smile on his face deepened, for the angrier Soul-Sower Ding became, the happier he grew.
“Heh heh, Soul-Sower Ding is right. Soul Pills are, of course, for enhancing strength. The Emperor bestowed a large number of Soul Pills upon Yang Haoran for the very same purpose: to let Yang Haoran increase his strength. However, what you're thinking actually differs quite a bit from the truth—to be precise, there's a significant gap. The Emperor gave Yang Haoran a large quantity of Soul Pills because he wanted Yang Haoran to successfully open his Earth Soul through these pills before the competition, thus meeting the requirements to participate. ”
After these words fell, Funeral Director Huo said no more, instead watching Soul-Sower Ding's changing expression intently.
Soul-Sower Ding's face was dark, his expression significantly uglier than before.
“What do you mean by that? ”
Funeral Director Huo couldn't be sure if Soul-Sower Ding fully grasped the implications of his words. However, since Soul-Sower Ding had asked, Funeral Director Huo naturally had to explain, and to do so in great detail, so as to provoke Soul-Sower Ding even further.
“Heh heh, what I mean by that, does Soul-Sower Ding still not understand? Even before Yang Haoran had opened his Earth Soul, the Emperor bestowed upon him a large quantity of Soul Pills and urged him to quickly absorb and refine them to participate in this martial arts competition. This indicates that the Emperor deliberately intends to promote him. Think carefully: even if Yang Haoran successfully opens his Earth Soul by refining Soul Pills, his strength won't be exceptionally formidable. To powerhouses who have long since opened both their Heaven and Earth Souls, an Emissary of Death who has just opened his Earth Soul poses little threat. ”
After a slight pause in his speech, Funeral Director Huo continued.
“The Emperor knows this very well. Since he knows, yet still urged Yang Haoran to quickly open his Earth Soul and participate in the martial arts competition at the end of the month, what else could it be but a deliberate intention to promote Yang Haoran? Even if Yang Haoran loses the competition and fails to win the Guardian position, I estimate the Emperor would still heavily rely on him. ”
At this point, Funeral Director Huo wore a wry smile, then couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh.
“Alas, now that Yang Haoran has obtained the Supreme Yin Qi, his strength has advanced by leaps and bounds. He successfully opened his Earth Soul even before refining the Soul Pills, and his strength has surpassed even your and my imagination. When he displays terrifying power during the competition, overwhelming the other Emissaries of Death, he will naturally secure the Guardian position. If he cannot overwhelm the other Emissaries of Death, it's not impossible that the Emperor would make an exception and elevate him. After all, he's only been an Emissary of Death for a few years and has already successfully opened his Earth Soul. Regardless of the means he used to achieve this, his potential is clear for all to see. It is absolutely possible that the Emperor would directly promote him to Emissary of Death exceptionally. ”
Bang! ! !
The moment Funeral Director Huo's words fell, the fury in Soul-Sower Ding's heart finally erupted. He couldn't help but slam his palm onto the coffee table in front of him, shattering it instantly.
Funeral Director Huo's expression remained unchanged; he appeared utterly composed, not betraying the slightest emotional shift due to Soul-Sower Ding's sudden reaction. The young woman serving the two, however, was startled by Soul-Sower Ding's sudden outburst of rage.
“Although Luo Yao has now become the Emperor, he can't cover the sky with one hand in the Jingling Continent Underworld Office. Directly promoting an Emissary of Death to Guardian, how could that be so easy! ”
Soul-Sower Ding said furiously. Funeral Director Huo, however, shook his head with a smile after hearing him.
“Heh heh, Soul-Sower Ding, you're mistaken. In the current Jingling Continent Underworld Office, the Emperor can indeed cover the sky with one hand. If he wants to directly promote someone to the Guardian position, it's merely a matter of a single word. Am I not a very clear example? The Emperor promoted me to Guardian; tell me, whose approval did he need? ”
Funeral Director Huo's words had struck Soul-Sower Ding quite hard.
“If that's the case, why is that Luo Yao bothering with a martial arts competition? He should just directly promote whoever he favors to Guardian; why go through all this unnecessary trouble! ”
Soul-Sower Ding said angrily. Funeral Director Huo, however, explained with a smile.
“In my opinion, the martial arts competition is just to silence a very few individuals. Besides that, the Emperor doesn't have any other more suitable candidates in mind, and after all, there are still two Guardian positions available, which is why he decided to use a competition for selection. But if, during the selection process, he discovers a favored candidate and wishes to forcibly promote this person directly to Guardian, who could stop him? Who would dare to stop him? ”
Funeral Director Huo's words were like pouring a ladle of gasoline onto Soul-Sower Ding's flames, instantly making the rage in Soul-Sower Ding's heart burn even more fiercely.
“Hmph, others may not dare, but I, Ding Tianhua, dare! ”
Funeral Director Huo nodded with a smile and spoke.
“Of course, Soul-Sower Ding, you naturally dare. But even if you dare, what good would it do? Not only would it fail to change the final outcome, but you would also bring a heap of trouble upon yourself. By then, not only would the Guardian position not be yours, but you would even have to pay a heavy price for your words and actions. If it truly comes to that, it would simply not be worth the gain. I still advise Soul-Sower Ding: please, do not impulsively do anything foolish. ”
Funeral Director Huo's words seemed to strike a raw nerve with Soul-Sower Ding. Although Soul-Sower Ding's expression remained unsightly, and his heart still seethed with rage, he no longer refuted Funeral Director Huo's statement.
Funeral Director Huo didn't continue speaking to Soul-Sower Ding either. He wanted Soul-Sower Ding to digest it first. Other words could wait until Soul-Sower Ding fell into the trap. Based on his understanding of Soul-Sower Ding, he was confident that Soul-Sower Ding would actively take the bait.
“Heh heh, my dear lady, could you please clean up this area? ”
Funeral Director Huo said with a smile to the young woman standing nearby. Upon hearing him, the young woman didn't immediately start cleaning as Funeral Director Huo instructed. Instead, she cast her gaze towards the enraged Soul-Sower Ding.
It wasn't that she didn't want to clean; it was that she didn't dare. She feared Soul-Sower Ding would turn his wrath on her, so she stood frozen in place, not daring to make a move, even with Funeral Director Huo's instruction.
“If my dear Funeral Director Huo tells you to clean, then clean! Does something this trivial need to be taught? ”
Soul-Sower Ding reprimanded angrily. The young woman quickly affirmed, then tidied up diligently.
“Sigh, my dear Funeral Director Huo, since things have come to this, in your opinion, what should I do? ”
Upon hearing Soul-Sower Ding's words, Funeral Director Huo secretly chuckled to himself. Finally, he took the bait!
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