Chapter 1182: A Solemn Warning
Ding Tianhua had gone to Huo Laoban's Guardian District and decided to assassinate Yang Haoran precisely because Huo Laoban had instigated him. However, although Huo Laoban now proactively admitted that Ding Tianhua had been to his Guardian District, what he said was far from the truth, practically incoherent, and even turned the tables and counter-accused Yang Haoran.
Huo Laoban proactively admitting that Ding Tianhua had once visited his Guardian District naturally stemmed from other considerations. Ding Tianhua's presence in the Guardian District on that day was no secret; many people there knew about it. It would have been impossible to hide this from Yang Haoran, as Yang Haoran had already learned everything through his Ghost Eye from Ding Tianhua's soul.
Similarly, this matter could not be concealed from Luo Yao. Even if Luo Yao didn't know about it now, as long as Yang Haoran brought it up, Luo Yao could easily confirm Ding Tianhua's visit to the Guardian District with a simple inquiry using his methods. If Yang Haoran were to then make an issue of it, it would undoubtedly bring some negative consequences for Huo Laoban. Therefore, he simply took the initiative to disclose that Ding Tianhua had been to his Guardian District before the incident.
Not only did Huo Laoban want to prevent this matter from affecting him, but he also wanted to use it to dig a pit for Yang Haoran, so he twisted the facts and counter-accused him.
Yang Haoran understood how malicious Huo Laoban's intent was. He certainly wouldn't submit meekly; he had to launch a counterattack. Not only could he not fall into the pit Huo Laoban had dug, but he also had to maintain the upper hand.
Although Yang Haoran was currently questioning Huo Laoban, he had no intention of giving Huo Laoban a chance to answer. The moment his voice fell, he was ready to continue speaking, but Luo Yao interrupted him with a wave of his hand.
Even though Yang Haoran's words were on the tip of his tongue, since Luo Yao had gestured for him to stop, he naturally wouldn't be foolish enough to force himself to speak. Doing so would not only bring him no benefit but would also have negative repercussions. He was well aware of the stakes involved, so he absolutely wouldn't risk incurring the displeasure of Luo Yao, an Emperor, for the temporary satisfaction of sharp words.
Besides, Yang Haoran wasn't blind. He clearly saw that Luo Yao's face was extremely grim at that moment. Under such circumstances, if he were to ignore the warning and act recklessly, the consequences would be unimaginable. Yang Haoran still possessed that much ability to read subtle cues.
"I just told you three that I personally promoted all three of you, and I treat you three as my confidants. Therefore, I hope that when you do things, you will consider me more, and consider the bigger picture more."
"The New Beginning Realm is in great chaos, with a large number of Spiritualists emerging, and even a False God appearing out of nowhere, causing our Yin Division heavy losses. Especially our Jingling Continent Yin Division, which has suffered the greatest losses among all continents. Even the previous Jingling Great Emperor tragically died at the hands of a Spiritualist. The Spiritualists, who once dared not show their faces under our Yin Division's suppression and could only cower in hiding, now not only have the courage to clash head-on with our Yin Division but have not yet been defeated. They have even killed a large number of our Underworld Officials. Do you know why this is?"
Though the topic was Ding Tianhua, Luo Yao now avoided mentioning him altogether, instead posing this question to the three. The three were not foolish; they could somewhat guess why Luo Yao was doing this. It must be because Luo Yao already had an idea about the matter, or had made some decision, and thus did not pursue the Ding Tianhua incident further.
Facing Luo Yao's question, the three did not respond, as they could tell that Luo Yao had no intention of waiting for their answers. They certainly wouldn't presume to speak up.
As expected, no sooner had he finished speaking than Luo Yao continued, his face still grim, not expecting an immediate response from the three.
"Our Yin Division has been unable to eradicate Spiritualists for so long, and in many major battles, we were even defeated by them, suppressed and beaten by Spiritualists, ultimately ending with the Spiritualists victorious and our Yin Division defeated. There are many reasons for this outcome. But the important reasons are only a few: the Spiritualists' extremely fast cultivation speed after obtaining Guardian Spirits is one reason; the Spiritualists receiving help from other forces is another; and the presence of a powerful False God among the Spiritualists is also a reason. Besides these three reasons, there is an even more important reason, and that reason lies within our Yin Division itself!"
As he spoke these last words, Luo Yao's expression not only failed to improve but grew even darker, though his tone also seemed to carry a hint of helplessness.
The three could tell that Luo Yao hadn't finished speaking, so none of them spoke, standing obediently in place, waiting for Luo Yao to continue.
"In the past, Spiritualists were merely ants that we could crush at will in our eyes. Our Yin Division didn't pay much attention to them. As long as they dared to appear, we would kill them. Usually, the tragic victims were the Spiritualists. Although some of our Yin Division's Underworld Officials also tragically died at the hands of Spiritualists, their numbers were very small. The high-ranking members of the Yin Division were indifferent to these occasional Spiritualists, because in their eyes, it was just minor skirmishes. They didn't believe that Spiritualists could truly shake the Yin Division. And indeed, before this current world chaos, Spiritualists had never truly threatened the Yin Division, and our Yin Division had been peaceful for a long time."
At this point, Luo Yao paused, sighed softly, then continued.
"Alas, it is precisely because our Yin Division has been peaceful for too long that problems have emerged. Some people, seeing that the outside world posed no threat to the Yin Division, began to scheme against each other for power and their own interests. Although the outside world is not very clear about these matters, the high-ranking members of our Yin Division who participated in the struggle are very clear about them. This internal strife not only cost our Yin Division many experts but also further worsened the relationships among these high-ranking members. Therefore, our Yin Division reaching its current state is largely due to our own internal reasons."
Luo Yao paused again, and this time his gaze swept not only over Yang Haoran and Huo Laoban but also glanced at Xu Meijing.
"The only reason I'm saying all this to you three is that no matter what grudges you may have had in the past, you must now put them aside for my sake. With a formidable enemy before us, the situation of our Yin Division is not optimistic, especially the Jingling Continent Yin Division, which is in the worst predicament. If you, as Guardians, continue to engage in internal strife and focus all your energy on infighting, then where will you find the energy to deal with the Spiritualists? Once this war is lost for our Yin Division, then the Spiritualists' past will be our Yin Division's future. Do you understand?"
Luo Yao spoke these words with great solemnity and a resolute tone, leaving no room for negotiation. His words conveyed two messages: one was that he had seen the conflict between the three of them, and that it was significant; the other was that he absolutely would not permit them to fight among themselves, and that no matter how great the conflict, it must be put aside.
Yang Haoran and the other two naturally dared not defy Luo Yao's will, immediately nodding in affirmation, showing no intention of rebuttal.
Luo Yao saw that the three immediately gave affirmative replies without any hesitation, but his expression did not improve; on the contrary, it remained as grim as before.
"It is, of course, a good thing for me that you can agree so readily, but you had best not feign compliance while acting to the contrary. If similar incidents happen again, I will absolutely not let it slide. I can elevate you three to the position of Guardian, and I can also make you disappear from that position. But I don't wish to see that day truly come, because you three are my confidants, the most important strength under my command."
Luo Yao spoke in a deep voice, his words carrying a clear warning, which could also be understood as a threat.
None of the three dared to contradict Luo Yao, bowing again in affirmation. After receiving their second affirmative reply, Luo Yao's grim expression finally eased slightly.
"I have already said in the previous meeting that Spiritualists will make a big move again soon, and their target is very likely our Jingling Continent Yin Division. So, all three of you, please be as careful as possible, and tell your Undertakers to raise their vigilance. Absolutely do not give the Spiritualists an opportunity!"
Luo Yao gave Yang Haoran and the others one last instruction before dismissing them, leaving him alone in the room.
"Alas, internal struggles can never be completely avoided. All I can do now is make sure they keep a tight string in their hearts, to the best of my ability, so they don't act recklessly and wantonly. Dealing with the Spiritualists must be the top priority. Once the Spiritualist problem is successfully resolved, then you can scheme against each other all you want."
Luo Yao thought to himself, then he suddenly seemed to recall something and sighed with a melancholic expression, muttering to himself.
"Alas, if I hadn't lost all my confidants in the struggle for the Emperor's position back then, I wouldn't be so passive now. Although you three were all promoted by me, it's still a bit early to call you my confidants. For now, you are, at most, merely 'our people' in my eyes; there's still a considerable distance before you become confidants. I hope that in the end, none of you will disappoint me, otherwise, promoting you would have been utterly meaningless."
With these thoughts, Luo Yao walked to the window, opened it, and gazed into the distance, his face filled with worry. The voice in his heart echoed once more.
"If our God doesn't emerge from seclusion soon, this world might truly change. With the strength of us mere mortals, it's impossible to resist the Spiritualist army led by the False God."
After Yang Haoran and the other two left the teahouse, Yang Haoran and Huo Laoban simultaneously stopped. Xu Meijing, seeing Yang Haoran stop, naturally followed suit.
"Heh heh, Divine Emissary Yang, we part ways here. I hope that when we meet again, you'll still be alive and well."
Huo Laoban said to Yang Haoran, his smile gentle, devoid of any killing intent. Yet, how could Yang Haoran fail to understand the meaning behind his words? Unlike before, this time Huo Laoban was not being obscure; he was directly expressing his murderous intent towards Yang Haoran.
"Heh heh, if I were to die, I'm sure the first person the Divine Emissary would think of would be you. I wonder if you'd be able to handle that. Besides, with your strength and that pig brain of yours, it would be quite difficult to actually kill me."
Yang Haoran responded with a smile, his expression equally gentle and devoid of any killing intent. However, his words were far more biting than Huo Laoban's provocation.
Huo Laoban didn't take Yang Haoran calling him a pig brain to heart. After all, he knew better than anyone if he was indeed a pig brain, and he had never considered himself to be one. But when Yang Haoran brought up his strength, it struck a raw nerve. In his opinion, his strength used to be far superior to Yang Haoran's, and now Yang Haoran had surpassed him. He was very displeased about this, and Yang Haoran using it to attack him indeed had some emotional impact, though he did not show it on his face.
"Heh heh, yes, Divine Emissary Yang is right. Compared to Divine Emissary Yang's strength, I am indeed a bit lacking now. Divine Emissary Yang, by relying on a woman, not only enjoyed himself to the fullest but also received such a massive boost in strength. It truly makes me envious and jealous."
Although Huo Laoban's expression didn't change and he still wore that gentle smile, his words were extremely sarcastic, even insulting.
Yang Haoran's expression remained unchanged by Huo Laoban's words, but Xu Meijing, standing beside him, was different; her face instantly turned as cold as ice.
"Before, I only found your smile to be fake and hypocritical. Now I realize that not only do you have a foul mouth, but your character is also utterly despicable. It seems my decision to keep a distance from you was correct. Otherwise, if I had gotten too close to you, I imagine I would have also picked up a nauseating stench."
Xu Meijing spoke coldly, her tone and expression revealing undisguised disgust for Huo Laoban. If Luo Yao hadn't just laid down the law so bluntly with them, Xu Meijing would probably not have merely spoken to Huo Laoban; she would most likely have attacked him directly, even if they were in the Underworld.
Huo Laoban smiled and glanced at Xu Meijing. He said nothing more, then turned his gaze back to Yang Haoran.
"Since the Emperor has given his command, then from now on, I ask Divine Emissary Yang to rein yourself in and focus your energy on dealing with the Spiritualists. Otherwise, don't blame me for complaining to the Emperor."
Having said this, Huo Laoban prepared to leave. Just as he ripped open space, he suddenly remembered something and turned his head back to Yang Haoran.
"Heh heh, oh right, Divine Emissary Yang mentioned that. . . that 'Rising Yin Pill' of yours. I'm very interested. Perhaps the Emperor was in too foul a mood just now to notice, but I believe that once the Emperor realizes, he will also be very interested in this 'Rising Yin Pill. ' You'd best put this pill on the shelves of your pharmacy soon. Otherwise, even if I don't remind him, I think the Emperor will question what you said today. Don't blame me if you suffer losses then."
Huo Laoban said with a smile. After these words, he stepped into the spatial rift before Yang Haoran could reply.
"Heh heh, what are you afraid of?"
Yang Haoran watched the rapidly healing spatial rift, speaking with a faint smile. At his words, the smile on Huo Laoban's face seemed to stiffen for a moment, but because the spatial rift healed too quickly, it wasn't clear whether it truly happened or was just an illusion.
Of course, Yang Haoran wouldn't naively believe that Huo Laoban's reminder before leaving was out of kindness, because Huo Laoban would never do such a thing.
Although Luo Yao had given a strict order prohibiting their internal strife, and they would certainly rein themselves in due to Luo Yao's command, expecting them to shake hands and make peace was simply unrealistic. Therefore, Huo Laoban would never genuinely offer Yang Haoran a kind reminder.
Yang Haoran could roughly guess the main intention behind Huo Laoban's words: Huo Laoban wanted to ascertain how much strength he truly possessed.
Huo Laoban wanted to confirm whether Yang Haoran actually had the Rising Yin Pill. Therefore, having Yang Haoran put this pill on the shelves of his pharmacy in the Underworld would be the best proof.
If Yang Haoran could indeed produce such a pill and it could truly boost the consumer's Yin spirit power in a short amount of time, then in Huo Laoban's eyes, Yang Haoran's strength increase during his fight with Ding Tianhua must have come from the Rising Yin Pill.
Conversely, if Yang Haoran couldn't produce the Rising Yin Pill, or if it didn't have the effect of boosting Yin spirit power, then it would mean Yang Haoran was lying, and his increase in strength had nothing to do with this so-called Rising Yin Pill.
This was not good news for Huo Laoban. If Yang Haoran's strength wasn't boosted by the pill, then how did he increase his strength? Was it through some other secret method, or was Yang Haoran's strength already this high to begin with?
Huo Laoban was quite worried about this unknown factor. And what he feared most was that Yang Haoran hadn't used any other methods to increase his strength, but had simply unleashed his own inherent power.
If it were in the past, Huo Laoban certainly wouldn't believe such a thing could happen to Yang Haoran. However, as Huo Laoban's encounters with Yang Haoran increased and Yang Haoran continued to shock him, his perception of Yang Haoran had subtly changed. What others might consider impossible, might not necessarily be so for Yang Haoran.
Yang Haoran sensed Huo Laoban's concern, which was why he smiled and asked Huo Laoban what he was afraid of as the space healed.
Furthermore, through Huo Laoban's words, Yang Haoran also gleaned another piece of information: Huo Laoban seemed very familiar with his battle against Ding Tianhua. Otherwise, Huo Laoban would not have known that he was going to put the Rising Yin Pill on the shelves of his Underworld pharmacy.
Comments