Chapter 683: For the Greater Good
To quickly increase the strength of Tang Shi and these other ghosts, Soul Pills were the fastest method. This was because the Pure Yin Qi contained within Soul Pills was also a great tonic for ghosts.
“Three Soul Pills. One for you, and the remaining two for improving the strength of your subordinates. ”
With a gentle wave of his hand, Yang Haoran sent three Soul Pills, carried by a wisp of Yin Qi, floating before Tang Shi.
“Thank you, Master! ”
Tang Shi didn't stand on ceremony, carefully putting away the three Soul Pills. Soul Pills were simply too important to him; not just for himself, but his subordinates, these ghosts, also needed Soul Pills to increase their strength.
Although they could also enhance their power by devouring other ghosts, Yang Haoran had specifically instructed them that all ghosts must be turned in. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between ghosts and Pure Yin Qi, and the effect of devouring ghosts was far inferior to that of Soul Pills.
Such an existence as the Soul Pill was something only Underworld agents were qualified to enjoy. Ghost Officials of the Underworld were, of course, a type of Underworld agent. In the past, when he followed the Spirit Medium, he never even dared to hope for Soul Pills, as they were not treasures they could simply obtain at will.
Since following Yang Haoran, everything had changed. He felt as if he had been reborn. Although he showed no emotion on his face, his heart was still deeply moved.
As Yang Haoran spoke, a smile remained on his face, but his tone was exceptionally sincere. Tang Shi was an intelligent man; Yang Haoran believed Tang Shi could discern the sincerity in his voice, and also understood the meaning behind his words.
“Please rest assured, Master! ”
Tang Shi knelt on one knee, his posture respectful, his tone equally sincere!
Yang Haoran nodded with a satisfied expression, then stood up.
“That will be all for now. I have other matters to attend to. The Ghost Cave is now under your charge. If you encounter any insoluble trouble, you can activate the Death God Pendant I gave you, and I will arrive at once. ”
As Yang Haoran prepared to leave, Tang Shi quickly stood up.
“Master, please wait. Your subordinate has a very important matter to report. ”
Hearing this, Yang Haoran paused, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.
“Oh? Speak freely, then,” Yang Haoran said with a smile.
“The people your subordinate has brought out have absolutely no problem with their loyalty to you, Master, because I have already tested them using various methods. However, no matter how loyal they are, once they fall into the enemy’s hands, it is inevitable that some of your secrets will be exposed. After all, there are countless kinds of spells and arts in this world; sometimes, it’s not simply a matter of wanting to keep a secret for it to remain safe. ”
Yang Haoran understood Tang Shi’s meaning with a moment’s thought.
Just as Tang Shi had said, there were too many strange and bizarre arts in this world. No matter how loyal a person was, no matter how tight-lipped, they might still be unable to withstand the special abilities of some peculiar spells.
To give a simple example: if Yang Haoran wanted to know about a deceased person’s life, it wasn’t a matter of whether the deceased would speak. As long as he willed it, he could open his Ghost Eye and learn all about the target’s life, even if the person was a fool or a mute, without exception.
Since the Ghost Eye possessed such an ability, it was inevitable that other arts might have similar powers. If his people fell into enemy hands, and the opponent happened to possess special means to force information, then even the most steadfast resolve would be useless; it would have nothing to do with loyalty.
Yang Haoran had indeed overlooked this issue before, but now that Tang Shi brought it up, he too recognized it as a problem.
However, since Tang Shi had proactively mentioned it, Yang Haoran figured he might already have a solution.
“Heh heh, do you have any good solutions? ” Yang Haoran asked, smiling.
As expected, Tang Shi had indeed conceived a countermeasure. Under Yang Haoran’s gaze, he nodded gently, his expression serious.
“Your subordinate has indeed thought of a method: when all avenues are exhausted, one can simply choose to commit suicide. This way, one will almost certainly not fall into the enemy’s hands. ”
Yang Haoran, who had still been smiling, felt his smile slightly stiffen upon hearing Tang Shi’s words. Realizing the implication, he dropped his smile, his expression growing considerably more serious.
“Wouldn’t doing that be too cruel? ”
Towards enemies, Yang Haoran was never soft-hearted, but when it came to his own people, there were some things he couldn't bring himself to do. After all, his heart was also made of flesh.
“The people your subordinate trains are warriors, not cowards. For a warrior, choosing suicide when all paths are blocked is not cruelty, but an honor. If one lacks even this much resolve, such a person will sooner or later be kicked out of this team. I will not have cowards who cling to life out of fear. ”
Seeing Yang Haoran frowning, showing no immediate intention to reply, Tang Shi continued to speak.
“Moreover, if our people fall into enemy hands, does Master believe they will fare well? They will certainly face all manner of torture, enduring a life worse than death, until their last shred of value is squeezed out. In the end, they will still not escape death. Since that is the case, it is better to end one’s own life before being captured. ”
While Yang Haoran didn't entirely agree with Tang Shi's words, he had to admit there was a certain logic to them. As for whether this approach was right or wrong, that depended on the individual; people with different values would naturally hold different opinions.
“Even if I agree with your approach, there’s still another problem: a Spirit Body is different from a physical body; one cannot simply commit suicide just because they wish to,” Yang Haoran stated.
“That is precisely the problem vexing your subordinate. Therefore, I hope Master can provide a solution. Master is, after all, an Underworld Official, and dealing with ghosts is your forte. I believe you must have a way to make a ghost’s soul dissipate instantly. ” Tang Shi spoke.
Yang Haoran didn't immediately reply to Tang Shi. Instead, he furrowed his brow, his face deep in thought, as if weighing the pros and cons.
Tang Shi observed Yang Haoran's expression and reaction, knowing that Yang Haoran was feeling conflicted. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke again.
“I, Tang Shi, have always been a man of fiery spirit, and I have always held my honor and beliefs in the highest regard. It was only after that Spirit Medium tricked me into signing a contract that I became disheartened. The fighting spirit deep within my soul was gradually worn away by her various cruel methods, and I slowly lost my honor, and the loyalty I considered my faith. It wasn't until I met Master that my inner spirit was reawakened. Therefore, I wish to reclaim what I once lost. ”
Yang Haoran didn't know what kind of torment Tang Shi had endured at the hands of that Spirit Medium, nor had he ever asked, for he didn't wish to rip open the deep wounds in Tang Shi's heart and then sprinkle salt on them.
Though he didn't know the specifics, one thing was certain: Tang Shi must have had a truly miserable existence after becoming that Spirit Medium’s Guardian Spirit.
Upon hearing Tang Shi's words, Yang Haoran turned his gaze towards him. Facing his look, Tang Shi’s expression remained unchanged, still as respectful as before.
After a moment’s observation, Yang Haoran finally nodded gently at Tang Shi.
“Very well, I agree. Before this is implemented, do not send your subordinates out on any missions for now. ”
After careful consideration, Yang Haoran ultimately decided to adopt Tang Shi's suggestion. While this approach was somewhat cruel, when viewed from multiple perspectives, it was indeed the truly secure method.
If they didn't do this, once Tang Shi's people fell into enemy hands, not only would Yang Haoran face significant trouble, but all the ghosts in the Ghost Cave, including Tang Shi himself, would also be annihilated. At that point, it wouldn't be as simple as just one person dying.
Yang Haoran was no naive child; he could discern what was more important. Though he didn’t wish to adopt Tang Shi’s suggestion, for the sake of everyone, he had no choice but to accept it.
“Thank you, Master, for your understanding! Oh, and there’s one more thing I need to report, Master: the new female Evil Spirit doesn’t yet have a 'Skin. ' Your subordinate is unable to acquire such an item, so I can only trouble Master to intervene. ”
Comments