Chapter 952: The Bait
That day, at the Talisman Order temple in Lecheng, when Yang Haoran faced the Gold Talisman Master, his words and actions were indeed suspicious of deliberately provoking the Gold Talisman Master. Afterward, Xu Meijing questioned Yang Haoran about this, and Yang Haoran readily admitted to it.
At the time, Yang Haoran was indeed deliberately provoking the Gold Talisman Master, and simultaneously provoking Han Fushi. His intention in doing so was to make both of them develop a murderous intent towards him, so they would seek an opportunity to kill him later.
This idea might sound absurd, but it was Yang Haoran's true intention. Of course, he wasn't tired of living and seeking death; rather, he had other unspeakable secrets.
He had originally thought the other party would wait until the dust settled before coming for him. What he hadn't expected was that only a few days had passed, and they had already sought him out, even using a method that perfectly suited his wishes to arrange a meeting.
It was precisely because he hadn't anticipated the other party would be so eager to act against him so quickly that, upon receiving the first secret letter, he couldn't be certain it was indeed from Han Fushi and her master, the Gold Talisman Master.
“Divine Emissary Yang, I presume you're quite worried right now, fearing that I've invited you here to kill you without anyone knowing, am I right? ”
Hearing this, Yang Haoran found it rather amusing. If he were truly worried about that, why would he foolishly attend the meeting alone, like a single blade against a multitude?
“Heh heh, Senior, you're mistaken. That's one thing I genuinely don't worry about,” Yang Haoran said with a smile.
“Because that day, Senior said that any past grievances between myself and the An City Talisman Order were cleared. Therefore, I don't fear that Senior would harm me,” Yang Haoran replied with a smile.
“Heh heh, you trust me that much? ” the Gold Talisman Master inquired.
“Of course. The doctrines of the Talisman Order dictate that one performs good deeds, accumulates virtue, and upholds justice. So I believe in Senior’s character; you would never go back on your word. Besides, with Senior’s standing in the Talisman Order, how could you possibly stoop to attacking me? ”
Yang Haoran’s words were seasoned with such flavor, as if utterly genuine, making it impossible to discern that he had already harbored murderous intent towards the Gold Talisman Master.
Not only did the Gold Talisman Master fail to perceive the murderous intent hidden deep within Yang Haoran’s heart, he even believed Yang Haoran’s nonsense. In his eyes, Yang Haoran’s words were perfectly reasonable, without a single flaw, and thus naturally couldn't be false.
Moreover, in his eyes, Yang Haoran was merely a junior Underworld Official who had only opened his Heaven Soul a few years ago. Although he possessed some strength, that meager power was, in the Gold Talisman Master’s estimation, not even worth a fart. How could he possibly believe Yang Haoran had already developed murderous intent towards him?
In his view, as long as Yang Haoran wasn't a fool, he wouldn't entertain such thoughts. And Yang Haoran was not only no fool but exceedingly clever, making such an idea even more unlikely.
Of course, even if he knew Yang Haoran harbored murderous intent, it wouldn't matter. In his eyes, such a thought from Yang Haoran was simply courting death; it wouldn't harm him in the slightest, but rather accelerate Yang Haoran's demise.
“That you can think of these things indicates you're a clever individual. I personally enjoy dealing with smart people, so I won't beat around the bush. ”
After a brief pause, the Gold Talisman Master continued speaking.
“Your analysis is entirely correct; I genuinely have no intention of killing you. The purpose of my visit, as stated in the letter, is to explore an unequal partnership, should we find common ground. If we cannot reach an agreement, then no matter, we’ll simply go our separate ways, and neither party will suffer any loss. ”
Yang Haoran, who had been searching for the opportune moment to strike, couldn’t help but feel a surge of curiosity upon hearing the Gold Talisman Master’s words. Since he hadn't yet found a suitable opening, he smiled and asked the Gold Talisman Master. R)A%n0/BES
“May I ask, Senior, what your esteemed name is? ”
Yang Haoran asked this question merely to pave the way for his next inquiry, but the Gold Talisman Master’s reply was utterly unexpected.
“If you wish to know my name, wait until you’ve opened both your Heaven and Earth Souls and reached the same echelon as your superior, Luo Yao. Then it won’t be too late to ask me. For now, simply addressing me as Senior suffices. Given my status, position, and power, calling me Senior will not be a loss for you. Some people, even if they wish to address me as Senior, I couldn't be bothered to acknowledge. ”
The smile on Yang Haoran’s face stiffened slightly, but he quickly recovered.
“Heh heh, since Senior has put it that way, I shall continue to address you as Senior. The cooperation you just mentioned, I presume, concerns the Black-Robed Person. I’m a bit confused; weren’t Han Fushi and the Black-Robed Person working together? Why now, is it a case of 'crossing the river and demolishing the bridge' to act against the Black-Robed Person? ”
Yang Haoran’s words instantly made Han Fushi’s already unpleasant expression turn even fouler.
“What do you mean 'working together'? I was never in league with him, so there's no such thing as 'crossing the river and demolishing the bridge'! Don't speak such unpleasant words! ”
Yang Haoran’s smile remained unchanged. He ignored Han Fushi’s fury and redirected his gaze towards the Gold Talisman Master.
Seeing Yang Haoran so blatantly disregard him, Han Fushi trembled with rage. He pointed at Yang Haoran’s nose, wanting to unleash a torrent of curses to vent his inner fury, but was stopped by the Gold Talisman Master.
“We are here to seek cooperation with Divine Emissary Yang, not to bicker with him,” the Gold Talisman Master interjected. “Therefore, as a Senior, I hope Divine Emissary Yang will be more mindful of his words. Do not let them be laced with barbs that might harm our mutual goodwill. ”
The Gold Talisman Master frowned slightly, speaking to Yang Haoran with a solemn expression, his tone carrying a hint of warning.
“Heh heh, Senior’s admonishment is well-received. Sometimes I simply can’t control my mouth. Please, both of you, don't take it to heart. I merely wish to know why Senior suddenly decided to act against the Black-Robed Person,” Yang Haoran asked with a smile.
The Gold Talisman Master had not intended to explain the reason to Yang Haoran, as there were certain matters he preferred Yang Haoran not to know. However, upon reflection, if he didn't explain, Yang Haoran would likely harbor doubts, which could lead to his unwillingness to cooperate.
Considering this, he decided to waste a bit of his time explaining the reason to Yang Haoran. After all, whether this matter succeeded or failed, Yang Haoran would ultimately be soul transformed, so revealing a small secret wouldn’t matter.
“The Lock Yin Talisman is a lost art of our Talisman Order. The fact that the Black-Robed Person possesses one suggests he might hold some secrets regarding it. Therefore, I must find him to understand the situation. However, ever since Qin Yefeng died, he hasn't shown himself for days. I don't know when he will reappear, so I'm not prepared to wait any longer; I've decided to take the initiative and seek him out. ”
That the Gold Talisman Master was seeking the Black-Robed Person for the Lock Yin Talisman didn't surprise Yang Haoran. After all, the Lock Yin Talisman was a lost talisman art of the Talisman Order. If anyone produced such a lost talisman, it might go unnoticed, but once the Talisman Order discovered it, they would certainly go to great lengths to get to the bottom of it.
Although he fully understood this, Yang Haoran still deliberately put on a look of sudden realization.
“Heh heh, so that’s how it is. But it makes sense; if I were Senior, I’d do the same thing. After all, ‘if you miss this village, you won’t find this inn’,” Yang Haoran said with a smile.
“While I don’t know what grievances you have with the Black-Robed Person, he clearly wishes to kill you, and you, too, are searching for him—otherwise, you wouldn’t have inquired about him from my disciple last time. Therefore, we can cooperate once to find a way to flush him out. My sole purpose in finding him is the Lock Yin Talisman. Once I've gleaned the information I need, whether you wish to kill him or do anything else to him, that will be entirely your affair; I will absolutely not interfere. ”
Yang Haoran considered this for a moment, then smiled and spoke to the Gold Talisman Master.
“Senior’s idea is not bad. It’s just that the Black-Robed Person might not necessarily show himself. ”
The Gold Talisman Master let out a cold snort, a disdainful expression appearing on his face.
“Hmph, whether he shows himself depends on the methods we employ. If the methods are wrong, he naturally won't appear, but if they are correct, he'll surely pop his head out obediently. ”
The Gold Talisman Master was full of confidence. Yang Haoran's smile remained unchanged, and he then inquired.
“May I ask what methods Senior intends to use? And if this junior were to cooperate with Senior, what role would this junior play? ”
The Gold Talisman Master looked at Yang Haoran, slowly opened his mouth, and offered his reply.
“If you are willing to cooperate, you will play the role of bait. ”
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