Chapter 953: Luring the Snake Out of Its Hole
The Gold Talisman Master's intention to use Yang Haoran as bait didn't surprise Yang Haoran in the slightest. After all, he couldn't imagine what else the Gold Talisman Master would want him to do. He wasn't bothered by it; since few knew his true strength, even if he played the bait, it would be the other party, not him, who would fall into the trap.
Being the bait was simple; luring out the Black-robed Person, however, would be difficult. It depended entirely on the Gold Talisman Master's specific plan. If the trap was well-designed, perhaps the Black-robed Person could indeed be drawn out. But if the Gold Talisman Master's trap was ordinary, something even a fool could see through, then the Black-robed Person certainly wouldn't fall for it.
As he hadn't yet fully grasped the Black-robed Person's intentions, Yang Haoran didn't casually dismiss the Black-robed Person's plan as unfeasible. He intended to inquire about the detailed scheme. If he felt it was worth a shot, he would spend some time playing along with the Gold Talisman Master.
After all, the Black-robed Person was indeed a potential threat to him. If he could expose and eliminate the Black-robed Person, it would naturally be a good thing, and even if it cost him some time and energy, it would still be worthwhile.
Conversely, if the Gold Talisman Master's plan failed to satisfy him, and he believed there was no chance of success, then he could only apologize to the Gold Talisman Master. Neither the Gold Talisman Master nor Han Fushi would leave Coiling Dragon Lake alive tonight.
While waiting for Qin Yefeng's soul to awaken on its own, Yang Haoran had already managed to investigate the Gold Talisman Master. This individual was indeed a genuine Gold Talisman Master, but he hadn't been in this realm for long. His actual strength, within the Gold Talisman Master realm, was only mediocre, truly among the lowest ranks.
Although his strength was merely average for a Gold Talisman Master, his tone was quite arrogant. Aside from anything else, he had mentioned Luo Yao more than once in front of Yang Haoran.
From his words, it seemed he considered himself to be on the same level as Luo Yao, which was why he spoke with such a tone.
He was certainly aware of this, but it didn't stop him from acting like a master. Perhaps he believed that after breaking through to the Gold Talisman Master realm, he could sit as an equal with everyone else at that level.
Although Yang Haoran himself hadn't opened his Earth Soul for long—in fact, for a much shorter time than this Gold Talisman Master.
However, he was vastly different from this Gold Talisman Master. He possessed a Soul-Refining Cauldron, capable of refining the Soul Pills needed to enhance his strength. His power surged like a rocket, incomparable to what the Gold Talisman Master could achieve. Thus, even though he hadn't opened his Earth Soul for long, his strength already surpassed that of this Gold Talisman Master.
Of course, if this Gold Talisman Master was also hiding his true strength, that would be another matter. But Yang Haoran considered that possibility unlikely. Someone like the Gold Talisman Master, who loved to flaunt his supposed mastery, would, with even a modicum of power, wish the whole world knew about it. How could he possibly conceal his strength? The act of "acting like a pig to eat a tiger" simply didn't exist for someone like him.
Yang Haoran believed that with his current strength, he should be able to kill the Gold Talisman Master. It was precisely for this reason that he dared to come alone to the meeting.
“Senior, if I act as bait, will there be any danger? ”
Yang Haoran's face broke into an embarrassed smile, and he asked the Gold Talisman Master in a weak tone. He didn't reveal his true feelings, instead deliberately feigning a look of worry.
Previously, when Yang Haoran claimed to be timid, the Gold Talisman Master had been somewhat skeptical, thinking Yang Haoran was merely saying it for effect. However, seeing Yang Haoran's expression and tone now, he believed Yang Haoran's earlier words.
“Hmph, a person's eyes can't hide secrets. From his gaze, he truly seems worried about encountering danger. But this is also quite normal. If it were me in such a situation, I would also feel worried, though I would never show it on my face. I previously thought he was quite composed; it seems I overestimated him. ”
The Gold Talisman Master thought this, and his estimation of Yang Haoran dropped significantly. He didn't voice these thoughts, however, but instead said something else to Yang Haoran.
“If the Black-robed Person's strength truly surpassed yours, he wouldn't need to employ any other methods to deal with you; he'd simply find you and kill you. The fact that he hasn't done so indicates that he believes his strength is inferior to yours, which is why he seeks external help to eliminate you. Since his strength isn't as great as yours, what danger could there be in acting as bait? ”
Yang Haoran considered this and realized it indeed seemed to be the case, and the worry on his face vanished.
“Senior speaks with great wisdom. If the Black-robed Person could genuinely confront me head-on, there would be no need for such underhanded tactics. Considering it this way, acting as bait truly poses little danger. However, I wonder how Senior intends to use me as this bait? ”
The Gold Talisman Master appeared confident, and from his demeanor, it seemed he had long since decided how to proceed.
“How to use you as bait is not something you need to worry about, for I have already worried about it. You only need to follow my instructions, and we will surely 'lure the snake out of its hole'! ”
In the time that followed, the Gold Talisman Master patiently explained his plan to Yang Haoran in detail.
After listening, Yang Haoran didn't find the plan particularly perfect, but it did have a certain chance of success. He thus discarded the idea of eliminating the Gold Talisman Master that very night, deciding instead to give the Gold Talisman Master's plan a try. If it truly managed to draw out the Black-robed Person, it would be an unexpected pleasant surprise for him.
However, this plan would have some negative consequences for him and might even cause some unrest within their Lecheng Underworld Division. But to lure out the Black-robed Person, even if the success rate wasn't 100% and it meant paying a price, he was willing to try.
Yang Haoran agreed to cooperate, and the Gold Talisman Master internally breathed a sigh of relief, though his expression remained solemn.
He had actually been somewhat worried that Yang Haoran would refuse, because Yang Haoran's involvement was essential to successfully lure out the Black-robed Person. Without Yang Haoran, no one else could accomplish this.
The reason was simple: the Black-robed Person desperately wanted to kill Yang Haoran, so only Yang Haoran could serve as the bait. If anyone else was used as bait, the fish wouldn't bite.
The Black-robed Person was connected to the Lock Yin Talisman, and the Lock Yin Talisman was extremely important to their Talisman Order. Thus, he was very concerned that Yang Haoran might refuse. Fortunately, Yang Haoran did not refuse him, allowing the stone hanging in his heart to finally drop.
The reason he had maintained a stern face all evening was to subtly exert more pressure on Yang Haoran, naturally aiming for Yang Haoran to agree to cooperate with him. If Yang Haoran refused, he foresaw significant trouble. He would then have to find a way to make Yang Haoran agree, rather than killing him, even if it meant paying an additional price.
Despite his outwardly agreeable words, feigning indifference to Yang Haoran's decision, it was merely an act for Yang Haoran's benefit. If Yang Haoran had truly refused him, he would undoubtedly have immediately changed his tune.
The next day, the Lecheng Underworld Division suddenly did something that greatly puzzled other factions. Old Master Wu, as the second-in-command of the Lecheng Underworld Division, personally and secretly visited other forces in Lecheng. Whether they were major powers or inconspicuous minor ones, he called on each of them individually.
Besides representing the Lecheng Underworld Division to express goodwill to these factions, Old Master Wu also did something else: he discreetly inquired whether they knew any Pharmacists or had heard of any powerful Pharmacists.
Old Master Wu handled this matter very discreetly, without any fanfare. However, Lecheng was only so big, and there were only so many factions, some of whom maintained very close ties. Thus, the news quickly spread within the circles. Everyone began to speculate about what had happened to the Lecheng Underworld Division and why they were so urgently searching for a Pharmacist.
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