Chapter 961: Your Acting Needs Work
In the eyes of outsiders, Yang Haoran had only been the Lecheng Underworld Office Emissary of Death for a few years, so his strength was quite limited. Even if he had some fortuitous encounters that boosted his power, it certainly wouldn't be terrifyingly immense.
The Black-Robed Person, intending to act against Yang Haoran, must have gathered information regarding this. His reluctance to confront Yang Haoran directly likely stemmed from a belief that his own strength was inferior, thus necessitating the use of underhanded tactics.
However, this didn't mean Yang Haoran's strength had reached the peak of the Heaven Soul realm.
If Yang Haoran's strength was merely average among Emissaries of Death, then why would Bai Xue, a peak Demon Saint, follow him? For Yang Haoran's looks?
Given Yang Haoran's ordinary appearance, he felt that possibility was virtually zero. In his view, Bai Xue followed Yang Haoran either because she had other motives, or they had reached an unspeakable agreement, or Bai Xue's strength had been exaggerated, and she hadn't truly reached the peak Demon Saint realm.
From the Black-Robed Person's perspective, all these possibilities existed. If there were other options, he wouldn't have wanted to test the depths of Bai Xue's strength, for a wrong gamble would only accelerate his demise.
But currently, he had no other recourse. At least for the moment, he couldn't think of any. So, he decided to take a gamble: simultaneously probe Bai Xue's true power while searching for an opportunity to escape.
Just moments ago, he had indeed considered summoning aid via a Communication Talisman. However, he suspected this entire situation might be a trap. If Bai Xue's power genuinely reached the peak Demon Saint realm, then any help he called would surely be no match for her either.
Hearing the Black-Robed Person declare his intent to test her limits, Bai Xue's smile deepened. Beyond its irresistible enchantment, the smile also held a hint of mockery.
“If you truly possessed skill, why would you sneak around in the shadows, scheming against others? So, I offer you a piece of advice: call for backup. Testing my strength alone will not only cost you your life, but you won't even learn anything substantial. This is truly a losing proposition. ”
The Black-Robed Person completely ignored Bai Xue, his resolve unshaken by her words. He merely let out a sharp cry.
“Heaven Soul! Open! ! ! ”
A hoarse, low voice escaped the Black-Robed Person's lips. A surge of power, even greater than before, erupted from his body. The Yin Qi rising from him grew denser, like swirling black smoke, creating quite a spectacle.
A swirling mass of Yin Qi churned violently beside him, naturally giving birth to the Underworld Office's unique Soul Armament. As his aura intensified, a slender, black-bladed Soft Sword slowly emerged from the Yin Qi at his side, which he then snatched into his hand.
Bai Xue was unaware of the Soft Sword's specific abilities, but her smile remained unchanged. Even as the Black-Robed Person opened his Heaven Soul and summoned his Soul Armament, she showed not the slightest hint of panic, instead appearing intrigued.
The Black-Robed Person observed Bai Xue's reaction intently. Her composure only intensified the ominous premonition in his heart.
His mind raced, desperately searching for any possible escape method. Yet, the unease gnawing at him had muddled his thoughts, robbing him of his usual sharp wit.
“You stay here to protect Yang Haoran, and you're just going to ignore the life of your Administrative Chief, Zhu Rong? ”
Gripping his Soft Sword, the Black-Robed Person asked Bai Xue in a deep voice. His sudden mention of Zhu Rong, of course, had its purpose.
Bai Xue had initially expected the Black-Robed Person to immediately attack her after opening his Heaven Soul and summoning his Soul Armament. After all, he had already issued his threats, and she could sense his rage. In such circumstances, a direct assault would be typical.
But the Black-Robed Person did no such thing. Instead, he brought up Lecheng's Administrative Chief, Zhu Rong.
She understood the Black-Robed Person's intention in mentioning Zhu Rong at that moment, so she responded with a smile.
“You don't need to worry about our Administrative Chief's safety. Rest assured, even without me in Lecheng, she will still receive absolute protection. To tell you the truth, the person currently protecting her is even stronger than I am. Do you think I need to be concerned for her safety? ”
Bai Xue's words caused a slight tremor in the Black-Robed Person's heart. He had intended to threaten Bai Xue with Administrative Chief Zhu Rong's life, but he had never expected such an outcome.
He let out a cold snort, then turned his head to glance at the bamboo building.
“Since you don't need to worry about your Administrative Chief's safety, then I must ask: are you worried about Yang Haoran's safety? He is currently in our hands! ”
Seeing that Zhu Rong couldn't be used to threaten Bai Xue, the Black-Robed Person shifted his attention to Yang Haoran. As his words fell, he turned his gaze back to the bamboo building and spoke in a deep voice.
“Xiang Chuan, if I die, you won't have it easy either. You're with me on this, and if they kill me, they certainly won't spare you. If you want to live, you'd best join forces with me. Yang Haoran is currently in your hands, so if we control him, we'll have a life-saving talisman. ”
The Xiang Chuan the Black-Robed Person referred to was naturally the owner of this place, the Pharmacist who had been treating Yang Haoran.
“You're full of it! When did I ever become an ally of yours? I merely agreed to cooperate a little, and now this is. . . Ow, ow! Lord Underworld Official, stop! Listen to my explanation, please, let me explain! ”
A man's voice came from inside the house. From his words, the owner of the voice was naturally that Pharmacist, the very Xiang Chuan the Black-Robed Person had mentioned.
However, before Xiang Chuan could finish speaking, his tone abruptly shifted from furious cursing to desperate pleading.
Accompanying Xiang Chuan's pleas, two figures emerged from the bamboo building. The one leading was Xiang Chuan himself, and behind him was none other than Yang Haoran, who had been heavily injured and rendered unconscious.
At this moment, Yang Haoran had not only awakened from his coma, but his face was no longer as pale and bloodless as before.
When Yang Haoran awakened from his coma, Bai Xue showed not the slightest hint of surprise on her face. She had known all along that Yang Haoran would recover, and thus felt no astonishment.
Since the Black-Robed Person's face was concealed, his expression couldn't be discerned. However, Yang Haoran's appearance still caused his body to tremble almost imperceptibly.
Although he had previously suspected this was a trap, and Yang Haoran's severe injury and unconsciousness were likely a pretense as part of it, when Yang Haoran truly awoke from his coma and appeared perfectly fine before his eyes, this worst-case scenario was indeed difficult for him to accept.
“Heh heh, your acting isn't quite up to par. ”
Yang Haoran glanced at the Black-Robed Person, then shifted his gaze to Bai Xue, speaking with a faint smile.
“The victor is king, the vanquished is bandit. I admit defeat, having fallen into your hands today. There's no need for you to stand there pretending and making cynical remarks. ”
A hoarse voice emerged from the Black-Robed Person's mouth, his words laced with both anger and a profound sense of helplessness.
Hearing this, Yang Haoran shifted his gaze from Bai Xue, letting it fall back upon the Black-Robed Person.
“Heh heh, my friend, you've misunderstood. What I just said was for Bai Xue, not for you. It seems your inner tension has already started affecting your judgment. ”
Yang Haoran spoke with a gentle smile, his face devoid of any murderous intent or anger. His demeanor was quite courteous, making it seem as though he wasn't conversing with an enemy, but rather chatting and joking with a friend.
However, to the Black-Robed Person, these words were both humiliating and infuriating. He felt that Yang Haoran was purely toying with him through his words.
“Lord Underworld Official, I've already put in a lot of effort, haven't I? My acting skills are absolutely impeccable. Many times, even I myself believed that everything happening recently was real! I've been so committed, and yet you still say my acting is bad? You're being a bit nitpicky, aren't you? ”
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