Chapitre 25: Discussion
Éditeur: EndlessFantasy Translation
As the shadow came closer, and with the help of the dim candlelight, they were certain that it was Zhao Kuang.
He had crossed the bridge but did not walk toward the First Heaven House. Instead, he stood on the spot, looking down as if thinking of something, a little hesitating.
After a while, he finally moved again. When he came in front of the Ninth Heaven House, he stopped and looked up, seemingly suspecting of something.
"Shh!"
Wutian put his finger to his lips and held his breath so he would not make a sound.
At last, Zhao Kuang left. When he came to the First Heaven House, he did not enter immediately but stood in front of it, looking up at the night sky, as if waiting for something. He was heard letting out a soft sigh as if he could not help it.
Wutian and Han Tian exchanged a look in confusion.
Time ticked by, and it was midnight. A gust of wind came and blew out the candle lamps hanging on the trees. The place instantly turned pitch-dark.
There were frantic footsteps on the other side of the lake. The sound was so soft that it was almost inaudible. Wutian was restless, knowing that tonight's protagonist had shown up. His murderous intent was out-of-control.
Han Tian sensed something amiss and patted Wutian on his back. Instantly, mild energy rushed into his body, nourishing his every cell. Wutian's impetuosity receded and his murderous intent disappeared. He suppressed his emotions again, and there did not seem to be anything unusual about him now.
Footsteps were heard crossing the bridge. They could see nothing. But by the sound of things, there should be three people. The steps of one were light, another was flighty. Wutian could almost be certain that these two people were Liuyan and Huoshi. The third one should be the powerful one sent from the Fire Cloud Clan.
The footsteps did not stop but quickly moved past the Ninth Heaven House. Not long after, there was the creaking sound of the door opening.
Wutian and Han Tian did not immediately act. They waited for a while before jumping down from the terrace and dashed toward the first house. They kept their steps light so as not to make any sound.
The situation inside the house was pitch-dark, just like last night. Wutian and Han Tian crouched under the window and listened in carefully. The only one who felt not too happy was Little Tian. Did Wutian not say they were looking for treasure? It looked like it was getting conned again.
"Have you decided?" asked the same hoarse voice.
"We will do it with two conditions. One, this will be the last, after which, don't come to the Zhao family again, and we will not go to the Yan Clan. Two, after this is done, free us of all the controls." Zhao Kuang told the hoarse voice categorically.
"You should know that if you all don't follow me back to the clan this time, you will not get another opportunity like this." The hoarse voice sounded surprised.
"The Zhaos owe the Yan Clan a great debt of gratitude, yet we betray them. I have really thought it through after so many years. Reputation and power are just a joke. We would rather live a carefree life. But don't you worry. After this deal, the Zhaos will vanish and not cause you any trouble."
There was a moment of silence in the house before the hoarse voice spoke. "All right. Since you all have decided, I am happy to do you a favor by granting you the request. Elder Wu, hand him the Dreamy Grass. By the way, I heard that there was a battle in the day. One of the opponents was a Metal-Wind Being, and the other was the God of War, Sikong Lie's successor. Is it true?"
"I am not so sure. I was out looking for talents in the town at the time and only heard people talking about it when I came back. But judging by the aftermath of the battle, the two of them are nothing short of extraordinary," said Zhao Kuang.
"Interesting. Keep an eye on them. Don't let them get away. Now, leave me!"
At first, Wutian wanted to leave. But Han Tian stopped him, signaling to stay put.
Creak! As the door opened with a soft creak, Zhao Kuang walked out of the house, went toward the bridge, and disappeared into the darkness.
"Young Master, are you really going to set the Zhaos free?" A forceful voice spoke in the house in confusion.
"Do I look like a merciful one? After this, our clan will have over thirty thousand men, which is more than enough. The Zhaos have passed their useful lifespan. It was just an expedient talk just now. They are still pretty influential in this town. We don't want any unnecessary trouble at this time."
"It is a smart move, Young Clan Master."
"Elder Wu, tell men in the other places not to gather this time. They can activate the portal and leave. I don't want any surprises, especially this last time."
Wutian finally made out who this hoarse voice belonged. It was Huoshi. No wonder he found it familiar when he first heard it last night.
He clenched his fists tightly as the death of his grandpa, and the villagers came to mind. The memories were still vivid in his mind as if it had only happened yesterday. The murderous intent in him started to rise again.
"Who is it?"
Bang! The window was broken open with wood chips flying outward as a shadow lunged out. His eyes glinted like a pair of lamps, scanning around.
"Caw!" A Demon Toad jumped into the bush.
"Who is it?"
"It is just a demon toad, Young Clan Master."
"A demon toad? Right here, this time?"
"We better leave now."
"Let's go."
Creaaak! The door was opened again as three sets of footsteps came out, heading toward the other side of the lake. It was not until the footsteps faded into the distance that two shadows emerged from the bush beside the window.
"It scared me to death, Wutian. How deep is the hatred between you and them to make you lose control of yourself? If not for the little creature, you and I would have been finished." Han Tian patted his chest, still fearful.
"Blood debts!" said Wutian faintly as he picked up Little Tian and walked back to the house.
"This guy is weird!" Han Tian mumbled as he caught up with Wutian.
Back at the house, Wutian sat on a wooden chair, his brows knitted together. He had overly simplified things. Huoshi and the others had come prepared. He could sense strong oppressive energy in the guy called Elder Wu even from a distance. That guy would surely crush him like tofu if a battle broke out. He needed to reconsider his options.
"I need to raise the price," said Wutian.
Han Tian was struck dumb. "Didn't we agree earlier that I would help you kill Huoshi?"
"Not enough." Wutian shook his head. Things were more difficult than he had thought. Without getting more in return, he did not want to take the risk, and he might as well cancel the deal.
Han Tian furrowed his brows and was in deep thought. "The operation isn't exactly dangerous. You just need to pretend to have taken the Dreamy Grass and follow them. Once arriving at the agreed venue, someone will come to your rescue."
Wutian said nothing but just stared him directly in the eye.
"You stubborn donkey. All right, tell me, what do you want?"
"Ten thousand Essence elixirs."
"That's impossible. A genius could only get one thousand Essence elixir a month. The most I can give you is two thousand."
"Nine thousand."
"That's too high. I can't make a decision."
"Six thousand Essence elixirs. If not, I will walk away," said Wutian.
"You..." Han Tian glared at him, his finger pointing at him but he could not find the word to respond. At last, he compromised. "Okay, six thousand it is, but you have to follow my instruction."
"What are you doing?" Han Tian was puzzled when Wutian extended his hand.
"Down payment. You need to pay half of it first. I don't particularly trust you."
You money-minded son of a b*tch! Han Tian cursed in his mind, but he still had to take out a black pouch and toss it over. "There are three thousand Essence elixirs in there," he said angrily.
"A Mustard Pouch!"
Wutian stared at the black pouch in his hand. It was none other than a Mustard Pouch. This thing could hold a vast number of items, yet its weight would remain the same. It was a very handy gadget, which he had been dreaming of getting his hands on one.
"I don't understand how you survived in the Fire Cloud Clan last time. What is so surprising about a Mustard Pouch? Weirdo!" Han Tian sneered.
"Caw!" Little Tian's eyes brightened up, and it drooled as it looked at the black pouch. It was not interested in the Mustard Pouch but the shiny Essence elixirs inside.
It lunged up and grabbed the pouch. Landing on the ground, it held the pouch in front of him and howled at Wutian, basically telling Wutian that it was taking the Essence elixirs as compensation and reward for his lie and its saving of him.
Blue veins popped up on Wutian's forehead, but he fought back his anger.
Seeing that Wutian said nothing, Little Tian took it for granted. Earlier it was still resentful because of his lie, but now he was a happy bunny.
"The Gobbler, listed on tenth on the list of exotic beasts, is extraordinary indeed. I envy you, Wutian!"
"Caw!" Little Tian was flattered by the compliment.
"What is your plan?" asked Wutian.
"There is no one yet." Han Tian shook his head. "We have got to find out where the Zhaos and Hushi would meet only then I can come up with a plan. Besides, my gut feelings tell me that their meeting venue is going to differ from the last time."
"No good, if this is the case." Wutian frowned. The Zhaos and Huoshi would definitely be very tight-lipped about it when so much was at stake.
"I think you have underestimated what the Yan Clan is capable of, Wutian. We are going to find out as long as their meeting point is within this land. Just that we need some time, and we have to act as if he knows nothing, just as usual."
Han Tian took out two blades of grass. "This is Rejuvenation Grass, a powerful antidote. I think the Zhaos will swing into action soon. But considering the number of people they have to transfer, I guess they will do it in smaller batches. So I better give you the antidote first, just in case, you know."
"Just two?"
"I know what you are afraid of, but don't be worried. The Dreamy Grass is just an ecstasy drug. So long as you take the antidote within seven days, you will be fine. It won't even do any harm to the little girl," Han Tian said with a smile.
Wutian shook his head. "I don't trust you. Give me the antidote."
"Heck! Can't you be more courteous, Wutian?"
Han Tian was a bit upset. Considering how handsome he was, he could not have looked like a bad guy, could he? Why did Wutian still not trust him? Not only that, he kept mentioning it.
Han Tian took out another two Rejuvenation Grasses and threw it over. "We don't really think likewise. I am leaving now. See ya!"
He then left.
-- Cadeau
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