Chapter 1021

"Ah, ah." He Lingchuan waved his hands, "Words cannot be spoken carelessly. Mr. Yu is still sitting here properly, I have no authority to handle officials of Bekka." This remark eased Yu Zecheng's expression.

He had just seen the roasted wolf and his anger flared, preventing rational thought. Now, sitting down and catching his breath, he suddenly realized something:

This Huo Xiong still fears Bekka, doesn't he?

If he weren't afraid, why would he force himself to deny that the wolf demon and his other teammates came from Bekka? Dealing with stray animals and demons goes unmanaged; but killing Bekka's demons, that will be investigated.

Yet, the surname Huo insists on nitpicking, merely doing superficial work—what meaning does it ultimately have?

Even if he's mad, he should know that after Yu Zecheng returns to the country, he will surely report everything that happened here truthfully, right?

However, He Lingchuan's next words were: "What I dealt with—mistake, what I am about to execute—are all foreign invaders."

The two words "execute" naturally carry heavy emphasis.

"As for foreign invaders, Bekka wouldn't show mercy, would they?"

Yu Zecheng stared blankly: "Stop pretending, lay out your terms."

This brat dares not kill him, but neither does he want to let him go.

As for his subordinates, his squad, He Lingchuan treats them differently, fundamentally not seeing them as "Bekka officials."

Since they participated in the Bailong people's riot, it's not strange that something went wrong in the operation; the island lord has the right to defend his territory.

Every action must have a price.

If he doesn't do something, his teammates will soon become "battle casualties."

Immediately!

They can't wait for Bekka's rescue anymore.

Moreover, not to mention those are his longtime followers—if his entire force is wiped out while he alone returns safely to the country, will he still be able to hold his head high in Lingxu City and in the military afterward? Victory and defeat are common in warfare, but abandoning one's subordinates to die while ignoring it is not the way of a commander.

What's more, the defeat in tonight's battle is largely due to him.

"Good, I knew Mr. Yu is a straightforward person." He Lingchuan clapped his hands, "I see, tonight between us is merely a misunderstanding. Mr. Yu was also deceived by petty villains. As long as the misunderstanding is cleared, I and Mr. Yu, Yangshan Archipelago and Bekka, will have no conflict. You say, isn't that the reasoning?"

This last sentence was directed at his guards behind him.

Everyone naturally nodded repeatedly. The leader said so, so it must be.

Yu Zecheng knew it was his turn to respond: "According to Island Lord Huo's view, how should this misunderstanding be eliminated?"

How should this matter be resolved?

"As long as there is sincerity, it can naturally be resolved." He Lingchuan pondered, "Behind my hot spring lodge, another villa is about to be completed, named 'Zhaowang Hall,' facing west, where one can enjoy the endless beauty of the sea sunset."

So? "These villas are prepared for the most honored guests; Zhaowang Hall is also now for rent, with a lease of thirty years."

Yu Zecheng was stunned, taking a while to react.

The terms Huo Xiong offered for release, unexpectedly, were…? He spoke, his voice a bit dry: "How is the rent calculated?"

"Such a good location, such a fine villa—daily rent must be at least one hundred fifty taels." He Lingchuan's abacus clicked loudly, nearly everyone in the room heard it, "However, if Mr. Yu wants a long-term lease, then just pay, only ninety taels."

Ninety taels? Yu Zecheng's jaw tightened.

Ninety taels per day rent, thirty years equals one million taels! This scoundrel wants to gouge one million taels from him? "Suding Island will surely prosper; in peak seasons ahead, the price may not necessarily be this. Mr. Yu, your investment now is not a loss." He Lingchuan sighed, "Besides, if you lease this villa on Suding Island, even if you don't use it yourself, you can sublet it or let relatives and friends stay."

Lü Qiuwei and others kept straight faces, suppressing laughter. The lord earnestly persuaded Yu Zecheng to rent his own house, seriously like a landlord.

This is probably because Yu Zecheng indeed has money. When he first came to Yangshan Archipelago, wasn't he opening his mouth to spend one million to buy the archipelago? Everyone also believes he truly has this financial power.

Bekka's wealth is unparalleled in the world; Yu Zecheng leading a team to capture Zhu Erniang, the operational funds are surely sufficient.

Not to mention, they definitely bribed local officials in Mouguo, even able to offer heavy rewards for Zhu Erniang's subordinates' earth-hole spiders.

That's just spending money like water? He Lingchuan now dreams of raising funds, how could he let such a wealthy patron go? He must surely ask Yu Zecheng to contribute bricks and tiles to Yangshan Archipelago's construction.

Actually, behind this comical scene lies something bloody.

If the terms aren't agreed upon, those Bekka people will all be made into dishes.

And if Yangshan Archipelago handles it improperly, it will inevitably provoke Bekka's heavenly wrath!

Yu Zecheng fell silent.

Leasing the villa is merely a pretext; the surname Huo is extorting him!

No ransom, then kill the hostage.

But, defeated is defeated; this loss before him is certain.

One million taels of silver is naturally a huge sum for him; he can first advance from public funds, but later he must still pay out of pocket.

When a person is under the eaves, he must bow his head.

He secretly inhaled, then in front of everyone's gaze, spoke in a deep voice: "Six hundred thousand taels."

Lü Qiuwei and others exchanged glances, oh wow, the surname Yu figured it out so quickly, even knows how to bargain?

Was it Island Lord Huo who just helped him gain insight?

Once entering this stage, it becomes practical.

"Mr. Yu's this cut, it's a bit harsh." He Lingchuan's tone hardened, "Let's skip this bargaining process, a fixed price, nine hundred thousand taels."

Since Mr. Yu has already softened, he doesn't want to spend too much time here.

There are still many troubles awaiting him, this island lord, to resolve.

He Lingchuan no longer wants to act; Yu Zecheng had no choice but to swallow this anger, nodding: "Good, but I need some time to raise the money."

He removed the jade ring from his right hand, placed it on the table: "This is the deposit."

He Lingchuan took it, looked, and saw inside the storage ring were over ten banknotes, total face value roughly around three hundred thousand taels.

He immediately beamed: "Suding Island most welcomes Mr. Yu's kind of straightforward person! Just stay here, love to stay however long, Nuanxiang Zhai will certainly make you feel at home."

These words, heard by Yu Zecheng, were full of sarcasm.

However, He Lingchuan immediately added: "By the way, when Mr. Yu sends a message to Lingxu City, could you also help me deliver a letter?"

Yu Zecheng was somewhat surprised: "To whom?"

"Shuoye National Master."

Yu Zecheng was somewhat surprised: "You know the National Preceptor of Shuangye?"

He suddenly recalled the National Preceptor of Shuangye's evaluation of He Lingchuan.

It seems these two sides had known each other before.

"We met once in the capital, and I often think of him." He Lingchuan stood up, "Mr. Yu, rest well. I still have matters to attend to; I'll send word again the day after tomorrow."

Times change, and now he feels it necessary to write a letter to the National Preceptor of Shuangye.

Wanqifeng hurriedly stood up—this time it should be his turn, right? But he rose too sharply; the chair tipped back with a creak.

Wanqifeng reached out to grab it, his face flushed with embarrassment.

Uncle Wanqisong is a demonic slaughterer, but he torments opponents without the… creativity of Island Master He, making even this onlooker feel a chill rise from the soles of his feet.

Sure enough, He Lingchuan beckoned him with a hand, smiling: "Come, it's your turn."

As the group was about to leave the private room, He Lingchuan suddenly stopped, turned to Qiuhu, and said: "Ah Hu, stay behind to attend to the guests—at least cut another wolf leg for Mr. Yu, lest our honored guests go hungry here."

Qiuhu acknowledged with a sound, turned back, and indeed drew his silver blade once more.

Has the surname Yu not yet swallowed a piece of wolf meat, still lacking a leg? The lord said it: must give guests an unforgettable night.

Yu Zecheng's face flushed crimson as he couldn't help but say: "Look at all your doings—do you really think this matter is settled? Do you really think you've won just like that?"

In his view, is He Xiaoyao merely madly probing the edge of self-destruction? "Hah. Whether I finish or not isn't for you, Yu Zecheng, to decide, nor is it your place to worry." The situation is settled, He Lingchuan finally dropped his pretense of contempt: "Still don't get it? You lack the qualifications."

Everyone left the private room in Yu Zecheng's silence, heading toward the back door.

This general of Beijia can no longer stir up any storms.

Wanqifeng hastily said: "Island Master..."

Whenever he faces He Lingchuan, he grows nervous, having rehearsed what to say several times in his mind.

But as soon as he spoke, He Lingchuan interrupted again: "Where are your men?"

In tonight's conversation with He Lingchuan, he's been interrupted at least seven or eight times, yet Wanqifeng is no longer annoyed. Besides, he observed the entire scene in the private room, witnessing firsthand how He Lingchuan dealt with Yu Zecheng.

Beijia's demon troops were all roasted by He Lingchuan like dishes—what good ending could the Bailong people possibly have? Not promising.

"... Not far."

"Being out in the wind and rain is always uncomfortable—would you like me to let them come in to take shelter?"

Wanqifeng did not answer.

"You dare come to me—your courage is commendable." He Lingchuan pointed outward, "Come with me; we'll talk as we walk."

He controlled the pace of the conversation; Wanqifeng had no choice but to follow him out of Wenxiangzhai.

Wang Fubao and Lü Qiuwei behind them exchanged a glance, knowing another act was beginning.

This scene in the private room is called "Striking and Beating"—beating Yu Zecheng, striking Wanqifeng.

Wanqifeng must understand clearly who he's dealing with! Also, he must weigh his own chips properly—just how heavy they are, and what consequences reckless actions will bring.

And indeed, this play's effect is excellent—Wanqifeng now faces He Lingchuan both timid and uneasy, his hands nowhere to place, completely unlike when he first arrived.

This state is just like when Min Tianxi and the others were first subdued by He Lingchuan.

When He Lingchuan began discussing the main matter, his first words were especially gentle: "Your uncle and clansmen are all safe and sound, their lives unthreatened."

Sure enough, the uncle had been captured.

Wanqifeng's heart first sank to the valley floor.

He saw at Ding Island's dock that the explosion site was wrong, and hearing that He Lingchuan was still playing chess here, he knew things were dire.

Truly unfortunate that he guessed it— they used a lure-the-enemy tactic, a feint to strike elsewhere. Uncle foolishly charged into the trap, bringing over a hundred clansmen! But afterward he secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It's the end of October now. We'll try to compete for the category ranking in November.

The editor hasn't recommended 《Xianren》 for nearly three months; after the list revision, books like ours suffer especially, so we must rely on ourselves.

Early November has extra chapters—Xiao Jiu will let everyone pre-book the monthly tickets in the drawer.

Thanks!

(End of Chapter)