Chapter 382: Pinokangni (61)

"…Such a precious item, I'm afraid it's only more costly than other rewards."

"Shajin: 'But you also know, if you want the truth to surface, a bit of high cost risk is necessary.'"

"By this point, Xingqiri suddenly asked a question seemingly unrelated to the discussion: 'Mr. Shajin, when you go out, do you always pay attention to your appearance? The tie should be on the midline, the shirt must not show from the vest, the trouser crease must be straight, and always aligned with the direction of the shoes.'"

""Of course.""

""But I won't, because this 'improper'—you should ensure everything is orderly when you go out, without deviation." Xingqiri calmly shook his head, "I never take any risks. The Foundation Stone must be kept by the family.""

"Shajin frowned: 'Really, nothing to talk about?'"

"Xingqiri's face still bore a calm smile: 'Don't make me refuse a second time.'"

"Shajin let out a long sigh: '…Fine, just taking back the gift money is fine; you ought to give me that. A merchant without bargaining chips would find it hard to take a single step.'"

"Xingqiri nodded satisfactorily: 'Your compliance is faster than I expected. Too bad, compared to merchants… gamblers need chips more. I can give you the gift money, but before that, I want you to tell me personally——'"

"Xingqiri walked over to Shajin's package and box: '——What exactly is stored in this box you decisively abandoned?'"

"——"

"Full-time Hunter."

""Interesting, this man called Xingqiri is actually more forceful than Shajin.""

"Inside the palace, the Ant King's gaze swept over Xingqiri's unflinching face, the corner of his mouth bearing a faint smile, as if every step Shajin took was within his expectations."

"He not only understands Shajin, but also seems quite familiar with the tactics and style of these company people, completely having the opponent in his grasp. However…… The Ant King's pupils contracted slightly, glancing at the blond youth standing beside the guard, 'What are those etiquette and midline things he just mentioned?'"

"Pufu bowed deeply and respectfully, saying: 'My king, these are merely human customs… nothing special.'"

"The Ant King narrowed his eyes: 'Oh? Really? I don't believe Xingqiri would say something so unrelated at this time; perhaps these customs conceal some profound meaning I cannot yet fathom…'"

"The Ant King has only just been born, and he retains a strong interest in human knowledge; perhaps next he'll frantically study books on clothing and the like?"

"But at this moment, the Ant King noticed that Youpi's expression beside him was somewhat subtle."

"He seemed somewhat displeased, like a flattened persimmon. His bulging muscles tensed as his arms were crossed over his chest, yet he muttered something quietly."

""Youpi, what are you muttering to yourself?""

""Ah, my king……" Youpi, whose small expression had been discovered, instantly grew flustered, quickly lowering his head: "... I merely feel some disappointment toward this human called Shajin.""

""Disappointment?" the Ant King repeated with interest, "Where does it come from?""

""This Shajin previously showed all kinds of forcefulness, full of confidence, yet when faced with the more obstinate Xingqiri, he compromised this quickly? I had expected a clash of equal strength between him and Xingqiri, but now it seems… he's merely a figurehead sent by the company.""

"Pufu also chimed in from the side: 'Indeed, my king, but this is human nature. People always like to puff themselves up, yet at critical moments they reveal weakness and concession. My king, I don't think you need to have overly high expectations of this person.'"

"——"

"Shajin didn't answer, merely smiling as he looked at him."

"Xingqiri slowly closed his eyes, his lips parting slightly as he uttered an ancient, obscure prayer: 'Soul of the triple aspect, please sear his tongue and heart with a branding iron, so he cannot fabricate lies, and make his false oath stand firm.'"

"Shajin suddenly felt a subtle discomfort—as if someone had lightly brushed his nape with a feather, yet he could find no hand there. He immediately grew wary: '…What did you do?'"

""Under the light of 【Harmony】, no sin can hide; I beseech Him to send down His light, and on His behalf I ask you. Next… you have 113 seconds to prove your innocence and earn my trust.""

""What if I refuse to answer?" Shajin, unwilling to yield."

""Then give it a try—see whether 【Harmony】 will reject you." Xingqiri smiled calmly."

"Shajin's gaze darkened; he knew the man before him was not joking."

"Xingqiri began his first question: 'May I ask: do you possess the Foundation Stone?'"

""Yes.""

""Such a concise answer. You also understand the principle that many words lead to loss." Xingqiri nodded satisfactorily: "Upon entry, did you hand over the Foundation Stone to the family?""

""Yes.""

""Is the Foundation Stone you handed over to the family yours?""

"Shajin furrowed his brows: 'Yes.'"

"——"

"Marvel Universe."

""Wow." Tony raised an eyebrow, took a sip of wine, "This is far superior to a lie detector or anything like that.""

"Beside him, Sitelangi was completely unable to relax like Tony. In the heavenly canopy they could also see the image in Shajin's eyes under the influence of 【Harmony】; fine specks began to appear at the edge of his vision, combining into three-colored ripples like sea waves. In his ears rang a low-frequency hum, like the wingbeats of ten million bees or the electromagnetic noise of distant galaxies."

"This is very similar to the ability Zhigengniao used on the star earlier, but the effect is completely different…… Does 【Harmony】 really have this kind of usage?"

"So, mage…" Tony swirled his wine glass, "Do your flowery incantations have anything similar? The kind that makes people tell the truth?"

"How about it—if there is, do you want to try it yourself?"

"Ha, or just use it on the enemy." Tony turned his gaze back to Shajin's face, "But seriously, this kid is totally done for this time. In the face of this unreasonable ability, any lie has nowhere to hide. I can't imagine how he could turn things around this time—if Xingqiri is willing… he could obtain Shajin's full plan."

"In human confrontations, information is often the key factor; Tony also understands this well. In this match, Shajin lost completely—he probably never imagined Xingqiri would have such a so‑called simple and brutal interrogation method."

"But what shocked Tony was not this ability."

"From the meaning of Xingqiri's words, it seems he can directly establish contact with 【Harmony】's Xipei, asking on behalf of the Star God. If what he says is true, then the family would hardly not have become the Star God's appointed spokesman."