Chapter 605: The Envoy

This could also be considered a good idea.

Although more than half the people are no longer interested in the Deep Shadow Society, the objective fact is that everyone is trapped on the mountain and cannot get down for the time being; since they are idle anyway, they might as well find something to do.

Among them, the Manor Masters are even more interested in this.

The miserable end of the other Manor Masters today left the survivors feeling both terrified and a sense of "when the rabbit dies, the fox grieves," their hearts filled with a gloom so thick it could not be dissolved. But once everyone pulled themselves out of that mood, they realized: life must go on.

Moreover... when everyone else meets with disaster, but one is safe oneself, isn't it something to be glad about that the probability of less than one in ten fell upon one's own head?

This sense of relief quickly spread, turning into joy, and then into smugness.

Except for a very few far-sighted slave owners who worried that after the overall power of Wangliang Mountain declined, their status in the eyes of the powerful outsiders would plummet, and that they would lose the initiative in future business and lose their bargaining power, most just thought: the competitors are gone, won't business be easier to do in the future? Things are valued for their scarcity, so shouldn't the fees be greatly increased?

Relatively speaking, those outsiders really have no interest, but perhaps when they smell the scent of wealth and profit in the business arena, that familiar feeling will return, right?

Everyone, each harboring their own thoughts, chatted about their own treatment and such before dispersing; after all, they were truly exhausted in body and mind today, and even if there were other matters, they could only think of one thing now: tomorrow.

The Abyss Envoys do not need rest, and Manying proposed interrogating Wu Shayu overnight. Jinwu is not tired either, so naturally, he accompanied them.

Tang Zhao also had to go rest; Sword Heroes get tired too. Having just fought a great battle today, he had consumed eight or nine tenths of his Sword Essence, and his spirit was even more depleted; his state was actually very poor, he was just holding up in front of others so they wouldn't see it. With Jinwu watching the interrogation, he didn't need to go. Wu Shayu couldn't say anything; the old guy didn't know about the severance of Yinglang and wasn't involved, but his status in the Long Life Society was limited, so it was impossible for him to say definitively that this matter wasn't done by the Long Life Society.

Besides, even if he spoke nonsense, Jinwu could make him unable to speak at any time.

Tang Zhao was very reassured by Jinwu Dianxia; although it had stayed in the water for a long time and its way of thinking was slightly different from ordinary people, it was clear-headed. Even if it couldn't compare to Manying's worldly wisdom and quick reactions, it was completely different from a blockhead like Xin Ying, and it was trustworthy.

Tang Zhao was just planning to go rest when he suddenly saw someone following him. This was a strange face, and because Sunset Manor had arranged for everyone to wash up in the evening, he looked clean and neat now, even with a bit of a scholarly air, like a reader.

That person stepped forward and cupped his hands, saying: "My surname is Liu, and I come from Jingcheng. I wonder if it is convenient for Excellency Tang to speak in private?"

Tang Zhao sized him up, not really wanting to socialize, but his temperament was relatively easygoing, and seeing that the other party was very polite, he still said: "Come over."

Nowadays, Tang Zhao possesses a small courtyard in Sunset Manor, complete with a living room, a flower hall, a bedroom, and a warm pavilion, and even a small Huayuan; it was something Jinwu made the people of Sunset Manor scramble to tidy up, and it is said it was originally reserved by Wu Shayu for Gui Rong. Now it naturally belongs to Tang Zhao; this is a matter of course.

After Tang Zhao displayed his strength, his status in everyone's eyes was even higher than the new Manor Master, so naturally, whatever treatment he enjoyed was deserved.

Entering the living room, there wasn't even a single servant in the courtyard; all the Sunset Manor servants were still busy dealing with the wreckage of the viewing stands, and Tang Zhao didn't need anyone to serve him either.

Tang Zhao said: "Is it quiet enough here? Please sit, Your Excellency; it is getting late, so try to keep it brief."

That Liu Shusheng said respectfully: "Naturally, I would not dare to delay your time. Student Liu Hu, a mere Guest Minister under Shou Wang Dianxia, greets Sword Hero Tang."

Before, when he was doing business with the Tiger-Subduing Master, he didn't even mention his own name, let alone the identity of the person behind him; that was because he looked down on the Tiger-Subduing Master in his heart, feeling he wasn't worthy of knowing. But now, facing Tang Zhao, it was completely different; not to mention guessing that Tang Zhao probably had a prominent status outside, even just seeing such a young and powerful Sword Hero, if he didn't bring up Shou Wang, he himself would feel he lacked confidence.

Tang Zhao said: "Shou Wang, huh..."

He was not very familiar with the imperial politics outside of Yunzhou, but he had basic common sense. He remembered that Shou Wang was the current Emperor's uncle-grandfather, a veteran official of three reigns, with a pivotal status. When the Empress Dowager held court, he was a restraining force, and now that the current Emperor has taken personal charge, he is even more revered, with accumulated rewards and an incomparably transcendent status.

As for whether Shou Wang's name is greater than his reality now or if he still holds great power, Tang Zhao didn't understand, but he knew he was a very expensive noble. This golden branch and jade leaf was even higher in name and status than the Gaoyuan Marquis.

But... what does that have to do with Tang Zhao?

With Tang Zhao's current strength and potential, he no longer feared any prominent figures in the Human World. The reason he listened to the Gaoyuan Marquis was because the Gaoyuan Marquis and the Land Inspection Division had shown him kindness; that prince from the outside, regardless of whether he was an imperial uncle or an imperial ancestor, had no authority over Tang Zhao.

Although he didn't know this Shou Wang, since he sent someone to Wangliang Mountain, he certainly wasn't doing good deeds; he was probably one of the big shots protecting Wangliang Mountain, right?

Thinking of this, Tang Zhao's impression of this old guy far away in Jingcheng was extremely poor.

Tang Zhao said politely but without enthusiasm: "Since you are an envoy of Shou Wang, please sit."

The two sat down, and Liu Hu exchanged a few pleasantries. Seeing Tang Zhao's cold and indifferent expression, he hurriedly got to the point: "Excellency, do you know how the Long Life Society prolongs people's lives?"

Tang Zhao said: "I don't know. If Guest Minister Liu is interested, you might as well go interrogate Wu Shayu together. I presume with Shou Wang's face, it wouldn't be difficult to add you in."

Liu Hu gritted his teeth secretly; he was representing Shou Wang, and even a seventh-rank official at the prime minister's gate has status. If they were in the Wujing region, even a Sword Hero couldn't be so impolite to him. Unfortunately, nowadays, the prince's name didn't work very well in the provinces, let alone in a lawless place like Wangliang Mountain.

He had no choice but to continue more bluntly: "Excellency, the Long Life Society extracted quite a bit of lifespan today, right? At the very least, several hundred people; even if each gave one year, that's several hundred years."

Tang Zhao had already guessed what he was going to say; how could he possibly agree to such a thing?

He immediately said: "I do know that. When Gui Rong fought me, his accomplices below extracted other people's power to support him. If not for that, he would have died long ago. It's a pity that those people's lifespans were wasted in vain; he still had to die."

Liu Hu continued: "Could it be that all the extracted lifespan was given to Gui Rong? The Sacrificial Array was still operating after he died, so there should still be quite a bit left. The remaining lifespan should be in the hands of that leader, right?"

Seeing Tang Zhao unmoved, he went a step further and said bluntly: "No one doesn't love such a good thing as lifespan; whether it is a royal noble or a peerless expert, who doesn't want to live a long life? But I feel that Excellency is probably an exception."

Tang Zhao didn't take his bait, so Liu Hu had to continue: "I can see that Excellency is extremely young, yet your strength is already top-tier among Sword Heroes; you truly have boundless prospects. For you, what is important is certainly not to linger on for a few more years when you reach the age of decay, but to climb upward while in your prime. Once you become a Sword Immortal, would a mere few hundred years of lifespan still be in your eyes?"

As he spoke, he smiled and said: "Cultivating upward, resources are very important. I think the resources a Sword Hero needs are rarely seen in the Human World, right? Going to the Qianxian to search for them also depends on luck, and at that time, one cannot avoid joining a major force and risking life and limb. Why not try the most reliable method? For example, exchanging them with true big shots?"

"Nowadays, there are many reckless people in the world who, just by having a piece of land the size of a palm, act as if they are local emperors. But in fact, the Imperial Court is the Imperial Court, and the Royal Family is the Royal Family. The essence of heaven and earth is still concentrated in the hands of the Royal Family. And Shou Wang is one of the most noble people in the world. Moreover, he has always been fair, benevolent, and respectful to the virtuous. Trading with him, you will never fear being bullied; you will only be appreciated and receive extra rewards. Exchanging a useless item for a treasure ten times as useful—is there any cheaper deal in the world than this?"

Tang Zhao looked at him, suddenly smiled, and said: "That is very true. If I had that lifespan in my hands, I would be tempted too. It's a pity, I don't have it here."

Liu Hu's face darkened slightly, and he said: "Excellency does not believe my words?"

Tang Zhao darkened his face in return and said: "Could it be that Your Excellency does not believe my words?"

Liu Hu was speechless for a moment, only then remembering that this person was not only powerful but also very good at arguing; several times during the battle, he had used his sharp tongue to force Gui Rong into a frenzy, and he had read many books, so his mind was also very clear. For such a person, reasoning, coaxing, and threatening were all useless.

One could only use temptation, and if temptation didn't work, then it was truly immovable.

Liu Hu was unwilling to give up and tried to persuade him a few more times, but Tang Zhao insisted on the "didn't see it, don't know, don't talk nonsense" triple-denial, leaving Liu Hu helpless.

In the end, Liu Hu had to stand up and say: "I know Excellency cannot make up your mind for the moment. But if you have a decision, come find me at any time. I will be waiting for you in Yulang City. If you don't trust me, you and I can go to the capital together to meet Shou Wang Dianxia in person, and have the rewards bestowed by him personally."

Tang Zhao didn't care and watched him leave.

The Turtle Shell, as well as those remaining lifespans, were of course in his hands.

But he would not take them to trade with any powerful nobles.

He would return them to the people they should be returned to.

The night passed without incident, and the next morning, he received news.

The interrogation of Wu Shayu was very unsuccessful. It wasn't even Jinwu's doing; it was Wu Shayu himself who refused to speak.

Upon seeing the Abyss Envoys, he shouted: "I want to see Lord Wangliang! I have performed meritorious service for Wangliang Mountain! Who among you is qualified to interrogate me?"

After saying this, he shut himself off.

Not as an adjective, he truly shut himself off. He turned into a statue, neither speaking nor moving, neither shaking nor swaying; if you poked him, he didn't react, if you pulled his body, it wouldn't move, and even his mouth couldn't be pried open.

This must be some kind of Secret Art or Sword Art. It was just to make people helpless against him, making even torture useless.

Several Abyss Envoys used various methods to torment him all night, let alone waking him up, they couldn't even inflict a few wounds. The only success was that Xin Ying got angry and shaved off all his hair, beard, and eyebrows, turning his head into a marinated egg.

Jinwu watched from the side and did not take action. He naturally didn't join in the fun, but thinking about it, even if he took action, it would be easy to kill him, but to wake him up without injury and then ask for information would probably be impossible.

The last few Abyss Envoys also gave up, sitting there and looking at each other in dismay.

Manying said, "What should we do? Can we really not go back? Should we die to return?"

Manying was also out of ideas, only still hesitant about the matter of "dying to return."

At this moment, Jinwu said, "Esteemed Abyss Envoys, isn't the Sacrifice coming up soon? Counting from today, it is no more than seven days away. You may linger at my humble abode for a few days and, while you're at it, attend the Deep Shadow Society or whatever it is. When the time comes, we shall all set off together to the Altar and invite Lord Wangliang to preside over justice. Once it appears, what matter cannot be easily resolved? Restoring Yinglang or increasing the number of Abyss Envoys, I imagine both will be no problem. Just rest and relax for these few days."

The Abyss Envoys looked at one another and could only nod.

Jinwu was pleased in its heart; its task was to pin down as much power as possible at the manor, allowing those outside to act freely, and hadn't this been achieved quite easily?

My affairs here are already settled; the rest now depends on all of you.