Chapter 982: Unhappy Parting

Chapter 972: An Unhappy Parting

That's truly what she thought at the time! However, she wasn't passively "agreeing" but actively "commissioning" He Lingchuan to retrieve the immortal slough.

She was the client, hehe.

"Only when he summoned me there did I discover that the great formation of Mount Xu was already broken. Since I was already there and had obtained the relic, what reason did I have not to flee for my life, right?"

Yu Zecheng sneered. This spider demon was taking advantage and then feigning innocence, even claiming she was trapped on a pirate ship? As expected of a great demon that had lived for thousands of years, her cheek was thicker than a city wall.

He didn't know that Zhu Erniang was truthfully describing her state of mind, except that retrieving the relic was a demand she actively made of He Lingchuan, full of subjective initiative.

He Lingchuan interjected, "Then you can at least provide some clues, can't you?"

"Clues? Hmm..." Zhu Erniang thought seriously. "I was only awakened after activating the spider slough, so I don't know what he did before that. However, this person's cultivation is very strong. In subsequent actions, Zu Ju was quite... respectful towards him. He told Zu Ju to smash the Star-Picking Tower, and Zu Ju smashed it. He told Zu Ju to send us out of the Mount Xu territory, and Zu Ju sent us out."

She added, "Oh, and during the escape from the pursuit of Grand Master Qingyang and Bai Zhantian, he used primordial energy—quite pure and potent primordial energy!"

She emphasized the last sentence, but Yu Zecheng's expression remained unruffled, showing no surprise.

Although he wasn't at the scene of the chase and escape that day and had no right to review Grand Master Qingyang's confession afterward, he had heard about the subsequent official upheaval in Lingxu City even from the front lines.

It was quite a bloody storm, all because the person who seized the Heavenly Palace treasure possessed primordial energy, and very pure and potent primordial energy at that.

That could only be a high-ranking official or military general from Lingxu City!

He subconsciously glanced at He Lingchuan. Indeed, if primordial energy was involved, Zhu Erniang's accomplice couldn't possibly be this Chiyan special envoy.

"What weapon did that person use?"

"A saber and a water-splitting dagger."

Both were common weapons; Yu Zecheng and his guards all wore sabers at their waists.

He Lingchuan interjected, "What about their height and age?"

"Height—" Zhu Erniang glared at him fiercely. "Similar to yours. Couldn't tell the age."

This brat was really getting into character, wasn't he? Even interrogating her now?

He Lingchuan gave a dry laugh. "You shouldn't say things like that."

Erniang was getting angry.

Yu Zecheng asked, "Did you not see who took the Heavenly Palace's secret treasure?"

"I personally saw the shrine from the Star-Picking Tower fall into the lava." Not only did she see it, but she was the one who pulled the shrine into the lava with her spider silk. "After that, I didn't see it again."

So, whether the Heavenly Palace's secret treasure was taken by Zu Ju or the "mysterious person," she couldn't be sure without witnessing it directly.

This was the truth, the plain truth.

The spider demon sisters reviewed the battle afterward and were also very curious about the ultimate whereabouts of that treasure.

Of course, they believed the treasure eventually fell into He Lingchuan's hands. This brat was as cunning as a ghost; why would he do anything without personal gain?

"So, you can't provide any useful clues?" Yu Zecheng concluded. "Zhu Erniang, this is a rare opportunity. I advise you to think it over carefully."

"Otherwise?" Zhu Erniang said gruffly. "For over a year now, I've often recalled that battle, and this is all I can provide. That person had prepared for a long time with a meticulous plan; why would he leave any flaws for me to find?"

In any case, she firmly insisted on the words "I don't know."

That Yu fellow was even dangling incentives, claiming past crimes could be wiped clean and she could be appointed a lord? Bah! A mere captain dares to make such boastful claims? Was being ranked second on the Heavenly List a joke? Did he really think she lived this long by falling for such empty promises?

Zhu Erniang understood clearly: the relic was seized by Beijia, and reclaiming it wasn't unreasonable, but was Beijia truly a rational party? The incident at the Heavenly Palace essentially amounted to trampling their face in the dirt. He Lingchuan and she, ranked first and second respectively, would inevitably bear the wrath of the Heavenly God and the Demon Emperor—neither would escape!

Unless they had no way to deal with you, like Zu Ju, who was rebellious by nature.

"Oh, right, at that time, so many eyes from your Heavenly Palace were watching, and Zu Ju was also on-site. Didn't it pledge allegiance to the Heavenly Palace afterward? Why didn't it provide you with clues?"

Yu Zecheng himself had been fighting on the front lines and had not personally experienced the Heavenly Palace incident, nor did he know the exact nature of the negotiations between Lingxu City, the Heavenly Palace, and Zu Ju.

But he understood that if the clues provided by Zu Ju were useful, would Beijia still be working so hard to track down Zhu Erniang?

If even Zu Ju couldn't provide useful clues, it meant the mastermind was extremely cautious. Was it really strange that Zhu Erniang hadn't seen his true face?

Zhu Erniang immediately followed up, "Clearly, he's a prominent figure from your Lingxu City. You should look within yourselves for answers; what good will finding me do?"

"Your presence here will only make Island Master He uncomfortable," Yu Zecheng raised an eyebrow. "Come back to Beijia with me, and I guarantee your life will be safe."

Zhu Erniang burst into laughter. "Do you even hear what you're saying? Those words wouldn't even fool a three-year-old."

"My words are done. If you want to cause trouble for me, come and try it. See if you can escape my inescapable trap this time!" With that, she turned and left.

"Erniang, Erniang, wait!" No matter how He Lingchuan called, she didn't look back.

Yu Zecheng's hand rested on his saber hilt, his gaze flickering, seemingly caught in indecision.

The Soul-Capturing Mirror in He Lingchuan's arms chimed, "Oh? Does this guy want to make a move? Be careful, he might suddenly attack."

Qiu Hu also sensed danger, stepping forward to stand between Yu Zecheng and He Lingchuan.

Seeing this, Yu Zecheng ultimately did not draw his saber or yell for her to stop.

A large ship was docked by the shore. Zhu Erniang boarded it, and the vessel immediately departed, heading towards deeper waters.

With the meeting concluded, she returned to Panshi Island.

He Lingchuan sighed, looking at Yu Zecheng with a helpless expression. "Mr. Yu, what should we do now?"

Yu Zecheng's face was expressionless. His gaze shifted from the large ship Zhu Erniang had boarded to He Lingchuan, and then to Qiu Hu, who was glaring at him.

"Unfortunately, Zhu Erniang is unwilling to consider your position, so this matter is back to square one."

"Many demons and refugees have taken shelter here, all seeking refuge from the world, and they have received my promise. If I were to expel Zhu Erniang, how would others view me?" He Lingchuan gave a wry smile. "Mr. Yu, a person cannot stand without trustworthiness."

Those in power value integrity and promises above all else.

Yu Zecheng, of course, knew this. His eyes flickered twice, but he didn't press the matter, instead saying:

"It seems I might have to trouble you here for a few more days."

Since Zhu Erniang was here, he decided to stay as well.

"Oh? You're most welcome," He Lingchuan smiled. "However, I have some matters to attend to. I'll come find you for a drink this evening, Mr. Yu."

He knew, of course, that Yu Zecheng wasn't staying for a vacation or sightseeing.

From now on, he would have to face every move the other party made head-on.

(End of Chapter)