Stranger Danger-Chapter 1366: Attacking The Heart

“Hahaha...” Fang Zhiyong let out a wanton, disdainful, shrill laugh. “Don’t you find your threats are a little nonsensical and laughable?”

“Is it?” Ye Qing was laughing as well. “I don’t think so at all.”

“I want your life, and you’re using an item that’s utterly worthless to me to threaten me. Don’t you think that’s laughable?”

Fang Zhiyong taunted, “They all say that the Mad Lord’s courage and intelligence are unparalleled. I’m starting to think that the rumors are exaggerated after all.”

“Mm. I believe that you want to kill me to take revenge for your two sons. I also believe that you do not want the Earthly Sovereign Bell for yourself.”

Ye Qing replied, “But what about your master? I’m sure he thinks otherwise!”

“What do you mean?” Fang Zhiyong asked.

“Let’s stop beating around the bush already, shall we?”

Ye Qing could not be bothered to waste his breath on Fang Zhiyong. “I know exactly what the two of you want and want to do.”

Fang Zhiyong asked, “Is that so? Tell me.”

“You, Grand Mentor, desire my death so that you can take revenge for your son. On the other hand, your master desires my Earthly Sovereign Bell. In fact, the Earthly Sovereign Bell is the key that ties both matters together.”

Ye Qing said directly, “In fact, this whole incident is a conspiracy against the Earthly Sovereign Bell. This whole revenge thing is just a ruse to mislead me—or more accurately, an added benefit that you are more than happy to have.”

Clap clap clap! Fang Zhiyong clapped his hands after listening to Ye Qing until the end. “I must admit that you have quite the rich imagination. It’s a shame you became a warrior instead of a storyteller.”

Ye Qing said casually, “You know better than I do whether I’m telling a story or reality, Grand Mentor.”

Fang Zhiyong asked, “Tell me more then. Why would we want the Earthly Sovereign Bell?”

“You don’t want the Earthly Sovereign Bell. It’s your master.” Ye Qing corrected Fang Zhiyong. “As for why he wants it, the answer is very simple. It’s to borrow its power to accumulate and secure Chu’s fading Will of the Empire. Am I right?”

“Hahaha... I can’t believe you came up with something so ridiculous. You must have felt a lot of pressure, haven’t you?”

Fang Zhiyong laughed. “What on earth makes you think our empire needs a measly Earthly Sovereign Bell to accumulate and secure our Will of the Empire?”

“You say as if the whole world doesn’t know about your fuck-up!”

Ye Qing shrugged. “Is there anyone who hasn’t heard of your master trying to use the Heavens’ Eye to suppress the rebellion of Nanjiang, but ended up severely damaging the national relic instead?”

“Everyone knows that Heavens’ Eye is the national relic of Chu. However, it sustained so much damage that it can neither secure your Will of the Empire nor patrol the realm like it used to. That is why Chu is infested with Strangers, rebels, and all other manner of troubles. If you do not fix this as soon as possible, Chu’s will continue to lose Will of the Empire, and the realm will plunge into deeper chaos. Eventually, your empire will no longer be an empire, and your people will no longer be your people.”

“On the other hand, the Earthly Sovereign Bell is a creation of Profound Yellow Mother Qi and born to protect humanity. It possesses the unparalleled power to accumulate the will of the people and secure the will of a nation. It is exactly what Chu needs right now.”

“Considering Chu’s circumstances and the timing of your scheme, it’s not difficult to figure out the truth, is it?”

“Haha! And you are absolutely sure you are right?”

Fang Zhiyong did not confirm or deny Ye Qing’s accusation, though his voice was so cold one could squeeze water out of it.

“To be honest, I wasn’t that sure before this conversation. I was just hoping to sound you out a little.”

On the other hand, Ye Qing’s voice was becoming warmer and gentler and painting a stark contrast against Fang Zhiyong’s voice. “But now, I am sure I’m right. Your reaction said it all.”

“Is that so? What part of my reaction gave you that impression?” Fang Zhiyong asked.

“Everyone knows that you’re a domineering, uncompromising man, Grand Mentor Fang. You dislike wasting two breaths on a conversation that could have ended in one, and you dislike being threatened even more.”

This should have been a praise, but it sounded utterly sarcastic coming from Ye Qing’s mouth. “If my assumption was wrong, you would have killed Spirit at first notice and sent me one of the hostages’ arm, leg, tongue or whatever. You would have cut this conversation short a long time ago.”

“However, you are actively trying to keep the conversation going. It’s because you know that I am telling the truth, and you are trying to find out how much I already know.”

“That is why I must thank you, Grand Mentor. Your reaction is what confirmed to me that your true objective is the Earthly Sovereign Bell.”

Of course, the truth was that he already knew what Fang Zhiyong and Emperor Jing Run’s true objective was from the beginning. Everything else was made up based on Fang Zhiyong’s reaction and emotional changes.

Of course, it didn’t matter if his “deduction” was made up on the spot or even total lies. So long as it hit Fang Zhiyong where it hurt, he was going to use it.

Fang Zhiyong fell into a long silence after hearing that. Finally, he let out a sigh and said, “Concern leads to mistakes. I was careless.”

“Old age really is catching up to me!”

“So, you’re not pretending any longer, Grand Mentor?” Ye Qing smiled.

“At this point, what’s the use of pretending?” Fang Zhiyong sighed. “That’s right. Our goal is the Earthly Sovereign Bell.”

“But so what? Your friends and your friends’ families are still in my hands, and your actions determine whether they live or die!”

Ye Qing replied, “I know. That is why I’m speaking to you in good faith right now.”

“What are your demands?” Fang Zhiyong asked. He no longer said that Ye Qing wasn’t qualified. From the moment Ye Qing found out about their goal, he became qualified to sit on the negotiation table.

“It’s simple,” Ye Qing replied, “I want to trade the Earthly Sovereign Bell for the hostages.”

Fang Zhiyong waited for a moment before asking, “Is that all?”

“That is all.” Ye Qing chuckled. “What, you think my demand is too basic?”

“It is,” Fang Zhiyong admitted. He thought Ye Qing would ask for the moon, but in reality he didn’t. “Are you sure you want to give the Earthly Sovereign Bell away for a bunch of useless garbage?”

“In your eyes, they are useless garbage, yes. But in my eyes, they are worth thousands of times more than you or your master.”

Ye Qing said frankly, “I agreed to enter the imperial capital before, didn’t I? Did you think I made that promise thinking that I’ll be able to walk away alive? I was going to give up my life for them, so why would I not give up a mere Earthly Sovereign Bell?”

“Besides, I am just lending you the Earthly Sovereign Bell. In the future, when I have become a Sage, it will return to my possession as a matter of course.”

“Hahaha... you are ambitious if nothing else.” Fang Zhiyong barked out in laughter. It was impossible to say if it was a taunt or heartfelt scorn.

“I assume that you agree to my demand then.”

Ye Qing said, “If you do, then I hope to see the hostages in two hours.”

“Oh right, I also want you to bring the hostages to me in person. Only you. Understand?”

“Otherwise, you may never see the Earthly Sovereign Bell again. Trust me, I am a man of my word.”

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