Chapter 129: This Young Master's Messenger Quest Goes Wrong, As Expected

Chapter 129: This Young Master's Messenger Quest Goes Wrong, As Expected

Awkward. That would describe how the day had been thus far. Meeting Jiang Lei was awkward. Chen Haorans attempt at small talk had gone nowhere in the end. Hed thought at least they could start a conversation seeing as they found themselves once again walking through a dark tunnel to avoid attention. Hed thought too much, apparently. Maybe he should have brought Phelps along. Pets could always get a conversation going.

Things hadnt gone much better when they met Xi Wangmu. At the very least, she lent evidence to the old factoid that an organizations attitudes were the sum total of its leaders shitty personality. It would have been too much to wish that this world would be better than Earth, but was it too much to ask for it not to share the same failings? Of all the things that could be proven universal, why did it have to be powerful people not caring about the little guy? Except it was worse here. At least back on Earth, a CEO or politician couldnt kill someone with an angry look.

Well maybe Xie Jin wouldnt have died, but he probably felt like he was. Chen Haorans first direct attempt to resist a Crystal Transformation Realm had only succeeded because Xi Wangmu hadnt been kidding when she called it a look. It was all form and no substance. Whatever Xie Jin had been feeling to Chen Haorans sense his own body had sent him into shock. Perhaps the sheer difference in power triggered an extreme fear response? Chen Haoran certainly felt his spine crawl, and he wasnt even the focus of Xi Wangmus attention. Honestly, if Xi Wangmu had decided to press her assault, he wouldnt have been able to stop her at all. Fortunately, she did. Unfortunately, the discussion then shifted to something even more dangerous. Politics.

Chen Haoran couldnt help but note that Bao Si sitting down at the table at all was a loss in a way. They were here as messengers, not negotiators. It was obvious the temptation of getting the Longevity Elixir for Xie Ling was too much to pass up, even for her. Xi Wangmu had them by the balls and, worst of all, was aware of it. She probably knew it for a while now, too, given how rude she was in the beginning. It was a simple and brutish power play. The type a person could only do when they were confident in the strength of their position. Xi Wangmu had made it clear that she was not the one striking a deal with them. They were the ones who had to make her an offer.

Well. In the end, it wasnt his place to do anything. Hed just leave it up to Bao Si and her incredible poker face.

Xi Wangmu smiled kindly at her as she sat down. It was a textbook political smile doubtlessly mastered after countless hours of practice. Spoiled only by dark eyes backed by 4 thousand years of apathy. A wise decision Princess.

I will be the judge of that, Bao Si replied. Shall we begin with the purpose of this meeting?

Does it need explaining? Xi Wangmu asked. Youre a smart girl. Im sure you can figure it out.

Bao Si folded her hands primly. Youre planning rebellion.

Xie Jin breathed in sharply beside him. Chen Haoran slowly exhaled. Rebellion. He wasnt surprised. He was pretty sure they all had been nursing the idea for a while. He certainly had. Xie Jin and Bao Si apparently found evidence in the spirit stone. As for himself. he met Jiang Lei and Wang Xiao while they were hunting criminals. At the time, he had only known they were part of an organization doing a job the government should have been responsible for. Creating a good image for themselves and establishing legitimacy among the populace. In the beginning, it had been an outrageous guess that slowly grew firmer as he found more supporting evidence. How many times was this now? He really had to start a coin jar for this sort of thing.

Is it rebellion? Xi Wangmu idly questioned, as if the answer held no meaning for her. There was never an official end to the war, after all. The people did not accept the Empire. Even now, there are remnants resisting in the Splintered Lands.

Bao Si sniffed with disdain. The peoples acceptance changes nothingthe Empire rules. To say otherwise is just quibbling over the semantics. A bunch of petty warlords fighting for the scraps the superpowers left in the Splintered Lands will make no difference.

Xi Wangmu chuckled. Youre correct, of course, Princess Bao.

That word. Why are you using that word? Im not a princess. The Basin hasnt had royalty in 400 years.

Ah yes, Xi Wangmu mused. Not since your ancestors Bao Ji and Bao Jia handed over their crowns and were forced by the Sunset Emperor to commit suicide. She sighed. What a shame. I knew them well.

Im sure, Bao Si dryly replied. If Chen Haorans translation was correct, then what Bao Si actually said was: I dont believe a word you said. It was hard to tell if Xi Wangmu was really bullshitting them or not, given how old she was supposed to be. That she knew them was probably true. That she was close, as she seemed to be implying, was more suspect. You are aware that the Empire considers rebellion worse than war, correct? You already failed to defeat the Empire when they invaded. Forgive me for not being confident in your odds of success now that theyve established themselves within the country.

Damn. Chen Haoran wouldve whistled if it wouldnt have been wildly inappropriate. Bao Si wasnt taking prisoners. Whatever her confidence was based on must be reliable if she was this aggressive. At least, he hoped it was.

Xi Wangmu smiled. Why do you think Zumulu lost 400 years ago, Princess Bao?

Bao Si narrowed her eyes, and Chen Haoran hoped she could see something in Xi Wangmus expression because he certainly didnt. They were weak, and fragmented compared to the Empires superior soldiers and better-organized army, and, of course, the Sunset Emperor.

Xi Wangmu nodded. They were too independent.

There was a pause in the air. They waited for a follow-up to that sentence that never came. Instead, Jiang Lei wheeled over a tea cart and set a cup in front of Xi Wangmu and Bao Si before filling them up with a steaming tea that smelled like a fresh peach harvest. Xi Wangmu completely ignored Bao Si in favor of her tea, while Bao Si frowned in contemplation as she turned over Xi Wangmus words.

Her eyes flew open. Youre receiving another superpowers support. The Bagmar Republic? The Eastern Lightning League?

Bao Si and Xie Ji frowned. Chen Haoran couldnt blame them. The last time he heard that kind of appellation was from Lan Fens grandfather. Apparently, it was a term of address mostly used for younger children. It dawned on Chen Haoran that throughout this whole conversation, Xi Wangmu had been treating Bao Si more like some intelligent grandchild than with any actual seriousness. Bao Si seemed to realize it as well, going by the look on her face.

Xi Wangmu, on the other hand, seemed to pay her expressions no mind. In return for your cooperation, I will give Xie Ling two Earth-Rank Longevity pillsenough for 200 years of life and make sure your royalty will be restored. What say you, Princess Bao?

Bao Si stared long and hard at Xi Wangmu and remained silent. Chen Haoran and Xie Jin became unnaturally still. Whatever Bao Si said right now would doubtless have ramifications that would affect the Basin for years to come.

Bao Si stood up from her seat.

My apologies, Senior Wangmu, Bao Si said with a smile that could only be described as politely rude. But before I am a Princess, before I am even a Bao, I am a Black Bone Shaman. I will take your words back to my Master and the Elders so that they may decide on them.

Xi Wangmu sighed. I was rightyoure the only one worthy in your generation. What a spine. Youre wasted on your master. She set aside her cup and took out a rectangular green jade from her sleeve.

What is that? Bao Si asked with furrowed brows.

Youre master never communicated with you since you relayed the situation to her, has she not? Xi Wangmu met her question with a question. Its curious, isnt it? The message was sent, and she is aware another Star Core Realm is involved, but she has relayed no instructions, not even to her only apprentice, who is being sent as a messenger.

Bao Si clenched her fist, and Chen Haoran saw Xie Jin pale more than when hed suffered the brunt of Xi Wangmus presence.

What are you implying, Bao Si demanded.

You cannot speak to your Master in the Splintered Lands. Xi Wangmu pushed the jade forward. Would you like to try from here?

Bao Si staggered back. Chen Haoran and Xie Jin rushed to steady her. Her eyes were riveted to the jade.

Xi Wangmu threaded her fingers together. I said before that the Black Bone tribes alliance isnt a necessity. That is because Ive already received an answer from the only opinion that matters.

Master, Bao Si whispered.

Not that it made much of a difference, an uncaring Xi Wangmu continued. No matter what, after the Seven-Colored Steps of the Rainbow Stairs was brought to the Basin, it was inevitable youd be implicated. Thought admittedly, that was a curious happenstance. The original plan was to create chaos among the Empires Crystal Transformation Realm loyalists and divide the Garrisons attention.

Xi Wangmu turned her gaze to Chen Haoran, and rather than a human, Chen Haoran felt like he was staring at a towering tree. On that note. I am very curious as to why that cheapskate Gold-Eater decided to give the technique to you. Its a bit rude to keep wearing a mask, no? This old woman is so honest that she didnt even put on any makeup and came to meet you with a bare face. Will you not extend the same courtesy, Chen Haoran?

The request sent shivers down Chen Haorans spine. No matter how politely she worded it, all he could hear was the implied threat behind every single syllable. Slowly he reached up and peeled away his mask. Xi Wangmu placidly observed him until the mask was off in its entirety, and he stepped forward to shield Xie Jin and Bao Si. Xi Wangmu blinked.

Then, to his horror, she frowned.

Chen.Haoran. She slowly repeated his name as her sense brushed across his face. Throughout the entire meeting, no matter the expression she molded her face into, Xi Wangmus eyes remained as voids carved from an apathy born of 4 thousand years of living. Now those voids bloomed with a horrible light.

Recognition.

Chen Haoran. Xi Wangmu sneered.

Instinctively he reached for his Gifting Power, and for once, wished he hadnt.

Connection: Valid