Chapter 928: Leading

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: Papatonks

With the fragrant tea safely in his belly, Zhuo Fan casually held the cup with a relis.h.i.+ng sigh as he smiled and gestured at Shangguan Yulin, In a damp and dark hole such as this, some hot tea feels like heaven. Aint that so, guys? Ha-ha-ha

Yeah, yeah

Mister Gu knows how to enjoy life, ha-ha-ha

The elders went into a constant praising spree, all while sporting wide smiles. Zhuo Fan could pretty much say anything and theyd still accept it.

Shangguan Yulins face twitched from anguish, it cut so deep that death was starting to look oddly inviting. Then it dawned on him. Zhuo Fan was putting this overblown display after all those days spent under the knife and now actually turned out to be the worst torture of his life.

In the words of Confucius, With socialism, fear not scarcity but inequality, not poverty but instability.

The reverse applied just as well. In these twos case, the pain was amplified greatly when one was having the time of his life. While if the other had suffered, then no matter the torture received, it would never strip away the joy he felt if he got to see the other suffer.

This was divergence, this was human nature.

But to a most ambitious young man that had struggled all his life, he could never bear to watch another enjoying the dreams he yearned for. Zhuo Fan was basking in the elders attention and praises, wallowing in more respect than a Clan Head would receive.

What made it worse, it was none other than Zhuo Fan who was reaping the rewards, the one guy he despised with all his being. It translated into more than just bruised ego for the young lad, it was crushed, along with his heart.

[Why? Were both spies for Shangguan Feiyun so why do you hail him and not me? Im still a young master of Shangguan Feiyun! Hes just an outsider! Why are you treating him so?]

Shangguan Yulins heart was consumed with jealousy, tinting his suffering in a harsher light.

Zhuo Fans eyes shone.

[That ought to do for foreplay.]

He regarded the elders, Seniors, please give us the room. I wish to have a private word with my disciple. Would it be possible?

Sure, sure, were here to fulfill all of Mister Gus requests, ha-ha-ha

The venerables saluted and led the men out, Then well be taking our leave. Mister Gu, if theres anything at all, just ask.

The heavy stone door rumbled and shut this dark cave.

Shangguan Yulin felt numb.

[How are they the great elders of Shangguan Yulin? All I see is lap dogs with no dignity! ]

The minute the door was shut, the elders beaming smiles turned upside down, grief taking hold.

Sixth elder taunted, Brothers, big and small, who knew you had such nasty sides to you, Ha-ha-ha

Just dont. The punk wanted us to play along, thats the only reason wed gone through such indignity! The elder who asked for a chair and table rolled his eyes, certain hed never hear the end of this from his brothers since he hated this disgraceful c.r.a.p the most.

The others teasing glances proved it.

One venerable waved and became serious, Thats enough banter. This is a crucial matter. Using an already compromised spy to send a message is dangerous enough and might lead to unforeseen mistakes. Understanding this is the most important. The boy is adept in mind games, and the faster we get our p.a.w.n, Shangguan Yulin, to fall in line the better. Well lose everything if he unravels on his way there.

Gu Yifan is shrewd and daring, never leaving anything to chance. Weve seen it for ourselves. How can he fail when he played Baili Jingwei as well? Although, he did that from the shadows and held the advantage of being overlooked. Now that hes going against Baili Jingwei in the open, with his son on the line, hes bound to be doubly careful. Whats so bad about using some of our integrity in exchange for the Soaring Sword? Another venerable spoke up.

The men nodded, no longer depressed by the demeaning act they were forced to perform

After the elders left, Zhuo Fan was left alone with Shangguan Yulin in the dark cave. He placed the cup down gently and stood, Arent you curious about how theyre hanging on my every word?

Shangguan Yulin rolled his eyes.

[Screw you! Go ahead, you b.a.s.t.a.r.d, keep pretending till you get sick of it!]

Youre a prisoner here, and so am I. Were both traitors to the clan, so you shouldnt hate me. Ill be honest, were both the same.

Zhuo Fan sighed, his eyes taking a forlorn tint, Out of consideration to young Sanzi, I only wanted to take Shangguan Qingyan back to the clan and then leave, but they just grabbed me after being found out. Im just as trapped as you are at this point.

Shangguan Yulin glared and mocked, Trapped? From this angle youre more like a king. All the elders are kissing your feet, almost throwing Yaner at you and the Clan Head spot. Whats there not to like about that?

Clan Head? Ha-ha-ha, Im not their kin and have priors. My track record isnt exactly spotless. You think theyll put someone like me at the helm?

Zhuo Fan raised an eyebrow, Youre overthinking things. And besides, the only reason they show respect is so they can get the one thing they want the most.

Shangguan Yulin gasped, Soaring Sword!

Yes, that thing.

Zhuo Fans eyes shone, I have possession of the Soaring Sword and they have to play ball, all while attempting to string me to let it slip where the divine sword is at. Even honey trap is considered

What?!

Slow your roll, they havent cracked me yet.

Shangguan Yulin tensed in reflex. Of the Shangguan clansmen coming to the central area, there was just one girl included.

[The honey trap could only mean]

Shangguan Yulins mind did not finish the thought as Zhuo Fan came to rea.s.sure him.

Then he snickered, My nerves are of steel, though I dont think theyll last much longer. You know it too, that Yaner

Shut your mouth! You cant call her like that! Shangguan Yulin cursed.

Zhuo Fan waved him off, having found his leverage on the punk, and went on the offensive, Its not my fault. Those guys keep getting us together. They promise that I just have to give them the Soaring Sword and Ill become their son-in-law, having all the power. You know Im stalwart. The thought of my son in the hands of Shangguan Feiyun is what kept me from refusing for so long. I still wish to use the sword to get my son back.

Off you go, then. Why the h.e.l.l are you rambling about Yaner to me?

Dont you think Id have done it by now if I could? Dumba.s.s. Would those b.a.s.t.a.r.ds outside ever allow me to go through with it? Zhuo Fan sneered.

The oldies were just outside, ears glued to the door and boiling mad.

[b.a.s.t.a.r.ds? He knows were here listening yet has the nerve to call us names?]

Shangguan Feixiong and Shangguan Qingyan just came over and listened in. The minute Zhuo Fans words about hooking them up were heard, Shangguan Qingyan went beet red, her eyes furious. Though for no particular reason, she had a bashful smile as well.

She knew it was all part of Zhuo Fans plan

Shangguan Yulins brows shook at the mere mention of Shangguan Qingyan, Then what do you want?

Im under constant watch, but only kept here. I am confined to this cave like a prisoner.

Zhuo Fans eyes shone, Thats why I need someone to send Flying Cloud manor a message, to set up an exchange place. The minute I get a breather, Ill rush to get my son back. As for my trail, Im sure the people of the manor are more than happy to settle them. Its simply borrowing strength.

Shangguan Yulin stared hard at Zhuo Fan.

[Of course it is, using Flying Cloud manor to help yourself get away.]

This, in turn, let him see Zhuo Fans point and smirked, You mean to have me go?

Exactly. I did say were the same, you and I. We cant stay with the Shangguan clan and you need a new home, no? That makes you the only one I can trust since our goals align. Since we both want to leave, you wont sell me out.

Grinning, Zhuo Fan said, Since I have the Soaring Sword, Shangguan clan sees me as precious. They wont just let me go but theyre happy to fulfill all my wishes. Ill ask them to free you and then you can send my message. Well work together so well both get what we want, right?