Chapter 30: Chapter 29: A Single Sentence Breaks the Silver Wolf's Defense
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Su Jinyan continued, "If this influential figure is indeed as capable as you claim..."
"Won't Tingyun be doomed if she were to act personally?"
Shen Hai sneered, "The Disciples of Sanctus Medicus must actively seek cooperation, not issue commands. Since it's a partnership, we need to demonstrate our capabilities to gain their trust."
"Otherwise, relying solely on their assistance would leave us at a disadvantage, hindering future developments."
Su Jinyan continued questioning Shen Hai, uncovering more secrets: partial lists of cultivators within the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, prescriptions for Long Panqiu Yue elixirs, and hidden strongholds of the organization.
However, the leader of the Disciples was exceptionally cautious, maintaining an impenetrable veil of secrecy around her identity. Even Shen Hai did not know her true persona.
His knowledge about the leader extended only to this extent:
She was a mature woman who always wore a mask, never revealing her face.
Realizing he had extracted all useful information possible,
Su Jinyan finally released his mental control over Shen Hai.
With a swift Mental Lash, Shen Hai instantly clutched his agonized head, his eyes gradually regaining clarity.
"You dare strike me? How dare you?"
Su Jinyan hesitated, wondering if his strike had inadvertently damaged Shen Hai's mind.
"If I truly intended harm, you would have been dead long ago," Su Jinyan stated calmly. "This was merely a small punishment for your insolence."
Nonchalantly, he asked, "What do you want? State your purpose."
Shen Hai snorted coldly, convinced he now held leverage over Su Jinyan.
"It's quite simple. From this moment on, you will only follow my commands."
"Certain actions can only be taken when I expressly allow it; otherwise, you must not act on your own accord."
"Additionally, from now on, eighty percent of all resources you acquire through the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus must be shared with me."
Su Jinyan sighed. "Generally, those who dare speak to me like this have some confidence behind their demands."
"I don't understand, just who gave you the courage to challenge me? Aren't you afraid I might silence you permanently?"
Shen Hai flashed a sinister smile. "You wouldn't dare. At this late hour, we're the only ones here together."
"If you kill me here, the Ten-Lords Commission will inevitably investigate."
"Sun Xiaochuan, do you think your secrets can withstand scrutiny from the Ten-Lords Commission? Hm?"
"As for your organization, they wouldn't dare harm me either."
"If they attempt to silence me, crucial evidence and artifacts would be exposed, dealing a devastating blow to their operations."
Su Jinyan pondered briefly before suggesting slowly, "How about this? Give me one week to carefully consider my options.
"Once I've made up my mind, I'll promptly inform you of my decision. Deal?"
Shen Hai wiped away the blood on his forehead and gradually stood up:
"Fine, but remember, you have only one week.
"If you haven't decided by then, I will have no choice but to expose your crimes to the Ten-Lords Commission."
Watching Shen Hai's departing figure, Su Jinyan took a sip of wine, deep in thought.
It seemed someone had conveniently brought a pillow just as he was getting drowsy; it was time to meticulously plan his next move.
For Su Jinyan, eliminating Shen Hai would be as effortless as flipping a hand, but not tonight.
The crux of the matter lay with the Ten-Lords Commission.
The Ten-Lords Commission oversaw matters related to eternal life beings' life and death, their crimes, Mara-Stricken transformations, and more, operating independently from the Six Sovereigns' control.
As a member of the Six Sovereigns, if Su Jinyan were to kill Shen Hai here, any investigation by the Ten-Lords Commission would inevitably point suspicion towards him.
This could then expose his undercover identity.
He needed a plan that would allow him to eliminate Shen Hai while evading scrutiny from the Ten-Lords Commission.
Once he obtained the evidence Shen Hai possessed, it could deal a devastating blow to the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus.
While the downfall of the Disciples would be satisfying, it wouldn't maximize his potential gains.
"Those blinded by hatred, stubbornly clinging to their resentment, will always exist. Their enmity towards the Xianzhou Alliance will never dissipate."
"Even if the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus were completely annihilated, other hostile forces would likely seize control of the scattered cultivators."
"If I were to become their leader, perhaps I could steer the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus onto a vastly different path."
Su Jinyan swirled his wine glass, took a gentle sip, and fell deep into thought.
The primary issue now was his low standing within the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus, preventing him from truly gaining the leader's trust.
He needed to find a way to elevate his position within the organization.
After pondering for a moment, Su Jinyan abruptly stood up and drained his wine cup in one gulp.
A plan had formed in his mind. To resolve his undercover identity issues once and for all, he would have to seek Fu Xuan's assistance.
With Fu Xuan's nod, Su Jinyan could forever dispel any lingering concerns.
Even if the Disciples of Sanctus Medicus publicly exposed him, he wouldn't face any repercussions.
"Hey there, friend! Looks like this is our first meeting?" A crisp young girl's voice unexpectedly sounded beside him.
The girl before him had slightly grayish hair, pink-tinged lips, a delicate upturned nose, and skin as fair as snow. Her gray-blue eyes held a hint of nonchalance.
Her hair tips were dyed blue, and she wore black rabbit ear accessories on her head, with protective goggles hanging across her forehead. She sported a mismatched black-and-white bralette, topped by a white cropped jacket adorned with fur trim around the collar. For lower attire, she paired low-waisted fishnet shorts with black leg bands wrapped around her shapely, snow-white thighs, completing the ensemble with athletic knee-high boots.
"Pff—"
Su Jinyan abruptly spat out the drink he just sipped, taken aback.
Silver Wolf pouted playfully, taking a seat beside him, and remarked mildly, "Is it really that surprising?"
"You should have seen my wanted poster already. What, do I not look like the one depicted there?"
Clutching his chest, Su Jinyan exhaled deeply. "Seriously, you nearly gave me a heart attack."
"Imagine if I suddenly appeared next to you while you're gaming," Silver Wolf tilted her head, pondering. "Hmm, would you invite me to join your game?"
Su Jinyan fell silent.
Alright, he had momentarily forgotten Silver Wolf's true identity—as one of the universe-wide wanted Stellaron Hunters, how could such a minor scare faze him?
Is there anything at all that could provoke intense emotional reactions from Silver Wolf?
Well, indeed there is...
After a brief moment of thought, Su Jinyan spoke up:
"Oh right, sweetheart, I was just about to invite you for a game session."
"But then it showed a message saying your account has been permanently banned for violating game rules. What does that mean?"
Silver Wolf's composed expression instantly shattered, turning frantic. "Really?!"
"Tch, clearly already..."
"That Herta, I absolutely won't let her off."
Smiling gleefully, Su Jinyan observed the rapid change in Silver Wolf's expressions, feeling extremely delighted inside.