Having their thoughts read aloud like an open book, an extremely awkward expression appears on the faces of Jiu Sheng and Xu Tian Kun, as they look to Long Hua.
Eventually, Jiu Sheng heaves a sigh, and asks—
"Since you're still here talking to us, instead of just ripping us to shreds, I take it that you came here for a different reason—other than to terminate our deal?"
"Whether or not our deal gets terminated, it's still something that I'm debating on. My first reason in coming here is to make things difficult for you two, since I just love to see the people who wants to mess with me, be put into an awkward position—when I read them like an opened book. It's one of the few joys that I, an old fogey, have in life after all. Indeed, those faces that you're making right now, it makes me feel so much more pleased with myself, so be sure to maintain them throughout this conversation."
Gritting her teeth, Xu Tian Kun curses—
"You sick bastard…"
"And your second reason?"
"You already know my second reason. Surnamed Xu mentioned—how weapon spirits aren't supposed to have any ways to manipulate spirit Qi. I undertook this deal—believing this to be the truth, but now it would seem to be a lie. That being said, I believe I have every right to complete my end of this deal at my own convenience, rather than yours."
"Weapon spirits?"
"…Is that how the Immortals refer to us?"
Towards this odd term, the other members of Nine Lives raised a frown.
Being dealt with another difficult situation, both Jiu Sheng and Xu Tian Kun heaves a sigh.
Glancing back at the others, Xu Tian Kun says—
"We'll explain everything later. For now, let's just get this venomous snake to leave first."
Contemplating for a bit, Jiu Sheng says—
"According to the reports that I've been receiving, there hasn't been any discoveries of weapon spirits capable of manipulating any form of odd energy. That much is true."
"Oh? So, you're saying that they've evolved—to the point of being capable of this feat just recently?"
Asking this, Long Hua inwardly thought—
(Is this new trait related to the collapse of the Leng Bing Realm's laws as well?)
Towards Long Hua's outward speculation, Jiu Sheng replies—
"If I say that's correct, would you believe me?"
"…"
At this point, Jiu Sheng doesn't have anything else that she can say to answer this question. Her main concern right now—is whether or not, Long Hua will actually fulfill his end of the bargain at a time that is also convenient for their side.
Knowing what Long Hua's true intentions are, Jiu Sheng believed that he would inevitably activate the city's mechanics at some point, and the sooner he does, the more convenient it will be for the denizens of this world, as they will have more time to familiarize themselves with this new ability of theirs.
"…"
As Long Hua glances at him, Lin Yu Heng shakes his head, and says—
"Senior, I've never heard of something like this happening in the past—at least, according to the household's public archives. Although, assuming that this really is a new ability of the weapon spirits' that they've gained over evolution, then…"
Contemplating for a brief instance, Lin Yu Heng adds—
"It's common knowledge that the outer domain's spirit Qi is very scarce. Perhaps, with the inner domain's abundance of spirit Qi, this ability may have already been developed to a higher degree—in a select few?"
"…"
Sinking into thought, and closing his eyes, Long Hua taps the index finger of his left hand against the armrest.
With a nervous look on their faces, Jiu Sheng and Xu Tian Kun wait for Long Hua to speak.
"…"
As an unsettling sense of silence looms over the air, Yao Ying glances at Long Hua, while thinking—
(Having full control over the mood of the vicinity, is this the perfect manifestation of what it means to have boundless authority?)
Similarly, Qing Ming Yang thought—
(Ai, when can I be as domineering as senior? Not a single one of these weapon spirits dares to breath while he's thinking…)
Eventually, Long Hua opens his eyes; and breaking the silence, he asks—
"You two have an exact date on when the necropolis opens?"
Towards this question, Qing Ming Yang answers—
"Less than two and a half months away."
Taking this into account, Long Hua also asks—
"Any ideas if the partaking of Spirit Extracts will cause this new ability of the weapon spirits to reach maturity sooner?"
Organizing his thoughts, Lin Yu Heng answers—
"Spirit Extracts hold tribulation lightning energy, which are used to refine Relics, it should have an effect on this ability's development."
Raising a sigh, Long Hua says—
"I guess activating the city's mechanics now is fine."
If the period—for when the necropolis opens is any longer than what Qing Ming Yang had claimed, Long Hua might have called off his end of the deal temporarily, to settle it at a later date.
However, since weapon spirits will inevitably need some time to accustom themselves to this new ability of theirs—even after having it developed further by the partaking of Spirit Extracts; it's necessary to activate the city's mechanics now to give them a head-start, so that they do not start off on square one—when they are suddenly thrown onto the Ling Yuan family's practitioners like a pack of cannon fodders.
Emerging from the crowd, Jing Yao says—
"I can't see your face clearly, but you should be who I think you are, correct? One moment you're ready to slaughter us, and the next moment, you seem to be helping us. Just what is your objective?"
"…"
Staring at Jing Yao, a smile of amusement appears on Long Hua's face, as he leans back on the armchair, and replies—
"Oh? So, you haven't been informed yet? Well then, Jing, let me tell you everything."
"…"
Being called "Jing" by the individual with the unclear face, Jing Yao's expression turns somewhat bitter, whereas Long Hua chuckles aloud, and says—
"Let's clear up a misunderstanding first. Jing, there's no need to make that face. Our relationship from start till now—it has always been a lie. We were never as close as you had thought. In due time, you shall surely begin to realize this, but until then, you're free to feel as you would like."
"…?"
Leaving Jing Yao in a state of confusion, Long Hua goes on to explain—
"Ever since I returned from the second ruins' excavation, I've only had one goal in mind. I needed a way to keep the Ling Yuan family off my back—for when I emerge from this realm, and land myself into their backyard. That being the case, what better way is there for me—a non-Ling Yuan family's practitioner, to keep them off my back, other than to light their entire backyard, which is this world, on fire? While they are busy—with trying to put this fire out, I would have already escaped from their estate, and be on my merry way to roaming around the Everlasting Spirit Realm unhindered."
Hearing this, the members of Nine Lives—who haven't been informed of these matters before, widened their eyes.
Taking a step forward, Yang Hai shouts—
"You plan to turn all the lives in this world into your scapegoats, just so that you can avoid having to confront the Ling Yuan family?!"
With a matter-of-fact tone, Long Hua replies—
"Correct. After all, why should I care about the lives of a million strangers over my own?"
Following this, all members of Nine Lives, starting with Shen Le, Ling Yi, and Chang Ye—
"I've never met anyone as sick and shameless as you!"
"You despicable bastard!"
"You twisted devil!"
"You're not human!"
"You piece of shit!"