Chapter 813: Returning Fully Loaded
Xiao Shun was completely in the dark about the affairs within the Hidden Families.
However, helping this person make a trip to the Gu Clan might be a good opportunity to learn more about the Hidden Families.
But upon further thought, he felt something wasn’t quite right.
Firstly, it was a fact that the “Eternal Elder” was trapped here, and although it was unclear why he was in such a situation, his request for help to go to the Gu Clan likely meant he was seeking assistance.
Moreover, the Gu Clan was described as ruthless in his master’s notes. If he helped them, wouldn’t he be aiding a tyrant?
Most importantly, once the “Eternal Elder” was free, it was uncertain whether Xiao Shun could even retrieve the items from the poison fog, let alone whether the elder would harm him.
This deal seemed like a losing proposition no matter how he calculated it.
As he was contemplating, the “Eternal Elder” spoke from within the black fog, “How have you decided?”
Seemingly worried Xiao Shun would refuse, he added, “Rest assured, young man. Once I am free, I will certainly fulfill my promise. With my reputation, why would I deceive you?”Text © 2024 NôvelDrama.Org.
Hearing this, Xiao Shun couldn’t help but smirk. If the old man’s words were reliable, then pigs might fly!
After much consideration, he finally devised a plan and said, “I can help you, but you need to offer me something worthwhile first.”
“Something worthwhile?” The Eternal Elder paused, then chuckled, “What do you want?”
Xiao Shun responded, “You just mentioned giving me the items from this poison fog. How about you hand over half now, and then I’ll carry out the task you entrust to me.”
A mocking laughter erupted from the black fog.
“Hehe, since I became famous, you are the first to bargain with me like this. But don’t you think you’re being a bit too greedy?”
“That depends on how you see it,” Xiao Shun replied lightly.
When one desires freedom, they can commit unimaginable acts.
Such trivial possessions should hardly be a concern for the “Eternal Elder.”
After some deliberation, the elder made a decision.
“I can give you the items, but to be safe, I must place a gu in your body. This way, I won’t fear your betrayal.”
The very idea of a ruthless character speaking of betrayal was absurd.
Xiao Shun sneered to himself.
“Heh. If I were bewitched by your gu, wouldn’t I be at your mercy for life? Do you think I’d fall for such a deal?”
Upon hearing this, the “Eternal Elder” could no longer contain himself, his tone turning stern, “Young man, do you know who you are speaking to?”
“The great name of Crane Guantian is well known!”
Although he spoke elegantly, Xiao Shun’s expression was one of skepticism.
No matter how formidable this person was, he was now just a toothless tiger, and even a “Half Saint” could not touch him-what was there to fear?
Perhaps sensing the mocking tone in his words, Crane Guantian’s gaze from within the black fog turned icy.
He reminisced about his unmatched power five hundred years ago, when only Damian Southcastle could slightly surpass him. To think he was now being scorned by a junior was an indescribable feeling.
With that thought, he sighed deeply.
Then, Crane Guantian coldly posed a question to Xiao Shun.
“If I give you the items, how can you guarantee you will complete the task for me?”
“Helping you is but a trivial effort,” Xiao Shun said dismissively.
Justice was sternly upheld as Xiao Shun exemplified the “Lei Feng spirit” to the utmost.
He Guantian laughed heartily, “Ha-ha, to haggle with a junior like you demeans my status. Today, I will give you the items first; however, if you betray my trust, no matter where you are, I will obliterate your soul!”
As he finished speaking, the black mist surged again, and soon, several purple plants were flung out from its midst, landing on the edge of the mist.
Even though Xiao Shun was well-versed and knowledgeable, he was still shocked when he saw the dozens of “Mandrakes.”
“I have already given you the items; go and get the job done quickly!”
He Guantian said indifferently.
“Hehe!”
With a slight smile, Xiao Shun activated his powers and drew over the dozen treasures scattered at the edge of the black mist.
Even so, he did not touch those items immediately, wary of any traps He Guantian might have set, preferring to confirm their safety before proceeding.
Seeing this, He Guantian remarked mockingly, “Being overly cautious is cowardice!”
Facing such taunts, Xiao Shun responded frankly, “When dealing with a major figure like you, it’s better to be cautious!”
A few minutes later, Xiao Shun finally confirmed that the items were safe. He took out two ebony boxes he had acquired from the Silvermeadows clan and began to carefully place the “Mandrakes” inside them.
Although the “Water Spirit Stones” had been removed from these two boxes, perhaps because they had been permeated by water attributes for many years, they could still seal some of the essential energies. Otherwise, Xiao Shun would have had trouble transporting these poisonous plants.
After securing the items, he looked up at the mass of black mist again.
He Guantian, slightly angered, asked, “Why haven’t you left yet?”
“Headmaster He, you might have forgotten something,” Xiao Shun said with a meaningful smile.
“The ‘Poison Spirit Stone’ will be given to you after you complete the task!”
Xiao Shun shook his head, “I wasn’t talking about the Spirit Stone. Remember, there is also the ‘Hallowed Chromatic Earth’ in this poison mist marsh. Although I have now acquired the valuable ‘Mandrake,’ without this divine soil to nourish them, I fear it would all be in vain!”
He knew without thinking that He Guantian would never part with such a treasure as the “Poison Spirit Stone.” It was meant to lure him back and then settle the score for today’s offense.
Thus, Xiao Shun had never intended to obtain the Spirit Stone; instead, he focused on the “Hallowed Chromatic Earth.”
“Hmph, it seems you came prepared!”
With a heavy snort, He Guantian blasted a chunk of soil from beside him, which promptly landed near Xiao Shun’s feet.
Seeing the clod of earth, Xiao Shun was overjoyed.
“Are you satisfied now?” He Guantian asked coldly.
Xiao Shun nodded happily, “Very satisfied!”
With that, he picked up the “Hallowed Chromatic Earth” and started back, a triumphant smile on his face.
Watching his departing figure, He Guantian warned, “Boy, remember my words, or you will regret it!”
Waving his hand, Xiao Shun strode back.
Words or no words, he really didn’t care, as he had never planned to help the other party from the start!
Half an hour after Xiao Shun had left, a furious roar suddenly erupted from the poison mist marsh.
“Damned fool, you dared to deceive me!”
Just before, to be cautious, Xiao Shun had smeared some white powder given to him by Elder Er onto the items in the poison mist marsh.
It was this action that made He Guantian realize he had been deceived!