523 Answers (2/2)

Gu Shenwei turned to look in surprise at the figure of Maid Lotus in the dark. Even when the trust between the two of them was at its peak, she had never talked to him like this.

”Forever,” Gu Shenwei answered coldly. ”The enemy is all-pervasive. I don't have advantages in martial arts or troop numbers. The only way to beat them is by always thinking a step ahead of them,” he continued.

Gu Shenwei looked cold, hard and heartless. These were all things that were attractive to Maid Lotus. ”What do I need to do?” Maid Lotus asked, softening her voice.

Gu Shen sat silently for a moment as if he hadn't heard her question. ”Last time, I let Wei Song run away and almost couldn't catch him again. This time, I still have to release him, but I hope he will deliver himself to me one day when I want to catch him again,” he said.

”I can do it,” Maid Lotus whispered and disappeared.

Gu Shenwei had only a little knowledge and understanding of the secret techniques of the New Moon Hall. Still, he trusted Maid Lotus's promise.

Wei Song could play all the tricks he had plotted, but one day he would regret using them on the Dragon King in a way he could never imagine.

Gu Shenwei could not remember how long it had been since he had thought about his dead relatives. Wei Song's arrival had opened the door to these memories. His father had left too many things unknown to him, leaving him with the truth wrapped in mystery.

Zhong Heng often said that ”solving problems is different from finding out the truth”. It was true. Gu Shenwei had been trying to solve all kinds of problems for a long time, but regarding the matter of his family's extermination, he only needed the truth.

The next afternoon, Gu Shenwei met the Norland messenger.

The messenger apparently had heard that the Central Plain had sent someone unusual, who had likely already persuaded the Dragon King. He looked a little impatient and went straight to the point without formalities.

”The Dragon King must have heard that the Khan doesn't have much time, and once he dies, Norland will be torn apart,” the messenger said.

”Well, many people think so,” answered the Dragon King.

”Does the Dragon King know that during nearly 300 years since the founding of Norland, the country has split up almost every time a long-serving khan has died? The divisions lasted from several months to several years, but Norland continued growing stronger and stronger. Why? Because this is the way we choose a new Khan — only the best prince with the most supporters will be eligible to rule the whole grassland. Naturally, the Northern Court continues to become stronger. If the Dragon King only sees the split, but ignores the unity behind it, he will make a big mistake. If anyone says something like that to you, you should kill him immediately, because he is setting you up,” continued the messenger.

The messenger was a young man that that looked to be less than 30 years old. He claimed to be in the same clan as the Governor of Jade City, indicating that he was also a noble. But he looked rough, like a person who had been through a lot of ups and downs his whole life. On top of that, his words were blunt and always sounded a litle like a threat.

Perhaps this was the style of the Norland people. Gu Shenwei remembered that the old man Mo Chu had also spoken this way.

”I understand what you mean. Over the years, everyone said I wouldn't live to see another day, but I not only survived, I lived better and better,” said Gu Shenwei.

The messenger of Norland paused, and then burst out laughing, as if he liked the Dragon King very much.

This meeting did not do much to help. The status of the Norland messenger was too low to be able to make any real decisions. He could not do anything to really woo the Dragon King except give lofty speeches.

Norland was either playing tricks to delay the war, or it had made a hasty decision without a well thought out plan. In short, compared to the Central Plain, it showed little sincerity.

Gu Shenwei summoned Wei Song for the second time that evening. The meeting was brief and direct.

”I agree with your plan,” said Gu Shenwei.

”The Dragon King will benefit from it,” replied Wei Song.

”But in addition to the support of provisions, fodder, weapons and armor, I want to add a condition,” said Gu Shenwei.

”Please say what you want,” said Wei Song.

”Bring me Shangguan Nu's head,” Gu Shenwei said flatly.

Shangguan Nu was directly responsible for the massacre of the Gu family and had been hiding under the wings of the Central Plain for years.

Wei Song agreed without hesitation. The Eighth Young Master of Golden Roc Fort had long lost his value and was of no use to him.

After sending Wei Song away, Gu Shenwei summoned Dugu Xian immediately and said, ”Tell the Norland messenger that I am willing to form an alliance with Norland, and tell him about Wei Song's plan. Since we are forming an alliance, we should be open and honest.”

For the time being, Gu Shenwei had given both messengers affirmative answers.