Chapter 874: Celestial Pearl in the Omphalos (1/2)

GDK 874: Celestial Pearl in the Omphalos

Had it been someone else who refused to pay the entrance fees, those followers of Logue's would have killed the person mercilessly.

But when they learned that the man they surrounded was Han Shuo, they made a full 180 on their stance, immediately lowering their bearings and respectfully allowing entry to Han Shuo. A force so powerful as to defeat Salas was not one to reckon with. Even if their master, Sovereign Logue, was there, he would have allowed Han Shuo into the Omphalos rather than making an enemy of him for a mere one hundred black crystal coins.

Han Shuo obviously had long known that might makes right in the Fringe. He wasn’t worried that those Omphalos guards might do something behind his back, so he walked into the Omphalos like no one was watching.

Haruli immediately followed behind Han Shuo. He seemed indecisive, as though he had something to say but did not know how to begin. While Haruli’s followers looked at Han Shuo with reverence, they were also watching Haruli, hoping that their Chief would lead them to a brighter future.

Hurry and say it, you fool! You have missed the opportunity once. Don’t miss it again now! Haruli’s followers were hastening their Chief with meaningful glances.

Haruli seemed to find it a difficult thing to do. But after hesitating for a long time, he finally garnered enough courage to make a voice, “Ex.. excuse me… Mis- mister Bryan…”

Han Shuo stopped and turned to Haruli with a brow raised. “Can I help you?” he asked with a smirk.

“That, uh, one year ago, you asked me if I was willing to serve you. Erm, do you still remember that?” asked Haruli awkwardly, shifting his glances to and fro. He seemed a little nervous or embarrassed.

Han Shuo put on a stunned expression as though he had no idea what Haruli was talking about. “Really? Did I?”

“Yes, you did, Sir. Over at Luolong’s checkpoint and right after you killed Buzz and Bertha. Do you remember?” said Haruli. He felt as though he had been doused in an ice bath.

Given Han Shuo's unfaltering memory, it was impossible that he would forget something like that. Han Shuo had asked Haruli to serve him the first time he stepped into the Omphalos. But Haruli immediately declined and even ridiculed Han Shuo.

Soon after that, outside the Omphalos entry point guarded by Luolong, the Five Elite Zombies formed the Penta-elemental Undead Formation and annihilated dozens of forces within minutes. Goron and a group of Fringedwellers betrayed Buzz and Bertha before being forced to submit themselves for servitude under Han Shuo. After the event, having demonstrated his immense power, Han Shuo yet again invited Haruli to serve him, but Haruli gave no formal answer, citing that he needed time to decide.

And now, after the entire Land of Chaos came to know of Han Shuo's reign over Salas and the supreme strength that led him there, Haruli, who had willfully taken his sweet time to consider, finally came forward to accept the offer.

“My apologies, I can’t recall having made such an offer,” replied Han Shuo before he continued walking. Given Han Shuo’s position and reputation in the Fringe then, tons of powerful experts were throwing themselves at Han Shuo. He could do just fine with or without Haruli.

Haruli looked dispirited as he watched Han Shuo leave. He knew that Han Shuo did not forget the offer he'd made just the year prior. It was also painfully clear to Haruli that Han Shuo no longer considered him a worthy associate and that his coldness was a show of displeasure for the fact that Haruli only accepted the offer after his meteoric rise in reputation.

“Chief, what should we do now? Sigh, we should have agreed back then. There are too many experts who want to serve him now. Given that our group isn’t even the most powerful in the Fringe, our odds of getting recruited is low,” one of Haruli’s followers sighed remorsefully.

“Hmph, what’s so terrific about him?” Haruli put on an angry face and barked, “He merely managed to take advantage of Salas who had exhausted too much divine energy fighting Ossora. With my position and reputation in the Fringe, I can do just fine without him, as I always have!”

If he’s not so terrific, then were you pandering at his feet just now? Those followers of Haruli's scoffed as they secretly laughed at Haruli’s angry remark. It was clear to them now that Haruli had zero foresight. Otherwise, Haruli would have decisively accepted Han Shuo’s offer when he had the chance and they would be more prosperous than they were at that moment.

Not only could he not admit his shortcomings, but he even tried to downplay Han Shuo's abilities. Haruli’s followers found his mindset laughable.

But Han Shuo didn’t care about a forgettable character like Haruli. He simply shrugged it off and went on with his business.