Chapter 995: The Right to Trade (1/2)

The two people in a standoff were well-known characters in their respective camps. One was Eden, who had gained fame in the Misty Wood, and across from him was Song Zining.

Eden sized the seventh young master up with narrowed eyes. “You actually dare come here, quite bold I say. What, are you tired of living because of some unhappy matters?”

Song Zining replied calmly, “I’m living quite fine, thank you, and I still have a fair bit of youth to squander. How could I be tired of living? You, on the other hand, must be quite depressed to see me on your own. Feel free to tell me about it and make me happy.”

Eden smiled coldly. “I only need to send a signal and numerous experts will arrive within moments. This place is also within the range of His Majesty the Eternal Flame’s power. Do you think you can escape?”

“Escape? I never had any intention of going back alive. Why would I even try?”

Eden and Song Zining stared at one another for a long while. Eventually, the former asked with a more relaxed expression, “Enough with the useless stuff. I shall enter the Great Maelstrom tonight. Since you came to see me despite the risks, say what you must so that I can deal with you.”

Song Zining said, “I have some information that might interest you, and for that, I want you to agree to two things.”

Eden said coldly, “I don’t think there’s anything we can work together on, but since you feel this information is important, let’s hear it.”

Song Zining smiled. “It’s related to Nighteye, do you want to listen?”

Eden’s expression shifted drastically. He took a sudden step forward and grabbed Song Zining by the collar. “How did you know?!”

His movement was so forceful that Song Zining could hardly breathe, yet the seventh young master wasn’t flustered at all. On the contrary, he looked at the demonkin with a hint of mockery in his eyes. Surprised, Eden released his grip, saying, “Right, perhaps you might’ve heard certain things, but they’re mere guesses. And I just proved them correct.”

Song Zining tidied his clothes until they were in perfect condition. “You’re smart, no wonder you managed to beat up those imbeciles in the Misty Wood.”

Eden raised his voice. “Are you looking down on me?”

Song Zining wasn’t about to give way, however. “Absolutely not, I’m just saying your opponents were too weak. How could you have such an opportunity if Qianye wasn’t pushed away?”

Eden’s expression was unsightly. His entanglement with Qianye in the Misty Wood would’ve resulted in his loss if it wasn’t for his advantage in gear. Even then, he was barely able to hold his ground toward the end of the fight—he lost the Carol of Shadows, even. If Qianye hadn’t left all of a sudden, Eden would probably die to him sooner or later.

Song Zining’s words were harsh but true, and Eden’s pride forbade him from denying them.

The demonkin said in a gloomy voice, “Did you come here just to humiliate me?”

“Of course not! On the contrary, I came to make a deal with you because I deem you a worthy future opponent.”

“How are the two even related?”

Song Zining clasped his hands behind his back. “How could those without equal ambition and bearing be my match in the future?”

“Ambition begets accomplishment. Well said!”

Song Zining smiled. “Now, are you interested in the deal?”

“I’m listening.”

“I will tell you some recent news about Nighteye, and in return, I need you to do two things.”

“You have information about Nighteye? Speak, what do you need me to do?” It was obvious that Eden was barely able to suppress his excitement.

Song Zining raised a finger. “Firstly, I need you to find a way to make the Eternal Flame work with us and draw Medanzo into the neutral lands.”

Eden was shocked. “You want to attack the Lightless Monarch? You must be crazy!”

Song Zining said with a smile, “The Lightless Monarch isn’t as strong as he looks, you demonkin know that quite well, don’t you? Besides, I’m not the one attacking him. All we need is to lure him into the neutral lands, the Eastern Sea preferably.”

Seeing that Song Zining wasn’t willing to explain more, Eden said, “What’s the second condition?”

Song Zining replied, “The second condition is that you mustn’t attack Qianye and the people around him when you reach the Great Maelstrom.”

Eden frowned. “The people around him? How will I know?”

Song Zining replied, “The people who are around him when you meet him.”

“That’s easily done. Now, it’s your turn. Tell me how Nighteye is doing.”

Song Zining said, “She’s in the neutral lands right now, but naturally, I can’t tell you the exact location. I can only say that she’s doing quite well and her body is recovering constantly. There’s no need to worry about her health at the moment. It’s just that she’s about to face danger right now.”

Eden’s expression transformed several times. “Is she injured? What kind of danger?”

“She was injured a while ago, but she has recovered now. As for the danger, I’ll figure out a way to help her.”

Eden took a step forward. “Tell me! Who wants to hurt her?”

Song Zining sighed. “What’s the use in telling you? It’s the Lightless Monarch.”

Eden’s expression sank. “Are you joking?”