Chapter 1145 - 946: Better to Monetize It

In the depths of a sprawling mountain filled with demon energy, spiritual energy turned into mist, strange rocks formed into towers, pools of wine and forests of meat, and groups of enchanting dancers swayed with music. Chai Wenwu sat enjoying these pleasures, exchanging cups with the local Great Demon King Heng, calling each other brothers.

The atmosphere was lively, and a joyful Chai Wenwu occasionally raised his cup to salute Xu You who was sitting below.

Recently, the task of lobbying for industry relocation in West Niu had seen no progress, proving to be extremely difficult. It was only after taking Xu You's advice and coming here for negotiations that they saw the current success. Great Demon King Heng had agreed to transfer a large amount of industry to Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture, and this banquet was to celebrate their fruitful cooperation.

The significant achievement, Chai Wenwu believed, was largely thanks to Xu You's efforts. Considering Xu You was sent by Lord Commander himself, Chai Wenwu certainly did not forget to show goodwill.

In the midst of the revelry, Chai Wenwu suddenly pulled out the Mother-child Talisman and discreetly looked at it, discovering a message from home saying that Commander Shi Chun was summoning him.

His expression immediately tightened, as for him, this was definitely a matter of great importance.

He knew very well that his rise from a lowly prisoner to the present was all due to what Lord Commander had granted him, and it could be taken back at any time. Therefore, nothing was more important than matters concerning Lord Commander.

No matter how beautiful the dancers were, or how mellow the wine was, he lost interest entirely, swiftly responded to the message, suppressed the urge to leave the banquet, and waited until it was over before finding Great Demon King Heng to bid farewell, claiming he had urgent family affairs to attend to.

Heng was somewhat surprised, but didn't show any displeasure, and held Chai Wenwu's arm saying heartily, "Go, my dear brother, attend to your matters. I will always welcome you here. Next time, let's drink till we're drunk."

Thus, they temporarily parted ways. After leaving this demon den, Xu You couldn't help but softly inquire, "Sir, now's the time to strike while the iron is hot and secure everything at once, why leave midway?"

Chai Wenwu knew Xu You was Shi Chun's man, and intended to make friends, given their closeness, he did not hide from him and whispered, "The Commander is summoning me."

Xu You acknowledged softly and did not say more.

They reached Xun Gate for the transfer and arrived at Heavenly Capital. Just as they were about to queue for the passage towards Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture, Chai Wenwu suddenly turned, avoiding the public eye, and took out the Mother-child Talisman to review its contents.

This time, it was Shi Chun himself contacting him, designating a place in Heavenly Capital for him to wait for further information, instructing him not to contact anyone until he received Shi Chun's message.

Chai Wenwu firmly adhered to Shi Chun's orders, immediately called Xu You to change route, heading to the specified location per the message.

After sending him off, another 'Chai Wenwu' soon appeared in Heavenly Domain Dingnan Prefecture. After entering, he pulled out the Mother-child Talisman to contact Shi Chun, who then instructed him to secretly meet up at Yuling Mountain.

This time, guided by the Golden-haired Rat, he was brought to a specially prepared venue to wait.

It wasn't long before Shi Chun arrived, confirming with his Right Eye Superpower that the 'Chai Wenwu' before him was indeed Illusion Demon King Bai Sheng, and could breathe a sigh of relief.

He genuinely worried that Illusion Demon King Bai Sheng wouldn't manage the task, but now it seemed he truly lived up to the reputation of Illusion Demon King, indeed formidable.

This time, Bai Sheng impersonating Chai Wenwu was much more ingratiating than last time. His fawning posture was meticulously replicated, augmented by illusion techniques, almost restoring the true Chai Wenwu. He respectfully greeted him, "Subordinate greets you, my lord."

Shi Chun raised a hand, indicating no need for excessive courtesy, and questioned, "I utilized Feng Xi and others to spread the word far and wide, creating a great opportunity for industrial introduction. Why have I heard there's actually stagnation in the introduction of industries, with slow progress?"

Seeing accountability was underway, Bai Sheng internally complained. Mulan Jin had come and stirred things up, causing the promising situation to disperse.

But the problem was, this was a mess he caused himself. He had no one else to blame, having ruined this opportunity here. Since the task of introducing industries fell upon him, he could only either cut his losses or find another remedy.

Therefore, he quickly defended, "My lord, there was a bit of stagnation, but the situation has been reopened. I guarantee, within three months, to introduce industries with an annual tax revenue reaching a hundred billion."

Shi Chun internally wondered, is this for real? At the early stage of the Heavenly Domain's establishment, reaching such a tax quota across the three prefectures would justify well in both sentiment and reason to the Heavenly Court. Further effort, like squeezing some more from the Phoenix Clan, should stabilize things.

His intention this time was indeed to pressure Bai Sheng, forcing him to make a statement, but even before applying substantial pressure, Bai Sheng had already given a high-standard promise.

This was good, but outwardly he still kept a stern face and asked, "Three months, is this a serious claim?"

Bai Sheng swiftly cupped his hands and said, "I dare not boast falsely to you."

Shi Chun pressed further, "What if you fail to deliver?"

Bai Sheng replied, "Then I am willing to offer my head."

"Good!" Shi Chun waved his hand broadly, indicating the matter was settled, "I originally intended to assign you another task, but since you exhibit such ambition, focus entirely on this hundred-billion grand undertaking."

Bai Sheng couldn't help but feel curious. Having come all this way, he naturally wanted to inquire, asking, "May I know what task, perhaps I can handle both."

Shi Chun seemingly offhandedly said, "Do you remember last time here, what words I spoke to you?"

Bai Sheng nodded repeatedly, "I dare not forget your words, my lord. But which words are you referring to?"

Shi Chun lowered his voice and said, "The missing person investigating the heritage site clues in Yan State is not dead, we've made contact."

Upon hearing this, Bai Sheng immediately perked up, containing his excitement, he showed concern and said, "Is the person alright?"

Shi Chun sighed, "The person was seriously injured, both eyes were blinded. It's difficult to escape death and get in touch again. He's temporarily considered crippled, he can't continue investigating this matter."

Bai Sheng expressed regret immediately, "That's such a pity, but it's good that he's still alive. Lord, did he find anything?"

Shi Chun nodded and said, "He did find something, unfortunately got interrupted. I'm thinking of continuing the investigation based on the clues we have, but currently don't know who to assign this to."

Bai Sheng immediately volunteered, "Lord, have you summoned me here because you want me to take over this matter? If so..." He forcefully clasped his hands into a fist salute and said, "I am willing to undergo any trial by fire, no matter the odds!"

Shi Chun waved his hand, "Before summoning you, I indeed considered it. The people around me don't know where their loyalties lie, and I find you more dependable, so I wanted you to take over. However, upon thinking it over carefully, I feel it's inappropriate. Primarily because your cultivation is too low, you might not be suited for it. Previously, the person investigating had a cultivation far higher than yours, yet ended up like this. Alas, finding someone to handle this matter is indeed a problem. Truly frustrating that there aren't many trustworthy people around."

What was Bai Sheng pretending to be Chai Wenwu for? What was he aiming for by sacrificing his own flesh to plug this side's hole? Just for the matter we're talking about now. Now that the good fortune has come knocking at the door, how could he easily give it up? Impossible!

It was naturally something to strive for. So he again clasped his fists and said, "Pardon my bold words, Lord, have you come this far with sheer power alone? If not through force, then you must use strategy. I am willing to try boldly!"

Shi Chun lowered his gaze and said, "Your courage is admirable, but things cannot rely on imagination alone. This matter is no small thing and must be handled carefully. Let me think it over again."

He certainly couldn't agree too quickly, knowing that regardless, the other party would try their utmost to strive for this. Otherwise, a dignified Demon King wouldn't bother pretending to be Chai Wenwu to act lowly.

Bai Sheng immediately persuaded, "Lord, haven't you heard the saying 'Long night, many dreams'? I wasn't aware of the matter, but now that I know, and have received your esteem and trust to be your confidant, if I can't share your worries, how can I continue to serve you? Since Chai Wenwu is old, might as well resign."

He bowed his head in a moment's sweat and embarrassment.

In reality, he was pressuring Shi Chun. If not allowing me to serve, then I'd resign and leave, and won't handle the introduction of industries.

Shi Chun was visibly moved upon hearing the words, pacing back and forth in thought, "I've said it, upon suddenly ascending to this position, there's few trustworthy and capable people around me. You already bear a heavy burden; if I further let you handle this matter, what to do with the industry introduction? To be serious, the heritage site clues matter is dispensable, but your promise to introduce an industry with an annual tax revenue of ten billion within three months, that's the major issue. Letting you lead in major affairs is to greatly relieve my worries."

Bai Sheng didn't expect that his previous promise for a three-month billion-tax-industry development would block his genuine desire. He regrettably stated, wishing he hadn't rushed to make such promises.

Yet he didn't give up, saying, "Since it's a dispensable matter, why not allow me to try both? I will definitely prioritize the industry introduction."

Shi Chun stopped, examining him up and down, "Old Chai, you are quite persistent today, not quite like yourself."

Bai Sheng felt slightly guilty but patted his chest and asserted, "Though Wenwu bears the old appearance, these words came from the heart, and heaven and earth could testify my willingness to share the Lord's worries!"

Shi Chun pondered and then waved his hand, "Alright, alright, go and give it a try. But let me remind you, introducing the industry is the main task, and the promise of three-month ten billion cannot be broken."

Bai Sheng clasped his fists and passionately said, "With the Lord's trust, I'm willing to go through life and death, I shall keep my word!"

Then awaited eagerly for the so-called heritage site clues.

Shi Chun walked with his hands behind his back, remained silent for a while, and slowly spoke, "Capture a man, whose cultivation is currently unknown, and background is also unknown. Investigators tracked him to Yan State, but the investigator got interrupted and fled injured when trying to approach to see him meeting someone. What followed was the twist you know. Now we need to find out who the contact person is. Having already startled the snake in the grass, tracking further isn't realistic. After careful thought, I've decided to capture the person!"

While speaking, he pointed a finger at Bai Sheng and said, "Again, currently, we do not know this person's cultivation or background. You can try but should not delay the main task, I'll give you five days. If you can't capture him, then considering we've already startled them, we might as well monetize it. After five days, if the person is not found, don't waste any more effort on this trivial matter. Why not talk to Feng Xi or Bi Dao, whoever bids the highest and can bring more industry, I'll sell the clue to them. It'll save trouble, bring wealth and strengthen our power, why not do as desired?"

Only five days? If five days fail, then sell the clues? Bai Sheng's mouth twitched, feeling his counterpart had lost interest in continuing the investigation and leaned towards monetization.

Though understandable, knowing they're not demon cultivators and their interest in Jin Zhan's legacy likely isn't strong.

Imagining a bunch of old demons getting involved made him uneasy.

If not for unclear circumstances and concerns about potentially digging into Extreme Abyss, he would want to capture and interrogate the guy now.

While the time is short, he calmed himself and agreed decisively, "Alright, five days it is, I'm willing to try. Who is the person we need to capture?"

No matter the outcome, getting hold of the clues first is the plan.

Shi Chun revealed, "In Nanshan's Royal Capital, a place called 'Green Rong Manor', green as in color, Rong as in banyan tree. The manor master's name is Mu Anchang."

Bai Sheng indeed hadn't heard of this place or person before. Initially worried it might be someone significant, but since it's an unknown person, five days should suffice. Immediately confirmed, "Green Rong Manor's manor master Mu Anchang."

Shi Chun said, "Yes, that's him. The investigator who tracked him was already jeopardized. We don't know if the target noticed they were being followed and alarmed. Be careful with the capture, if no chance arises, don't force it. Safety and security come first. Monetizing the clue won't be a loss for us."

Confronted with such repeated reminders, Bai Sheng felt slight disdain but outwardly showed respectful allegiance, clasping his fists, "I will do my utmost, and shall not let down the Lord's great expectations!"