Chapter 1290 - 1269: Dharma Seal of Calamity and Joy

Chapter 1290: Chapter 1269: Dharma Seal of Calamity and Joy

"Kid, do you know what I’m most interested in right now?" Xiao Zhenfeng chuckled, pulling the topic away. "How exactly did you obtain your current power? From what I know, you should take over the Hua Family three years from now. Your position in the political arena is far from stable compared to your father, far from it. Hua Muyun never does anything he’s unsure of, nor does he gamble with the Hua Family’s future. I’m more interested in you than in what Xiao Lin has done."

"Uncle Xiao really overestimates me. How could I have the skill to convince my stubborn father? As the saying goes, there are gains and losses. What I’ve lost is far less than what I’ve gained. Moreover, I believe my choices benefit the current situation. We in the political arena aren’t as talented as Uncle Xiao, but our sense of smell is always precise, and even you must admit that Qing Yi hasn’t guessed wrong yet."

"Ha ha!" Xiao Zhenfeng laughed a few times, waved to Xiao Mu on the side, who then exited and quietly closed the door. "Now that there are no outsiders here, you don’t need to put on airs with me. Consider my earlier words as hitting the point lightly. You two don’t need to pretend anymore; state your intention."

"Rather than cooperating with the Murong Family and constantly guarding against their betrayal, it’s better to join hands directly with the Dan Clan. This brings more hope. Quan Xianglin holds the secret of the Dan Clan in his hands, and Uncle Xiao also holds such a secret. It relates to an experiment from over ten years ago, and those involved in it were either promoted or marginalized. The rest I need not repeat. Since the matter arises, why not conclude it once and for all? What wasn’t done cleanly back then—use this opportunity to fill the hole. This not only can suppress the Murong Family but also eliminate the thorn in Uncle Xiao’s side."

"Ah, is this your idea or his?" Xiao Zhenfeng asked, pointing towards Xiao Lin on the side. "Out of the five major financial powers, three are dead. This game is quite big. Merely because of the Xia Family’s heiress, only those involved would believe it. Can I understand this as acting first and reporting later?"

"Uncle Xiao wouldn’t think of me as that kind of person, right? From the standpoint of the Hua Family Head, I only see where there is profit. Personally, it’s better to trust those who will exploit me rather than unreliable ones. Only interests can bind us tightly together. Isn’t that why you seek the Murong Family?"

At this moment, Hua Qingyi is no longer the little brother following Xiao Lin around but a true man, no longer the impulsive kid kicked out by Dragon Soul, but someone who uses every loophole to attack an opponent’s weakness. Xiao Zhenfeng seemed to be gripped by his Achilles’ heel and remained silent. If you think of him as a soft target, you’d be gravely mistaken; this is when Xiao Zhenfeng is truly fearsome.

Hua Qingyi quietly clenched both fists, holding his breath, unable to ignore the pressure emanating from Xiao Zhenfeng. Perhaps just now he accidentally crossed a line. The saying, "Without stepping into the water, how can you know its depth?" applies here. The heart that went all out wasn’t without any feedback, often capturing the tiniest clues in an instant.

"Xiao..."

Just as Hua Qingyi was about to speak again, the person lying at the side moaned. Xiao Lin slowly opened his eyes, his gaze confused, and placed a hand on his forehead. He hesitated at the unfamiliar ceiling but showed no doubt in his clear pupils.

The sigh floated like a wisp of smoke around Hua Qingyi and Xiao Zhenfeng, easing the oppressive feeling. Sitting up from the recliner, Xiao Lin did not look at them but stared at the floor with his head bowed. After a long pause, he moved again, pulled a cigarette from his pocket, and lit it.

The smoky bitterness made Xiao Zhenfeng frown; when did he change the flavor of his cigarettes? This was the first real close encounter since arriving in Palermo. Xiao Lin smirked; was there any difference this time from the previous meeting at the private restaurant? There was. Looking at that familiar yet nearly stranger’s face, Xiao Lin couldn’t help but laugh, causing Hua Qingyi’s embarrassment and Xiao Zhenfeng’s further furrowing brow.

"Is something funny?" Xiao Lin’s uncontrollable laughter was interrupted by Xiao Zhenfeng’s cold questioning, the two were only steps apart, eyes glued together. Xiao Zhenfeng let out a cold snort, retreated a few steps, took a seat behind his desk, and pulled out a silver-black silk box from the drawer. The metal’s sheen glinted coldly under the light, with the lid engraved with peculiar three-dimensional carvings, resembling some ceremonial totem. The intricate craftsmanship made the patterns seem alive.

Xiao Lin uttered a sound beside him, while Hua Qingyi sensed the item’s significance, even though he had never seen it, he could guess its nature.

"I’ll use it to pay for the two lives in your hand. Let the five major financial powers end here!" Was this a concession? Hua Qingyi suddenly thought of the word ’retreat,’ stunned with his mouth agape. "Your ultimate target is Murong Lengyue. Eliminating the five major financial powers to create a global economic crisis is merely to weaken the Murong Family. This approach is too risky and impulsive, but also a solid strategy. However, you didn’t do it thoroughly. When using people, consider the possibility of being counter-exploited."

Xiao Lin glanced at the box on the table, swallowing his words deeply. "Sooner or later, it’ll end up in your hands. Stop your impulsive actions."

Xiao Lin didn’t reach out to take the box; hesitation flashed in his eyes, and the corners of his mouth pressed into a straight line. "Too late!"

"Bro!" Hua Qingyi’s call immediately drew attention as Xiao Lin spoke. As an outsider, he knew he shouldn’t be standing here at all. Even if he wanted to leave, he would have to pass between the two of them, and he was now regretting his choice of position.

"Didn’t you say that no matter what choice I made, you would stand by my side? Then listen carefully here." Xiao Lin didn’t look at Hua Qingyi, his words clearly delivered to the ears of the two, causing the sound of inhalation before Xiao Lin turned his head to stare at Hua Qingyi. "Afraid?"

Hua Qingyi shook his head. Although he couldn’t see Xiao Lin’s expression clearly, the stern side profile already fully indicated Xiao Lin’s determination at this moment.

"Too late?" Xiao Zhenfeng was genuinely surprised, which wasn’t a masked facade.

"Yes, it’s too late."

Xiao Zhenfeng waited for Xiao Lin’s explanation, dealing with the situation in silence as usual, but this time he received no response. Xiao Lin picked up the box, and a trace of contempt was evident in his eyes.

Pressing the hidden clasp, the box sprang open, revealing a very ordinary seal sitting inside. It was so ordinary, just like the seals every household might have for stamping. Hua Qingyi was dumbfounded to see this legendary artifact and doubted its authenticity for a moment. "Is this the ’Dharma Seal of Celebration’?"

Xiao Lin nodded, his fingers gently lifted the seal into his palm. The smooth, round jade had no impurities and was crystal clear—its quality was already top-notch. Hua Qingyi was even more curious about what was engraved on the Hell seal.

After weighing it a few times, Xiao Lin put it back in front of Xiao Zhenfeng. "The prophecy that the Rose Staff and Dharma Seal of Celebration predict becoming a Mafia Leader— is that really so? Or is there a hidden conspiracy behind it, or should you tell me who I am? Tell me what ’Night Ban’ really is?"

"What do you mean?" Hua Qingyi was puzzled; Xiao Lin seemed unfamiliar at this moment. What did he mean by who he was? "Bro, what’s going on with you? Why are you talking to Uncle like this, you are you!"

Xiao Lin smiled strangely. "I’ve always been curious; the Dan Clan and Murong Clan have secrets in their past unknown to others. For you or Quan Xianglin or more people, it’s a kind of threat. Given your way of doing things, how could you allow its existence obediently, especially under tacit approval? Until I saw Liu Yi, I somewhat understood your tolerance. You and Quan Xianglin are after ’Night Ban,’ right? Actually, there’s no such thing as the Mafia—it’s all to cover the fog released by ’Night Ban.’

"You’ve seen Liu Yi?" Xiao Zhenfeng’s voice noticeably deepened, with a chill. Hua Qingyi instinctively moved closer to Xiao Lin, standing right between the two, blocking in front of Xiao Lin with a protective desire. Although the action seemed funny, Xiao Lin still showed a genuine smile.

"I’m not sure if he is Liu Yi, but the last time I saw him, it should be him." Xiao Lin raised his hand and placed it on Hua Qingyi’s shoulder. "The Dan Clan holds ’Night Ban.’" Seeing the surprise flashing in Xiao Zhenfeng’s eyes, Xiao Lin felt he had made the right bet. It was just his momentary suspicion. The old man having Yi look for the Dan Clan in itself contained a big blind spot, and he never fully understood it. However, Liu Yi’s deep hatred for the Xiao Family further expanded his doubts. He didn’t know what the code Hong Lian left behind meant, but the Black Doctor alerted him. Although the two aspects seemed to have no focus at all, the timeline of the origins was more than ten years ago. So Xiao Lin boldly speculated without realizing it was indeed the case.

"Father! Shouldn’t we have a good talk? About using and being used, at least I need to know where my value lies in this!" The irony in the room burned fiercely, with the crackling sounds erupting invisibly, ready for a possible confrontation.

Hua Qingyi, in secret, pulled Xiao Lin’s hand, forcing a smile on his face. "Uncle Xiao, bro just went through a slaughter so maybe still..." (To be continued. If you like this work, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote for recommendations and monthly votes, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please read at m.qidian.com.)