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墨書 Inktalez
Ding Shoudao scoffed, saying that he was the most suitable, but in reality, he was merely grasping at his leverage. The Immortal Statue remarked that liking money was nothing compared to the happiness of the followers of the Baekje Sect. Unlike other cults that only knew how to exploit without caring for lives, the Baekje Sect's disciples were relatively fortunate; they might not be wealthy, but their basic needs were always met.
Hearing this, Ding Shoudao felt somewhat pleased. In his earlier days, he had indeed advocated for equality, but wealth and power were alluring. It was rare for him to maintain even a bit of restraint, allowing some to slip through his fingers. The Immortal Statue continued, stating that what he valued was this very point. He had initially thought that Niu Dali, coming from a poor background and having faced many hardships, would understand the suffering of the common people better than most. However, contrary to his expectations, Niu Dali had learned selfishness, cruelty, and hypocrisy from those in the palace.
"You are different," the Immortal Statue said. "The people can at least fill their stomachs under your rule. When they are well-fed, they won't cause trouble. With peace in the world, I too will benefit."
The Immortal Statue emphasized that his offerings must not be interrupted. The red lanterns could prolong life, and the wishes exchanged could nourish his body. As his reputation soared, so did the benefits he reaped day by day. Seeing recovery on the horizon, he would not allow any mistakes.
Eliminating Niu Dali would be easy; just a flick of his hand would suffice. However, it was also true that allowing Niu Dali too much freedom had made him increasingly arrogant. Once Ding Shoudao firmly took control of all powers and ensured a steady flow of offerings, he would personally ensure that Niu Dali met a gruesome end.
"You desire power and wealth; I happen to have no interest in them. We can each get what we need—what a wonderful arrangement!"
Ding Shoudao had contemplated this for several days. Considering the other party's strength and interests, he was internally willing but thought it inappropriate to kneel daily like Niu Dali before things escalated; such servility was beneath him.
"I should not be your only choice," he mused. "I heard that just days ago, you had your eye on a talented young man."
The Immortal Statue sighed, acknowledging that indeed he possessed an admirable appearance. "If you favor him so much, why come here to persuade me?"
"He cannot compare to you; he's merely a pretty face," the Immortal Statue reassured him. "I only see you and have sought only you."
Ding Shoudao did not take this seriously and continued speaking. However, within half a day, news arrived that this young man had crossed your taboo and was now lying like a corpse with only a breath left in him. After punishing him that day, you had scolded him as an example for others to heed; even Niu Xianshi felt apprehensive after witnessing that lifeless body and sought your forgiveness.
"I wonder if collaborating with you would lead me to face similar consequences."
That pretty face was nothing more than an object in his eyes; prior to this moment, the Immortal Statue had hardly paid attention to it. Upon hearing this news, he was surprised and filled with speculation but maintained a calm demeanor while sternly reprimanding Ding Shoudao.
If it weren't for the pressing circumstances requiring collaboration due to his health issues, why would the Immortal Statue lower himself to persuade anyone?
Having just spoken those words as his limit, if Ding Shoudao remained unappreciative of his offer, he would have no qualms about turning hostile.
Noticing the change in tone from the Immortal Statue, Ding Shoudao wisely decided to back off slightly and nodded in agreement but insisted that further details needed discussion; they should draft an agreement so both parties could feel secure.
Having read several books on such matters made Ding Shoudao quite astute. The Immortal Statue offered some perfunctory remarks while eagerly wanting to see how that pretty face would respond—he couldn't afford any slip-ups after finally finding someone worth his attention.
That night, the Immortal Statue entered dreams once more as cautiously as before. No matter how careful he was, he still sensed it was Qi Xiaomian who had left him a message.
He questioned Qi Xiaomian about why he would fabricate stories that tarnished his reputation while portraying himself as a savior of the suffering.
Qi Xiaomian simply stated that he was just a commoner surrounded by too much malice; it was merely about survival for him.
The inquiry was merely a pretext, and the Immortal Statue easily brushed it aside. It then asked how the wooden piece had returned.
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