Chapter 48: Winning Over Allies

ICP Filing Number: Xiang B2-20100081-3
Internet Publishing Qualification Certificate: New Publication Certificate (Xiang) No. 11
Online Culture Business License: Wen Wang Wen [2010] No. 128

To the east of Royao City flows a river called the Feiyin River, like a belt wrapped around the city’s center, tracing a green ripple across the landscape. The riverbanks are beautiful, lined on both sides with abundant local specialty plants—the Demon Paulownia.

This Demon Paulownia is remarkably resilient, with thick trunks that people often hollow out in the middle to create natural tree hollows. Setting a wooden table inside forms a cozy enclosed space, yet the tree itself survives unharmed. Its massive canopy provides shade and retains warmth, keeping the place cool in summer and warm in winter, making this area the most renowned leisure spot in Royao City.

All the treehouses belong to the city lord of Royao, Anfrith. To enjoy leisure here, one must pay twenty silver Vitts per hour.

Thus, it is a favored gathering place for nobles, yet it does not exclude commoners. Every day, many ordinary citizens stroll along this charming riverbank. It serves as a resting place for elders, a prime location for the wealthy to discuss business, and a sacred spot for courting youths.

Seated within a Demon Paulownia treehouse, Chaklai poured himself a drink.

He had arrived here just two days prior.

He found himself quickly fond of the tranquility and elegance of this place.

Only when one is consumed by anxiety and emotional turmoil does one truly appreciate the value of calm and far-reaching peace. Since Hugh Eglair’s tumultuous rampage in Royao City—and the subsequent killing of Boger—Chaklai’s heart had never settled.

Sometimes, he wondered what exactly Hugh Eglair was thinking. What made such a man believe he could challenge an entire empire? Was he a madman or a genius?

Perhaps both, Chaklai mused with a hint of self-mockery. But no matter how clever, he could never defeat a nation.

“Sir, would you care for some sake?” a waiter approached, bowing his head.

“No, thank you.”

“How about some floral tea? It refreshes the mind.”

“No, nothing, I just want some quiet time alone.”

“If you seek tranquility, may I suggest some fruit juice?”

“No!” Chaklai furrowed his brow. “You bastard, I said I don’t want anything!”

“Then maybe some snacks?”

“You never stop, do you?!” Chaklai snapped angrily. “Get lost, or I’ll split you in two!”

The persistently pestering waiter suddenly lifted his head and said, “Are you sure you want to do that, Lord Chaklai?”

The waiter’s face flashed before Chaklai’s eyes, stirring a sudden shock and dread deep within his heart.

Hugh Eglair? The voice that had haunted his mind just now surfaced again, as a tremendous aura suddenly enveloped the entire treehouse.

“Better not move,” a low voice came from behind the tree.

Chaklai’s heart jumped. Judging by the strength of that aura, the figure lurking in the shadows was undoubtedly a warrior of Ocean Knight rank or higher. Hugh Eglair’s earlier disturbance had distracted him, causing him to overlook the fact that someone had crept up beside him. Two red fiery birds glared fiercely at him from Hugh’s side. Though Hugh himself smiled cheerfully, Chaklai was almost certain that any rash move on his part would trigger a lethal strike from Hugh’s faction.

Knowing Hugh’s usual careful and calculated manner, Chaklai doubted he could avoid the assassin’s attack.

“Please don’t misunderstand, Lord Chaklai. I bear you no ill will,” Hugh, disguised as a waiter, spoke politely.

“What do you want?” Chaklai replied coldly.

“Just to share a drink with you.”

Hugh stepped into the treehouse and sat on the bench opposite Chaklai.

The sudden closeness made Chaklai’s mind race with the thought of capturing him immediately.

Though Hugh had demonstrated his power to those who pursued him—killing two Level Six Alchemists—the truth was that alchemists’ strength largely depended on external means. Like magicians, they were not suited for impromptu combat. Only warriors could wield their full combat power at any moment.

Chaklai’s thoughts turned to whether he could swiftly subdue Hugh while enduring the assault from the hidden warrior nearby.

As if sensing Chaklai’s thoughts, Hugh poured himself a mug of beer and said calmly, “If I die, the deal we made on the island will be immediately reported to King Strick VI. I am the only one who can help you escape Rashel’s control.”

Those words struck Chaklai like a sharp needle, deflating his gathered fighting spirit like a burst balloon.

He slumped into his seat, staring blankly at Hugh.

A sympathetic glance swept over Chaklai as Hugh refilled his cup. “Drink this.”

Chaklai obeyed numbly.

“Good,” Hugh nodded in satisfaction.

After drinking, Chaklai hoarsely asked, “How did you know I was here? And how did you learn about Rashel’s blackmail?”

“I know a great many things, but that’s not important now. What matters is, Lord Chaklai, do you have the ability to face reality?”

“Reality?” Chaklai sneered. “Reality is you trying to oppose an entire country. Hugh Eglair, you can never defeat the Lance Empire. Even if you win once, twice, or a hundred times, you cannot win forever. And once you lose even once, you lose completely. You want to blackmail me into working for you? No. If the King learns of our deal on the island, I might be punished, but as a Warrior of the Earth, I won’t die. But if I conspire with you, then I’m truly doomed. Conversely, if I catch you, the King might forgive all your past offenses.”

“Believe me, Lord Chaklai, capturing me is far more difficult than you imagine.”

“Is that so?” Chaklai’s mind reignited with thoughts of action.

But at that moment, he was stunned to see the energy aura around Hugh’s body continuously intensifying. Hugh’s fighting spirit flickered—Level Three, Four, Five, Six!

Impossible!

Chaklai was utterly dumbfounded.

Before him, Hugh Eglair had manifested the power of a Level Six warrior!

A thick sarcasm gleamed in Hugh’s eyes as he looked at Chaklai and chuckled, “Lord Chaklai, do you still think you can easily take me down? Even without the fiery birds and my friends, do you believe you can defeat me by yourself?”

A soft incantation summoned the exquisite essence of heaven and earth; dense magical elements began to gather around them.

A Level Six warrior combined with magic power—facing Chaklai head-on, he had no guarantee of victory.

“How did you train like this? How is this possible?” Chaklai groaned helplessly.

Just a few days ago, this youth had only the strength of a Level Four warrior; how could he become Level Six in such a short time?

“It won’t be long before I’ll surprise you even more. I think that will strengthen your resolve.”

“What do you mean?” Chaklai asked coldly.

“The heads of Kevin Beers and Garrick Engston,” Hugh answered with a smile. Leaning close to Chaklai’s ear, he whispered, “I will soon have a decisive battle with them. Lord Chaklai, you should know how to choose when that time comes.”

With that, Hugh left the treehouse.

He walked a few steps, then suddenly turned back to Chaklai. “Lord Chaklai, you still have time to consider my proposal before the decisive battle begins. But remember, whichever path you choose may be a road of no return. The difference is, cooperating with me will at least grant you a considerable time of peace, while opposing me will lead you straight to destruction...”

Ignoring the stunned Chaklai, Hugh went on his way. After reaching a dense forest, he quickly changed his clothes, put on glasses, and transformed back into Cedric Danier.

“For a moment, I thought he might strike you,” Lilith’s voice came from behind.

“Greedy people are always selfish and cautious,” Hugh replied.

“And fickle as well,” came Buckler’s voice.

“That depends on how well you control them. Behind every fickle villain is an incompetent master,” Hugh said with a careless smile.

He turned to look at Buckler and Lilith. “Don’t worry, Chaklai won’t escape our grasp. He will listen to us.”

Lilith cast a cold glance toward the treehouse where Chaklai sat alone, hesitating and unsure. “I don’t care whether he cooperates or not, Kevin Beers must die.”

“Don’t worry, Lilith, that’s my promise to all of you,” Hugh answered seriously.

He looked up at the sky and smiled. “There’s still time, Lilith. Care to take a walk with me by the river?”

“Why not find your countess companion instead?” Lilith shot him a glare.

“She’s like rum—sweet and refreshing with a long aftertaste. You’re like dragon orchid wine—strong, mellow, and full-bodied. Before a big battle, a man needs strong liquor to ignite his fighting spirit and will, not sweet wine to relax his mind and resolve. So, I choose you,” Hugh replied without a hint of embarrassment.

Being compared to a glass of strong liquor made Lilith want to punch him, but somehow, she couldn’t control her emotions and found herself agreeing.

---

A brief note about updates:

The annual conference lasted twelve days, plus the time spent writing the Lu Institute memoirs, totaling about twenty days of uproar. During this period, I mostly relied on previously written drafts and didn’t write much new content. Only after finishing the memoirs a few days ago did I resume full-scale creation, spending several days getting back into the flow. Currently, I am pushing hard to catch up on drafts.

Honestly, I don’t know how long it will take to make up for lost time, but I must do it; otherwise, I cannot continue smoothly in the future.

In this context, the update plan for February will remain roughly one chapter per day. I cannot even guarantee 200,000 words this month.

Please understand that updates under 200,000 words mean a loss for me, but for the long run, this is necessary.

I have always relied on drafts; without them, I wouldn’t know how to write. So please give me some time to rebuild my stockpile. If all goes well, March will be a big explosion of content.

You all know I don’t make promises lightly. I only share my plans and do my best to follow them. Any changes or reasons will be explained—I believe everyone will understand.

Thank you all for your continued support.

Even a simple message from you (__,) becomes a driving force for my writing. Please keep cheering me on!