The Demon Lords

Chapter 542 51 Current Compilation_1

Unusual events often signify something sinister, and in this trio, Miss Su was the most unconventional one.

At first, Zheng Fan had merely assumed that the Silver Armored Guards, at least those on the surface, were not of particularly high caliber, which was understandable. They were like the imperial bodyguards from the history of the world he knew; not all were masters of espionage, leaping over eaves and scaling walls in ministers' homes to spy or act as moles. Some were more like city management teams, patrolling the streets in Flying Fish Suits with Xiuchun Sabers slung over their shoulders, collecting protection fees.

But gradually, Zheng Fan found that Miss Su's intelligence and behavioral reactions had somehow plummeted past the lower limit of his expectations.

Truth be told, if it weren't for Mr. Chen's apparent soft spot for this foolish young lady, Zheng Fan, or these demon lords, would have sent her on her way to release her from her misery long ago.

From his perspective as a creator, recalling when he created comics in his past life, every character's appearance served a purpose. Some were there for the protagonist to put in their place, some were there to give the protagonist treasures, and even a crowd of extras forming a hazy backdrop could collectively cheer "Awesome!"

So, what exactly was Miss Su's purpose?

Yao Zizhan, the great literary figure, was different from Su Shi, to whom Zheng Fan had initially compared him. Su Shi possessed first-class literary talent but was a complete novice in politics and emotional intelligence. Yao Zizhan, however, was an anomaly; he wouldn't do anything meaningless. Moreover, he had once entered the treasury with Helian Xiongbi and knew that only those of the Helian Family bloodline could open its doors.

Therefore…

Zheng Fan knew the Blind Man had actually figured this layer out even earlier than he had. It was just that the Blind Man was clever; knowing didn't mean he had to say it immediately. He had specifically left the chance to play detective for him, Zheng Fan.

Now, Yao Zizhan had as good as admitted it.

This also revealed how meticulous and frightening the Silver Armored Guards of Qian State were. They had actually managed to brainwash a woman of the Helian Family bloodline and instill in her complete loyalty to Qian State and its government.

This Yao Zizhan was quite something. Perhaps he never intended to go to the stronghold on Geda Mountain at all. He might have just been using Geda Mountain as a landmark before heading here. It was just that Gesang had intercepted him halfway, which led to all these subsequent complications. Originally, Master Yao, the Literary Sage, could have 'gotten what he wanted through his own efforts.'

A Ming used his fingernail to prick Miss Su's palm, collected some of her blood, and then sprinkled it onto the bronze mirror.

Unlike Helian Baozhu's blood previously, Miss Su's blood was quickly absorbed by the bronze mirror. Immediately after, a SCRAPING sound came from the bronze door.

The door slowly opened, creating a gap just one meter wide, which was enough for people to pass through.

Zheng Fan clapped his hands, stood up, and said to Yao Zizhan, "Master Yao, is this your attitude when discussing cooperation with me?"

All that talk of entrusting responsibilities and discussing the future… it was all a smokescreen. He just wanted to trick me into leaving. At worst, he could come back here again later and empty the treasure vault himself.

Yao Zizhan, however, was quite thick-skinned. He showed no embarrassment at having his intention to take everything for himself exposed. Instead, he said, "Brother Zheng, you didn't seem to take it to heart either, did you?"

"No, I genuinely considered it. Perhaps Master Yao doesn't know this, but I've met the leading figure of your Qian State government."

Hearing this, Yao Zizhan paused.

The leading figure of the Qian State government was indeed a remarkable person; his political skills could be said to be maxed out. His only shortcoming, perhaps, was a lack of military knowledge, or rather, when compared to the iron triangle of Yan State, he was somewhat outshone.

After all, the Yan Emperor had grown up fighting for chicken legs with the Earl of North Border. He must have personally experienced the harshness of the desert. The Eldest Prince was, in fact, now following the Ji Family tradition by undergoing trials in Beifeng Prefecture.

Regardless, the leading figure of the Qian State government possessed power and vision similar to the Yan Emperor. If that leading figure of the government were to personally extend an olive branch to Zheng Fan, he would genuinely consider cooperating.

But Yao Zizhan clearly lacked the standing, and also the sincerity, for such an offer.

Yao Zizhan said apologetically, "It was I who overstepped my bounds."

Zheng Fan didn't want to dwell on this matter any longer. He pointed to the now-open bronze door and said, "Master Yao, please lead the way."

Yao Zizhan nodded and went in first.

Zheng Fan then turned around and said, "Let's all go in together. A family should stick together, whole and complete."

Everyone entered.

Behind the bronze door were rows of torches, with solidified fuel beside them.

Xue Three ran over, picked up a torch, and exclaimed, "I've raided I don't know how many tombs, but this is the first time I've encountered such a thoughtful host!"

A Ming said, "This isn't someone's tomb. It's a treasury, built for future generations to come and use."

So, there was no need to make it as heavily protected against tomb raiders as a tomb. After all, not far from here, there was a wild people's holdout on Geda Mountain that was responsible for guarding this place. Never mind that the holdout had recently been destroyed by a contingent from Cheng State; if the Helian Family were still around, these things wouldn't have been problems at all.

However, they hadn't walked far before A Ming frowned.

Xue Three then laughed and said, "Well, well, well, that statement came back to bite me quickly."

Before them, a row of coffins had appeared, each with weapons hanging beside it.

"One, two, three, four… twelve, thirteen. Thirteen of them!"

After counting, Xue Three proactively went closer to inspect them and said, "No traps."