World's First Traitor System (379)

Chapter 379 - The Final Question

As Yan Shifan shared this information with disdain. He had never bothered to cultivate, his current Divine Transformation cultivation was merely a result of consuming pills.

A mere ten percent increase in cultivation speed, he had no interest in that.

The Investiture of the Gods was just garbage, in Yan Shifan's eyes.

But Fan Li didn’t agree.

Imagine, what if the names of all the people in the kingdom were inscribed on the Investiture of the Gods, the impact would be immeasurable, the benefits unimaginable! Moreover, there was no proof that this was the only function of the Investiture of the Gods.

“What happened to those death row inmates, after they were listed?” Fan Li asked.

“They were all killed,” Yan Shifan replied dismissively.

The fate of a few lowly prisoners was of no concern to the Junior Grand Secretary.

Killed? It seemed like it made sense, but something felt off.

Fan Li pressed, “How were they killed? Beheadings at the execution grounds?”

“Uh…”

Yan Shifan scratched his head, he truly didn't know the answer.

The fates of some death row inmates were of little importance. Why bother with the details?

Despite losing face from being unable to answer, and out of respect for his idol, Yan Shifan decided to be truthful.

"My information came from Lu Bing. He just said they were dealt with but didn't say how. A few death row inmates, they were probably just beheaded, or hanged. They don't even deserve a cup of poison.”

Fan Li wanted to ask about the disposal of their bodies, but Yan Shifan’s expression was already growing impatient.

He understood that, despite Yan Shifan’s admiration for him, his bad habits were hard to break. Pushing too hard would only make their relationship sour.

Though it was a pity, he had to stop there.

“Duke Jin.”

"Hmm?"

Yan Shifan suddenly lowered his voice, as if he had some secret to share.

“Duke Jin, you’ve been captured for so many days, surely you have a plan? When will your reinforcements arrive?"

He wants to escape?

That was to be expected.

Yan Shifan was a man of power and influence within Great Ming, how could he be willing to remain a prisoner?

It seemed he intended to team up with Fan Li.

"Some are on their way," Fan Li replied vaguely. "Some… are actually already lying in wait."

“Good!”

The more ambiguous Fan Li’s words, the more Yan Shifan believed them.

“Duke Jin, my private troops should be arriving soon.”

Yan Shifan said, unconcerned by the presence of Qing Qiu and Princess Chang Le.

He quietly opened his collar, revealing his plump, white skin.

On his left chest was a tattoo of a small camel.

Fan Li had never seen a camel tattoo before, and thought his taste was unique.

Yan Shifan grinned wickedly. “Duke Jin, this is the Sandboat and Mother Camel Tattoo. With this little one on me, the mother camel can find me, no matter where I am."

Qing Qiu suddenly spoke, “Where is the mother camel tattooed?”

Her question caused even Yan Shifan’s face to turn red with embarrassment.

“The mother camel is a spiritual jade carving, not a tattoo. As long as it is in my possession, I will be drawn to it."

Fan Li nodded, thinking, As expected of the Junior Grand Secretary, he possesses all sorts of ways to save his own life.

“Duke Jin, my people will arrive tonight! We can work together, and attack them from inside and outside, at night! Even if we can’t catch them off guard, we can still escape..."

Yan Shifan was becoming increasingly excited. Just then, Shangguan Wan'er arrived!

He had no choice but to fall silent.

The Great Zhou Chancellor was clad in a purple official robe, embroidered with auspicious clouds, and radiating a noble aura. Her appearance was unusually formal. Fan Li began to feel uneasy.

Wasn't the Double Ninth Festival tomorrow?

“Everyone, tomorrow is the glorious day our Great Zhou Sage Emperor returns to the mortal realm. I thank you all for your unwavering support, your contribution to Great Zhou shall be remembered for eternity!"

Fan Li found the sentiment unsettling.

Remembered for eternity?

What was this?

Was she reading his eulogy to his face?

He glanced at the others. Qing Qiu’s expression was calm, Princess Chang Le continued to smile, and Yan Shifan was arrogantly dismissive.

"Chancellor Shangguan, is there anything we can help you with?" Fan Li asked. "Or did you simply come to remind us that the day is near?"

“Hehehe, of course, it’s more than just that.”

Shangguan Wan’er gave a false smile. She clapped her hands, and her soldiers immediately brought in four cups of wine.

The fragrance of the wine was strong!

Fan Li knew, just from the scent alone, that this Soul Cleansing Wine was stronger than usual.

He looked at Shangguan Wan’er with suspicion. She smiled. "This is a double portion. Please, everyone, drink it all at once. Tomorrow, setting up the Four Exceptional Individuals Formation will require time. I need to ensure your cultivations are stable."

What a silver tongue.

She was sealing their cultivation, calling it keeping them stable.

Fine!

Fan Li wouldn't make a fuss. As a captive, he would accept whatever was offered.

He picked up a cup of Soul Cleansing Wine and emptied it.

Qing Qiu followed, and Princess Chang Le quickly followed after.

Only Yan Shifan looked hesitant, asking, “Besides this wine, what other tricks do you have up your sleeve?”

He had spent his life plotting and scheming, harming countless others. He was suspicious of Shangguan Wan'er’s unexpected kindness.

In reality, Fan Li shared the same suspicion.

“Please, drink the wine.” Shangguan Wan’er smiled.

"Hmph!"

Yan Shifan had no choice, and drank his wine.

“Good.” Shangguan Wan’er was satisfied. “Now then, would you all please follow me?”

Yan Shifan was taken aback, “Where are we going?”

“To the altar, of course. I have been working hard to arrange the base for the Four Exceptional Individuals Formation. Today, you will all step into it.”

As Shangguan Wan’er spoke, a gleam of excitement shone in her eyes.

Yan Shifan was shocked, "Today?! Isn't the Double Ninth Festival tomorrow?"

"Hahahahaha!"

Shangguan Wan’er laughed.

“Tomorrow is indeed the auspicious day for His Majesty’s arrival. But today, you will be stepping into the formation! Better to be safe than sorry. Only with all of you inside the formation can I truly feel at ease.”

"If not for the limits of the formation, I would gather you all together and activate the formation immediately!"

As she spoke, Shangguan Wan'er, without warning, commanded her soldiers to seize Yan Shifan, dragging him away like a chicken.

Yan Shifan cried out in protest, but it was all in vain.

Shangguan Wan'er watched him dragged out of the dwelling, her eyes filled with disdain. She had clearly known Yan Shifan was waiting for his reinforcements.

"You three. Would you rather be dragged out like that, or walk on your own?”

Fan Li, hearing her words, immediately turned and walked out. If resistance was futile, he would not make a fool of himself.

Qing Qiu and Princess Chang Le followed close behind.

As they were about to exit the dwelling, Fan Li suddenly stopped.

“Chancellor Shangguan. On the road to hell, I have one final question, I hope you will answer it."

Shangguan Wan’er’s smile slowly vanished.

“You have no right to bargain.”

"It’s just a small question,” Fan Li said, smiling. “If the Chancellor is unwilling to answer, I might choose to bite off my own tongue. And then, I doubt you will find a replacement in time for your plan to succeed.”

"You?!"

Shangguan Wan’er was shocked that Fan Li, who had been so compliant, was now causing trouble!

Moreover, his threat had pinpointed Shangguan Wan’er’s biggest weakness, leaving her with no choice but to accept.

"Hmph!"

"Speak, I'm listening!”

This question, from all the information he had gathered, was the most pressing issue.

He first glanced at Princess Chang Le, then focused on Shangguan Wan'er.

"Chancellor, in this Great Zhou Celestial Empire, do you not possess the Investiture of the Gods?”