LGHTNOVELBOOK Chapter 243: Chance
After glancing at Luke for a while, Bai Shishi finally spoke, [Luke, I know how much you like fighting and killing. What's more, you wanted to fight the Warring Sharks. But this time, you can't.]
Luke's eyes narrowed dangerously.
[Why can't I fight them?]
On the other hand, a deep frown formed on Lucius' face. Suspicion roused within.
[Father, are you trying to take credit again? Has the lesson Master taught you not been enough?]
Bai Shishi trembled before his expression darkened.
[Let me explain before you two start questioning your father. Don't forget your place, brats.]
After saying that, Bai Shishi went on to retell the conversation he had with Nyx.
As he explained, Luke's expression soured, while realization dawned on Lucius.
[Now then, let's go. And remember, Luke, don't screw up the Master's plan.] Bai Shishi said after he finished his retelling.
Luke grumbled.
[This blows. My fists have been itching. Damn it. Those bastards are lucky.]
Ignoring his son's grumbling, Bai Shishi led them further into the dark and smelly alley.
It was sometime later, after taking a right turn, the alleyway widened into a clearing.
It was there that Bai Shishi and the two others saw three figures lounging on crates stacked haphazardly around. One person in particular drew their attention. He was taller and more muscular than the rest, with tattoos of Magical Beasts covering his body and mean-looking face.
A heavy sword was strapped to his waist. It was precisely the Artifact they had come to trade for.
"Took you long enough." Nai Yulan frowned. "How long were you going to make me wait?"
Bai Shishi chuckled and took a few steps in Nai Yulan's direction.
"It isn't even twelve. I'm a few minutes early."
Nai Yulan stared at him for a second, then raised his head and laughed.
"Since when did you become such a smart ass?"
One of his gang members laughed mockingly and said, "I heard it was Lucius with the brains, not the father. Guess they weren't wrong."
Frowning, Bai Shishi turned to Nai Yulan and met his dark green eyes.
"Oi, Nai Yulan, what's gotten into you and your gang? Don't tell me you think of yourself as some big shot now that you've joined the Black Fire Bandits. We came here to trade, not to be looked down on."
Nai Yulan tilted his head and stared at Bai Shishi as if confused by his words. He then waited for him to do something.
But… the Ember Lions Pride's Boss remained still.
'Was I wrong? Could it be that they aren't plotting something?
Jumping off the crate, Nai Yulan approached Bai Shishi. Simultaneously, he signaled to his two men to stay put.
Seeing how close he was, Lucius and Luke's muscles tensed, and they instantly went on guard.
But Nai Yulan ignored them and began walking in circles around Bai Shishi as if inspecting him.
"What the Hell are you doing, Nai Yulan?" Bai Shishi blinked a few times before having enough of what Nai Yulan was doing. Without warning, he shoved him away and snapped, "Bastard, I'm straight. Go look at other men."
The gang members and even Lucius and Luke burst into laughter. Explore more at My Virtual Library Empire
Nai Yulan, on the other hand, thought, 'I was just overthinking… damn it.'
After having such a thought, he leaned into Bai Shishi's ear and whispered, "I was just taking a moment to look at the Ember Lions Pride's 'mighty' leader. It's sad to see how easily you're thrown off your guard nowadays."
He then took three steps back, chuckling as he created distance between them.
"Honestly, I expected more from a lion. But you're just a cat masquerading as a lion. That Master of yours really tamed you, didn't he? What a shame."
Lucius gritted his teeth. He did not like how his father's name was being dragged through the mud.
On the other hand, Luke glared daggers, and his hands continuously twitched. He wanted nothing more than to summon his dagger and slit the man's throat. But the earlier conversation to fall back replayed in his mind, preventing him from executing what he wanted.
But compared to their fury, Bai Shishi remained composed. At least, outwardly, he showed no reaction. But only he knew how much he was restraining himself from slicing the bastard in two.But even so, he could not restrain himself entirely. The cold words escaped his tightly shut lips, "You really think of yourself as a big fish now, Nai Yulan? How funny. Let me tell you something — the law of the world — swimming with big sharks only works until they decide you're dinner. Sooner or later, even if you don't become their punching bag, you'll be thrown to the wolves. Forced to fight and throw away your life is your only future."
"Oh?" Nai Yulan raised his brow and smirked, "Even if what you say happens. At least, I'll get to enjoy the benefits before I'm killed off. Lording over the weak is my favorite, after all. As for you? What did you get from that Master? Why don't you and your sons join the Black FIre Bandits? Nowadays, things are different. You can continue being an Ember Lion while being part of the Black Fire Bandits. It's a good deal. You should carefully think about it."
Bai Shishi, Luke, and Lucius stiffened in surprise. Was this not what their Master wanted? For them to join the Black Fire Bandits and slowly take control of each member?
This was the chance that they had been waiting for — a direct offer to join the Black Fire Bandits.
But… at the same time, they recalled that they were only told to join the Black Fire Bandits at a later time.
It was too soon.
First, they still needed to take down Nai Yulan and his gang.
Their surprise did not go unnoticed by Nai Yulan.
'This is perfect. Today can't get any better. Not only can I get my hands on the Twin Fangs Dagger, but I can even recommend the Ember Lions Pride to the Black Fire Bandits.'
The Black Fire Bandits, ever since they began swallowing other bandit gangs grew to a considerably large number. What most did not know was that not all gangs voluntarily submitted themselves, they were brought into the Black Fire Bandits through a recommendation by someone part of them.
It was not out of kindness, but solely greed. Successfully bringing a bandit gang into the Black Fire Bandits would earn that person Contribution Points. It was the currency the gang now used.
Smiling widely, Nai Yulan continued, "You three seem surprised. You should know, this is a rare opportunity. Think of it as a little taste of real power and real respect from everyone around you. Being part of the Black Fire Bandits is a glorious thing. People now look up to me — the same ones who disdained me. With the Black Fire Bandits name, the Ember Lions Pride would be untouchable."
Bai Shishi glanced at him for a few moments and then hesitated as if he was really considering his offer.
'Perfect. Today really is my day.' Nai Yulan mused as his lips curled into a grin.
Bai Shishi had no plans to agree, not yet at least. But just as he opened his lips to refuse, a sudden ringing resounded in his mind.
'Who is it this time?' Bai Shishi frowned and took out his Long Distance Communication Device.
Simultaneously, he said to Nai Yulan, "Give me a moment."
Then, without waiting for his opinion, Bai Shishi channeled his Mana into the device and a familiar mechanical voice entered his mind.
[Bai Shishi, -]
Meanwhile, as Bai Shishi communicated with Nyx, a dark expression overtook Nai Yulan's face.
'How dare this bastard ignore me? Who's so important... his Manaless Master? This spineless coward threw away the dignity of all Mages!'
On the other hand, after a while, Bai Shishi stored the Artifact back in his Spatial Ring and finally responded to Nai Yulan's offer, "I can't give you my word yet. Give me some time to think."
No longer in the mood, Nai Yulan unstrapped his sword and threw it at Bai Shishi.
"Take it. It's the Amber Wind Sword you came for." There was an even darker expression on his face. "Give me my Novice-Grade High-Quality Twin Fangs Dagger!"
Catching it, Bai Shishi inspected the Artifact, marveling at the Wind Element released from its blade.
A moment later, a green dagger appeared in his hand, and similarly to Nai Yulan, he threw it at the latter, who deftly caught it.
After inspecting it with his Mana Sense, he nodded.
"Now, scram. You ruined my mood. And don't call me until you've decided to join the Black Fire Bandits."
Glancing at the enraged Warring Sharks Bandit Leader, Bai Shishi shrugged and turned away.
"Let's go, Lucius and Luke. We're done here."
Turning around, they followed their father and retraced their steps to the Alabaster Hotel.