Chapter 334: 334 Negotiation Master
Was I just too sensitive? No. No, that’s wrong! Lin Bai was a master of words; it wasn’t like him to reveal his weakness for no good reason. Clearly, he was using that casual sentence to disrupt my rhythm! Damn! I almost fell for his trick. As expected. Facing a sly creature like Lin Bai, the smallest lapse of concentration could lead to a mistake...
In a flash, Jin Kai regained his composure and complimented, "Alliance Hierarch Lin is joking. How could my little tricks possibly deceive your discerning eyes? As guests who have traveled far, I will play host today to celebrate your arrival in our world. Please honor us with your presence."
"Indeed, Jin Zong is a clever man. I would be rude to refuse. Zheng Tong, follow suit." Zheng Tong looked at the image of Lin Bai in his mind—gentle as jade—and hesitated for a long while. He felt he couldn’t imitate Lin Bai’s expression and movements. After a long, awkward pause, he turned to Jin Zong, saying, "Jin Zong, he has agreed."
Jin Kai took a deep look at Zheng Tong and smiled slightly. "Please."
Zheng Tong struggled for a moment before saying, "Jin Zong, why don’t I go into the game and let Alliance Hierarch Lin accompany you to the banquet?"
Being a messenger in the middle was too awkward.
"So the essence of entering the game is the soul leaving the body?" Jin Zong paused and asked.
「At the same time.」
Lin Bai scolded Zheng Tong in his mind, "Fool, why not just explain the principle of Body Snatching to him clearly? Once I enter the game, you’ll most likely end up in a laboratory. If you don’t accompany me, how will you know what they need? Am I supposed to relay it to you, or should you wait until I’m gone to be at their mercy?"
Zheng Tong’s face changed; he opened his mouth but didn’t speak. He wasn’t so stupid as to talk to Lin Bai in front of Jin Zong.
"Don’t talk; listen to me. You’re the bridge between two worlds. Once they’ve studied the secrets of Body Snatching, the best way to prevent me from coming to this world is to destroy you. Only when I take the lead can you survive better in this world," Lin Bai said. "Without me, what qualifications and capabilities do you have to resist the consortium? Killing you wouldn’t be much more difficult for them than crushing an ant! The more you act like me, the less danger you’ll face."
[Resentment from Zheng Tong; +1+1+1...]
Without you, where the hell would I get into so much trouble?
Zheng Tong complained internally, sweating profusely. He instinctively wiped the sweat from his forehead.
"Little Zheng, what’s wrong?" Jin Zong asked with concern, noticing Zheng Tong’s anxiety.
"I... I don’t know. Alliance Hierarch Lin said I don’t need to return to the game capsule, and also, I feel like my body is showing signs of losing control." Lin Bai responded instantly in his mind, and Zheng Tong, much smarter this time, repeated Lin Bai’s words.
Jin Zong frowned.
"From now on, imitate everything I do perfectly, without any deviation," Lin Bai instructed Zheng Tong once again.
Having to imitate even the way you speak, how is that different from being Body Snatched?
Zheng Tong silently provided resentment for Lin Bai, yet his body unconsciously mimicked the movements of Lin Bai in his mind. "I must seem a bit awkward, Jin Zong. Adjusting to a new body always comes with some slight discomfort. I’ll be fine once I get used to it."
His expression was a bit stiff, but it perfectly corresponded to the words spoken.
"Little Zheng?" Jin Zong asked cautiously.
"Jin Zong, I am Lin Bai now." Zheng Tong continued to play his role as a puppet.
Everything requires a period of adaptation. Once he let go of that defensive line of insisting on his own identity, he became increasingly skilled at being a puppet.
"Alliance Hierarch Lin, where’s Little Zheng?" Jin Zong asked.
"He is temporarily dormant. It won’t affect our conversation." Zheng Tong said, feeling aggrieved even as he imitated Lin Bai, "Let’s go, Jin Zong."
"Alliance Hierarch Lin, I suppose Little Zheng has told you about the game. I wonder how you view the Players?" Jin Zong carefully observed Lin Bai and continued, "Most Players consider your world a game, not recognizing it as real. It’s inevitable that they act as they please in the game world. Essentially, they’re just ordinary people... with no ill intentions..."
Truth-telling Technique!
Lin Bai used the Truth-telling Technique on Jin Kai before saying, "Properly controlled, they are a tool; uncontrolled, they are a weapon that kills. The masterminds are likely the so-called game company. As long as the company isn’t destroyed, the chaos will never end."
"Alliance Hierarch Lin, you’re too naive. The game company created game capsules that traverse two worlds. Their civilization Level is..." Jin Kai’s words trailed off, and he suddenly stopped. He halted his steps and stared at Lin Bai in horror. "What have you done to me?"
"Jin Zong, don’t be scared. This is my first time in this world, and I’m unfamiliar with its structure. To avoid being deceived, I inevitably resort to certain measures." As Zheng Tong looked at Jin Kai, he recalled his own experiences. A feeling of ’when the hare dies, the fox grieves’ arose in him—a premonition of shared misfortune. Yet, from a third-person perspective, he also found it amusing.
Even if it was just imitating Lin Bai, he had to admit, the feeling of acting so wantonly was truly exhilarating!
"What measures?" Jin Kai asked.
"The Truth-telling Technique." The image of Lin Bai and his words appeared in Zheng Tong’s mind almost simultaneously. Unconsciously, their coordination had become increasingly harmonious.
"You..." Jin Kai’s expression changed drastically.
"Jin Zong, communication between parties values sincerity. Surely Jin Zong wouldn’t mind a minor Truth-telling Technique!" Lin Bai smiled.
Zheng Tong, Liu Tong... they were all just stepping stones. From beginning to end, Lin Bai only trusted himself. One cannot divide one’s attention. He had originally planned to stabilize the situation in the Immortal World, let the Players develop attachments there, and then turn back to deal with the real world. After all, it’s better to stick with what’s familiar. Having spent several months in the Immortal World, he was naturally more accustomed to it. But now, things had changed. The old path was no longer viable. He had to cut the Gordian knot and first establish a foothold in the real world. Working from the outside in would achieve the same result. With all his advantages, playing along with their charade was like putting the cart before the horse. Better to use his own methods directly and catch them off guard. Blitzkrieg was Lin Bai’s specialty.
"The Truth-telling Technique?!" Jin Kai broke out in a cold sweat. He abruptly turned to the two bodyguards following him, saying, "Little Liu, Xiao Huang, you’re not needed here. Leave for a while. In case I say something you shouldn’t hear... DAMN IT! What the hell! After you leave, don’t repeat anything you shouldn’t."
"Jin Zong!"
The two young men looked in surprise at the incoherent Jin Zong, cast a frightened glance at Lin Bai, and quietly turned to leave.
If Jin Zong really blurted out something he shouldn’t because of the Truth-telling Technique, they definitely wouldn’t be able to cover for him. If Lin Bai, on a whim, also used the Truth-telling Technique on them, they’d be even more screwed.
Fucking hell! Immortal Techniques are terrifying!
Seeing the two depart, Jin Kai heaved a long sigh of relief. He took a recording pen from his pocket, pressed the pause button, slipped it back in, and then looked at Zheng Tong resentfully. "Alliance Hierarch Lin, please excuse my earlier behavior. I was just trying to coax... Ptooey! Alliance Hierarch Lin, you’ve really put me in a terrible spot."
"Can’t negotiate anymore?" Lin Bai teased.
"We can." Jin Kai contemplated for a moment, then gritted his teeth. "However, if I happen to say something I shouldn’t, I hope Shopkeeper Lin won’t take offense..."
"No worries. I’ve always despised beating around the bush. With the Truth-telling Technique, we can express our intentions plainly and each get what we need," Lin Bai said with a smile. "Jin Zong, you’re in a high position now. Besides your beautiful wife, how many mistresses are you keeping?"
"..." Jin Kai, his face dark, looked at Lin Bai and changed the subject. "Alliance Hierarch Lin, let’s stick to business. Please don’t tease me about my three mistresses..."
[Resentment from Jin Kai; +1+1+1...]
Seeing the enigmatic smile in Zheng Tong’s eyes, Jin Kai contemplated silently for a moment, then said seriously, "Alliance Hierarch Lin, the old men at the top of the consortium want to achieve longevity through you. You can ask for whatever you want, make exorbitant demands. As long as they’re not too outrageous, they will agree."
"..."
Zheng Tong felt a wave of despondency. Good heavens! After being Body Snatched by Lin Bai, he, an ordinary person, was still thinking about how to stop Lin Bai from harming others in this world. Yet, the consortium’s directors were scheming to use Lin Bai to achieve longevity, even at the cost of selling out the real world’s interests. How could the difference between people be so vast? No wonder those people could become leaders...
Lin Bai’s image appeared in Zheng Tong’s mind, and Zheng Tong unconsciously mimicked, "Mobilize the power of all Players to help me unify the Immortal World. How about it?"
"In your dreams! Help you unify the Immortal World? What if you go back on your word afterward, or counter-attack our world? Who could possibly check your power then?" Jin Zong retorted.
Under the effect of the Truth-telling Technique, all euphemisms and subtleties vanished, replaced by blunt directness. He had to admit, speaking his mind so openly without any reservation was quite refreshing.
"What are your demands?" Lin Bai asked.
"A three-way balance of power: the local Sects like the Zheng Qi Sect, the Players, and your Justice League will form a tripartite balance. The Body Snatching of Players must be stopped by you and become a prohibition in the Immortal World," Jin Kai said. "Moreover, you cannot stir up trouble in this world. We can guarantee you a lifetime of wealth and prosperity."
"Jin Zong, do you think wealth and prosperity are difficult for me to obtain?" Lin Bai smiled. "If I can use the Truth-telling Technique, I can certainly use other Spells..."
"Indeed, you can use other Spells. But unless you intend to kill everyone in this world, the moment you demonstrate extraordinary powers here, you will become an enemy of the entire world. Everyone will stop at nothing to eliminate you, or kill your host, severing your access to this world," Jin Kai said. "The real world and the Immortal World are different, Lin Bai. You wouldn’t want a world full of hostility towards you, or a world in ruins, would you? You can’t completely control Zheng Tong’s body, can you?"
Zheng Tong’s heart leaped violently. His gaze towards Jin Kai turned to panic, and he cursed inwardly. Sure enough, the consortium was prepared to destroy him! Those sons of bitches!
Lin Bai looked at Jin Kai and used Milky Way.
A thin, winding river spiraled around Jin Kai.
The Milky Way appearing in a game might be dismissed as special effects, but its appearance in reality would undoubtedly cause panic.
Jin Kai looked around in panic. "Lin Bai, what are you doing? Get rid of this thing, quickly! There are surveillance cameras everywhere. If word of this gets out, it will immediately cause global panic..."
"I’m just testing whether any of you have the guts to eliminate me." Zheng Tong, imitating Lin Bai’s expression, looked at the flustered Jin Kai. An inexplicable sense of ease washed over Zheng Tong. "Jin Zong, it’s always been me threatening others, never the other way around. If I can perform Body Snatching once, I can do it twice. Even without using Separation of Love, if I hung Milky Way on everyone in the world, they’d have to think twice before touching me. For example, Jin Zong, with Milky Way obstructing you, I’m afraid you’d never be able to get intimate with your mistresses, let alone have offspring..."
"You can’t do this! You’ll destroy this world!" Jin Kai exclaimed.
"This isn’t my world anyway. Jin Zong, threatening me by turning your world into ruins—don’t you find that childish and laughable?" Lin Bai said. "You lot weren’t even willing to cooperate with me in the game, so you might as well not enter it at all. I believe once word gets out that I came to reality through Body Snatching, Players will be far more cautious about entering the game; a mass exodus is even possible. And in reality, as long as every single person has Milky Way hanging over them, I will be the master of this world, because even procreation will require my consent..."
Jin Kai fell silent. He reached out, scooped a handful of water from the Milky Way before him, then looked at Lin Bai and said softly, "I’m not qualified to enter the game. I’ve only seen Milky Way in videos—an inexhaustible river appearing out of thin air. Tsk, tsk! Spells are truly magical! If Milky Way were widely applied in this world, there probably wouldn’t be any more water shortages!"
Zheng Tong looked at Jin Kai, not understanding why he had suddenly said such things.
"Little Zheng, you’re still the one primarily in control of the body, aren’t you?" Jin Kai looked at Zheng Tong and gave a bitter smile. "Alliance Hierarch Lin, when you asked about my mistresses earlier, you were trying to determine if I had a family, right? If you truly wanted to throw this world into chaos, you would have used Magpie Bridge just now, not Milky Way! So, your real intention isn’t to disrupt this world, is it? But regardless, you’ve still won, because the consortium can’t afford to gamble."
Before his words fully faded, the Milky Way vanished.
Zheng Tong fell silent. He looked at Jin Kai, sighed quietly to himself, and decided it was best to just continue being Lin Bai’s puppet.
These two people before him had eight hundred schemes between them. Without the Truth-telling Technique, he probably wouldn’t even understand what they were trying to say!
"I will explain your situation to the consortium and first help you stabilize the Cultivation World. However, whether we ultimately succeed will depend on the decision from above," Jin Kai said. "If you can provide items from the Cultivation World, like Pill Medicines that can improve physical constitution, the probability of success will greatly increase."
"Zheng Tong, hold out your hand," Lin Bai instructed.
Zheng Tong reflexively extended his hand. The next moment, several Spirit Fruits materialized in his palm.
In essence, the Divided God was still under Lin Bai’s control. Since emotions could be collected in the real world, Spirit Fruits could also be manifested in the real world through the Divided God.
"Is this... Spirit Condensing Fruit?" Jin Kai’s breathing suddenly grew heavy. "You can bring things out from the game world?"
I can’t bring things out from the game world, but I can bring out anything from my mind as I please.
Lin Bai smiled. "Jin Zong can eat one to experience its effects. The rest can be used as bargaining chips for your negotiations. Jin Zong was right about one thing: I am a peace-loving person. The people of your world have no quarrel with me, so why should I make things difficult for them?"
Jin Kai extended a trembling hand, took a Spirit Fruit, and put it in his mouth. A moment later, he opened his eyes, his face filled with shock as he looked at Zheng Tong. He exclaimed with deep emotion, "Alliance Hierarch Lin, the world is yours!"
"You’re too kind, Jin Zong," Lin Bai said. "We have a long period of cooperation ahead. Who knows whose world it will be in the end? Ultimately, the game company is our common enemy! If we don’t uncover their true motives, I fear both worlds will never know peace."
After eating one Spirit Fruit, Jin Kai’s energy and vitality visibly improved. He held the remaining Spirit Fruits in his hand. "Alliance Hierarch Lin, please remove the Truth-telling Technique! It’s one thing to converse with the Alliance Hierarch under its influence, but if I have to report to my superiors while still affected by the Truth-telling Technique, I’ll ruin everything in minutes!"
"Once such a technique is used, it’s not easily dispelled. Jin Zong will regain freedom of speech after a day and a night. If Jin Zong cannot wait, I can accompany Jin Zong to meet your superiors. I’ll do the talking," Lin Bai said with a smile.
"Those old geezers cherish their lives dearly. After assigning the task, who knows where they’ve hidden themselves. They’re highly unlikely to show up before I’ve reached an agreement with Alliance Hierarch Lin," Jin Kai sneered.
Lin Bai smiled. "In that case, why not let Zheng Tong go to the game world to placate those Players for me? How about Jin Zong shows me around this dazzling world? I still have some minor details to discuss with Jin Zong."
[Resentment from Zheng Tong; +1+1+1...]