Chapter 314: Coercion

Chapter 314: Coercion

Boom!

The deafening explosion and blinding flash of light echoed through the dim training hall.

A jet-black flying sword fled in panic, its young rider twisting his head repeatedly to glance back, countless jade-carved talismans shooting from his sleeves to explode into fireballs beneath the night sky.

The churning waves of flame rolled through the air, as if some monstrous terror stirred within.

Having fled thus far, the young man finally grasped that the talismans could not halt his pursuers, abandoning futile efforts.

He pressed his left hand into a sword-like gesture, fingertips at his brow, channeling every ounce of focus into the flying blade.

The projection halted abruptly, freezing on his face, tinged with desperate frustration.

"Though we cannot yet determine which faction of the Daoist sect they belong to, their status as a Dao-ranked individual is undeniable."

The projection shifted, flames parting to reveal Toyotomi Yuraku stepping forward, his tone grave: "Thus, the Dao-ranked have grown wary, dispatching their Celestial Masters into the Wa people's territory to investigate."

"Though only our San'in Heavy Industries has been attacked thus far, soon all of you will be targeted by these Celestial Masters. I propose we halt all operations to avoid exposing our identities!"

Arshi Lie sat with bold indifference, watching the cold-faced Toyotomi Yuraku, a sneer of disdain curling his lips.

"Old Toyotomi, what difference does stopping now make from plugging one's ears to steal a bell? Unless we cease capturing people, how could the Dao-ranked ever uncover our handiwork?"

"As long as we lack concrete evidence, they have no grounds to strike us!"

"There is no wall impervious to wind—we have seized so many; traces cannot be erased entirely."

Toyotomi Yuraku's face darkened with rage: "Halting now grants us time to brace for the Dao-ranked's scrutiny! Continuing only accelerates our demise!"

"A mere minor Dao-rank Six, and you've driven us to the brink of death?"

Arshi Lie chuckled scornfully: "In truth, you fear death! I wonder when your Toyotomi clan became so precious, so terrified of perishing?!"

"You dare provoke the dignity of the entire Toyotomi family!"

In an instant, the projection shifted, leaving only Toyotomi Yuraku.

He stepped forward, silver-white lines embedded in his skin glowing crimson, lending his granite features a grim aura.

"If you do not apologize immediately, the Toyotomi family will wage war upon you!"

"War against me?"

Arshi Lie ignored those furious eyes, even lounging comfortably, propping his chin on one hand with a mocking tone: "Before the Dao-ranked, you cower like a mouse; before us, you blaze with fury. Seems your dignity is selective!"

"Ah, I nearly forgot—when the imperial army stormed the Wa people's territory, your Toyotomi clan were among the first collaborators, betraying your own to earn the court's trust, securing reconstruction rights from the Ministry of Works, rising to power step by step."

"I hear your San'in Heavy Industries headquarters, the Forge Hall, sits atop a mass grave where imperial troops buried ten thousand captives alive. Do you sleep soundly, untroubled by vengeful spirits seeping through your neural pathways?"

Arshi Lie remained unmoved by the increasingly livid face and buzzing mechanical heart, continuing his taunts.

"Yet it is a pity—your Toyotomi clan's calculated investments have gone to waste. The imperial throne is now but an empty shell, no longer heeding your whining dog."

Words barbed and venomous, each syllable piercing.

Hatred as tangible as substance burned in Toyotomi Yuraku's gaze, fixed on Arshi Lie.

Just as he braced to erupt, another figure materialized in the projection.

"Enough! Arshi Lie, hold your tongue. The Toyotomi family has purged their past sins through deeds; he is our most trusted ally, and none shall defile him!"

Tokugawa Kouho spoke solemnly: "You must apologize to Toyotomi-dono! Now, immediately!"

"Fine, fine, fine."

Arshi Lie's demeanor toward the two was starkly different.

At Tokugawa Kouho's rebuke, he promptly lowered his raised leg, hands clasped on his knees, bowing slightly to Toyotomi Yuraku.

"Toyotomi-dono, you were not collaborators—I apologize."

Such a casual apology could not quell Toyotomi Yuraku's fury.

He fixed Arshi Lie with a piercing stare, turning to Tokugawa Kouho: "My words today were merely a warning. Since you are resolute, the Toyotomi family shall never retreat!"

After delivering this resolute declaration, Toyotomi Yuraku ignored Tokugawa Kouho's pleas, the projection vanishing into the void.

"Tokugawa-sama, you may rest assured. With Toyotomi Yuraku's mechanical mind, even if the Forge Hall is razed by the Dao-ranked, he would not retreat a single step."

Arshi Lie resumed his languid posture, smiling: "Yet you always send me to provoke them—this grudge deepens. Soon, San'in Heavy Industries and the Arshi Group will clash."

"Afraid?" Tokugawa Kouho asked impassively.

"Of course."

Arshi Lie leaned forward, meeting Tokugawa Kouho's gaze candidly: "But I fear biting off more than I can chew with San'in Heavy Industries!"

"You need not hint—I shall honor my promise. Since the Dao-ranked were born to replace you, becoming your vassals again is only natural."

Arshi Lie grinned: "Your words reassure me."

"The infiltration of Dao-ranked Celestial Masters into San'in Heavy Industries is a dire omen—we must hasten our plans. Before the new Donglin Party reacts, we must seize enough Huangliang permissions!"

Tokugawa Kouho gazed at the unabashedly greedy giant before him, his tone grave: "Otherwise, once the Dao-ranked obtain irrefutable proof, the Donglin Party will not hinder them from sweeping into the Wa people's territory. Without 'Takamagahara's aid, we cannot withstand them."

"It is arranged."

Arshi Lie replied: "Arshi clan's finest have infiltrated the Liaodong region. Once the Black Dragon Capital transmits the Yin-Yang Sequence's coordinates, we strike immediately."

"Excellent! Let us act swiftly."

Tokugawa Kouho nodded approvingly, his form dissolving.

Arshi Lie watched the spot where he vanished, pondering deeply before suddenly bellowing: "Arshi Xiahu!"

Thunderous echoes filled the training hall, the tightly shut doors flung open.

A robust man with thick brows and shaved, pale scalp strode in, kneeling on one knee before Arshi Lie.

"Milord."

Arshi Lie lowered his gaze, whispering: "Are the men ready?"

"Ready. Black Dragon Capital's Yin-Yang Sequence has been tested in illusions—no Huangtian Gate agents within."

"Then go to Can Shan City and kill that Jin Yiwei Baihu 'Yanjun'."

"Kill him?"

Arshi Xiahu's expression faltered, stunned: "Was not your command to bring him back alive?"

Arshi Lie smiled coldly, offering no explanation, instead asking: "Xiahu, why do they value this minor Wu Six Zhi so greatly?"

"I... do not know."

"Not mere rank disputes, nor secrets of wild Wu Sequences—he's an old fox, surely deceiving me!"