World’s End: My Keyword is One More Than Others

Chapter 323: The negotiating dog always has the advantage

Du Ge effortlessly shattered Huangfu Yue's resolve with just a few words and even managed to bring Huangfu Xing outside under his control without lifting a finger.

Liu Yi'an couldn't help but feel a deep sense of admiration.

He seriously doubted that even without their intervention, Du Ge could have easily broken Huangfu Yue's spirit and brought her to his side.

If he were truly to become Du Ge's enemy, he feared he wouldn't escape Du Ge's schemes.

After all, before making a move, Du Ge was merely controlling water, not participating in the battle, as if he had been waiting for them.

Liu Yi'an shook his head, dispelling the incredulous thoughts from his mind. He glanced at Du Ge, then turned to Luo Shuang and said, "Fourth Princess, I wish to speak with Mr. He alone to verify some matters."

"Please go ahead, Mr. Liu," Luo Shuang replied. She also sensed that the appearance of Liu Yi'an and his group was somewhat unusual. Matters of personal intrigue were best left to her master; she trusted he would handle them well.

"Protect the princess."

Both Du Ge and Liu Yi'an gave the order simultaneously.

Du Ge and Liu Yi'an walked to the side, while Wu Chang's ears perked up.

These days.

His abilities had improved significantly, and he could hardly miss any subtle movements within fifty meters.

He also wanted to know the origins of Liu Yi'an and his group. Their sudden appearance was too abrupt. If one of them turned out to be an Alien Star warrior, it would be dangerous for him. Liu Yi'an and his group's martial arts were too formidable, and he had exposed himself in the recent battle.

Having truly experienced combat, he realized that He Xu's advice to conceal his identity was utterly useless.

As long as he got injured and recovered, his identity as an Alien Star warrior couldn't be hidden.

...

"Is Mr. He a Heavenly Demon?" Liu Yi'an stood by the city wall, gazing at Huangfu Xing's camp, hands behind his back.

"No," Du Ge shook his head, "Is Mr. Liu a Heavenly Demon?"

"I wish I were a Heavenly Demon," Liu Yi'an said enviously, glancing at Wu Chang before lowering his voice, "Mr. He, let's be honest. I am a man of the Fourth Prince."

"The Fourth Prince, Gu Shiming?" Du Ge raised an eyebrow.

"That's right." Liu Yi'an looked at Du Ge with a mischievous smile, "Dragon Fang was established by the Fourth Prince, not by the emperor of Qingwu Kingdom."

"...," Du Ge was taken aback. So, there were spies of Gu Shiming among the Earth-ranked assassins!

"Mr. He, your method of using force to subdue the Earth-ranked assassins is truly brilliant. The prince was full of praise when he heard about it!" Liu Yi'an said, "Mr. He, have you ever considered serving the prince? With your talents, you could achieve much more by his side than by following the Fourth Princess."

"No," Du Ge decisively refused, taking the opportunity to express his loyalty, "I was born a man of Qingwu Kingdom, and I will die a man of Qingwu Kingdom. I will never betray the princess in this life."

"Mr. He is indeed loyal and righteous," Liu Yi'an shook his head with a smile and asked, "With your wisdom, can you see the prince's intentions?"

"The Fourth Prince sent me such a grand gift; he wants to become the next Duke Dingguo, doesn't he?" Du Ge glanced at Huangfu Yue and smiled.

Liu Yi'an's smile froze on his face.

He looked at Du Ge, shook his head, and praised, "Mr. He is indeed unparalleled in wisdom, worthy of the title of the Demon Star. That's right, the current emperor of Chongming Kingdom is incompetent, employing treacherous ministers. The Fourth Prince indeed wants to replace him."

"What Demon Star?" Du Ge was taken aback and asked.

"The imperial teacher observed the celestial phenomena and saw a Demon Star guarding the female star, shining brightly, overshadowing all the emperor stars," Liu Yi'an explained, "Previously, I didn't believe in the Demon Star prophecy, but after meeting you today, I realize you are truly worthy of the title!"

Damn!

Demon Star!

Your whole family is Demon Stars!

Even if I were a star, I'd be the Literary Star, okay!

Du Ge's eye twitched, and he silently cursed the nonsense-spouting imperial teacher in his heart. He forced a smile and said, "Mr. Liu, you jest. I am just an ordinary person. Perhaps the Demon Star the imperial teacher spoke of is someone else!"

"Mr. He is too modest," Liu Yi'an glanced at Du Ge and smiled, "Previously, the Fourth Princess had no soldiers or generals, yet you managed to create such a momentum for her, spreading her fame across the land. Given time, you might indeed raise an army.

Now, you've incorporated the soldiers of the Huangfu family. It won't be long before your name is known far and wide. Moreover, there are others besides the imperial teacher who can observe the stars. Your identity won't remain hidden for long..."

Observing the stars?

Is it really that magical?

Du Ge looked up at the sky but saw nothing.

To be honest, he didn't quite believe in these star-gazing techniques. He believed more in the power of human determination.

However, the imperial teacher's prophecy about the female star suppressing the emperor stars was a good omen. But once the title of Demon Star spread, he would likely face attacks from many emperors and even those Heavenly Demons...

A difficult situation indeed!

It seems that in the future, he must create more trends, riding the wave is indeed too comfortable...

"What does the Fourth Prince want me to do with this army?" Du Ge collected his scattered thoughts and asked.

"Disrupt Chongming Kingdom," Liu Yi'an replied.

For personal gain, disrupting a whole kingdom, what a scoundrel!

Du Ge was silent for a moment and then asked, "What's in it for me?"

"...," Liu Yi'an looked at Du Ge in disbelief for a long while before saying, "The Fourth Prince has given you such a grand gift, isn't that enough?"

"Mr. Liu, that's not how it works," Du Ge smiled, "Even without you, Huangfu Yue and Yutang Pass would still be mine. They were mine to begin with, so why should I owe you a favor? Do I look like a fool to you?"

Demon Star!

A bona fide Demon Star!

Liu Yi'an muttered in his heart and said, "What does Mr. He want in return?"

Du Ge said, "I want soldiers, generals, cities, provisions, and intelligence."

"...," Liu Yi'an was stunned, "Mr. He, you're too greedy. Greedy people have no friends. Without the help of benefactors, how far can you go?"

"Greedy?" Du Ge smiled, "With the female star suppressing the emperor stars, do you know how much pressure we are under? Why should I help without benefits? Mr. Liu, I know you can't make the decision. Just convey my demands to the Fourth Prince.

Tell him, if he agrees to my terms, I guarantee that within three months, Chongming Kingdom will be in chaos, and I might even help him seize the throne.

If he doesn't agree, I'll take Huangfu Xing's army and head to Qingwu Kingdom. He won't get any benefits.

After all, the Fourth Princess's goal is to avenge her father and brother and reclaim Qingwu Kingdom. She likely doesn't want to get bogged down in Chongming Kingdom..."

Liu Yi'an frowned deeply, thought for a moment, and said, "Mr. He, I didn't send anyone to subdue Huangfu Xing."

"I did," Du Ge smiled, "Mr. Liu, there's no need to change the subject. You understand that it doesn't matter whether someone is sent or not. As long as I have Huangfu Yue, I have ways to make Huangfu Xing obediently defect."

He paused and continued, "Who would give up such a crucial pass as Yutang Pass? Do you believe that in a few days, not only Huangfu Xing but also the garrison at Langping Pass will be under my control..."

Among Gu Shiming's experts, Liu Yi'an was known for his intelligence.

But now, facing Du Ge, he felt utterly constrained, unable to think of any countermeasures.

If the prince didn't still want to use Du Ge, there was a moment when he even considered killing Du Ge with force. Could such a cunning person be controlled once he grew stronger?

Liu Yi'an knew he couldn't make the decision on these matters. He took a deep breath, looked at Du Ge, and said, "Mr. He, please don't act rashly. I will report these matters to the prince."

Du Ge smiled, "Alright, I'll wait for your reply. But please ask the prince to respond quickly. Nowadays, the world is full of celestial beings and demons causing trouble. If time drags on and something unexpected happens, it won't be good."