I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 286 - 169: The Bandits of Hu Mountain Cave Wash Their Hands of Crime and Become Butchers

Chapter 286: Chapter 169: The Bandits of Hu Mountain Cave Wash Their Hands of Crime and Become Butchers

Gu Shanhai had Luo Huaisong so bamboozled that he almost lost his bearings. It wasn’t that what Gu Shanhai said was so truthful or the promises so enticing; it was the seemingly valuable trinkets he casually pulled out.

No matter how recklessly a wealthy man speaks, it’s called "vision for the future," but even the sincerest words of a poor man can’t stand against destitution.

"I had a great time drinking with Mr. Luo today. Once we start investing and building, I guarantee you’ll make a fortune," Gu Shanhai said with an attitude suggesting Luo could make big money by just picking up his leftovers.

Luo Huaisong secretly scoffed, keeping his disdain off his face. Once the funds were in place, he thought, I’ll just have someone take you out and the one million silver coins will be all mine. Why settle for your leftovers?

He even considered capturing Gu Shanhai for interrogation, primarily because his identity as Liang Xing’s cousin made Luo feel like there was a bone stuck in his throat.

"No, I must act quickly. What if he discovers Yu Niang’s identity and the truth from the past and withdraws his investment?"

In fact, Luo Huaisong knew that had Gu Shanhai come less conspicuously, he might not have even noticed him.

Thus, he didn’t take Gu Shanhai, who seemed too full of himself, seriously at all. Those truly capable show no emotions—how could they be as arrogant as him? The last oddball like him was Fan Shi, charmed to the point of distraction, dreaming only of studying abroad and rising above others.

"Thank you, Mr. Gu, for providing a meal. It’s getting late, and it wouldn’t be suitable for you to stay at an inn. Why not stay at Luo Mansion for one night?" Luo Huaisong took the opportunity.

Gu Shanhai initially scorned the idea but ultimately, albeit reluctantly, agreed after weighing the discomforts of staying at an inn.

This time, Gu Shanhai planned not to use force but to observe the situation as an outsider.

For him, the mission was never crucial. The mission reward merely saved him two months of life that he would otherwise owe. His consumption in Prophetic Divination far exceeded that.

"Now, just wait for this identity to ferment and see if anyone comes knocking." Gu Shanhai’s plan was simple: to clearly discover the truth without stirring up trouble through violence.

He heavily publicized his identity—a cousin of Liang Xing and affluent, which would surely double-stimulate those involved with Hu Mountain Cave and even the Old Temple Priest. Actions from their side were bound to follow.

Otherwise, he’d have to search, investigate, and make inquiries everywhere—how exhausting.

Besides, he had tried this approach in the last cycle. The information was terribly fragmented, forcing Gu Shanhai to capture people all over, especially since those from Hu Mountain Cave were deeply hidden unless he questioned the Old Temple Priest. But that might agitate Yu Niang, causing her to lose control and forcefully reset.

If a new cycle began, his current efforts would be meaningless. Gu Shanhai intended to resolve the issue in this cycle.

At the banquet, Gu Shanhai appeared heavily drunk but was merely feigning it by using Mana to evaporate the alcohol and controlling his blood to create the illusion of drunkenness. He was monitoring Luo Huaisong—Luo, with all his malice, was possibly his only help.

At least Luo Huaisong thought Gu Shanhai was drunk. Luo himself, having a good capacity for liquor and continuously topping himself up, was only slightly tipsy, unaffected much after drinking some sobering tea and regaining composure.

"Go find Hu Mazi and his lot, tell them if they want to split another share, and by the way, tell them this cash comes from the cousin of the late Liang Xing; they’ll surely be interested," Luo Huaisong instructed Luo Mansion’s butler upon sobering up.

"The... Hu Mazi and his group aren’t gentle folk. Though they washed their hands of it and have been butchering and selling meat in our town these years, are they really willing to get involved?" The butler hesitated, thinking more about keeping the money for themselves than leaving it to the folk from Hu Mountain Cave.

"Mr. Gu Nei is arriving tomorrow. We can completely take advantage of Hu Mazi and slaughter them; keeping these people in Qingxian Town is a problem," Luo Huaisong got greedy, desiring not just the one million silver coins Gu Shanhai spoke of but also the wealth amassed by Hu Mountain Cave.

Moreover, these people had formed a significant influence in Qingxian Town. Not like his overt power, but through all sorts of extortion and kidnapping deals. Even if these people had washed their hands of their past deeds, forced by circumstances and accustomed to quick money, how could they be content with legitimate work?

Eavesdropping, Gu Shanhai grew curious. By analyzing the language and probing thoughts, he knew Hu Mazi and his group were from Hu Mountain Cave. The forced retirement was probably caused by Liang Xing, leading to a tragic death for some and capture of a daughter by the Old Temple Priest, who was still raising her.

No wonder the townsfolk of Qingxian kept quiet. Liang Xing’s family might be seen as good, enabling them to act this way, but the folk of Hu Mountain Cave were far from benign, infamous for their unscrupulous actions and ruthlessness—the townsfolk dared not act.

"Tsk, the good are always held at gunpoint," Gu Shanhai thought with a hint of sarcasm. He knew he wasn’t a good person but liked to befriend the good—after all, good people don’t stab you in the back. Those who do are naturally not good people.