Chapter 256 - 174: Le Ti’s Investment
Le Ti subconsciously agreed, but he quickly realized something was wrong.
’Wait, that’s not right. I already gave him a piece of information. Why do I have to give him another one now?’
’So you’re just determined to squeeze a freebie out of me, aren’t you?’
’Why is this master of the Candlefire just like those Candle Spirits under him? The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!’
’Damn it, how cunning!’
’Evil Candle Spirits!’
Le Ti couldn’t help but curse inwardly.
But since he had already agreed, he maintained a wide smile, showing no sign of dissatisfaction.
After a moment of deliberation, he spoke up.
"...Have you heard of the ’Funeral Ship’?"
This time, Le Ti was smarter. He only revealed a name first, to confirm that Luo Ge truly didn’t know this piece of information.
"Never heard of it." Luo Ge was, of course, aware of his little scheme, but he had no intention of continuing to freeload.
"...That’s good."
Le Ti breathed a slight sigh of relief, smiled, and then began to elaborate for Luo Ge.
"It’s the name of a large Pirate Gang. They have mastered the power to travel through the dark regions. Their purpose is still unclear, but they are not an easy bunch to deal with... You should probably be careful."
"Oh, and their symbol is a Giant Fire Sail Ship engulfed in raging flames. If you come across it, you might want to take note."
"We pay for all sorts of news and intelligence, you know, including your own... Of course, that’s only if you agree."
Le Ti chuckled slyly.
Luo Ge wasn’t too concerned about the "Funeral Ship".
He was more curious about the fact that information could actually be sold and traded. ’How does one even trade something like that?’
Le Ti seemed to notice Luo Ge’s confusion and gave a mysterious smile.
"Let’s get down to business. What is your trade request?"
Luo Ge steered the conversation back to their original topic of discussion.
As the conversation turned to the main topic, Le Ti’s eyes lit up.
If Luo Ge agreed, then all his previous efforts would have been worthwhile.
...
A short while later, the deal was done.
"Interesting... Rather than a trade, this is more like an investment, wouldn’t you say?"
Luo Ge looked at Le Ti and smiled faintly.
The terms of the deal were simple.
Luo Ge’s side could immediately send people to the Shadow of Deceit’s base to establish something like a "Communication Station," and Le Ti would lead the way.
In return, after a certain period, Luo Ge’s side would also need to allow the Shadow of Deceit to establish a "Communication Station" of their own.
Once both sides successfully established contact, Le Ti also guaranteed that the Shadow of Deceit would grant Candle Island "purchasing rights" for more intelligence.
On the surface, it seemed like a very profitable deal for Luo Ge.
He could scout out the Shadow of Deceit’s situation in advance and could also choose to back out of the deal later.
However, there was one point to consider.
The war between Luo Ge and the Firewood Thieves was imminent.
If Luo Ge’s side lost, the intelligence he gained would naturally become worthless.
But if Luo Ge’s side won, then the Shadow of Deceit could establish a stable connection with Candle Island.
Of course, Luo Ge could refuse to honor his end of the bargain, as there was nothing binding about this deal.
But as Le Ti had said, while the Shadow of Deceit were likely not good people, they were still a channel for information and a place for trade, which would be even more helpful for Luo Ge in exploring this world.
Therefore, it was less a trade and more a "venture investment."
And the other party had shown Luo Ge sufficient sincerity.
Of course, everything hinged on whether Candle Island could win the coming war, or even survive...
"Your Fire of Wisdom is dazzlingly bright."
Le Ti began to flatter him, then took out a badge. After igniting Warfire in his hand and infusing it into the badge, he handed it to Luo Ge with both hands.
"I imagine you’ll need some time to select your personnel... so please take this. You can use it to contact me."
The badge looked a bit like an abstract human face with a strange smile, interwoven with black and purple.
Luo Ge put it away.
Le Ti also prepared to take his leave.
However, just before he left, Luo Ge seemed to think of something and spoke up.
"Oh, right. I think you mentioned before that your organization can’t restrain all of its members, is that right?"
"Th- ...yes." Le Ti hesitated for a moment before nodding.
He wasn’t quite sure why Luo Ge was saying this.
"That’s good." Upon hearing this, Luo Ge actually nodded. "Coincidentally, I also have a hard time restraining that group of guys. I hope they don’t cause you any trouble."
After speaking, Luo Ge gave a slight smile, and his body dissolved into Candlefire.
"..."
Hearing this, Le Ti was completely bewildered. He felt that something was off, but he couldn’t quite put his finger on it.
In the end, he could only shrug.
’Whatever. In any case, I have no intention of looking for trouble with these Candle Spirits again.’
...
[Version Update Announcement]
[Dear Candle Spirit Warriors, hello. This game is scheduled for tomorrow...]
Following the Spirit Candle’s announcement, a group of young players started discussing it, wondering what new things this update would bring.
Of course, the Spirit Candle had updated many times, so most players were used to it. Besides, the update was scheduled for tomorrow, so for now, they just went about their business as usual.
Prison Players Group Chat.
𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖
This Venerable One Suppresses All Enemies: "Damn it, this Tasolomo is the biggest stumbling block on this Venerable One’s path to supremacy!"
My Son Failed, But I’m On Shore: "? Who let my e-pet into the group chat?"
I do Bull’s Push-ups: "How audacious! Show some respect when you see Senior Candle."
Storyteller: "...Brother Aotian’s strength isn’t that bad right now. You guys shouldn’t keep teasing him."
This Venerable One Suppresses All Enemies: "(kowtowing to the big shot.jpg)"
My Son Failed, But I’m On Shore: "...I’m not used to you acting like this. I liked you better before. Can you please go back to how you were,"
This Venerable One Suppresses All Enemies: "I never care for the scorn of ants (Tom putting on a tie.jpg)"
I do Bull’s Push-ups: "That’s more like it (thumbs up)."
Just as the few of them were joking around, Forgotten Dao suddenly popped up, looking like he had just gotten out of an instance.
Sitting and Not Forgetting the Dao: "@Storyteller, damn, Le Ti ran off somewhere."
Storyteller: "Then go ask the Candlekeeper first."
Forgotten Dao didn’t reply. It seemed he went to do as Storyteller suggested.
After he left, Storyteller didn’t forget to @everyone in the group chat.
"Brothers, has anyone gotten the Eagle Lizard Hook Claw? Anyone fought the Eagle Lizard? How tough is it?"
Battle Bliss: "What dog claw?"
Brother Mangzi suddenly appeared.
Storyteller: "It’s Eagle Lizard Hook Claw... Brother Mangzi, scroll up and read the chat history."
Battle Bliss: "Fuck, you mean I have to run all the way to another place, kill another boss, and get an item just to fight the boss over here?"
After scrolling through the chat history, Brother Mangzi felt a major headache coming on.
He hated running around the map and finding paths more than anything.
Sitting and Not Forgetting the Dao: "@Storyteller, the Candlekeeper should have met with Le Ti, but I don’t know if he agreed to Le Ti’s request."
Storyteller: "I’m guessing he probably agreed... Maybe this update is related to this dynamic storyline?"
Battle Bliss: "What’s all this nonsense? I don’t get any of it. I’m outta here, bros. Going to see if I can just hack my way straight into this boss room."
"Hehe, let me tell you guys, you can actually smash through the walls of the Divine Hall Ruins to get in directly!"
Before leaving, Brother Mangzi generously shared his discovery.
However, no one really paid any attention. After all, they all used the back entrance of the Divine Hall, so getting in wasn’t an issue.
Storyteller: "@Sitting and Not Forgetting the Dao, how tough is the Lion Serpent? Have you gone in to try it?"
Sitting and Not Forgetting the Dao: "Going now."
A short while later, he was back. His speed was so fast it left the others dumbfounded.
Sitting and Not Forgetting the Dao: "Died three times, got one-shotted twice..."
My Son Failed, But I’m On Shore: "Holy shit, no way. Is it another one like Tasolomo?"
Forgotten Dao quickly denied what Shore had said.
Sitting and Not Forgetting the Dao: "No, no, I feel like it’s beatable. It’s just that the thing has AoE damage, which counters me... (crying face)"
Storyteller: "Maybe you can find a suitable Skill to increase the tankiness of your Living Corpse."
My Son Failed, But I’m On Shore: "Now that you put it that way, I feel like it’s possible again. I’m gonna go take a look."