Chapter 175 : Negotiation! Strategy! The Evil Infant Deng Ai!
Chapter 175: Negotiation! Strategy! The Evil Infant Deng Ai!
Wen Pin still couldn’t believe it.
But reality left him no choice.
Zhang Ji—Zhang Zhongjing—had become a subordinate of the Starsea faction!
This was a massive loss for New Wan City—and an even greater threat!
Hang Yu was already powerful to begin with. Now, with the Miracle Doctor aiding him, unless Jia Xu personally exited seclusion to intervene, or Zhang Xiu launched a challenge backed by the Blood Spear Battalion, no one in Wan City could pose a direct threat to him.
Yet Wen Pin still couldn’t understand.
Why would Zhang Ji join an outsider’s territory?
With the Miracle Doctor’s benevolent nature and detachment from fame and profit, he would never willingly become a tool of someone else’s ambition for personal gain. It was almost impossible for any faction to fully recruit someone like him.
The only explanation was that Zhang Ji considered Hang Yu more worthy of support than the likes of Zhang Xiu. Perhaps he believed that Hang Yu could truly fulfill his grand vision of saving the world and bringing relief to the people... Although Wen Pin felt confused and unwilling, in a situation like this, he couldn’t outright deny that possibility.
Hang Yu asked, “General Wen, you requested to see me of your own accord. I assume you have something important to say—so why hesitate now?”
Forget it.
The matter of the Miracle Doctor was beyond his control.
He needed to address the immediate threat and hidden danger first!
Wen Pin replied, “Just as I conveyed to the Lord through my warning: based on patterns and astronomical shifts, the Day of Absolute Darkness in Wan Territory will erupt in three to four days. This is a matter of great importance and must not be ignored or taken lightly!”
Hang Yu looked relaxed. “Is that so? I just received intel on the distribution of the Old Wan City’s corruption zone. It happens to lie in the southeast of the Wan Territory’s sanctuary area, while my territory is far off to the northwest.”
“That means...”
“Even if Dian Wei wishes to attack my territory, they’ll have no choice but to pass through the Sixfold Fate Formation of New Wan City.”
“That formation has already blocked over a hundred attacks by Dian Wei. I doubt this time will be any different. As far as I’m concerned, there’s nothing particularly alarming.”
Wen Pin frowned deeply.
As expected, the Lord had gathered quite a bit of intel.
No wonder—Zhang Ji had already joined his side. Basic knowledge like this would be easy to access.
Wen Pin said, “Lord, you may not be aware, but the Sixfold Fate Formation has been gradually weakening over the past ten years. It can no longer provide full protection. Every outbreak of the Absolute Darkness brings with it a massive battle.
“Although Your Lordship possesses peerless valor, Dian Wei’s terror surpasses human imagination. Even with your might, I fear you wouldn’t last more than twenty rounds against him.”
Those words made Zhou Cang, who had stood like a statue by Hang Yu’s side, suddenly burst out.
“Nonsense! With the Lord’s divine strength, how could he possibly lose to that so-called Dian Wei!”
“General Zhou, you’ve never seen Dian Wei in action, so you simply can’t comprehend his horror... If we were outside the Fate Formation, I fear he could kill me in a single blow!”
What?
One strike?
Impossible!
Although they stood on opposing sides, Zhou Cang still highly respected Wen Pin’s strength—especially his defensive prowess.
Even though the Lord could break through Wen Pin’s defenses in a single strike, killing a general of Wen Pin’s caliber should still take at least a dozen rounds, right?
Yet Wen Pin claimed he couldn’t even take one blow from Dian Wei?
“This Demon Dian Wei’s strength is beyond mortal comparison. What’s more frightening is how fast he grows—each appearance more terrifying than the last. Over this century, his power has reached a level we can no longer touch!”
Wen Pin, fearing Hang Yu wouldn’t believe him, added, “Mister Jia and Divine Doctor Zhang can both attest to this. I speak with not a shred of exaggeration.”
Jia Xu said, “General Wen speaks the truth. Even if I were to personally take the field, I couldn’t face Dian Wei head-on for more than twenty or thirty exchanges.”
“These years, the weakening of the Sixfold Fate Formation isn’t just due to the natural decay of the array—it’s largely because the abyssal creatures, led by Dian Wei, have continued growing stronger!”
Zhang Zhongjing also said, “What Zhongye said is true. Dian Wei indeed has the power to shake the heavens and shatter the earth. My Lord must proceed with utmost caution!”
With both Jia Xu and Zhang Zhongjing confirming it—
It was clear that the Big Boss of this map wouldn’t be easy to deal with.
But that was to be expected. After all, this wasn’t just any demonic general—it was the ancient fearsome warrior Dian Wei!
What a pity.
If only Dian Wei hadn’t fallen to corruption...
Hang Yu gave no clear opinion and simply asked, “Even if everything you say is true, what would you have me do?”
Wen Pin responded, “The abyss’s power continues to grow. If it breaks into Wan Territory and destroys the formation, tens of thousands of civilians could be wiped out in an instant.”
“If Dian Wei succeeds in slaughtering tens of thousands of soldiers and hundreds of thousands of citizens, his power and the scale of the abyssal army will become unimaginably strong—unstoppable!”
“As the saying goes, ‘When the nest falls, no egg remains intact.’ The Starsea and the Abyss are mortal enemies. With the current scale of your territory, I fear you won’t withstand even a single charge from a million-strong abyssal force!”
At this, he paused briefly.
Then Wen Pin solemnly declared:
“Wan Territory has the population and troops to hold back the abyss’s charge, but not the means to wipe out abyssal creatures at the root. Your Lordship, however, is different. Luoshui City may not be able to withstand the abyssal assault in numbers, but your Starsea people have the power to purify abyssal beings and eliminate their threat entirely.
“In such a situation, I believe any internal strife is nothing short of digging one’s own grave.”
“Only by forming an alliance to resist Dian Wei can we survive.”
“I have come to Luoshui City on behalf of Wan City for one main purpose: to negotiate peace—and invite Your Lordship to fight alongside us!”
After hearing all this, Hang Yu nodded in satisfaction.
Though Wen Pin was a rough military man, he wasn’t a brainless brute.
Even after suffering setbacks under his command and being shaken by Zhang Zhongjing’s defection, he remained calm and rational, laying out the stakes clearly.
“General Wen speaks reasonably. Without fur, how can the skin attach? With a common enemy before us, infighting is the height of foolishness.”
Hang Yu acknowledged his reasoning, then asked, “So, according to your plan—what would you have me do?”
Wen Pin said, “First, Your Lordship should sign a non-aggression pact with Wan City. Second, Your Lordship should dispatch an elite force to assist the Wan City army in resisting the abyss!”
Interesting.
The first point was symbolic.
These locals had few means of enforcing oaths with actual power.
The real issue was the second. Wen Pin feared Hang Yu might stab New Wan City in the back during the Day of Absolute Darkness. The best way to avoid this was to send Hang Yu’s troops to the front lines—both to bolster their strength and remove the risk of betrayal from behind.
Would the Lord agree?
Hang Yu didn’t even think much before nodding. “Agreed!”
Wen Pin was stunned.
That easy?
He asked, “How many troops is Luoshui City prepared to send?”
Hang Yu said, “You’ve seen the scale and population of my territory. Though our numbers are limited, I’m willing to send around two thousand elite soldiers. This unit will not be weaker than Wan City’s finest legions.”
Two thousand?
Wen Pin was extremely surprised.
If Luoshui City truly dispatched such a force—
It meant most of its combat power would be sent to the front.
That would allow Wan City to ease up on defending its rear, requiring only minimal deployment.
He had expected a long tug-of-war to achieve this outcome. He didn’t anticipate Hang Yu offering such a generous term so readily, completely dispelling Wan City’s doubts.
Too smooth!
So smooth it felt almost unreal.
Wen Pin asked with suspicion, “Are you serious, my lord?”
“Hahaha! A gentleman’s word is his bond. Once spoken, not even four horses can chase it down. I always keep my promises—Divine Doctor Zhang and Mister Jia can also vouch for our cooperation!”
Wen Pin was overjoyed. “The Lord truly understands the greater good! I thank you on behalf of the people of Wan Territory!”
Hang Yu, however, added, “Heh, don’t celebrate just yet. I’ve accepted your terms and shown my sincerity, but you should also accept a few of my conditions—for fairness, of course.”
Of course it wouldn’t be that simple.
This Lord clearly wasn’t a fool.
He could’ve stayed on the sidelines, yet chose to take the initiative. Naturally, he had something to gain.
“Speak.”
“First, I want all intelligence on Wan Territory—whether it be the sanctuary zones or the corruption zones. All town and stronghold locations, all navigable routes, regional forces, populations, military units, monster distributions—everything!”
“This...”
Wen Pin hesitated. These were sensitive secrets. If shared, this Lord would find it much easier to conquer Wan Territory in the future.
His instinct was to resist.
But then he remembered what Jia Xu had told him.
If they couldn’t show sincerity, it would be difficult to cooperate with the Starsea faction at all.
So Wen Pin said, “Agreed. I can authorize this. I’ll even have my son stay in the territory and write a full intelligence report on both sanctuary and corruption zones.”
Hang Yu was very pleased with Wen Pin’s decisiveness.
This intelligence was crucial for the territory. With it, the Calamity Army would expand into new maps more efficiently, and if war broke out with New Wan City in the future, it would greatly reduce both planning time and resource expenditure.
Hang Yu continued, “Second, we need a city as our long-term base in Wan Territory. This will strengthen mutual trust and cooperation, and also serve as a front-line outpost for engagements with abyssal forces.”
What!?
He wanted a city?
Wen Pin’s expression completely changed!
He had mentally prepared for greedy demands and concessions—but he had clearly underestimated this Lord’s ambition and appetite!
Asking for a whole city right off the bat?
Did he think cities grew like cabbages!?
Wan Territory’s sanctuary area consisted of one capital city, six major cities, and twenty-four villages.
The capital was New Wan City. The six major cities were Lixian, Rangxian, Zhixian, Guanjunxian, Nieyangxian, and Xieexian.
The Sixfold Fate Formation was based on the fate stones of these six cities, with New Wan City as the core—a massive abyssal defense array. Every one of these cities was essential!
Beyond that, though smaller in population and scale than the capital, each city still housed around twenty thousand people. Their interests had long been divided among major families and factions.
For over a century—
It had been this way.
To lose even one city...
Would upend the existing balance and structure.
Neither Zhang Xiu nor the great clans could possibly allow a foreign power to so easily carve away such a large slice of the pie!
Because this would be no different from conquering the Wan territory without shedding a drop of blood and seizing victory!
Wen Pin's face hardened. “The six major cities have been managed by the great clans for over a century, and are an irreplaceable part of the Sixfold Fate Formation. There is absolutely no possibility of ceding even a single one of them!”
His tone was firm.
There was no room for negotiation.
If the price of reinforcement from the Starsea Lord was the cession of a city, the powers of Wan City would rather go to war with Luoshui City. After all, even war might not necessarily lead to the loss of territory or cities.
Wen Pin’s stance—
Was entirely within expectation.
Hang Yu smiled. “General Wen must be under a slight misapprehension. This lord is not one to act unreasonably. All we need is one city within the Wan territory—we never said it had to be one of the six major cities in the Sanctuary Zone!”
Wen Pin was slightly confused. “Does the Lord mean to suggest...?”
Hang Yu said, “As far as I know, the Wan territory was once part of the old Nanyang Commandery. Back then, Nanyang was one of the most prosperous commanderies in the realm, boasting a full thirty-six counties. Later, the Abyss’s Nightmare Mist Wall descended, shrouding twenty of those counties and marking the start of the Abyssal Nightmare Era.”
“Now, under the Sanctuary Zone’s administration, there are only six cities. But the old Wan City governs more than a dozen cities of its own.”
“It's certainly impossible for you to cede any of the six Sanctuary cities.”
“But what if the city I want... is one from the Corruption Zone?”
Wen Pin was stunned.
He felt completely unable to keep up with the other party’s thinking.
This lord always played by no known rules.
A city in the Corruption Zone? What good would that do?!
Those cities had long since been polluted. All living beings within had perished, twisted into monsters. They were places of such horror that even in a mortal’s worst nightmare, one dared not venture—true hells on earth!
Wait a moment!
He nearly forgot—
They were the Starsea People!
These Starsea forces possessed methods to purify sources of corruption, thereby purifying entire corrupted zones. This meant that for the natives, locations like the Corruption Zone or Abyssal Cities—which were utterly worthless—might actually be restorable under their hands.
With that thought—
A realization suddenly sparked in Wen Pin’s heart.
He envisioned a possibility.
If they cooperated with the Starsea Lord—Wan City offering protection and support, while the Starsea Lord led the recovery of one old city after another, purifying each corrupted zone in turn—wouldn’t the people of Wan territory gain access to more land and cities?
It could very well be a win-win situation.
Wen Pin’s eyes suddenly lit up. As someone who had survived from the old era until now, he deeply missed that time. If this land could truly be cleansed of corruption and order restored—it would be something no one could refuse!
He thus asked, “Which city does the Lord wish to reclaim?”
Hang Yu replied, “Xinye will do.”
Xinye County had been one of the earliest cities to fall completely.
Located in the southern part of the old Nanyang Commandery, it was not particularly close to either the old or new Wan City, but it was quite near Rangxian, Guanjunxian, Nieyangxian, and Xieexian. In a sense, it functioned as a strategic gateway to the Sanctuary Zone.
Every time the Abyssal forces under Dian Wei launched an assault, they would inevitably pass through Xinye en route north, simultaneously attacking the four outer corners of the Sixfold Fate Formation. This city had long been a dire threat.
If the Starsea could truly take back Xinye—
They would be the ones bearing the brunt at the frontlines.
Which would certainly not be a bad thing for Wan City.
Wen Pin said, “There are many cities in the Corruption Zone. Why does the Lord insist on Xinye in particular?”
Hang Yu said, “Is that a problem?”
Wen Pin hesitated slightly but offered a reminder. “If the Lord can take this city, it would undoubtedly benefit both our sides and strengthen the fight against the Abyss going forward. But this city... is not so easily conquered.”
“Why not?”
“This city serves as Dian Wei’s forward base for attacking the Sanctuary. It is not only teeming with twisted Abyssal monsters but has also birthed a powerful abomination known as the ‘Evil Infant Deng Ai.’ He is a hundred times more terrifying than your average corrupted spawn!”
“Evil Infant? Deng Ai?”
Was this Deng Ai the same Deng Ai?
Wen Pin explained, “The Deng Clan was once one of the greatest aristocratic families in Xinye County. After the world transformed and the Abyss descended, Xinye was tragically destroyed. The Deng Clan relocated to the Sanctuary Zone, though a small branch of the family didn’t escape in time, and all of them perished in the disaster.”
“Among them was a newborn infant named Deng Ai. After dying in the catastrophe, he transformed into a horrifying Abyssal creature. He has now become a major menace entrenched in Xinye!”
So it was true after all.
It really was that Deng Ai—the historic general who brought down Shu.
Deng Ai had been born in the same year as the Battle of Wan City.
Shortly after the battle broke out, the Abyssal Will descended upon the land. Dian Wei, Cao Ang, and others who had died returned in corrupted Abyssal forms, setting off wave after wave of catastrophic calamities.
Had Deng Ai survived and grown up, he would certainly have become a figure no lesser than Wen Pin—and perhaps even more gifted!
Unfortunately, he had perished in the very first year of the Abyss’s arrival. His soul was pulled into the Abyss and tainted by its will. From then on, he would remain forever an infant, never able to grow up.
Thus the title—Evil Infant.
For over a century, Evil Infant Deng Ai had evolved endlessly in his nightmare cycle. He was now the core source of corruption across the entire Xinye region—his appearance so twisted and grotesque, he had become a monstrous aberration beyond description.
What rotten luck.
To not encounter a grown Deng Ai—
But to meet him in his infant form instead.
If Hang Yu wished to seize Xinye, he would have to confront this powerful source of corruption.
But rather than feel troubled, Hang Yu actually became interested. “Evil Infant Deng Ai? The way you describe him only makes me more curious. I’d like to see what’s so special about this eternally infantile corrupted monster.”
The second condition had also been settled.
The city the Starsea wanted lay in the Corruption Zone.
And it was none other than Xinye County—guarded by Evil Infant Deng Ai and notoriously difficult to deal with.
Although Wen Pin couldn’t unilaterally decide on this, he expected Zhang Xiu and the other powers wouldn’t object. After all, this would relieve pressure on both fronts for Wan territory.
Wen Pin asked, “What’s the third condition?”
Hang Yu replied, “This third one is simple—I only want one oath and pledge from General Wen.”
Wen Pin said, “What pledge?”
Hang Yu calmly said, “This lord is willing to join forces with Wan City to resist the Abyss. During this time, I will give my all and never play both sides. But—if one day Wan City intends to betray our pact and strike us from behind—then you, General Wen, must step forward to stop it and restore order.”
That was it?
Once again, it was unexpected.
Hang Yu asked, “What does General Wen think?”
Wen Pin answered gravely, “Very well. I, Wen Pin, swear to the heavens. By my honor and my life, after Luoshui City and New Wan City form this alliance, if either side initiates hostilities or breaks the pact, I will do everything in my power to stop it—even at the cost of my life!”
“Good. Though it may only be a gentleman’s agreement, I choose to believe in your character, General Wen!”
Hang Yu said, “Within two days, I will conquer Xinye. Within three days, two thousand elite soldiers will arrive in full.”
Thus, Hang Yu and New Wan City formally entered into cooperation!
At this stage, their shared objective—and most dangerous threat—was Dian Wei!
Wen Pin finally let out a breath of relief. He had expected the negotiations to be immensely difficult, but unexpectedly, the Lord’s conditions had not been overly harsh.
Once the schedule was set—
Hang Yu agreed to release Wen Pin so he could report back.
However, he detained Wen Pin’s son, Wen Dai, and a few nephews.
Though he found Wen Pin’s character trustworthy, it was only proper to hold a few hostages—otherwise people might think he was a naive and sheltered fool!
From the beginning to the end of negotiations—
From Wen Pin’s arrival to his departure—
Jia Xu had watched silently, like an outsider.
Hang Yu then asked, “What does Mister Jia think of this cooperation’s prospects?”
The puppet body of Jia Xu shimmered faintly with ghostly light. “Heheheh… the Lord’s methods are impressive indeed. Though I haven’t seen all the details yet, General Wen—and even all of Wan City—have already stepped into your trap... I fear it won’t be long before Wen Pin becomes a general under your command.”
He could see even that?
Jia Xu truly was Jia Xu.
Hang Yu asked, “So, will you stop me?”
Jia Xu replied calmly, “The Lord already knows the answer to that.”
Hang Yu found that speaking with clever people was frustrating—they never gave him a chance to show off.
He went straight to the point. “Divine Physician Zhang has already shared with me certain secrets of Wan City. That’s also one of the key reasons he left. As for you—despite your impressive capabilities, your current situation is far from ideal. Only by joining forces with Zhang Ji and myself can you escape your predicament.”
Jia Xu said, “So this is the new leverage you’ve found.”
Hang Yu nodded. “That’s right. My offer still stands. It would be a shame for someone like you to fall… but make your decision quickly. As I said before—one’s value depreciates with the changing environment.”
Jia Xu fell silent for a few seconds.
“Once Zhang Xiu is dead, you and I shall meet properly.”
That statement carried two meanings. First, Hang Yu would be the one to kill Zhang Xiu—Jia Xu would not interfere. Second, the two of them would then have a basis for equal dialogue and negotiation.
Hang Yu nodded. “It’s a deal!”
Jia Xu said calmly, “You are an interesting person. I’ll leave you with one final piece of advice.”
“Please.”
“Do not underestimate your enemy.”
Jia Xu warned, “Zhang Xiu—and the power he commands—are stronger than you think. If you grow overconfident, even with your current strength, you may find yourself capsized in this very gutter.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
The glow in Jia Xu’s puppet eyes gradually dimmed. His corpse-like body began to carbonize and finally crumbled into ash. This puppet form had reached its limit.
Hang Yu exhaled deeply. “Today really was a good day.”
Not only had he successfully recruited Divine Physician Zhang Ji—
His plan to conquer Wan City was now fully underway.
Hang Yu urgently needed to expand his territory’s population and increase its fiscal revenue. Talented individuals were also in high demand—and the Wan City map held no shortage of exceptional talent.
Zhang Ji was already in hand.
Wen Pin would most likely be recruited as well.
Zhang Xiu and Jia Xu had each presented complications.
Among them, Jia Xu might still be salvageable—worth trying to win over.
Dian Wei, Cao Ang, and Deng Ai had already become Abyssal Inhabitants. In theory, they were beyond salvation. Zhang Ji’s antidote development likely wouldn’t keep up—which was a real shame.
No matter what—
Zhang Ji was already his.
Hang Yu opened Zhang Ji’s stats. His attributes, skills, and talents appeared fully before his eyes. Seeing them, Hang Yu could only think: truly worthy of the title “Sage of Medicine.”
His value and potential were even greater than expected!
He would not only be a powerful support-type combatant, but could also drive industrial growth within the territory and bring immense benefit to the financial system!