Mingde Hall, a certain office.
Two figures sat facing each other on a sofa.
However, Xu Cheng lounged comfortably with his legs crossed and sipping tea, clearly at ease, while the beautiful woman across from him barely touched the edge of the seat, sitting with visible restraint.
"Shangguan Weier?" Xu Cheng tapped the wooden armrest with his fingertips, scanning the beauty up and down with an indifferent expression, giving no hint of emotion.
"Yes, that is this servant." She quickly responded respectfully. "Originally, I came today on a whim. Your Highness is always burdened with state affairs, shouldering the weight of the Sun and Moon Empire—surely extremely busy. I didn't expect such luck to see Your Highness in person…"
"If you have no business, then go back." Xu Cheng smiled faintly.
"..."
Shangguan Weier froze, her throat bobbing slightly, her expression showing a trace of panic.
Now she was truly panicking. She knew this prince was different, but she hadn't expected him to be so unreadable.
Seeing this, Xu Cheng showed a bit more patience. "You came to see me today—state your purpose plainly. If you hide even the slightest thing, I won't let you set foot in Mingde Hall again."
"Y-Yes…" Shangguan Weier visibly relaxed.
If he said that, then he probably already knew her intentions, and was at least somewhat tempted by the offer of a piece of the underground world.
He was giving her a chance—that was a test…
"I have come to deliver Your Highness a sharp blade—one that unites the entire underground world and serves only Your Highness. A blade hidden in the shadows, wielding control over the dark underbelly of Mingdu on Your Highness's behalf!"
Without hesitation, she dropped to one knee, pulling out the cloud hairpin from her long hair, bowing her head low. Her pitch-black hair cascaded freely as she opened her palm, offering the hairpin to Xu Cheng.
"Good. I've never liked talking in circles. Tell me, why should I choose you?" Xu Cheng did not reach out to take the hairpin but said plainly.
Shangguan Weier's heart skipped. She wasn't foolish enough to claim that he had already made up his mind. Instead, she needed to emphasize the strengths of the Pingfan Alliance over the other two factions.
"The Pingfan Alliance is directly under my control! Though there's a prince behind the scenes, our relationship is more of a partnership. I can cut ties at any time! He does not have the power to control me. Compared to the other two factions, I am the sharper blade—better suited to be wielded by Your Highness."
"…" Xu Cheng nodded slightly.
When all is said and done, this was the most important point.
Nangong Wan, the leader of the Xishui Alliance, was essentially one with the Holy Spirit Church. The president of the Odu Chamber of Commerce was deeply entangled with the military. Only she—was the "cleanest."
And therefore, the most comfortable to use.
As for the other advantages, all three forces were more or less the same—not even worth mentioning.
She got straight to the point. Xu Cheng was satisfied.
But after all, she was a boss of the underground world. In the eyes of ordinary people, she was already a lofty figure of power. And even with the weakest backer, she could still contend with the other two factions. She certainly wasn't a fool.
"Not bad. That point alone is enough for me to take you in. I'll inform Prince Xin myself."
But to Xu Cheng's surprise, Shangguan Weier lightly shook her head. She slowly raised her gaze, her pale green eyes locking tightly on Xu Cheng. "Your Highness, I am not satisfied with just that."
"Oh? Then what do you want?" Xu Cheng looked at her with interest.
She was indeed quite beautiful.
Especially with her voluptuous and seductive figure paired with a pure and radiant face—such contrast could make many men fall head over heels.
But he was not one to be ruled by lust. If this was just seduction, it would make him look down on her.
"I have recently recruited a young girl under my command—just fourteen years old—but her martial soul is a rare Angel Martial Soul."
Still kneeling, Shangguan Weier looked at Xu Cheng with fiery eyes, her red lips parting as she spoke with a serpentine, seductive tone.
"Angel Martial Soul?" Xu Cheng paused.
He had searched for years without any trace, and now—just as history foretold—it had been intercepted by the Pingfan Alliance.
"Ye Guyi?" Xu Cheng exhaled deeply.
"The very one!"
Upon hearing this, Shangguan Weier's pupils shrank, cold sweat running down her back.
As expected! This prince had long known, perhaps even waiting for her to walk right into his trap. Had she dared to play any tricks…
Thankfully, she hadn't. She silently gave thanks in her heart.
"Bring her to me tomorrow." Xu Cheng said with a tone that left no room for discussion.
"This servant understands!" Shangguan Weier quickly replied.
"Since that's settled, what do you want?" Xu Cheng raised an eyebrow, growing intrigued by this woman who had received little mention in the original story.
"I want a binding—one that will make me a true 'blade' of Your Highness!" she replied solemnly.
"Then you'd better be sure. I will implant a binding curse in your body. It's irreversible. Even a Limit Douluo couldn't save you. It works on the spiritual level, and everyone's spiritual sea is fragile. If you try to forcefully remove it, you'll most likely end up a madwoman." Xu Cheng said calmly.
"In recognition of you finding that person for me, I'll give you one chance to back out. A regular blade or a true one—choose."
"This servant chooses the latter! I will serve Your Highness unto death, without regret!" she shouted with conviction.
"…You do have a bit of spirit." Xu Cheng chuckled. "But in my presence, no coercing the innocent into prostitution—understood?"
"Though I deal in flesh trades, I have never committed true atrocities. Many of the people I use were bought from the black market. I personally train them. If they have talent, they join the guard. If not, they choose to sell their bodies or offer entertainment. The former may be touched; the latter only admired…" Shangguan Weier quickly explained.
"Heh." Xu Cheng laughed without commenting.
Do you believe that?
Because I don't.
The original accumulation of capital always comes with some darkness. He could understand that.
And Shangguan Weier had ruled the underworld for so long—claiming she had a shred of conscience? Maybe. But pretending to be spotless? What, she running a charity?
"..." Seeing his smile, Shangguan Weier quickly bowed her head, wanting to slap herself.
She had answered so smoothly until now, and just before success, she forgot that this man had sharp insight—how could she fool him? Fortunately, her words were half-true. She never claimed to be a saint, but compared to others in her world, she definitely wasn't the worst.
"Alright. Remember what I told you. I won't object to your business—everyone has their own struggles. Some people live off it… but if I catch you coercing innocent women or abusing the people, don't blame me for acting." Xu Cheng said lightly.
"Your Highness is kindhearted… this servant is ashamed. If I ever do such things, may I… die a miserable death, be struck by five bolts of lightning…"
She went on with her oath for quite a while before stopping, gazing at Xu Cheng with hope.
"Enough. Stand up. Lift your clothes and show your stomach." Xu Cheng smiled.
"Lift my clothes?" Shangguan Weier paused.
"Where else? You want it on your face? Or your butt? I mean, I could—just don't regret it. This mark's not easy to remove."
"…Then… my stomach it is. Please… be gentle…"
(End of Chapter)