Chapter 480: Luke's Return
The Final Offer
"Eight is Eight; a few sentences had him completely cornered."
"Exactly. Number Eight inherited the Original Body's dark side; he's best at strategy, deception, and reading people. Although the old Daoist is ancient, he's not as perceptive about the human heart as the Original Body."
Number Three said seriously, "I don't think this is going to end easily."
Number Seven sneered, "So what if it doesn't? Reason is on our side. If he dares to push it, we'll blast him back to his mother."
"Seven is right. We should just bomb the hell out of him."
"Enough," Number One said with displeasure. "This is someone else's territory, not the U.S. Stop trying to solve every problem with violence."
"Leave the matter to Eight. The rest of you, stop talking."
Number Eight's series of actions had posed a major dilemma for Zhang Haoyan. He was now caught between a rock and a hard place. If he took action, it might lead to mutual destruction, and a thousand-year foundation would be ruined. If he backed down, he couldn't swallow his anger.
Number Eight noticed his struggle and said gravely,
"Regardless, Sect Leader Zhang's death is connected to the Original Body. We are willing to offer compensation. Since I don't fully understand White Cloud Temple's situation, I can only use conventional methods." He raised his finger.
"Five hundred million U.S. dollars."
Zhang Haoyan was furious. "You dare to use money to buy my disciple's life?"
"True Master, don't be angry, please hear me out first."
Number Eight kept a straight face, his expression incredibly serious. "In addition to $500 million, you will have one promise. As long as the Original Body can achieve it, no matter what it is, we guarantee completion. Don't underestimate this promise. It may not mean much in China, but abroad, it is omnipotent."
"The Original Body's identity is far more complex than just a billionaire. He controls forces capable of shaking the entire world. Trust me, you will not regret this."
"This is the maximum concession we can make. If this still does not resolve the True Master's resentment, we have nothing more to say."
The bird calls outside grew louder, but the cave was eerily silent.
Zhang Haoyan held a stiff face, staring intently at the young man before him. The latter looked calm, showing no fear or attempt to flatter, simply standing there peacefully.
The air was oppressive, like the stillness before a storm.
Wave after wave of soul fluctuations spread outwards, constantly impacting Number Eight's body.
The Green Flame surfaced. Wrapped in the fire, Number Eight stood firm, like an unmoving rock in a tempest.
After a while, the old Daoist retracted his soul pressure and turned to leave the cave.
Number Eight let out a long sigh of relief, quickly pried open the stone monument, and retrieved the wooden box underneath. The lid opened, revealing the red metal.
"That's him, no doubt. The Original Body is inside."
"Start now. Wake the Original Body as quickly as possible."
One after another, ethereal figures emerged from Luke's body. The Twelve Apostles formed a circle around the metal, simultaneously extending their fingers to inject their soul power into it.
Time passed. Their figures became faint, but the metal began to emit a green light.
A mass of Green Flame suddenly appeared, rapidly growing larger.
A spectral soul body emerged within the flame, with vortices at its heart and head, seemingly connected to another world.
"It's done. You can stop."
A familiar voice rang out in the hearts of the Twelve Apostles. They quickly withdrew their fingers and bowed deeply.
"You are finally awake."
Their tone was solemn and respectful, carrying a subtle awe.
Luke nodded. With a wave of his hand, the Twelve Apostles transformed into streams of light and merged back into his soul body. He then stepped toward his physical body and merged with it.
The familiar sensation returned, and the entire world became rich and colorful once more.
"The flesh body is still the best. It has sensation and desire."
Luke swung his arms and moved his shoulders. Once fully adjusted to his body, he picked up the unconscious Miss Danvers and walked out.
Zhang Haoyan was standing at the entrance. Upon seeing the person emerge, his eyes widened.
What terrifying flame!
What a terrifying aura!
To possess such a tough soul without training was simply against the natural order.
Luke carefully placed Linda down and turned back.
"True Master, please remove the restraints on her."
Zhang Haoyan coldly snorted. "You can remove it yourself. Why do you need my hand?"
Luke shook his head.
"My flame will cause damage to the soul. It's best if the True Master handles it."
Zhang Haoyan was silent for a moment, then pointed a finger. The talisman restraining Linda's movements flew out from between her eyebrows and landed in the old Daoist's hand. The girl slowly opened her eyes. Seeing the face so close to her, she immediately shoved him away.
"Get away from me."
Luke gave a low chuckle, reaching out to hook her chin.
"I won't. What are you going to do about it?"
His tone was teasing, his smile wicked, like a rogue nobleman flirting with a respectable lady.
The girl froze, her expression fixed. In the next second, as if by magic, she both cried and laughed. Tears streamed out, leaving two muddy trails on her dirty face—a sight both funny and pitiable.
"Luke, you... you're back."
"Yes, I'm back."
Luke's heart was also surging. He was about to utter some sweet words when he heard an angry grunt nearby. He had to set aside his thoughts and turn to Zhang Haoyan.
"The previous promise is still valid."
A bird flew down from the sky and landed on a rock.
"In the future, use this bird to contact me for any matter. As for the money, give me an account, and I will transfer it."
Zhang Haoyan examined the bird, his eyes slightly suspicious.
"Don't worry, this bird isn't a bomb. It's a special communication tool. You can use it to contact me anywhere, even Mars."
He finished speaking and looked at the girl in his arms.
"Let's go home!"
Boom!
The ground cracked. The two shot toward the sky like arrows. Behind them, thousands of birds sang loudly, circling together, sometimes transforming into a whirlwind, sometimes into a dense black cloud, and vanished into the sky in a joyous atmosphere.
This scene was absolutely unbelievable, leaving the Daoist priests stunned.
After the birds left, Zhang Ruochen and the others quickly rushed to the cave.
"Senior Master, are you alright?"
The old Daoist sighed softly.
"What a formidable young man."
One generation replaces the old. He felt truly old.
Zhang Ruochen frowned.
"Was that him? Was he in the cave just now?"
The old Daoist nodded, dismissed the other disciples, and led Zhang Ruochen to the cliff.
"Just now, I granted him one condition."
He then repeated the deal regarding the $500 million and the promise. After hearing it, Zhang Ruochen couldn't help but offer a wry smile.
"This... this is too hasty! Sect Leader Brother, he... alas!"
A single sigh conveyed his utter helplessness.
The old Daoist said gravely,
"The soul in the metal was Luke Shaw. That boy is highly unusual. He somehow managed to split off twelve split souls, each with independent consciousness."
"You should understand what that implies."
Zhang Ruochen's pupils constricted. "His soul..."
"It was unaffected. Perfectly normal." He paused and sighed softly. "To pursue revenge and ruin the thousand-year foundation of White Cloud Mountain? I cannot do that."
"Ruochen, descend the mountain now. Find him. Demand justice for the several hundred villagers and, while you're at it, probe his situation, especially that Green Flame. I have a feeling that thing is highly unusual."
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