Chapter 269 - The Shameless Extortion
Imperial Emperor Gong stood there, his mind racing with disbelief and silent curses. He never expected the heir of a True Saint to be so shameless and greedy. In his political career, he had encountered his fair share of greedy individuals, but this encounter took the cake.
As Dave continued to push his demands, Gong realized that he was about to bleed money today. However, he dared not show any signs of weakness or reluctance. He couldn't believe that Honorable Yudi was still alive and residing in this world. The situation had taken an unexpected turn, and Gong knew he had to play his cards carefully.
With a forced smile, Gong addressed Dave, "Of course, it's my son's fault for offending the young master. I will pay you 100 million spirit stones."
Inside, Gong felt a sharp pang as he considered the immense sum of money he would be losing. However, he consoled himself, knowing that he could recover it easily through other means. Dave, on the other hand, smiled at Yudi and remarked, "Yudi, it seems he's not sincere enough. He doesn't know that his son's actions have affected my mental health. Sigh, this might even affect my growth."
He appeared to sigh, pretending to be pitiful and drawing sympathy from those around him. Yudi observed Dave's shamelessness and cast a glance at Gong, who felt a surge of fear. Gong hurriedly interjected, "Young master, I haven't finished. I will also allow you to enter my treasury and choose three treasures of your liking."
The ten guardians were stunned, realizing the gravity of the situation. Dave smiled, his hand patting Gong's shoulder in a seemingly friendly gesture. "As expected of Master Gong, you are truly generous. However, you must understand that 100 million spirit stones are insufficient to compensate for my physical injuries and the damage inflicted upon my pet."
He then turned his attention to Draco, his pet who had returned to its small, cat-sized form after killing the guards. Dave gently touched Draco's head and asked, "Hey Draco, are you okay?"
He looked at Draco, silently conveying the message of cooperation in exchange for a plentiful supply of food. Draco understood the unspoken agreement easily and appeared weak, pretending to cry.
"Don't worry, I am the best actor," Draco whispered to Dave, ensuring that their act was convincing. Gong, on the other hand, could feel his anger intensifying, generating an overwhelming amount of sin points.
"This is nothing short of blatant extortion," Gong cursed inwardly. If it weren't for Yudi's presence, he would have crushed this audacious young man into pieces. Yudi, however, found Draco's act amusing. He knew how prideful dragons like Draco could be, yet here he was, cunningly sacrificing his pride for the sake of money.
Suppressing his own resentment, Yudi forced a bitter smile and said, "Yes, it's my fault for growing older, young master. I apologize. The compensation I mentioned earlier should be one billion spirit stones."
Yudi's heart bled at the thought of needing an entire year to recover such a substantial sum, but he understood that showing any other reaction would only invite more trouble. Dave, still wearing a smile, responded, "Hehe, as expected of Master Gong, you are truly generous. Not only have you compensated us for the death of your son, but you have also granted us access to your treasury."
"Don't worry, when I have the time in the future, I will pay you a visit," Dave added, appearing to be sincere. Gong's face turned even darker, and in his mind, he pleaded, "Please, don't come here again."
Silently, Gong shed tears of frustration, knowing all too well that Dave would likely extort him again if he ever returned in the future.
"Please follow me young master, honorable Yudi"
He bowed and guide them towards the treasury as he wanted them to leave this place immediately. He told his subordinate to clean up the mess and he told them to not spread this news to everyone.
.....
Inside the treasury, Dave's eyes gleamed as he surveyed the vast array of treasures before him. Each item held its own allure and potential. Yudi stood behind him, observing silently, while Gong anxiously watched their every move, hoping that Dave wouldn't push his luck too far. Gong knew all too well that he was no match for Yudi's power.
For the next 15 minutes, Dave carefully examined the treasures, considering their worth and usefulness. Gong breathed a sigh of relief when Dave finally selected three items. Little did Gong know that Dave had secretly utilized his <Hands of Greed> ability, discreetly snatching a few valuable treasures without his notice. Dave couldn't help but chuckle inwardly, pleased with his clandestine acquisitions. However, he maintained his composure and pretended he had chosen only the three treasures Gong saw.
Gong reluctantly handed Dave a spatial ring containing one billion spirit stones. Dave could sense Gong's reluctance, but he played along, acting oblivious to the unease. With the treasures and spirit stones in his possession, Dave decided it was time to move on. Gong guided them to the teleportation portal, his anxiety evident.
They arrived at the portal within a short time. Gong explained that the portal had connections to various worlds, but Yudi insisted on being sent to Iris World, the nearest one to Alexander Domain. Gong set the coordinates accordingly, fully aware that charging them for the portal's use could cost him his life. He bid them farewell with a smile, but as soon as Dave and Yudi entered the portal and disappeared, his smile turned into a mask of anguish.
"What terrible luck," Gong muttered to himself. "It's all because of that wretched son of mine. Hehe, luckily, I won't be the only one suffering from this ordeal."
Gong found solace in the thought that he had sent the money-devouring devil to his friend's world, hoping that Dave would bring his own set of troubles elsewhere.