Chapter 172: Hidden Agendas

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Upon hearing Yang Haoran's thoughts, Deng Feng laughed heartily and replied, "Good! I'll accompany you in this play! But convincing the figure in the Ghost Tower won't be easy. It will require some investment!"

"As long as we can kill that old immortal Duda, a little investment shouldn't be a loss," Yang Haoran remarked.

Deng Feng chuckled but didn't give a direct response to Yang Haoran's statement. Instead, he looked at Yang Haoran and said, "So you're saying Duda implanted a soul scattering needle inside you?"

Yang Haoran maintained a composed expression on his face while feeling a glimmer of anticipation inside.

He couldn't proceed with his plan without Deng Feng, so he informed Deng Feng of his encounter with Duda. This was a crucial step.

Apart from this, he had another purpose: to confirm whether Deng Feng truly couldn't remove the soul scattering needle inside him, as Duda claimed. Was it true that no one besides Duda could remove it?

Not just Duda, even if it were someone else, Yang Haoran would have doubted them too.

To outsiders, he appeared trusting, but in reality, he only believed one-third of what he heard. As for Duda's words, they held only a fraction of credibility in his eyes.

"Indeed, he claims that only he can unravel this soul scattering needle. No one else has the ability, including... you," Yang Haoran said to Deng Feng.

While speaking, Yang Haoran closely observed Deng Feng's facial expressions. His directness was deliberate; he wanted to gauge Deng Feng's reaction to his words.

Deng Feng raised an eyebrow but didn't respond directly to Yang Haoran. Instead, he remained silent with a smile on his face.

Observing Deng Feng's reaction, Yang Haoran remained outwardly composed while contemplating internally.

Yang Haoran's expression remained unchanged as he added, "He said if I don't believe him, I can ask you."

This time, Deng Feng didn't stay silent. He wore a disdainful smile and said, "He really thinks highly of himself. Just because he says I can't, does that mean I can't?"

Although Yang Haoran's face showed a hint of joy, he was skeptical of Deng Feng's words. However, Deng Feng caught that subtle expression of joy.

"First, let's focus on acting out this play well. After dealing with him, I'll remove the soul scattering needle from your body. Then, I'll let his soul witness how a divine envoy removes such a needle," Deng Feng said mockingly. "There's no knot in this world that can't be untied. Various secret techniques pose different levels of trouble. Though the soul scattering needle may be troublesome, claiming that no one besides Duda can remove it? Hmph, that's just boasting. I wonder who gave him the courage."

Deng Feng spoke confidently, and Yang Haoran listened with increasing satisfaction.

Yang Haoran's joy was only a facade, though. Internally, he harbored doubts about Deng Feng's words.

However, one thing couldn't be denied: Deng Feng's words gave him some hope.

He kept his thoughts hidden and, upon hearing Deng Feng's words, maintained a delighted expression. He quickly asked, "Can the divine envoy really remove the soul scattering needle?"

Yang Haoran appeared somewhat excited at this moment, feeling his body filled with strength. The immense Yin spirit power coursing within him made him feel incredibly comfortable.

He estimated that with his current strength, he might not be able to deal with a genuine evil spirit. However, facing a Half-Step Evil Spirit, he felt entirely confident in confronting and defeating it.

"Congratulations on your rapid growth. I don't know whether to attribute it to luck or your strength," Deng Feng remarked, waving his hand to stow away the wooden box. He then smiled faintly at Yang Haoran.

"Thank you for nurturing me, divine envoy!" Yang Haoran hastily bowed in gratitude.

Deng Feng waved his hand dismissively. "I indeed need someone like you by my side. You've satisfied me. By nurturing you, I can save myself some trouble in the future."

Yang Haoran nodded vigorously, his joy undiminished and even more pronounced.

"You don't need to worry about the soul scattering needle. I'll take care of it when the time comes. Just follow me and perform well. I won't let you down, but you must show me your abilities and worth," Deng Feng stated.

"Rest assured, divine envoy. I won't disappoint you!" Yang Haoran promised eagerly.

"See if there are any suitable candidates recently; Night Watch needs new blood. Otherwise, it won't be able to function properly," Deng Feng frowned, addressing Yang Haoran.

From Deng Feng's demeanor, it seemed he genuinely regarded Yang Haoran as a right-hand man to nurture.

Yang Haoran tried to conceal his excitement, but his efforts were in vain. He asked, "What are the requirements for new recruits? Is there an age limit?"

"No age limit, no educational requirements. The only condition is loyalty! Absolute loyalty to me!" Deng Feng stated the conditions.

Yang Haoran nodded excitedly, indicating his understanding.

"You may leave now. Stick to your plan, do what needs to be done. However, remember to report anything regarding Duda to me immediately. I may trust you, but I must always be aware of developments," Deng Feng demanded of Yang Haoran.

"Rest assured, divine envoy. I won't let you down!" Yang Haoran assured with fervor.

"Go on then. A month's time is fleeting. I hope you make the most of every moment," Deng Feng added.

Yang Haoran made another eager promise before turning to leave.

Yet, as he turned away, he suppressed his excitement, his expression turning serious with furrowed brows, lost in thought.

Watching Yang Haoran's departing figure, Deng Feng's expression also changed, a smile of deep contemplation gracing his face.

[Heartfelt thankyou for the support! BokuBoku]