Chapter 122: Wang Hui's Choice

Xiao Zi currently finds himself in an extremely passive position, having essentially entrusted his entire existence to Wang Hui. He realizes that if Wang Hui were to harbor even the slightest intention of breaking away, he would likely perish right here. Fortunately, he consoles himself, Wang Hui still carries the demonic seed he planted, which should ensure obedience and prevent any betrayal... Or so he thinks.

Suddenly, a realization strikes: ever since the "Innocent One" stripped the demonic seed from Wang Hui some time ago, he hasn't planted a second one. Xiao Zi’s nerves tighten instantly; for the first time, he views Wang Hui with genuine vigilance.

Just then, Wang Hui surges toward him with incredible speed—so fast that Xiao Zi knows for certain he must be channeling the newly acquired power of the Sea God. What does it mean when a human who is no longer under his control rushes toward him? Xiao Zi slowly relaxes, reflecting on everything that has happened since he arrived in this world, feeling a mix of apprehension and loss. He had imagined that one day he would stand at the pinnacle of this world’s power, looking down upon everyone with absolute dominance. Was he destined to fall at the hands of his own subordinate after all?

Yet, as Wang Hui approaches, the imagined attack never comes. Instead, his entire body is enveloped by Wang Hui’s energy.

"Boss, I can't take on those guys. Let's get out of here," Wang Hui says, immediately whisking Xiao Zi away, using his control over the ocean to dash across the water at a speed far surpassing any human technology.

Watching Wang Hui, Xiao Zi struggles to find the right words, hesitating several times before finally asking, "Do you even know where we’re going?"

Wang Hui simply offers a carefree laugh. "Hmph, with the two of us and the Clown’s current strength, isn't it easy to live as we please wherever we go?"

"Hahaha," Xiao Zi laughs. Whether in his past life or this one, it is the first time he has laughed over something like this, but as he continues, he falls into deep thought. His professional background in his previous life gave him more worldly experience than most. The more he saw, the more he understood the ugliness of human nature. So-called brothers and subordinates could be bought off or turned against him with enough money. To him, Wang Hui was merely a tool—a convenience to facilitate his actions. He had always intended to discard this tool without a shred of sentiment once its value was exhausted. Meanwhile, he knew he represented a shackle on Wang Hui’s freedom; any normal person would despise having such a restrictive presence by their side.

That is why Xiao Zi had assumed Wang Hui would turn on him, or at the very least, would never dream of saving him. The fact that Wang Hui chose to rescue him is completely unexpected. Perhaps, he thinks, Wang Hui really is different from other humans.

Wang Hui’s own internal monologue is no less complex. In that split second, he had indeed toyed with the idea of abandoning Xiao Zi. With his current strength, he could easily become one of the elite in human society on his own. But that would be the extent of it. If not for Xiao Zi choosing him and guiding him through countless adventures, he would still be a frog in a well in the small town of Mao Kingdom, living out a life of ignorance. Or worse, if things had gone as they were originally headed, he might have been tortured to death by Liu Anran, never able to lift his head again. Xiao Zi gave him a new life and power he could never have imagined. Besides, following him might lead to an even broader world. If Xiao Zi were to rule this world one day, what would become of him then? With that thought, he makes his decision: he will stick with Xiao Zi. Win or lose, it will be a spectacular ride.

Time passes, and Xiao Zi’s strength finally stabilizes. He recalls the two new tasks issued by the system. "I’m losing my mind. Absorb the life essence of a bizarre creature from the previous era? Is this a joke? I know there was a previous era, but why are creatures from back then appearing now? And wasn't I supposed to be able to talk to the Fear Demon God once I reached A-rank? Why do I have to complete a task now? And this second task is even worse—go to another dimension? I don't even know how I ended up in this plane; sending me to another one is just asking for trouble."

Just as he thinks this, the system’s voice rings out.

[Task difficulty will gradually increase. Task 2 contains a hidden hint. If the host wishes to receive the system's hint, it can be exchanged for 836,750 points of Terror.]

The system wants him to pay Terror points for a hint? Is it really that greedy? And why does the amount have a remainder? Looking at the cost, Xiao Zi suddenly realizes something and checks his total: he has exactly 836,750 points.

"You're clearly trying to scam me! No way am I trading with you!"

But no sooner has he finished speaking than the system responds.

[Congratulations to the host for obtaining the hint for Task 2. The nearest interdimensional gate has been displayed.]

Xiao Zi: "..." He had almost forgotten that he was a ghost himself now.

"Boss, what was that all about just now?" Wang Hui asks, and Xiao Zi notices they are nearing the shore.

"Did those guys follow us?" Xiao Zi asks, looking behind them.

Wang Hui shakes his head. "I don't know when, but we lost them."

"A pity. If they had followed, I would have let them witness the wrath of a Supreme Evil Wraith!" He isn't just making idle threats; if those damned oceanic bizarre creatures had dared to pursue, he and Wang Hui together could have slaughtered as many as came. Inside the Forbidden Territory, his energy is effectively limitless.

But that isn't his primary concern now. He needs to know the location of that interdimensional gate. He opens the system interface and finds a new map. It is detailed, marking every country in this world, their geography, and their military power. As expected, the top five powers are the strongest, with the Lighthouse and Great Xia leading. The Lighthouse boasts a power level of over 800 million, while Great Xia has over a billion. Aside from North Mao’s 600 million, the others hover around 400 million. These five represent the pinnacle of human civilization, followed by first-tier nations—mostly direct affiliates of the big five, usually possessing A-rank extraordinary entities. The rest are second-tier nations like Mao and Mo, or mostly third-tier states.

Looking at this, perhaps the points he spent weren't as much of a loss as he thought... To hell with that! He was completely ripped off! He could have figured most of this out on his own!