harleyscars Page 23
Page 23
He turned around, his gaze sweeping over his children and grandchildren. Without a word, a single look conveyed his command.
Although Yuan Hao still looked wary, he was the first to step towards the door under his father's watchful gaze.
Yuanfeng, Yuanhai, Yuanping, and Yuanzhi followed in turn and picked up Mingyuan.
Everyone left the living room and gently closed the heavy oak door behind them.
The footsteps faded away on the stairs outside the door.
Now, only Zhang Su and Randolph Stone remained in the large living room.
Then Zhang Su said, "Secretary-General Stone, may we begin now?"
Randolph's impeccable politician smile returned: "Of course, Your Excellency. But before that, I have one more thing to do. Please allow me to use my ability to designate this living room as 'confidential'."
Then, he gracefully raised his right hand, palm up, and opened his mouth to begin 'chanting'.
A low, obscure incantation with strange syllables and a cold, logical feel came from his mouth.
This language is by no means the common language of the mainland, nor does it resemble any known human language; it carries an ancient, precise, and almost mechanical rhythm.
“Yuan Shu, what language is this? Translate what he’s chanting.” Zhang Su, worried that it might be a trap, hurriedly asked Yuan Shu.
Yuan Shu replied instantly: [Speech recognition in progress...]
[Identification complete: The target language is 'Lawful Words,' one of the mystical languages that drives 'Transcendentality,' which all Transcendentalists can use to enhance their abilities.]
The translation is as follows:
"Within this domain (pointing to the living room space), the flow of 'sound' is defined. Vibrations originating within this domain may not cross this boundary (referring to the area covered by the runes) without permission. 'Peeping' is defined as invalid. 'Recording' is defined as prohibited. 'Understanding' is defined as limited to authorized consciousnesses within the domain (referring to Randolph and Zhang Su). In the name of rules, common sense is rewritten; this is the 'Hall of Silence.'"
As Randolph chanted, runes composed of pure silver light and intricately structured forms were born in the air, like living silver butterflies, swiftly and gracefully flying towards the walls, ceiling, and floor of the living room.
They silently imprint themselves on the surfaces of wood and stone, flashing a brilliant silver light before disappearing completely, leaving only a faint, almost imperceptible ripple of energy in the air.
The entire living room was completely enveloped by an invisible and dense dome, completely isolating it from the outside world.
The chant ended, and the last rune disappeared.
Randolph lowered his hand, bowed slightly to Zhang Su again, and said with a look of satisfaction as if he had completed a masterpiece: "The definition is complete. Now, this room is an absolutely 'secret hall.' Your Excellency, we can begin with peace of mind."
His voice sounded exceptionally clear and real in this space.
Zhang Su nodded and silently repeated in his mind again:
“Yuan Shu, by the way, analyze this secretary-general’s extraordinary path and sequence level.”
[Start Analysis]
[Target: Randolph Stone.]
[Analysis in progress...]
[Analysis complete.]
[Transcendental Path: 'Definer' Path - Sequence 7 - Orderer.]
[Core Ability Overview: Individuals with this sequence possess the ability to temporarily overwrite, reshape, or define local fundamental rules within a limited physical/conceptual space. Through a profound understanding of the logic of these rules, they can translate instructions into reality, forcibly setting new rules in a target area (such as the current living room) (e.g., preventing sound leakage, ineffective external surveillance, inability to record information, and inability for unauthorized individuals to understand internal communications). The strength, scope, and duration of this ability are constrained by the individual's mental strength, knowledge reserves (depth of understanding of the world's rules), and the stability of the target area's reality.]
[Assessment: This capability possesses extremely high strategic value and versatility, excelling at creating absolutely confidential environments, establishing favorable battlefield rules, setting conceptual traps, or implementing information blockades. Threat Level: High. With specific environments and thorough preparation, it can reach extremely high levels.]
Zhang Su understood: the "defining" approach... (1) Ling Qi Ba 罒 Abandon (4) Wu Tuo was originally a sequence of controlling and distorting rules.
No wonder they were able to create the so-called "Secret Hall".
It seems that this chief secretary to the mayor is not only in a high position of power, but also an extremely difficult superhuman.
He remained expressionless, simply looking calmly at Randolph Stone: "Well, you can ask now."
Randolph's smile vanished, replaced by utter seriousness and focus. He cleared his throat and posed the first question the mayor had entrusted to him, the very core of all the issues:
"Your Excellency Zhang Su, our first question is: Where exactly do you come from?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Su's lips slowly curved upwards into a smile, but the smile didn't reach his eyes, creating a typical "forced smile." He countered, "Oh? Secretary-General Stone, why are you so fixated on this question? I'm a rare person. In this world, does it matter where a rare person comes from?"
He spread his hands, making a gesture that encompasses everything, "It could be a tribe in the northern ice plains, a corner of a prosperous city-state in the western continent, or even a lost land long forgotten in the dust of history."
"Although rare, rare people are also found everywhere."
Randolph's politician's smile remained unchanged, but his shrewd blue-gray eyes were fixed on every subtle expression of Zhang Su.
He shook his head and said, “No, Mr. Zhang Su. This question is of utmost importance. Because the mayor himself told me that in order to investigate your background, the higher-ups used ‘unconventional’ and ‘highly authoritative mystical methods’.”
"However, the result is unbelievable. We cannot trace any of your past. You are like a star that suddenly shone in the night sky. Before the 'Black Sea' incident, everything about you was an absolute, impenetrable void, with no trace of your existence."
Zhang Su silently rolled his eyes: [Of course! Didn't I just appear out of thin air? I was happily staying up all night at home listening to music, and the next second everything went black and I fell into this godforsaken place. It would be a miracle if you could find out about my existence before I transmigrated!]
His expression merely sharpened slightly before he spoke in a tone clearly tinged with resistance and detachment: "Regarding where I come from... that question touches on some very sensitive areas for me personally, and I cannot elaborate. Let's skip it and move on to the next question."
Randolph's eyes flashed as he noticed the subtle change in Zhang Su's expression. He immediately pressed on, "Is it really impossible to reveal anything, Your Excellency Zhang Su? If you're willing to speak up, we can offer an additional 'Level 4 Anomaly' in exchange. The power and value contained within an item of this level should be more than enough to pay for the answer to this question."
Zhang Su refused again without hesitation: "This isn't about 'money' or 'reward.' It's about my life. I can't reveal a single thing to anyone without my permission!"
"Until I get 'permission'!" "It's a matter of my life!"
For a fleeting moment, Randolph Stone's flawless politician mask cracked with an extremely subtle detail! His pupils contracted sharply, then quickly recovered, but the cunning glint in the depths of his eyes, like that of a fox, did not completely escape Zhang Su's notice!
"We've extracted valuable information!"
Randolph was overjoyed.
"Does this suggest that there might be a powerful higher-level organization above him? Or some kind of mysterious constraint? Ordering him to keep his identity and origin strictly confidential, or he will suffer a fatal punishment."
Of course, this could also be a smokescreen deliberately released by Zhang Su.
But who cares? Authenticating authenticity is the task of higher-level forces; his duty is merely to bring back information.
Zhang Su was secretly delighted and gave himself a thumbs up: "I'm such a genius! With just one sentence, I've created an identity for myself that seems to be that of an employee with an organized structure and checks and balances. I've both avoided and answered the question! Whether they believe it or not, I do. Let them guess."
Randolph quickly suppressed his turbulent thoughts, his face instantly switching back to an expression of "complete understanding and deep regret," even with a touch of just the right amount of awe, and he sighed in a pretentious manner: "So it involves Your Excellency's life, then I really shouldn't have asked any further questions."
He was extremely perceptive, immediately and seamlessly transitioning to the next question: "So, let's move on to the second question the mayor has asked: Which organization do you currently belong to?"
Zhang Su had already prepared a plan. His face once again displayed that unfathomable aloofness, and his tone was calm yet carried an invisible barrier: "Same as the first question, Secretary-General Stone. The answer is still—it cannot be said."
"You only need to know one thing clearly: I, and the position I represent, do not belong to any existing, known, or any force you know in the world. I did not belong to it in the past, and I do not belong to it now."
Randolph immediately seized upon the gap in the ambiguous words, and like a shark smelling blood, he tentatively took a step forward and asked in a low voice, "Not belonging to any existing power? Then, may I boldly speculate that you belong to a newly emerging force? Or... an ancient organization lurking in the shadows of history, never exposed to the light of day?"
Faced with this direct probing, Zhang Su simply curled his lips into that meaningful arc once more, responding with a silent, enigmatic smile from Randolph.
Neither admitting nor denying, it is like moonlight shrouded in mystery, making it impossible to fathom.
Randolph stared intently at the smile, his mind racing: "A new organization? An ancient, reclusive organization? Or is he just a lone wolf, putting on a show?"
"The information that it does not belong to any existing, known, or faction is equally important. Combined with the previous point that it must not be disclosed without permission, the first two possibilities seem more likely. This is also important intelligence."
He kept in mind the mayor's advice to "stop at the right point and avoid pushing him too far," and suppressed the urge to continue digging deeper and setting more linguistic traps, and decisively chose to proceed.
“I understand.” Randolph nodded, fully accepting the vague answer without any displeasure on his face, and then moved on to the next question:
"So, Lord Zhang Su, how do you personally view our Calidor Empire? On your emotional scales, is there more goodwill, or... more vigilance or malice?"
Zhang Su said, “Neutral. I have not yet developed any particular feelings or inclinations towards your Calidor Empire. Goodwill? That’s out of the question. Malice? That hasn’t arisen without reason either. I’m just a traveler who has just set foot on this land, a complete newcomer.”
Without much hesitation, he gave the most appropriate and steady answer for his "newcomer" status, his tone as calm as if stating an objective fact.
"A newcomer?" Randolph astutely seized upon this key phrase and immediately followed up with precise confirmation: "So, it was because the 'Black Sea' 'accidentally' rescued you on the vast ocean that you were able to set foot on our territory for the first time, is that right?"
Zhang Su nodded: "It seems that Captain Kurokawa really told you everything he could. I thought that this dignified captain would keep my secret for a few more days. Only one day has passed, and you know everything."
Randolph immediately put on a slightly embarrassed, ingratiating smile and quickly explained, "Your Excellency, please understand that Captain Kurokawa is, after all, just a Sequence 9 Extraordinary, and a 'wild' Extraordinary without official background or 'system training'."
"Faced with our professional and... uh, efficient questioning process, it's normal that he finds it difficult to withstand the pressure for a long time and tell us everything he knows."
"However, please rest assured, Your Excellency, our questioning process strictly adhered to regulations and humanitarian principles, and absolutely did not cause any substantial harm to his body! He is now lively and healthy, and has regained his freedom. At this time, he is probably on the dock, energetically directing the sailors to unload cargo for his Black Sea."
"We can go and see him later."
Hearing that Captain Kurokawa was safe and sound, Zhang Su nodded, showing concern: "That's good. In any case, I don't want someone who 'kindly' gave me a ride to suffer any misfortune because of me."
These words were his heartfelt thoughts at that moment.
Although Kurokawa initially wanted to sell him as a slave, he couldn't have returned to shore alive without him, and they had even developed a life-or-death bond.
In this way, his merits and demerits have balanced out, and Zhang Su hopes he is well.
Volume 1: Chapter 22: The Questioning Ends, The Reason for Removing Tai Sui
Then, Randolph Stone asked a fourth question: "Your Excellency, based on your current position and objectives, is it possible that in the future, for some reason, you might stand on the side of our official organization... or rather, on the opposite side of our Calidor Empire?"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Su tapped his fingers lightly on the smooth armrest of the chair, making a soft tapping sound. After two seconds, he slowly said, "This is a difficult question to answer. Specifically, it depends on who exactly is included in the 'we' you're referring to."
"If it contains my enemy..."
He stopped meaningfully before finishing his sentence.
Randolph Stone immediately understood the meaning behind Zhang Su's unfinished words—anyone or organization that sheltered his enemies would be considered an enemy by him.
This is an extremely strong and unambiguous declaration of position.
“Understood, Your Excellency, please rest assured.” Randolph’s response was textbook diplomatic eloquence. His face instantly became extremely sincere and solemn as he said, “The authorities of Twilight Harbor, and even the higher echelons of the Empire, are approaching you with the utmost sincerity. We will absolutely do everything in our power to avoid becoming Your Excellency’s enemy. Furthermore, we assure you that we will never allow anyone whom Your Excellency considers an enemy to become one of ‘us’! This is our promise.”
He bowed slightly, adopting an extremely humble posture, making a very clear statement.
Zhang Su watched Randolph's textbook political performance and said with a half-smile, "Very well. Then, I also guarantee that as long as you can do that, I will never be your enemy."
"But... things are unpredictable, and who can say for sure what the future holds? Some things are beyond human control."
These words were meant to reassure Randolph while also reminding him that the future is full of uncertainties and that what is said now may not remain unchanged in the future.
Randolph nodded immediately, his expression solemn: "We fully understand your concerns. We know all too well how unpredictable life can be. Our only hope is that we will never have to resort to arms with you. That would be a huge loss for both sides, for Duskcloud Harbor, and even for the Empire."
Zhang Su nodded, indicating that he understood.
“Next…” Randolph cleared his throat, regaining his usual composure, “this is the last question, and I hope you can answer it without avoiding it. What are your plans afterward? Do you intend to stay within the territory of the Calidor Empire? If so, how long would you likely stay?”
This issue is no longer just sensitive; they're not even pretending anymore, they're directly asking about his future plans, and it even has a hint of asking him to leave. Whether Zhang Suhui answers or not, the '24-hour surveillance package' will be arranged for him.
The meaning is clear—he either leaves or stays and is monitored.
In response, Zhang Su smiled calmly and said, "Secretary-General Stone, this isn't just one problem, it's three. And they're all very sensitive."
He leaned back in his chair, crossed his hands in front of his abdomen, his posture relaxed but clearly showing his refusal.
Therefore, I have nothing to say.
Randolph seemed to have expected this, showing no surprise whatsoever. Instead, a knowing smile of "I knew it" appeared on his face: "Hehe, Your Excellency must have already anticipated this. Even if you don't answer these three questions, it is our duty that our relevant agencies will inevitably... dispatch some personnel to monitor Your Excellency's itinerary from an appropriate distance. This is an unavoidable procedure, and I ask for your understanding."
He bluntly revealed the official surveillance intentions, which was both a test and a frank "information".
Zhang Su also said, "Of course I know, and I don't care."
“Oh?” Randolph frowned. “Are you saying that you don’t care if we follow you? Or are you saying… that you are absolutely confident that you can get rid of any form of tracking?” He tried to probe the source of Zhang Su’s confidence behind his “indifference”.
Zhang Su's smile deepened, a smile that blended mystery with powerful confidence. He didn't directly answer Randolph's question, but simply said with certainty, "Both."
Two words, but they carry immense weight.
It acknowledges the other party's right to act while simultaneously asserting one's own ability to retaliate or ignore the situation, which is more powerful than any explanation.
A brief silence fell over the living room.
The two deep-thinking individuals stood a few steps apart, both wearing smiles, their gazes silently meeting, probing, and assessing each other in the air.
A tacit tension filled the air, as if invisible messages were being conveyed through their eyes.
After a moment, Randolph broke the silence first, extending a gesture of goodwill.
He elegantly adjusted his already meticulously pressed cuffs, resuming the formal demeanor of a chief secretary: "I have finished asking my questions. So, Mr. Zhang Su, do you have any questions for me or for the mayor? We would be happy to answer them for you."
Zhang Su shook his head decisively without hesitation: "No. Let's stop here."
His tone was calm, as if he truly understood all the rules and secrets of this world and needed no further questioning.
Only he himself knew that this was to avoid exposing his "ignorance" of the world by asking questions.
With Yuan Shu present, he could analyze the situation later, but at this moment he had to maintain the demeanor of a "master".
Maintaining mystery is the best defense.
Randolph was not surprised by Zhang Su's rejection; he understood that the other party must still be wary.
His smile remained unchanged, and he nodded slightly: "Okay, thank you for your frank exchange."
After speaking, he stood up and walked calmly toward Zhang Su, who was sitting still. He stopped a step away and then, very formally and slightly leaning forward, extended his right hand to Zhang Su.