Daily Intelligence System: Don't Kill Me, Honey! Chapter 1684 - 389: Han Miaozhen: Chen 94, How Is This Possible!

Witnessing Du Zundao's current state, Elder Shen Hou and Han Ling’er, concealed within the dense forest, both exhaled in relief. Their directive was clear: remain inactive as long as Du Zundao stayed put, thereby guaranteeing the safety of all present. However, should Du Zundao make a move, their immediate participation would be mandatory—a situation where one action triggered a chain reaction affecting everyone.

Naturally, they harbored no desire to ask; their fervent hope was that Du Zundao would remain motionless. If he did, it signified that all was well for their group. But if he chose to act, even someone possessing Elder Monkey’s Molten Furnace Realm abilities would lack absolute certainty of success.

After all, the formidable opponent before them was an expert of the Melt God Realm. While not officially listed among the Heavenly List Strong Persons, he was undeniably ranked within the top twenty across the vast expanse of Daqian.

Confronting such a powerful expert in a direct confrontation sent shivers down Elder Shen Hou's spine. Consequently, when Du Zundao shifted even slightly, a cold sweat broke out on his brow. Only when Du Zundao resumed his seated position did he and Han Ling’er, still hidden in the trees, finally relax.

Gazing in Du Zundao's direction, Han Ling’er remarked, "It appears he has no intention of moving, which means we can breathe a little easier."

Elder Shen Hou responded, "A paper cannot forever conceal fire. Once the flames truly ignite on the other side, they cannot be contained."

"Then, what course of action should we take?"

Han Ling’er directed her question to Elder Shen Hou. Upon hearing her words, Elder Shen Hou fell into a prolonged silence before finally articulating, "Our only recourse is to place our bet on who acts faster."

"Who acts faster? What do you mean by that?"

Elder Shen Hou elaborated, "Employing Du Xiong as a deliberate distraction for Du Zundao—this tactic, when directed at ordinary individuals, would undoubtedly prove effective. However, Du Zundao is notoriously cold-blooded; it is highly probable that he harbors minimal concern for Du Xiong's life or death. It boils down to the age-old saying: Du Xiong may perish, but his father can father more sons. Yet, if the Qiankun Great Method is lost, the prospect of becoming Sect Hierarch is truly extinguished."

"But he is his son, nonetheless."

Elder Shen Hou countered, "And what of it?"

Meanwhile, within a secluded residence atop Bright Peak, Liu Caidie stood with two guards, diligently watching over Du Xiong. He was bound securely with ropes, and a gag muffled his mouth.

Du Xiong, his acupoint having been pressed, found himself utterly powerless, unable to break free from the restraints binding him.

At that precise moment, casting a look towards Liu Caidie, he emitted a series of muffled exclamations. Liu Caidie cast a dismissive glance his way and stated, "There is no need for that; you will not be released."

Du Xiong continued to fix his gaze upon Liu Caidie, letting out two more muffled cries. Liu Caidie, pondering whether Chen Jiusi could indeed rescue her grandfather, felt a ripple of unease as she heard Du Xiong's muffled sounds.

Turning her attention to the guards flanking her, she commanded, "Remove the cloth from his mouth. What is it that you wish to say?"

Liu Caidie then turned her full attention to Du Xiong.

"Cough, cough..."

Once the gag was removed, Du Xiong coughed violently twice before addressing Liu Caidie, "It is futile that you have captured me. Do you truly believe that using me to exert pressure on my father will yield results? It will not happen. My father would never relinquish the opportunity to become Sect Hierarch simply for my sake."

Liu Caidie’s brow furrowed as she retorted, "Cease your deceptive words. You are his son. Even a ferocious tiger refrains from preying upon its own cubs. Do you honestly believe he would disregard your life and death?"

Du Xiong let out a sorrowful laugh and explained, "A Melt God Realm expert like my father, barring any unforeseen calamities, can naturally anticipate living for a century or more, possibly even reaching the human lifespan limit of 150 years. He is merely 63 years of age currently, which implies he has approximately a century of life remaining."

"Within these remaining hundred years, he is perfectly capable of siring additional offspring, and the chance to attain the position of Sect Hierarch might very well present itself only once. Is there truly any hesitation regarding which path he would choose?"

"Undoubtedly, he would abandon me without a second thought to secure his ascension to Sect Hierarch!"

Liu Caidie's frown deepened as she looked at Du Xiong and inquired, "No, could it truly be that Uncle Du is so utterly heartless?"

Du Xiong responded with a chilling statement, "His ruthlessness extends far beyond your wildest imaginings. You have lived a life of unparalleled comfort; our Master cherished you like a rare jewel, whereas I have always been nothing more than a mere bargaining chip in my father's schemes. Can you even begin to comprehend? From the tender age of seven, I underwent rigorous training in Shaolin's Golden Bell Shield, all for the minuscule chance of claiming victory in the Ruins' incredibly slim opportunity!"

"If the current Sect Hierarch is not deposed, or if our Master does not ascend to that very position himself, my existence might prove utterly meaningless throughout my entire life. Even under such dire circumstances, my father made a gamble. He gambled my entire existence."

Upon hearing Du Xiong's words, Liu Caidie drew a deep breath, her expression darkening significantly. "Perhaps, just perhaps, you are misinterpreting his intentions?"

Du Xiong offered a wry chuckle and countered, "I have lived alongside him for countless years. Do you truly believe I could be mistaken about him?"

A look of profound bitterness contorted Liu Caidie's face. After a considerable pause, she finally spoke, "I never anticipated that your life would be steeped in such misery."

Du Xiong responded with a bitter laugh, "You have always been the exalted princess, radiating an aura of superiority, while I have perpetually been the lowly frog dwelling in the mud. How could you possibly fathom the depths of my experiences?"

A sigh escaped Du Xiong as he resigned himself, declaring, "Then cease your efforts and simply end my life."

Liu Caidie, however, gently shook her head, responding, "I will not kill you. I comprehend your words, but I must honestly tell you, I have always viewed you as a friend, I truly have."

Du Xiong blinked in surprise, gazing at Liu Caidie. "A friend?"

"Indeed," Liu Caidie affirmed. "You, Ling'er, and Brother Lin'er – are we not the closest of friends?"

Du Xiong remained motionless for a considerable time after hearing Liu Caidie's declaration. Finally, he shook his head, remarking, "You are truly too innocent."

Following these words, Du Xiong lapsed into silence, and Liu Caidie too became quiet. After a prolonged pause, Du Xiong suddenly broke the silence, "Are you amenable to a wager?"

"A wager on what?" Liu Caidie inquired.

Du Xiong proposed, "Should my father be lured into rescuing me, I shall concede I was mistaken. From that moment, I will cease to trouble you, and we can indeed be friends."

"Conversely, if my father does not appear to save me, that signifies my victory. Do you possess the courage to wed me and become my wife?"

The two guards stationed nearby bristled with indignation upon overhearing this proposition. They inwardly deemed it a bet only a simpleton would accept.