Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1284 - 570: Firelight (Part 2)
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
However, the insect handler commands a multitude of insects with a mere flick of the wrist, whereas Ding Hui meticulously refines individual insects, so it’s not entirely unbelievable.
After gathering her thoughts, she assists Ding Hui in moving her boxes of materials into the adjacent study, and Ding Hui then immerses herself within, not emerging.
Fang Yu also relishes his respite; following a demanding day, the night has completely descended.
He finally has the opportunity to continue exploring the capabilities of his Bloodline Spirit.
...
Thunder City, within a specialized chamber on the third subterranean level of the Honey Casino.
A figure, adorned with a ram’s head mask, gently strokes the alluring individual in their embrace.
"Meow~"
A scantily clad woman responds to the touch with a soft, feline cry.
Just then, a rap echoes against the door.
"Sir, your Snake Pet has made a sudden appearance. Would you care to receive her?"
Snake Consort...
The ram-masked man contemplates briefly before giving his assent.
"Allow her entry."
"Yes, sir!"
Footsteps recede, while the ram-masked man, bathed in the dim candlelight, continues to caress his companion and peruse a ledger.
Shortly, a second knock sounds.
"Sir, may I come in?"
The clear, crisp voice elicits a subtle smile on the ram-masked man’s lips.
"Enter."
The door swings open.
A woman, concealed by a grass snake mask, slithers along the floor towards the figure within the room.
Her undulating movement on the ground is so convincingly serpentine, as if directly emulating the creatures themselves, that the ram-masked man's Qi-Blood subtly pulses.
The scantily clad woman in his arms, seemingly more aroused, writhes vigorously. However, she is pushed aside by the ram-masked man as he helps the crawling Snake Pet up from the floor.
"Snake Consort, what brings you here? I have missed you dearly during this past month apart."
Referring to the women as consorts signifies his aspiration towards a particular status.
The Snake Consort's expression, hidden behind her mask, remains concealed. Yet, as the ram-masked man’s touch graces her, her body warms, and she melts into his embrace.
"Sir, I have missed you as well!"
The scantily clad woman, now on the floor and unmasked, rises in anger. But before she can make a move, a stern glance from the ram-masked man instantly silences her, causing her to freeze and lower her head in submission, daring not to protest.
"Depart. Tonight, I wish only to be with Snake Consort!"
Following these words, the Snake Pet acquiesces, while the other woman, head bowed, reluctantly exits the chamber.
Upon leaving, she casts a final glance back towards the room.
This seemingly unremarkable chamber, guarded casually by just two individuals, houses the man who dictates life and death throughout the entire Honey Casino—the Underground King!
Though the Honey Casino is a newfound entity in Thunder City, within this territory, it stands as the undisputed underground sovereign, a local potentate of immense power!
Countless individuals endeavor to gain an audience, seeking the favor of this man.
Yet, a select twelve are bestowed with the honored title of [Consort].
Snake Consort is indeed one of them!
However, the standing among these twelve consorts is in constant flux, thus she remains undiscouraged. She believes opportunity lies ahead, requiring only a measure of patience.
"Man! Next time, I swear, you will be mine!"
Departing the casino, the woman draws her blade, conceals her face, and sets her course towards Foolish Underworld.
The pleasures of the flesh are but a fleeting distraction.
Amassing wealth within the game is paramount.
Should anyone witness her at this moment, they would undoubtedly exclaim, "Nine-Section Sword Liao Zishi!"
Her moniker has recently gained prominence in Thunder City, currently at the zenith of its renown.
This night's undertaking serves a dual purpose: acquiring wealth and cementing her reputation.
With fame comes fortune; such is the natural progression.
To boldly infiltrate Foolish Underworld, liberate a prisoner, and escape unscathed—such an act, with a bit of strategic embellishment, is guaranteed to etch her name into legend!
Nine-Section Sword Liao Zishi, her heart brimming with anticipation for a triumphant night, vanishes into the encroaching darkness.
Meanwhile, within the Honey Casino, the ram-masked man gently removes the Snake Consort’s mask.
If a member of the Forest Snake Gang were present, they would invariably cry out in shock.
For this Snake Consort is none other than the wife of their Forest Snake Gang's East Hall Master, [Tai Xuelin]—Zhi Fengshi.
"Gang Leader..."
The Snake Consort trembles, her gaze fixed dreamily upon the man so near.
This sensation is profoundly peculiar.
Just today, she had encountered that aloof, pretentious Gang Leader, only to find herself, as night falls, enfolded in the arms of a man bearing the identical countenance, yearning only for his deepest affection.
"Hmm? When we are alone, what is your designation for me?"
The man, with his sheep-like visage, utters a soft, chilling snort, his voice resonating with absolute authority.
That potent aura emanates solely from him.
The Snake Consort's body shudders, and she immediately prostrates herself in supplication.
"Your, Your Majesty! The Majesty of Thunder City!"
"Hahaha!"
The man with the sheep-like face let out a hearty laugh.
Several years had passed since he first ventured into the world of underground casinos.
Through steady progress, he had achieved considerable success.
Now, operating openly, he commanded the Forest Snake Gang, and from the shadows, he controlled the Honey Casino.
Both the legitimate and illegitimate realms, he desired them all, and he intended to keep them firmly within his grasp!
Following this, the second stage of his grand design was to be initiated: expanding his influence in both the legal and illegal sectors, systematically growing his power until it permeated and enveloped every industry within Thunder City. He planned to achieve this by subtly manipulating markets and economies, thereby avoiding direct conflict with the Ten Major Families, and ultimately seizing absolute control of Thunder City!
His ultimate ambition was to become the Emperor of Thunder City!
All these ambitious plans traced their origins back to an event years prior, when he discovered an individual who bore an uncanny resemblance to himself.
It was truly remarkable that such a doppelgänger existed in this world.
"Snake Consort, a late-night visit; has that fellow been acting suspiciously?" the sheep-faced man inquired, stepping forward to embrace his beloved consort.
The Snake Consort's body trembled visibly; had she not been bearing critical news, she would have already lost her composure.
"Reporting to Your Majesty, there is indeed a developing situation!"
"Tonight, upon my husband's return, he recounted a bizarre occurrence. He mentioned that your double has recruited a new Guest Elder to the gang and spoke of a clandestine faction intending to replace him with an identical impostor. It's the very same tactic you employed, Your Majesty, but he has, in turn, disclosed this information to several other Hall Masters."
The sheep-faced man narrowed his eyes.
"Intriguing."
Releasing the Snake Consort, the man took a couple of steps back before speaking with a chilling tone.
"A mere puppet, yet it dares to harbor its own ambitions!"
His demeanor instantly shifted, radiating a cold and perilous aura that instilled fear in the Snake Consort.
"Snake Consort, you have served me well. I understand the circumstances now. You should return for tonight; I shall ensure that fool recognizes the distinction between a king and a mere steed. Worry not, order will soon be restored."
"Your Majesty..."
The Snake Consort clung to his figure, a hint of reluctance in her expression.
However, upon sensing the increasingly frigid gaze he directed at her, she prudently lowered her head, took two steps back, and resumed her mask.
Were it not for this urgent matter, a typical encounter might have led to a more intimate continuation of the night. But now, the Gang Leader's interest had waned; she had no choice but to depart obediently. Any attempt to offend him would lead to consequences she dared not contemplate! After all... he was the true leader of the Forest Snake Gang! Not that ineffectual individual currently holding the gang's nominal leadership!
Emerging from the casino, the Snake Consort gazed up at the night sky.
Unbeknownst to anyone else.
Even her husband remained unaware that for many years, she had maintained a secret liaison with the genuine Gang Leader.
When combined with the intelligence gathered from the imposter's associate, the entire Forest Snake Gang had, both openly and covertly, consistently remained under the actual Gang Leader's absolute control!
Returning to her residence, she found her husband, drugged and sound asleep, completely oblivious to the night's unfolding events.
Initially, during the preceding months, the effects of the drugs had made her apprehensive, too fearful to act recklessly.
But the concoction provided by the Gang Leader proved exceedingly potent, gradually allowing her to shed her inhibitions.
The one who lies beside you, the persecutor, is often the most dangerous.
Every month, the Snake Consort fulfilled the Gang Leader's desires, which in turn ensured her obedient and affectionate demeanor towards her husband. She maintained an appearance of virtue and devotion, leaving no room for suspicion. This was a principal reason why the Gang Leader had selected her as his clandestine operative.
As dawn began to break, the Snake Consort had already returned to her room and was preparing to rest.
And precisely at that moment...
Boom!!
Through a gap in the window, a faint flicker of flames could be seen in the distance.
That direction... it seemed to be the direction of the Foolish Underworld?
The Snake Consort gave it no further thought, settling onto her bed and drifting into a deep sleep.
She was utterly exhausted.
...