Chapter 304: I Became a Substitute!

Chapter 304: I Became a Substitute!

"I am honored that you are looking forward to meeting me, Mr. Lu. In fact, I've been anticipating this meeting as well."

Tangerine Dad responded with a smile, his nose straight and eyes deep-set, his facial features as sharp as a knife. He was scrutinizing the three of them, his tone both polite and cautious.

"Mr. Lu, you are the most important investor in the Serpent Clan. Previously, we believed that the Lu Corporation only held significant influence in China, and its impact on other countries wasn't particularly remarkable. But unknowingly, you have become the Serpent Clan's biggest partner. Is there some secret to your success?"

Lu Ke chuckled, "There's no secret, really. As long as you're willing to spend money and give up profits, even the strongest defenses will fall."

Lu Ke smiled, "Money can solve all problems. If it can't, then it only means there isn't enough of it."

His audacious tone made Tangerine Dad nod in agreement.

"Money is a vulgar yet incredibly practical thing."

He turned to Caesar and Chu Zihan, "The other two commissioners are also young and promising, a real talent."

Caesar casually replied, "You're too kind. I think the people in the Japan branch aren't bad either."

He added with a hint of challenge, "I think the one beside you is pretty good. They can almost match us."

Beside him, Yuan Zhi, with a sullen face, remained unperturbed, ignoring the provocation.

"Zhi is our next family head. He will soon take over the Serpent Clan from me. He also studied at the headquarters before."

Tangerine Dad smiled subtly and asked, "Zhi, what were your grades back then?"

"All A's."

Yuan Zhi responded calmly, neither arrogant nor humble, stating the facts.

Caesar, who had been neglecting his studies and the classroom for years, was now pulling Chu Zihan aside, his face darkening.

"This one also got all A's."

Chu Zihan, described as a "one," gave him a speechless look and nodded at Yuan Zhi.

"We can exchange ideas when we have time."

"I think now is a good time."

Lu Ke interrupted, signaling to the two of them, "Actually, I have some matters to discuss privately with the family head. I wonder if that's convenient."

"I'll take care of that matter. You don't have to..."

Yuan Zhi frowned and started to speak, but Tangerine Dad interrupted him.

He smiled gently, "It's convenient. Zhi, take the two commissioners outside to show them around the Japan branch, introduce them to the situation, spar with them, or do something else, it's all up to the commissioners' wishes."

Yuan Zhi hesitated, actually a bit worried that Lu Ke might harm Tangerine Dad if he couldn't see Hanae, as the data showed that Lu Ke was a lawless person.

"Mr. Lu is a friend of the Serpent Clan. It's because of him that the Serpent Clan has rapidly developed and surpassed the Demon Hordes in recent years. We always reserve a spot for him at every meeting and worship ceremony to show our respect. What's there to worry about?"

Tangerine Dad's breath was steady, and he reassured them, "Go ahead, Zhi. I'll be fine with Mr. Lu. We've been on the same side from the start."

Yuan Zhi nodded silently and left with Caesar and Chu Zihan, closing the door behind them.

Only Tangerine Dad and Lu Ke remained in the temple, the latter's smile widening, his eyes filled with malice.

"You dare to meet me alone, aren't you afraid I might do something to you?"

The water in the teapot began to boil, but the old fox pretended not to notice Lu Ke's malice, his smile unchanged, his tone still exceptionally friendly.

He knew Lu Ke held some resentment towards him, but he didn't consider it a big deal. Before this, the two had no significant interactions; it was only because Lu Ke wanted to see Hanae and had annoyed this impatient young man by refusing.

Tangerine Dad sighed inwardly. Upon learning yesterday that Lu Ke was coming for Hanae and had successfully convinced Yuan Zhi, he was particularly annoyed.

Hanae was one of his essential tools, and it was obviously a problem that such a powerful and influential person had taken a fancy to her. But after a moment's thought, he felt this might not be a bad thing.

Tangerine Dad revealed a smile, everything under control, his tone calm and unhurried.

"Mr. Lu might have some misunderstandings about me, but they can be cleared up. I've watched Hanae grow up since she was a baby, from a child to a young lady. It's an experience ordinary people can't comprehend."

He sighed, "When a child grows up, they will eventually marry. I know Mr. Lu likes Hanae, and I'm aware of his achievements, but rest assured, I don't plan to oppose it."

He showed a hint of ambiguous color that men would understand, trying to make Lu Ke relate.

"Men, especially successful and outstanding men like Mr. Lu, it's normal to have a wandering heart. Japanese women are all good girls who obey and endure, and they won't be too jealous. Hanae will be the same."

"Tachibana Masazane had already prepared to send Hanai out for this man's amusement. Although he was a little reluctant to let the girl he had painstakingly raised be defiled by a pervert, if it could gain the support of the Lu Corporation, it wouldn't be a bad deal.

"Is that so? I didn't expect you to be so reasonable."

Lu Ke smiled as he looked at him, his tone calm.

Tachibana Masazane frowned slightly, sensing that he had failed to provoke Lu Ke's emotions. A hint of unease crept into his heart as he felt like a clown performing a solo act on stage, while the audience stared at him with disdain.

"Hanai is not only my adopted daughter but also the head of one of the three main families of the Serpent Clan. Given her unique physical condition, it's true that she can't be exposed to outsiders. But I know that Lu-kun genuinely likes her, and as her father, I'm willing to withstand the pressure from the family to let you meet her."

At this point, he paused, waiting for the other party to offer suitable conditions—a massive flow of funds, beyond-era investigation and excavation technology, and cooperation to deceive the headquarters by reporting false information...

As long as it was agreed upon in advance that Hanai would not leave Tokyo or his jurisdiction, everything would be fine. He had already planned out all the strategies and tactics.

Lu Ke showed no interest, waving his hand dismissively, "Is that all you have to say?"

Tachibana Masazane was taken aback, seeing the person before him approach with ill intentions. A sense of danger washed over him, and he couldn't help but take a few steps back, his heart skipping a beat.

This... this wasn't quite what he had expected from the negotiation process!

"Lu-kun, what do you mean? Did I misunderstand something? You're not interested in Hanai?"

Tachibana Masazane tried to remain calm as he tested the waters.

"How could that be? I really like Hanai." Lu Ke continued walking, a gentle smile on his face.

"She's so pure and adorable. Once she falls for someone, that person fills her heart and mind. Even a scoundrel like me... cough, a playboy, would feel purified by loving her."

"Then what do you really want...?"

Lu Ke had already reached him, his tone gentle. "I just want you to die once."

...

On the bustling streets of Tokyo, Yuan Zhisheng silently lit a 'Soft Seven' cigarette, gazing through the hazy smoke at Chu Zihan and Caesar, standing side by side.

"You mean, you two want to help eliminate the Demon Horde?"

He looked at them as if they were kittens trying to take on a tiger.

Was it because of his generous hospitality that they had misunderstood something? Were the kids from the headquarters this brave?

Caesar raised an eyebrow, "We just think it's a bit odd that you haven't gotten rid of a bunch of trash after all these years. It's not like we can't handle it, so let the headquarters take care of it."

His words were a bit blunt. Chu Zihan's expressionless face turned towards him.

"We're here on orders from headquarters to eliminate the Demon Horde. It's just to intimidate them. The Japan Branch seems calm on the surface, but in reality, it's quite rebellious. Headquarters already has its eyes on you."

Yuan Zhisheng tapped off some ash, his gaze resting on the orderly streets bustling with activity, his tone indifferent.

"The Serpent Clan has independent ideas, and there's not much connection between the headquarters and the Japan Branch. It would be better for everyone if they were separated. But we're not planning to make a decision right now, as for the Demon Horde..."

Yuan Zhisheng paused, actually unsure why the Demon Horde could persist for so long under the Serpent Clan's suppression.

The insane demons should have difficulty controlling their actions, and the Serpent Clan's power is so vast. Even those with bloodline issues, the 'demons', were isolated in advance, yet the Demon Horde always managed to rise from the ashes.

He had always suspected that there was an insider in the family, but he had no way to act on it. Whoever was protecting the Demon Horde must be a high-ranking member of the Serpent Clan, but none of the family heads seemed like traitors.

"The Demon Horde isn't something for children to get involved with. You don't need to meddle in this matter."

This is the headquarters of Gen Heavy Industries, one of the Eight Great Snake Families!

With a single command from him, everyone in the building would swarm to protect him. The armed forces from the Japanese branch and the students of Cassel Academy were not on the same level.

But Lu Ke's identity was too important. If something happened to him here, it would be equivalent to directly severing ties with the Academy, and the industries of the Eight Great Snake Families would face tremendous turmoil, possibly even triggering international disputes!

"You have to consider the consequences before acting, Lu. We can discuss anything."

Lu Ke shrugged, "I've already thought it through. It's just killing you once, not a big deal."

The pure killing intent made Old Dad's teeth chatter. The fear of death enveloped him, and with a cliff behind him, he had no choice but to retreat. He couldn't think about the consequences of taking action, and if he didn't call for help, he would surely die!

Old Dad slammed the teacup on the table, shattering it and emitting a crisp sound. That was the danger signal!

He backed away in panic, cursing, "You lunatic!"

The air suddenly became viscous, and Old Dad frantically shook his head in fear, but he didn't see the subordinates who were supposed to come to his aid. Instead, he witnessed the outside scenery disappearing, as if a black curtain of unknown substance enveloped the entire Wakamiya Shrine.

"Wait, wait! I'm Hanae's foster father!"

Old Dad let out a desperate moan.

"I don't care about that."

A nonchalant voice, tinged with disdain, emanated from a hand enveloped in a blue aura as it covered Old Dad's brain. A wave of pain, originating from the depths of his soul, overwhelmed him.

Old Dad's eyes rolled back, saliva involuntarily dripping from the corner of his mouth, as the intense pain caused him to scream in agony. His body convulsed instinctively.

Countless memories flowed out like a waterfall, following the blue light. Lu Ke carefully examined his memories as if flipping through a book.

This person's mind contained Old Dad's memories, a vast amount of knowledge about Dragon-kind research, a small portion of alchemy, and some memories of the Demon Hordes leader, Wang Jiang.

But he wasn't Herzog!

Lu Ke casually retracted his hand, unsurprised by the revelation. This was a substitute, a substitute who didn't even realize he was a substitute himself.

Why was Old Dad burned to death in the Tokyo Tower fire while Herzog survived? Why could Wang Jiang be resurrected countless times despite being killed by Younger Brother? Why could he appear in both Red Well and take Hanae there? All these questions now had answers.

The cunning old man had prepared numerous substitutes, only revealing himself at the final moment when stealing the power of the White King.

Lu Ke indifferently waved his hand, and the substitute's soul dissipated like smoke. The soul fragments merged, gradually forming a new soul—one that only obeyed Lu Ke's soul.

The new soul possessed only Old Dad's memories. It would genuinely work for the Eight Great Snake Families, considering the well-being of his foster son and daughter.

After all, considering Younger Brother and Hanae's feelings, let Old Dad, this false father, become a real person! As for Herzog, he was a substitute who pretended to be the head of the Eight Great Snake Families!

Lu Ke calmly and orderly manipulated the new soul, shaping it to his liking.

Moments later, the new Old Dad opened his eyes, his gaze filled with reverence. Without hesitation, he knelt before Lu Ke.

"Master."

Lu Ke nodded, "Yes, get up. From now on, you are the true head of the Eight Great Snake Families. You don't need to be so reverent when there are outsiders around."

"Praise your kindness."

Old Dad respectfully stood up, maintaining a bowed posture.

Lu Ke nodded in satisfaction. Having two hands was indeed useful, whether for modifying bodies or souls in various worlds.

He handed over a list, which contained the names of spies within the Eight Great Snake Families, gathered from Old Dad's memories.

The Eight Great Snake Families were like a script from the Shield Agency. The head of the family being an insider was a reversal of fortune, no wonder the Demon Hordes' counterattack was so overwhelming, with all their firepower and locations known to the enemy. It was no wonder they lost.

"Gather the people on this list and execute them. Don't leave any loose ends. You handle the aftermath."

"Yes."

After giving his instructions, Lu Ke stretched lazily, feeling refreshed.

"Alright, now take me to see Hanae."

This time, Old Dad hesitated for a moment before responding.

Lu Ke looked at him in surprise, "Speak up if you have something to say. I'm a very open-minded boss."

"Thinking about handing over my foster daughter to you fills me with a sense of uncontrollable sadness."

Old Dad respectfully replied, his tone tinged with melancholy.

Lu Ke's face darkened as he glared at Old Dad.

What kind of reaction was this? Was he a poor choice for a partner?

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end