“Submit?”
Upon hearing Billy’s words, Joel Greenwood paused for a moment. He didn’t expect Billy to have such thoughts. After a brief pause, he continued speaking, “Commander Gardner, aren’t you worried that I might verbally agree to surrender but won’t actually submit in action?”
Just as he finished his sentence, Billy’s wrist flicked, and three silver needles shot out, piercing Joel Greenwood’s chest.
“…” Joel Greenwood paused. Before he could finish speaking, an unprecedented pain spread through every cell of his body.
“Ah…” A scream escaped his lips as he writhed on the ground, blood vessels visibly expanding, sweat beads covering his forehead, eyes bloodshot, and his face contorted in extreme agony.
“Stop! Please stop! I’m willing to… I’m willing to submit.” He groaned while rolling on the ground.
As a War God-Emperor, he believed his body was impervious, but the pain surpassed any human endurance. The sensation of blood flowing backward and a myriad of ants gnawing at his body felt like a living nightmare.
Swish!
After about a minute, a wisp of finger wind shot out from Billy’s hand, entering Joel Greenwood’s body, and the pain dissipated.
Joel Greenwood, now drained, lay on the ground, breathing heavily. His entire body was drenched in cold sweat, and he looked utterly defeated.
“The pain you just experienced will recur in three months. Without my intervention, it will continue until you lose your vitality.” Billy calmly stated. “Don’t attempt to force out the silver needles with inner strength, that would only bring the torment three months early!”
“I-I’m willing to surrender…” Joel Greenwood, struggling to get up, looked at Billy with a trembling voice. After a brief pause, he continued, “I wonder, Commander Gardner, what do you want me to do?”
“You have three months to identify members of prominent families and ancient martial sects working in various government offices in the capital” Billy responded nonchalantly.
“Commander Gardner, it’s incredibly challenging to accomplish this within three months.” Joel Greenwood said, slightly shocked by Billy’s request. He never expected that Billy wanted him to surrender for this task.
Throughout history, many had attempted such a feat, but none succeeded. The complexity and multitude of individuals involved made it an immense undertaking.
Bob Stokes and Night Orchid, hearing Billy’s words, had a moment of realization. They understood why Billy suddenly decided to subdue individuals connected to the Greenwood clan– he aimed to purge them from the capital.
“That’s your concern,” Billy interrupted him. “As for how to achieve it, figure it out. With your status, though challenging, it’s not impossible. In three months, if you succeed, both you and the Greenwood clan will survive. Otherwise, die.” He added sternly.
“Y-Yes, Commander Gardner!” Joel Greenwood, after catching his breath, bowed and said, “I will do my best.”
He knew he had no choice unless he wanted his entire family to face annihilation. Yet, at this moment, surrendering wasn’t merely a forced decision. After these two incidents, his perspective on Commander Gardner had subtly changed. Perhaps, making friends with such a talented individual was far better than becoming enemies. He could see this from Harlan Holmes’ example. After the incident with the Holmes clan, Harlan voluntarily stepped down as the Southern Commander and took a position in the Imperial Guard Bureau. After dedicated efforts, he had gained Billy’s recognition, saving the Holmes clan from the brink of destruction. One day, with King of the West in the capital, the Holmes clan would undoubtedly rise, perhaps surpassing its former glory.
“That’s it. Call me if you need anything.” Billy waved his hand.
Shortly after, Billy and his group boarded the car and headed toward SHADOW.
“Boss, Ink Pavilion probably has many people arranged in government offices. Should we let Joel Greenwood investigate with them?” Night Orchid asked as the car left.
“He can’t. That will only alert Ink Pavilion’s people.” Billy said as he shook his head.
Ink Pavilion’s people were skilled in political maneuvers. Sending Joel Greenwood to investigate might alert them. Joel Greenwood wouldn’t find any traces with his methods. To expose Ink Pavilion, they needed to start from the source.
Now, Quillan Inkwell was gone. The source pointed to ‘Ink Room’. Billy didn’t know anything about ‘Ink Room’ yet. So, they would have to put that on hold for now.
“Understood,” Night Orchid nodded in response.
“Billy, did you go to Ink Pavilion recently?” Ivy Chandler looked at Billy and asked with a faint smile. “How did things go?”
“Ivy, let me explain!” Night Orchid smiled and briefly recounted the events of the past month.
“So, Ink Pool really exists?” Ivy Chandler’s eyes brightened after hearing her words. “Billy, have you studied the formation on the pool? Any findings?” she inquired.
“The formation seems to be the work of a God-Emperor formation master, a high-level formation. I haven’t gained much from it yet.” Billy shook his head.
“Really? Even you couldn’t figure it out?” Ivy Chandler raised her eyebrows. “Next time, if there’s an opportunity, I’d like to go see it with you.”
“Sure!” Billy responded with a smile. After a short pause, he continued, “Ivy, is that old man still on Ether Mountain?”
“No, he’s not,” Ivy Chandler shook her head. “Lately, he’s been descending from the mountain frequently. I’m not sure what he’s busy with.”
“It’s probably something happening in the ancient martial world again!” Bob Stokes chimed in.
As they chatted, Bob parked the car in the SHADOW compound. They all got out and headed towards the medical building.
“Ivy?”
As they entered the hall, Stout happened to walk out of the sickroom, and upon seeing Ivy Chandler, he exclaimed in surprise.
“How is Ian’s injury?” Ivy asked.
“He’s fine now,” Stout replied before asking, “Why did you come to the capital?”
“Can’t I come to the capital?” Ivy retorted, giving him a disdainful look, and then proceeded towards the sickroom.
“Ivy?” Just then, Ian Blade emerged from the room.
“Ian, how are you? Is everything okay?” Ivy examined Ian before inquiring.
“Thanks for your concern, Ivy. I’m fine now.” Ian smiled and shook his head. “Stout’s medical skills are extraordinary.”
“Of course!” Stout grinned and then turned to his sister, saying, “Ivy, did I disgrace you?”
“You just got lucky.” Ivy Chandler retorted.
Stout and Ian Blade both coughed in embarrassment.
Night Orchid was amused by Ivy’s attitude and she laughed.
Just then, Billy’s smart phone rang and he put it through.
“How’s it going, Donald?”