Yama Rising

As the Yin energy quickly dissipated, Qin Ye could tell that these were three people whose entire bodies were wrapped in black, tight-fitting garments. They also wore a headband on their foreheads. The top half of their bodies were corporeal and tangible, yet the bottom half of their bodies were still illusory and enshrouded in Yin energy. They drifted about the spot where Ming Shiyin had fallen just some moments ago, yet not a single living person standing around could sense their presence.

“What are these?” Ming Shiyin asked, evidently unaware of the ongoings in Nippon.

“Are you certain?” Ming Shiyin glanced suspiciously at Qin Ye. The surprising byproduct of their earlier altercation was a somewhat tense yet peculiar harmony. One was wary of the fact that the other possessed an unparalleled ability to erupt with an outpouring of verbal assault, while the other proceeded cautiously for fear of being defenestrated again.

Qin Ye coughed dryly, “If you’ve played through the Nobunaga’s Wild Hope series several times, you’d know just as much as well…”

“That’s… nothing important. What’s important is…” Qin Ye murmured, “You’re someone who has experienced the Warring States era. What do you think the appearance of the Hojo Clan’s secret ninjas of the Renpu represents?”

Things are going to get extremely dangerous!

Although the scale of the war was nothing compared to the strife within Cathay just a millennium ago, the development of society during the interim meant that the wars were fought with far greater bloodshed and devastation than the Three Kingdoms era. In fact, there were even a few factions among the Warring States era who were comparable with the best of the Cathayan forces across history.

“They’ve already mobilized it.” Qin Ye squinted at the three Nipponese emissaries who were quickly disappearing from sight, before finally turning around and walking back into his room, “There are no firearms in the underworld, and all conflicts among underworlds go back to the basics of regular armed combat. These reputable forces who have faded into the annals of history with the effluxion of time have finally been given another opportunity to shine on modern battlefields. At the same time, this serves as a warning to the other contending factions to back off.”

He had sorely underestimated the importance of Oda Nobunaga’s soul to the Nipponese underworld. But I suppose it stands to reason. After all, what would Hell do if we saw the re-emergence of Cao Cao, Li Shimin and the other great historical figures in Cathayan soil?

After all, troops were easy to gather, but a general was a rare commodity!

“‘Great Deity of the East Shining Light’ Tokugawa Ieyasu? ‘Botenmaru’ Date Masamune? ‘Tiger of Kai’ Shingen Takeda?”

“I’m not sure whether the Onmyojis are already in Eastsea right now. The only entities I’m certain are at Eastsea right now are Guardian Auctions and the Imperial Furniture Group. Negotiations with Oda Nobunaga must be completed before we even get to the Strait of Tsushima. Otherwise… how can I possibly convince the Onmyojis? Why would they even want to stand on my side?”

In other words, one single misstep could cost him the opportunity to seize Oda Nobunaga’s soul! In fact, any failure on his part might even cause him to be placed in the position where he would have to offer up the fragment of the Obsidian Heaven’s Eye Bowl in his possession in exchange for a safe passage back home.

But…

Qin Ye tapped on his armrest, and then responded with a deep voice, “Imperial Furniture Group.”

How can you compare me with the esteemed Lord Justice Bao?!

But… I simply don’t have the power to do that!

Ming Shiyin looked at Qin Ye in surprise. After a long time, it responded, “I’d never thought that… you could change so much with the snap of a finger… I finally get why Arthis is willing to remain by your side right now…”

“Yes.” Qin Ye dispensed with the platitudes. After all, his discussions with Imperial Furniture Group was merely the appetizer to give him a taster of the talks to come. The negotiations with the Demon King of the Sixth Heaven is undoubtedly the linchpin of whether this trip to Eastsea would be a success or not!

Qin Ye spoke succinctly. Everyone was eagerly anticipating their meeting tonight, and they naturally didn’t beat about the bush. Without much further ado, they hung up, and the point of contact from the Imperial Furniture Group quickly sent their address to Qin Ye.

Where large transactions as these are concerned, it was important to pick a location where their safety could be ensured. In that regard, they had picked out a shopping district which Imperial Furniture Group had constructed themselves.

The shopping district was distinctly recognizable, and every building was decorated with a beautiful orchid on them. After reporting their name, they were immediately escorted to a luxurious room.

“There’s no need for pleasantries.” Gao Youliang chuckled softly and led Qin Ye into the room, “Come, Mr Qin, let me make some introductions. These are major shareholders of the Imperial Furniture Group, Wan Quan and Ma Zengyi. The three main shareholders of the Imperial Furniture Group are all present today, so you can take it that any decision we come to today will naturally be approved by the board. I’ll take it that Mr Qin wouldn’t mind, would you?”

It was a room with luxurious European-style decors. Grand crystal chandeliers hung from the roof, compelling paintings decorated the walls, while the floors were covered with thick red carpet that exudes class. The shiny sofa which Qin Ye sank into was very soft. Coffee and tea, and an assortment of refreshments had already been placed onto the shining, golden table in front of him.

Extremely young.

Gao Youliang silently slipped his hand into one of the pockets in his suit. There was a white jade fish hidden in that pocket of his, and it was currently warm to the touch. He held it gently, and then turned to the other two and nodded his head. Their eyes gleamed, and they immediately understood everything.

Then there’s no need for further verification of his identity. The conditions ‘over there’ are far more exacting than the conditions for any businesses out here. It’s safe to transact with him.

“But you have no choice but to buy this stock either way.” Qin Ye responded immediately, “You wouldn’t immediately see results if a competitor gets their hands on my stock. But give it a decade - possibly even less - and I’m quite certain that your competitor would already have left you in the dust… Alright, I’m no businessman, and I don’t want to waste too much time on negotiations. I’ve brought the samples. All you need to do is to tell me whether you accept or not. The price will be fixed at 95% of its market value. If you’re not satisfied with the offer, I can take this to the other appointments I’ve lined up.”

It didn’t take long for Gao Youliang to recognize the sheer quality of the stock of Southsea Huanghuali, especially when it came to how exquisite and mystifying its ‘ghost faces’ were. In fact, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the stock of Southsea Huanghuali was of the finest quality!

1. These are all great generals of Japan.