novelnext Chapter 573
Chapter 573
“Lord Secret Envoy!”
“Lord Secret Envoy!”
...
Zhou Qingang's voice wasn’t loud, but when it reached He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan’s ears, it was like a thunderclap.
He Zhenghao was stunned for a moment, his face immediately turning pale. “Lord Secret Envoy has emerged from seclusion? How come I wasn’t informed?”
Gao Yuan also appeared utterly shocked, his expression full of disbelief.
However, what Zhou Qingang said next offered them a sliver of relief.
“The Secret Envoy has not yet emerged,” Zhou Qingang said lightly. “But if anyone thinks their petty schemes can escape the attention of the Secret Envoy in seclusion, that would be laughable.”
His words were filled with implication as he cast a sharp gaze at the two men.
He Zhenghao, feeling guilty, laughed awkwardly. “We all know the Secret Envoy possesses heaven-penetrating abilities; none of us would dare to deceive him!”
Gao Yuan, previously calm and confident, now broke into a cold sweat. His mind raced for a countermeasure as he hastily echoed He Zhenghao’s words.
Li Fan, seeing their feigned ignorance, sneered inwardly.
He raised his voice and sternly rebuked:
“You two, embezzling the recruitment funds behind the Secret Envoy’s back; behaving recklessly while he’s away; treating the laws of the Immortal Alliance as if they’re nothing; selling official positions for massive profits...”
“Do you really think such acts can escape the all-seeing eyes of the Secret Envoy?”
“How could you be so foolish?”
He Zhenghao, struck as if by lightning, trembled uncontrollably. Gao Yuan’s face turned ashen, his mouth opening and closing without forming a single word.
“Hmph! Don’t be deceived by the fact that the Secret Envoy outwardly appears to be only at the Golden Core stage. You both should know his true power is terrifying.” R
“While he might not claim to know all things without leaving his chambers, do you really believe the filth within this tiny Congyun Sea can elude his discerning gaze?” Li Fan declared with pride.
“Since the time, He Zhenghao, when you privately pocketed unclaimed recruitment funds, the Secret Envoy has been watching you.”
Now, thinking back, he found it laughable.
At the time, though, he had been hopelessly ensnared in greed.
Scenes from the past flashed through his mind. He Zhenghao, drenched in sweat, felt as though he had just been pulled from water.
“How did I become like this?” He Zhenghao felt nothing but regret and bewilderment.
“Will the Secret Envoy show me any mercy?” He shivered, imagining his demise at the hands of Li Fan.
Yet, a glimmer of hope remained in his heart. The logic was simple: if the Secret Envoy had already decided to punish him, why bother sending Zhou Qing'ang to say so much?
His patient persuasion and his earlier mention of "doubling the 160,000 contribution points" suggested there might still be room for negotiation.
Thinking of this, He Zhenghao raised his head to look at Zhou Qingang.
Li Fan, noticing He Zhenghao’s long silence and the despair in his eyes, saw him suddenly look up. Smiling faintly, Li Fan spoke again:
“Although your crimes are severe, you were among the first to follow the Lord Secret Envoy.”
“Therefore, the Secret Envoy has decided to give you one last chance to redeem yourselves.”
These words ignited a flicker of hope in both He Zhenghao and Gao Yuan’s eyes.
“Please guide us!” Gao Yuan quickly bowed and asked.
“As I mentioned earlier, the war in Tianling Prefecture is nearing its end.”
“The Secret Envoy’s instructions are simple...” Li Fan paused before continuing resolutely:
“Seize this final opportunity.”
“Take as much as you can!”
His unwavering tone echoed throughout the hall.
Hearing this, the two men exchanged bewildered glances, doubt creeping onto their faces as they turned to Zhou Qingang.