: Ning Zhuo Persuades a Surrender

Author: Gu Zhenren

Date: 2024-07-31

Ning Zhuo abruptly stood up, raising his voice to overpower Yuan Er’s: "Stop spouting nonsense! How did we assassinate you or plot against your monkey companion? Do you have any proof?"

"Do you have any evidence?!"

Yuan Er was taken aback, his eyes burning red with rage. He pointed a trembling finger at Ning Zhuo, his gaze murderous. "You little thief! How dare you bully me in my own home? You deserve to die! You deserve to die!"

Ning Zhuo raised his chin and stepped around the desk, advancing toward Yuan Er while shouting, "Come on, then! My head is right here. Please, Chief Yuan Er, come and take it if you dare."

Step by step, he closed in. Yuan Er, intimidated by his imposing presence, tried to retreat but stumbled over his chair and fell back into it.

He, a Foundation Establishment cultivator, was being cornered by a mere Qi Refining junior. If outsiders saw this, his reputation would be utterly ruined.

Seeing this, Ning Zhuo laughed heartily but didn’t press further. Instead, he took a few steps back, his tone softening. "Chief Yuan Er, you’re a smart man."

"Since I was sent here to persuade you to surrender, I naturally have means to protect myself. But let’s set that aside for now."

"If I suffer even a slight injury here, what do you think Lord Fei Si will think? What will my Ning family do? How will the Flying Disc Workshop retaliate?"

Yuan Er was stunned into silence. He gritted his teeth, clenching his fists so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood.

But the physical pain was nothing compared to the humiliation, anger, and resentment burning inside him.

Ning Zhuo, however, seemed completely at ease. With his hands behind his back, he strolled leisurely around the small study.

If Yuan Er were to lose his temper and strike out in anger as a Foundation Establishment cultivator, Ning Zhuo’s fate would be grim. Yet he moved with the calm of someone taking a casual walk, knowing that his composure and confidence would only intimidate his opponent further.

Ning Zhuo raised his head and spoke eloquently, recounting the life experiences of Yuan Yi and Yuan Dasheng, detailing the origins of the Monkey Head Gang, and describing several key battles with meticulous precision.

The feeling of being completely exposed sent chills down Yuan Er’s spine.

Though Ning Zhuo was only at the third level of Qi Refining, to Yuan Er, he seemed like a giant beast opening its jaws, ready to devour him and the entire Monkey Head Gang.

Ning Zhuo stopped in front of Yuan Er again, his sharp gaze seeming to pierce straight into his heart. "Chief Yuan Er, your father and Uncle Monkey fought tooth and nail their entire lives to build this foundation. Are you going to let it crumble in your hands?"

"Are you willing to accept that? Do you think you can face your father and Uncle Monkey with a clear conscience?"

Yuan Er glared at him. "I’ve been reduced to this state entirely because of you people!"

"No, you’re wrong!" Ning Zhuo waved his hand dismissively. "If it weren’t us, it would be someone else! This world operates on the law of the jungle. The weak are prey for the strong."

"Otherwise, how did your father and Uncle Monkey rise to power? How was the Monkey Head Gang established?"

"Your current mindset is no different from those you’ve trampled underfoot in the past."

"Stop blaming others, Chief Yuan Er."

"Such thinking is cowardly. Show some dignity for your father and Uncle Monkey!"

Yuan Er continued to glare but found no words to retort.

As someone from a gang background, he inherently believed in the law of the jungle. There was no way he could argue against it.

Ning Zhuo raised his head and returned to the main topic. "If you align with us, we can help you. Only then will we extend our assistance."

Yuan Er took a deep breath. "How will you help me?"

Ning Zhuo turned around, hands behind his back, and took a few steps, leaving Yuan Er with only his silhouette. His tone was mysterious. "Do you understand the relationship between the Flying Disc Workshop and Lord Fei Si?"

"Let me share a secret with you: 40% of the profits from selling mechanical monkeys go to Lord Fei Si."

"Although Lord Fei Si would never publicly admit it, even a little favor from him would make your life entirely different."

"This connection alone is enough to intimidate those ambitious elders of yours."

Yuan Er took another deep breath.

Resentment welled up in his heart once more.

"So, the Flying Disc Workshop’s dominance is due to their profit-sharing with Fei Si and his backing."

"How ugly! How corrupt!"

"No wonder I, and the Monkey Head Gang, have been bullied so miserably."

"With a Golden Core cultivator backing them, and someone as ruthless as Fei Si, how could we possibly win?!"

The more Yuan Er thought about it, the more bitter and angry he felt, his courage draining away completely.

Ning Zhuo watched every subtle change in Yuan Er’s expression and continued, "Not only that, but we will also sell large quantities of mechanical monkeys to you."

"From now on, you must abandon live monkeys and switch to mechanical Blaze Monkeys."

Yuan Er was stunned. "That’s impossible! If I issue such an order, I’ll be overthrown immediately. They would never obey such an absurd command."

Ning Zhuo laughed, having anticipated this response. "Of course, I wouldn’t want you to lose your position as chief."

"Just tell them that from now on, the Flying Disc Workshop won’t touch the fire persimmon harvesting business. It will all belong to the Monkey Head Gang!"

"The only condition is that you must use mechanical Blaze Monkeys and abandon all live monkeys."

Yuan Er was incredulous. "What did you say?"

Ning Zhuo chuckled. "You didn’t really think our Flying Disc Workshop wanted to take over your business, did you?"

"Your perspective is too narrow."

"We have close ties and profit-sharing with Lord Fei Si. Competing for the fire persimmon harvesting business would mean contending with the people for profit, which would harm Lord Fei Si’s reputation. We would never do such a thing."

"We only sell mechanical Blaze Monkeys to reduce the risks of harvesting fire persimmons and minimize casualties. This benefits both the nation and the people—a truly praiseworthy endeavor."

Yuan Er’s face turned pale. For a moment, he found the situation utterly absurd!

All this time, he had believed the other party aimed to seize the Monkey Head Gang’s livelihood, which was why he had fought so desperately. Yet, it turned out their goal lay elsewhere.

So, what was the point of all their previous tension, their preparations for war?

Ning Zhuo seemed to read his mind. "Chief Yuan Er, stop overthinking it."

"If you continue using live monkeys, you’re our enemy. If you use mechanical Blaze Monkeys, you’re our customer!"

"Even a child understands the difference between an enemy and a customer."

"According to Lord Fei Si’s intentions, Fire Persimmon City no longer needs outdated methods like live monkeys for harvesting."

"Every monkey is a living being. How can you be so cruel?"

"Mechanical monkeys are far better—they’re fearless and incredibly efficient."

"I assure you, if you align with us, we will secretly sell you special models of mechanical monkeys. These will outperform the standard versions in every way."

"This will give the Monkey Head Gang a significant advantage in harvesting fire persimmons."

Yuan Er’s heart sank. He knew very well that accepting these terms meant he would forever be at their mercy. The supply and maintenance of mechanical monkeys would depend entirely on the Flying Disc Workshop. The mighty Monkey Head Gang would have its lifeline controlled by others.

Meanwhile, the Flying Disc Workshop would use them to expand its influence over the entire market.

The Monkey Head Gang would still have to fend off competitors, while the Flying Disc Workshop would sit back, profit, and watch the struggle without getting their hands dirty.

"What a brilliant scheme! Truly brilliant!" Yuan Er lamented, his fighting spirit completely extinguished.

A faint glimmer flashed in Ning Zhuo’s eyes. "Chief Yuan Er, have you made up your mind?"

Yuan Er felt nothing but despair. At this point, what choice did he have?

From the moment the thousand-year fire persimmon forest self-destructed, he had already lost completely. He had no options left.

And so, Yuan Er stepped around the desk and stood before Ning Zhuo.

He took a deep breath, suppressing the grief and resentment in his heart, and bowed deeply, his voice trembling. "Yuan Er pays his respects to Sir Ning!"

(End of )