"What do you mean?" Verde lowered his gaze slightly and looked at He Ao.
"I'm just saying," He Ao's smile faded as he said calmly, "the Intelligence Bureau doesn't seem to be as safe as you described. And people involved with Evil Gods..."
He shifted his gaze toward the White Robe Figure in the darkness and said meaningfully, "usually die quite horribly."
Verde lowered his eyes. Rather than responding directly to He Ao's words, he said, "So you're refusing me?"
"It seems you really are quite confident," He Ao said slowly, the corner of his lips curling up. "When did you get the impression that I would agree?"
Verde's face darkened completely. "I never expected the Western Lion, renowned for his maturity and composure, to resort to such verbal mockery. Don't you think this makes you seem far too childish, like a child's little game?"
"And what does a young man like you getting angry over a few words say about your caliber?" He Ao looked at him calmly.
Verde was the typical narrow-minded, emotional sort. When dealing with someone like that, straightforward verbal attacks caused greater damage and were more likely to provoke them.
"You—" Verde's expression darkened further. Then he took a breath and glanced at the ring in He Ao's hand. "The Old Man is certainly eloquent, worthy of his great reputation. Since you refuse to appreciate kindness..."
"Wait." He Ao raised a hand and spoke quickly.
Just as Verde was about to make a threat, He Ao's words interrupted him. He raised his head and looked at He Ao. "Are you preparing to yield?"
"I have a question. I hope you'll answer it truthfully," He Ao said, looking at Verde with a grim expression. "Where did you send the bodies of the parade organizers you killed