Shen Qingzhu stared, dumbfounded.
The Whisperer, whose throat was gripped by the Ninth Seat, was equally dumbfounded.
"That's impossible!" The Whisperer's eyes were filled with disbelief. "I planted a Soul Contract in you. You couldn't possibly betray me!"
"Soul Contract..." A faint smile appeared in the Ninth Seat's eyes. "That thing isn't actually as useful as you think. Before that lord's divine consciousness, it's far too fragile."
"Divine consciousness?" The Whisperer frowned. "What is that?"
"The chairman's unique method. You wouldn't understand even if I told you."
"Chairman? You're not one of the Night Watchmen?"
The Ninth Seat shook his head. "No."
"Other than the Ancient God Church, what other organization could there be in Great Xia?"
"The Ancient God Church? Nothing but a cancer of Great Xia." The Ninth Seat's lips curled slightly. "Your vision is far too narrow. Why not set your sights farther afield? For example... beyond Great Xia?"
The Whisperer frowned. "I don't believe any forces could still exist within the mist."
"That's why a cancer can only ever be a cancer." The Ninth Seat sneered.
"You've lurked at my side for so long. What exactly was your purpose?"
"To puncture this cancer at the right time." The Ninth Seat shook his head regretfully. "Unfortunately, the Ancient God Church only accepts God's Agents, so I could only join the Believers and monitor your every move."
"Just you, a 'Boundless'?"
"So what if I'm 'Boundless'? Aren't I still gripping your throat right now?" The Ninth Seat said slowly. "Sometimes, patience matters more than strength."
"Eleven years... Your patience truly is terrifying."
"But I never expected you to secretly send the Third Seat and the First Seat to slaughter Team 008." The Ninth Seat narrowed his eyes. "I'd been wondering why, despite leaving so many secret marks to