The small clinic fell silent.
A moment later, You Ze took the initiative to speak. "I have a lead on 'Mother.'"
The phoenix-eyed man stirred slightly. "Oh? Looks like you haven't spent all these years indulging yourself."
"If that's the case, then there's even more reason for you to return."
You Ze smiled without saying anything.
The phoenix-eyed man narrowed his eyes slightly. After a moment, he said, "No way."
"You don't know the specifics."
"You had other people investigate independently and only told you the results, without giving you the details?"
You Ze nodded. "That's right."
The phoenix-eyed man sighed. "That's why I've never liked playing chess against myself."
"All right. What do you want?"
Without hesitation, You Ze said, "Freedom."
The phoenix-eyed man glanced at him. "That's exactly the sort of thing I would do."
"Freedom..."
"You want freedom, but have you ever considered how great my loss would be if I gave it to you?"
"Giving you freedom would mean permanently losing part of my power."
You Ze said calmly, "First, my departure would only cost you a limited portion of your power. Even without that portion, you would still be Throne Third."
"Second, if you obtain the lead on 'Mother,' I believe what you gain will be enough to make up for your loss."
"You might even surpass your former self and become Throne First!"
The phoenix-eyed man pursed his lips and laughed. "Your proposal is indeed tempting. I have to admit, you know exactly what I want."
You Ze lowered his head. "Of course. No one in this world understands you better than I do."
The moment his voice fell,
a shadow surged over like water, transforming into a python. It opened its jaws, bit You Ze by the neck, and lifted him into the