"Things have come to this. Do you really think stalling for time will work? All I want is for us to leave each other alone and for a hundred thousand spirit stones. That's no great sum for you, Director Zhao, or the Zhao Lineage. So, can you pay up or not?"
Xu Yi wore a smug look, tapping the tabletop lightly with his fingers. "I told you, there's plenty of evidence in my Sumeru Ring. It's worth a hundred thousand spirit stones. Believe it or not, if you won't trade with me, I can trade with someone else and get even more."
"Who else would want that evidence?"
Deputy Director Zhao narrowed his eyes.
"What do you think?"
Xu Yi smiled. "The seat you hold as Deputy Director of the Household Registration Department is a coveted one. Who knows how many people would love to try their hand at it? Do you really think no one would pay a hundred thousand spirit stones to see you step down?"
"Fine! I accept your terms!"
Deputy Director Zhao slammed his hand on the table, as if he had reached a momentous decision. "But there's one thing. You must also swear a blood oath that you'll never tell anyone about this."
"I'm afraid I can't agree to that," Xu Yi said.
"What do you mean?"
"It's simple. These secrets are what I'm using to keep you in check. In other words, they're my protective talisman. If I let you bind me with a blood oath, wouldn't I be throwing away my own advantage for nothing?"
"I can also swear a blood oath that I'll never oppose you again."
"Forget it. That's just wordplay. Why try to fool me? Even if you don't oppose me, there's still Third Young Master Zhao. If he's gone,