Tang had never expected the ring Stella had deliberately sent him from the dungeon back then to prove useful in this way.
He remembered that the ring had originally been intended to guard against the Lionheart Lord's [Domain of Honesty]. But Lion had clearly realized Stella was investing in Tang, and had openly encouraged him to "shop around."
Whatever the case, it was indeed the key to his advantage in these negotiations—
Unable to read his mind, the Mind Flayer could not determine whether he had genuinely considered crushing Chris's brain, and therefore could not make the decision that best served his interests.
The Mind Flayer could only ask, seemingly resigned:
"Then how do you want to cooperate? Or rather, what can you offer, and what exactly do you need?"
"[Golden Beacon]. Since you said it's a key to the Golden Country, it clearly isn't exclusive to anyone. Whoever gets it can open the gates to the Golden Country. Since we share the same goal, there's no need to fight to the death before we even get the key."
Tang laid out his thoughts.
"Our immediate priority is obviously to recover that key from Ye Ying Kling."
"Then give me her head."
The Mind Flayer pointed at Shalti. The answer he received was the vibrating string of her bow.
He hastily deflected the arrow hurtling toward him and amended his words. "Or find another woman's head." "What do you need a woman's head for?" Tang asked.
"We originally thought Chris's betrayal would let us devour Ye Ying Kling's brain while the Drow were embroiled in internal conflict. We never expected Spider Silk to take them alive and imprison everyone in the [Silk-Coiling Path].
"As the Matron Mother's Consort Father, he isn't allowed to leave her side, much less set foot