Chapter 383

After making his introduction, Milomon took his leave. First, as the high priest of the temple, he had far too much work to be away for long; second, he had no desire to get involved in this conspiracy—he was not afraid of killing, but he truly found all those twisting schemes tiresome.

Once Milomon had left, only Crick and Lomon remained in the study. Only then did Lomon sit down and discuss matters with Crick in detail.

"What's your plan?" Crick asked.

Lomon had prepared in advance and already had a draft in mind. He immediately replied, "That depends on the state of your health, my lord. Forgive my presumption, but I wish to ask: are you currently 'gravely ill but still holding on,' or 'at death's door'?"

It was a highly discourteous question, but Crick did not mind. He smiled faintly and said calmly, "Is there a difference?"

"Yes! And a great one!" Lomon answered. "If your body can hold out for several more years, then this time we should kill the chicken to frighten the monkeys, strike the small to warn the great. On one hand, we must ruthlessly eliminate a batch of ill-intentioned people; on the other, for those with more formidable backgrounds, a warning and a knock on the head will suffice. As long as you are here, that alone will be enough to deter them."

Crick nodded slightly and asked, "And if it's the other situation?"

His manner remained calm, without the slightest despair of a man saying, "I'm about to die."

Lomon's eyes narrowed slightly. "If you truly do not have long to live, then we have no choice. We can only cast caution to the winds and kill everyone who has come with malicious intent, leaving not a single one alive! No matter