Then let them offer their loyalty!

Page 701

For a moment, he froze, and his words caught in his throat.

His nostrils twitched a few times, and his hand pointing at the candle dance trembled slightly, as if he was still hesitating and struggling.

But when he saw the slightly excited look in Zhuwu's eyes, his expression changed, and finally he took a deep breath and put his hand down heavily! He decided not to argue with Zhuwu.

Seeing that Shen Yuzhou had backed down, a hint of disappointment was clearly visible on Zhu Wu's face, which was exactly the same as Shen Ling Shuang's.

Then she muttered to herself in a voice loud enough for all three of them to hear, "What a pity. They didn't scold me."

"If he insults me, I can kill him openly and honestly."

"Anyway, my new dad just got the ring and couldn't control me for a while. It's reasonable for me to kill my old dad, right?"

"At most, they'll apologize and offer some compensation."

"The Third Shelter can still come knocking on our door?"

As she said this, Zhu Wu's large, watery eyes kept glancing at Qiu Tu. The meaning couldn't be clearer...

However, before Qiu Tu could react to her little expressions and movements, Shen Yuzhou felt a chill run down his spine!

That wasn't just talking to himself; it was clearly a coordinated confession before the crime was committed!

So he glared at Zhuwu with a livid face, and then scolded, "Since I dared to hand you over to Speaker Qiu myself, do you think I don't have any means of self-defense?"

"Do you really think I'm an idiot? Don't you know how much you want to kill me?"

"If I hadn't been fully prepared, how could I dare to sit here!"

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wu couldn't help but sigh, and a look of disappointment immediately appeared on her face.

Qiu Tu: ....

Neither of them seems to be very bright.

To be honest, having experienced so much in the "Northwest Region," and seen too many seasoned veterans and cunning old foxes, Qiu Tu was actually a little unaccustomed to suddenly coming into contact with the 3rd and 4th shelters.

Although Shen Yuzhou and Li Feng are both somewhat shrewd, they are still far inferior to the group of old foxes in the "Northwest Region".

Especially Shen Yuzhou and the Third Shelter. They had absolutely nothing to do with being shrewd and calculating; they were more like a bunch of crazy people.

This may be because... they were one of the earliest human refuges, and have been enduring the pressures of war for many years.

The factional struggles within the shelter also closely resemble the law of the jungle, bloody and blatant. Might reigns supreme, and the winner takes all.

In this situation, they don't need to study interpersonal relationships or politics; they only need to frantically increase their strength.

After all, only by becoming strong can they survive. And only by becoming strong can they gain control of the entire shelter.

In contrast, the "Northwest Region," being a second-line battlefield, was less affected, giving human shelters more opportunities for development.

Therefore, while strength is important, interpersonal relationships and strategic alliances are equally crucial. Furthermore, with fewer resources compared to the "Southwest Region," the political landscape is more mature.

This led to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th shelters in the "Southwest Region" becoming even more brutal, while the 6th, 7th, and 8th shelters in the "Northwest Region" became more subtle and insidious.

After silently comparing the two regions in his mind, Qiu Tu raised his head and tried to smooth things over for the two of them, "Speaker Shen, please don't be angry. Zhu Wu was just joking."

"You know her, she's never been serious. And she doesn't know how to take jokes seriously either."

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhu Wu was clearly a little unhappy and opened her mouth to refute.

However, Qiu Tu slightly raised his hand to interrupt her, then changed the subject, "Regardless, I am very grateful to Speaker Shen for personally delivering 'Candle Dance' tonight."

"Rest assured, 'Candle Dance' will be perfectly safe with me. And our transaction will continue indefinitely."

At this point, Qiu Tu paused for a moment and said,

"Next, I will head to the 'Boundless Sea of ​​the Heart - Core Area' to pursue a higher realm and embark on a stronger path."

"And with the 'Overseas Enclave' Act, you can also set up offices to exert your influence over the 6th and 7th asylums."

At this point, Qiu Tu subtly embellished the deal between the two parties, saying, "Our human race is now facing the greatest disaster in its history. We must unite as one and work together to overcome this challenge."

"We must concentrate our resources. Those with a chance of reaching the seventh or eighth tier should go all out to do so. Those with a chance of integrating regional resources should do so as well. We must develop with all our might."

"Only in this way can our human race possibly overcome this great crisis."

Qiu Tu's offer of a way out was quite good, so Shen Yuzhou's face immediately showed a hint of agreement. He said earnestly, "Yes. That's exactly it."

"Faced with the great cataclysm, our human race must integrate all available resources and then develop with all our might."

"There may be some sacrifices involved, but they are all for the betterment of humanity."

Qiu Tu nodded slightly, looking completely convinced. He seemed to regard Shen Yuzhou as a kindred spirit.

Zhu Wu listened from the side, rolling her eyes dramatically. She was clearly speechless at this self-deceptive explanation from humans.

But she was, after all, just a "daughter," and with her two fathers chatting, she had no chance to interject. So she could only stand beside Qiu Tu, silent and patiently waiting.

Thus, the conversation got back on track, and Qiu Tu and Shen Yuzhou briefly discussed the upcoming coordination issues and reached a consensus.

During this period, the Third Shelter has successively transferred 2000 elite personnel from the "Southwest Region" to serve as the staff for the establishment of the office.

Qiu Tu will give the 3rd shelter another 3 days to allow them to establish preliminary offices in various cities and prefectures and to liaise with the senior management of the 6th and 7th shelters.

Afterwards, Qiu Tu will officially step down as the head of the 7th Shelter and head to the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area".

At that time, Shen Yuzhou and his team can continue to fulfill the agreement with the 6th and 7th shelters and thoroughly develop the "overseas enclave".

During this period, no matter what difficulties Qiu Tu encountered while training "Candle Dance", or if Candle Dance had any problems, he could seek help from Shen Yuzhou and the others to resolve them.

And so, after finalizing the details of the transaction, the two men clasped hands once more.

That look exactly like a villain colluding with someone else...

After letting go, Qiu Tu chatted with Shen Yuzhou for a few more minutes before getting up to see him out of the villa.

However, what Shen Yuzhou didn't see was... as Qiu Tu watched his retreating figure, his face slowly became expressionless, his eyes as cold as if he were looking at a dead man...

After seeing Shen Yuzhou off, Qiu Tu returned to the living room with "Candle Dance," who had been standing by his side like a maid.

Upon entering the living room, Qiu Tu gestured politely with his hand and said, "Please sit down, Your Majesty, Candle Dance."

It was a very ordinary action and a way of addressing someone, but it made Zhu Wu pause for a moment.

After all... it had been a long time since anyone had shown her such respect since she was captured by the Third Sanctuary, and no one had ever called her "Your Majesty" again.

Thinking this, her expression hesitated for a moment, but then she subtly reverted to her usual cunning look.

She darted to the sofa opposite Qiu Tu and sat down heavily. Then, without any hesitation, she crossed her legs and glanced at Qiu Tu sideways.

They practically had "I'll see what you're up to" written all over their faces.

Seeing her like that, Qiu Tu smiled, took out a jade thumb ring, and asked, "Your Majesty, do you still remember the promise we made late at night?"

Qiu Tu was referring to their first meeting, their secret rendezvous late that night.

That jade thumb ring did indeed seem to be very effective at controlling Zhu Wu. After Qiu Tu took out the jade thumb ring, Zhu Wu's expression became noticeably more unnatural.

Even so, she nodded slightly and said, "I remember."

Qiu Tu fiddled with the jade thumb ring and then said, "Back then, I said I would rescue you from Shen Yuzhou and help you regain your freedom."

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhu Wu's breathing became noticeably heavier.

She looked at Qiu Tu, just stared at him. Her eyes even began to gleam slightly with a golden light.

After Qiu Tu finished speaking, he lowered his head and fiddled with the jade thumb ring, then fell silent.

Qiu Tu wasn't in a hurry, but Zhu Wu was getting anxious.

She looked at Qiu Tu in front of her, her pale golden eyes beginning to flicker.

She endured it, endured it, and endured it... but she couldn't hold back anymore!

She glared at Qiu Tu and said, "Are you going to break the contract?"

Upon hearing her words, Qiu Tu raised his head, looked at "Candle Dance," and then said with a smile, "Look, Your Majesty, you're in a hurry again."

"Our deal hasn't even been finalized yet, why are you breaking the agreement?"

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhu Wu couldn't help but recall the conversation the two had that night.

At the time, Qiu Tu said he would give her freedom, but he also set conditions. That was that "Candle Dance" was required to swear an oath to the "Origin of the World" and obey Qiu Tu for the next year.

This condition isn't actually that demanding. In fact... it's rather generous.

After all, if other organizations in the "Boundless Heart Sea - Core Area" capture a "Reincarnated God" who has not yet developed, they will either "devour" him or demand that the "Reincarnated God" work for them for 10-20 years.

One year is far too short for "gods" who have long lifespans and can even reincarnate multiple times.

Therefore, "Candle Dance's" first reaction was that Qiu Tu was up to something, and that he might be trying to arrange something for her that she couldn't complete, or to force her to do something that would hurt her.

However, Qiu Tu directly denied Zhu Wu's guess.

Thinking this through, Zhuwu rolled her eyes and carefully considered the gains and losses of this transaction.

After confirming that her situation couldn't possibly be worse than it was now, she raised her hand, three fingers touching her cheek, and swore, "The 'Origin of the World' bears witness. I swear by my divine status. For the next year, I will obey the commands of this man before me, Qiu Tu."

"As long as the tasks he assigns me are theoretically achievable, won't harm me, and don't force me to renew my contract, I will unconditionally obey his arrangements."

"If I break this oath, my soul and spirit will be annihilated!"

As the candle dance sang its vows, a deafening "BOOM!" resounded! A flurry of lightning ripped through the dark sky, instantly illuminating the still-drizzling heavens!

As Qiu Tu sat there, he felt a strange, almost magical connection forming between himself and "Candle Dance".

But when he tried to savor it, that feeling vanished in an instant.

At this moment, perhaps because the vow had been made, Zhu Wu raised her head, her pale golden eyes shining brightly as she looked at Qiu Tu.

"Okay, I've made my vow... Can I keep my promise now?"

Hearing Zhu Wu's words, Qiu Tu also came to his senses. He looked at Zhu Wu with a strange expression, and then asked, "What agreement? What agreement do I have to abide by?"

Candle Dance: ? ?

At that moment, Zhu Wu's expression changed. She glared at Qiu Tu with eyes blazing with fury, her fists clenching involuntarily.

As a result, Qiu Tu then unceremoniously used the effect of the "God's Oath" from earlier, saying, "Your Majesty, don't get agitated. And don't you dare attack me."

At this point, Qiu Tu paused for a moment, then added, "Never mind. You should just sit on the sofa and not make any movements."

Upon hearing Qiu Tu's order, Zhu Wu, who had already prepared to punch Qiu Tu, could only shove her bottom back down heavily from the sofa.

She stared at Qiu Tu without saying a word, as if she wanted to remember Qiu Tu's "ugly" face.

However, Qiu Tu was thick-skinned. He seemed completely unaffected, casually playing with the jade thumb ring, then leaned back on the sofa and said calmly,

"Your Majesty, the 'Oath of the Gods' is clearly the easiest way to control the 'Gods,' so why do you 'Gods' still fall for it so easily?"

"Do you 'gods' really have a habit of trusting others?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Zhu Wu laughed in anger.

At this moment, she reverted to her usual cynical and arrogant demeanor.

She said dismissively, "Old Deng. I never imagined that keeping promises had become a derogatory term."

"Would it be better if all the catastrophic creatures in the world were as treacherous and cunning as you humans?"

Upon hearing "Candle Dance's" words, Qiu Tu smiled.

He said, "Keeping promises is not a bad thing. But... we didn't make any promises between us."

"Wasn't it just an ordinary discussion back then?"

"Just now, I only wanted to continue discussing the terms with you. But who knew you would swear an oath without saying a word."

"I tried to stop you, but it was too late. I could only watch helplessly as you gave yourself to me."

What can I say?

"It means I don't have the power to handle this kind of dispute, otherwise I would most likely sue you for forced buying and selling."

Candle Dance: ....

For the first time, Zhu Wu realized that she was actually a bit outmatched by Qiu Tu in terms of verbal sparring.

So she simply stopped arguing and trying to explain. She went straight to Qiu Tu, her voice trembling with excitement, and began to blurt out, "Old Deng, you..."

"I*@#!"

"you*#@!"

Listening to that passage containing an extremely high amount of "mother" and "certain organs" content, Qiu Tu picked at his ear, with a look of utter indifference.

Seeing Qiu Tu's expression, Zhu Wu was even more furious and wanted to hit him a few times. But then she remembered Qiu Tu's "order" and the consequences of breaking the "oath," and she forced herself to hold back.