"..."
Tinnuk's move to self-detonate paused for a moment.
This soul was not weak.
He didn't want to suffer any losses if he could avoid it.
If Chen Fan kept his word, helping out wasn't impossible.
"Does City Lord Chen's word count for anything?" It was safer to ask.
"My word is as good as gold."
That was all.
Believe it or not, it was up to you.
Tinnuk considered it, then nodded, "Alright, I hope City Lord Chen will do as he says."
"Naturally."
Chen Fan was indifferent. "My goal in Dameria was never you. I sought out the Illuminated Society because you embezzled my wagers."
"As long as you don't trouble me in the future, I won't bother killing you."
This was the truth.
He had no past grudges with Tinnuk.
If the Illuminated Society hadn't stolen his things, he might never have had any significant conflict with them.
Tinnuk thought about it, and it made sense.
They had no prior enmity.
"Tell me what you need my help with." Tinnuk believed him.
Chen Fan didn't answer directly but gestured for Tinnuk to look at the Fire Demon.
"Hee hee."
Chen Fan: "..."
"Such an adorable little girl."
A hint of greed flickered in Tinnuk's eyes.
He also had countless clones, and he wanted to make anything he liked his own.
The Fire Demon's face was always smiling as she met Tinnuk's gaze.
As they looked at each other, Tinnuk's expression began to change.
From initial greed, it slowly turned serious, and finally, to solemnity...
"Dual soul fusion."
Tinnuk let out a long breath, as if expelling his shock. "Who... are you?"
*Clap, clap, clap.*
Chen Fan applauded. As expected of someone who played with souls.
His insight was remarkable.
Tinnuk ignored Chen Fan, his gaze fixed on the Fire Demon. "Two souls, perfectly merged. Who could possibly achieve this?"
His shock was deeper than his expression suggested.
At that moment, waves of astonishment surged within Tinnuk.
If he could master this method, his clones wouldn't have to be dead. They could be living beings.
Perhaps, through this method, he could even step into another realm entirely.
Chen Fan spoke. "Allow me to introduce, this is Tinnuk, the leader of the Illuminated Society, and this... her two souls are the Fire Demon from the Fiery Prison and the current Holy Emperor of the Angelic Holy Assembly."
He clarified their identities upfront.
"The Angelic Holy Emperor?"
Tinnuk's eyes lit up, then, as if remembering something, he stood up abruptly. "I understand. That fellow actually deciphered the other half of the Saintly Scripture."
"What?"
Chen Fan was puzzled.
At this point, Tinnuk no longer concealed anything and said gravely, "About a hundred years ago, I obtained a Saintly Scripture from an ancient ruin. Later, that person stole half of it. At the time, I suspected that person might be the Holy Emperor."
"It seems so now. Not only did he steal half my Saintly Scripture, but he also fully deciphered its contents."
Tinnuk's expression turned terrifyingly grim.
That was his destiny.
At that time, his Illuminated Society was already a subordinate force of the Angelic Holy Assembly.
Although Tinnuk had suspected the Holy Emperor, he had no proof.
Now, he had proof, but it was too late.
The Angelic Holy Assembly had actually made a move against its subordinate forces.
"Interesting," Chen Fan smiled.
So there was this backstory.
The story was over, it was time for business.
Chen Fan stated the immediate problem: "This body currently houses the Fire Demon's awakened soul. The Holy Emperor's soul might awaken at any moment. Is it possible to suppress or kill the Holy Emperor's soul without harming the Fire Demon?"
"Heh."
Tinnuk's smile was filled with icy coldness.
The Holy Emperor had stolen his destiny.
Now, he was presented with this situation. How could he not be pleased?
Everything in the world had its give and take.
Tinnuk thought for a moment and said, "My current clone cannot do that. However, if my main body were to come, it certainly could."
"Then come," Chen Fan blurted out instinctively.
Tinnuk glanced at Chen Fan.
You think I'll just come if you say so?
What if you turn on me and suppress my main body too?
He could accept the loss of his clone.
But if his main body suffered a severe injury or was suppressed, even with many clones, recovery would be troublesome.
Although he wouldn't die, he would be gravely wounded.
Chen Fan understood his hesitation. After a moment of thought, he said, "I can't guarantee anything here. I can only promise not to make a move against you. My target is the Holy Emperor, and you are not involved."
"I'm telling you this to let you know that these are the only promises I can make. Whether you believe me or not is up to you."
"..."
Tinnuk remained silent.
He indeed didn't trust Chen Fan.
But the Holy Emperor had stolen his destiny. If he missed this excellent opportunity for revenge, wouldn't that benefit the Holy Emperor?
After a long deliberation, he finally made his decision. "Alright, I will bring my main body. I believe in City Lord Chen's character."
He was taking a gamble for the sake of severely damaging the Holy Emperor.
Chen Fan smiled slightly. "Your choice is a wise one. When can your main body arrive? Preferably soon. I can't guarantee when the Holy Emperor will wake up. Once he does, I'll have no choice but to act."
Acting would mean killing.
The Fire Demon, overhearing this, felt a moment of amusement. "How interesting, hee hee..."
"It's coming."
Before the conversation concluded, Tinnuk suddenly spoke.
"Hmm?"
All three were startled.
What was coming?
The next moment, they understood.