Chapter 650: Cold Shoulder (2)

“This isn’t the cold shoulder, Deputy Chief Babulu. We’ve put him up in the best villa, and given him all the food he can ask for. His needs have all been met. How can you call this the cold shoulder?”

“Have you forgotten about that time in the Middle East, when a coalition of powerful underworlds, including the Argosian Underworld that had laid waste to our lands, joined hands against Hell? Don’t you remember the result back then? Don’t you remember the 100-meter tall pyres of the dead that Hell left in the wake of its march?”

The entity hidden in the black fog sighed softly, “Babulu, you’ve got one perspective, but you haven’t considered the rest. The Coalition of Alkebulan Underworlds is no different from a smattering of multifarious underworlds that seek their own interests. The only reason we’ve managed to survive to this date is because of the protection proffered by each Mythic Spirit to their own nation. That said, not even the lesser underworlds would look to us when it comes to matters of international affairs. So, if that’s the case, why…”

“Why would they agree to our request?”

His voice trembled with excitement.

“That’s right.” Black Mamba Mythic Spirit sighed softly, “78 years ago, Volgograd discovered one of the largest veins of Parasitic Inkstones, and they hope to be able to mine a total of 100 million tonnes of it per year. The total content of the mine is estimated to be as high as 6.7 billion tonnes. It was an earth-shattering discovery that shocked the entire netherworld.”

“But, just a few days ago, the Russian Underworld sent out a series of letters inviting various underworlds across the netherworld to tender for a right to jointly tap into this Parasitic Inkstone Mine that is codenamed “Mole”. The list of underworlds eventually accepted is particularly of interest…”

Babulu immediately took a closer look at the scarlet list of accepted underworlds appended to the back of the agreement. Seconds later, he gasped, “This list of accepted underworlds…”

This can’t be right…

This was far more than the Mole Mine could support!

This was something that the Alkebulan Underworlds had already gotten used to.

Furthermore, there was something particularly strange about the list of accepted underworlds. Some were recognized for their advances in Yin Talismanology or their clout in international affairs. However, of the South Usonian Underworlds that were chosen, the Brasilian Underworld was known to be one of the lowest on the list. And yet, it was still chosen. The only possible justification was that the Brasilian Underworld still held some measure of clout among the South Usonian Underworlds, but even that, that was hardly sufficient justification for its selection for the Mole operations.

“Good. You’ve detected the peculiarities with it. Although some of the underworlds on this list are only to be expected, the Alkebulan Underworlds and the South Usonian Underworlds are definitely not one of the ones to be expected.” Black Mamba’s voice contained a trace of bemusement in it, “So, what do you make of it?”

Without hesitation, Babulu declared affirmatively, “This is an opportunity!”

Black Mamba chuckled, “Then, let me teach you something else about international affairs. In the international arena, good things never come free. The Russian Underworld has made such an attractive offer to the world, not because it desires riches, but because… they’re trying to please the international community!”

“The fact that he’s offering something of such great importance to the world means that they naturally expect something of commensurate importance back. And coincidentally, we find ourselves catching a little Emissary of Hell traveling in secret. Clever Babulu, do you know why I’m giving the Emissary of Hell the cold shoulder now?”

Babulu got up to his feet. The netherflames in his eyes flickered wildly as he slowly paced about plaintively. Ten minutes later, he finally turned back and looked Black Mamba right in the eye, “Lord Mythic Spirit, are you saying that this has got something to do with Hell? But, perhaps it’s not convenient for them to step in or apply direct pressure right now, and that’s why Hell has sent an Emissary all the way here to Alkebulan?”

The huge eyes in the cloud of Yin energy narrowed slightly, revealing traces of a smile, “As expected… You’re well suited to be a chieftain. Don’t be anxious, Babulu. You’re still a little bit rough around the edges. That said, this position of mine will eventually be yours.”

“There’s no need to be shy. This is how an Alkebulan Underworld passes on its legacy. It’s all in the natural order of things…” Black Mamba continued, “Now, go. Serve the Emissary well, but no matter what, stymie him at every step of the way and don’t give him any chances of meeting up with me. In fact, it would be ideal if you don’t even show up.”

Back in the villa. Qin Ye stared at the ceiling with his thoughts spinning wildly.

Such news was like a hand, reaching deep into the tranquil lake of Qin Ye’s heart and endlessly stirring up waves on the surface of the lake.

At once, he understood why the Tsar was doing something like this.

“Furthermore, given the conjectures made by the Harken and Shang Yang and his team, the Russian Underworld would need some aid to kickstart their research and development if they are indeed thinking of making its foray into the field of Forbidden Arts. These developments in Yin Talismanology are top secret information, just like the mortal realm’s test reports leading up to the development of nuclear weapons. It would be unrealistic to expect none of the P4 underworlds to be involved in these developments.”

Qin Ye massaged his temples as he poured himself a cup of coffee. It had to be said that Alkebulan was an interesting place. To think that he would find himself drinking coffee out of a traditional porcelain class, rather than tea.

Troublesome.

He shook off these stifling thoughts and once again addressed his mind to the issue at hand.

What am I supposed to do to break this impasse?

Furthermore… they’re not even willing to grant me an audience right now. How am I supposed to compel them to meet up with me?

Unfortunately, time wasn’t on his side. He didn’t know how long it was going to take him to be able to drive his point across, and yet he had already committed to giving his response to the Russian Underworld by the upcoming new year.

That was just under 50 days away.