Chapter 74: Hidden Agendas

Xianyu indeed had no intention of deceiving the other party about the "Tillage Machine," but the timing and specific location... those were uncertain.

"How do you know about the 'Tillage Machine'? Who told you?" the other person demanded.

"Hehe... no need to be so surprised, Dainsleif. You should know this person," Xianyu replied calmly.

"But don't think my relationship with him is good. It's merely a transaction between us," he added, trying to shift the blame onto Dainsleif, but the Abyss Mage wasn't naive.

Would they believe anything someone said? Even if the person mentioned the name, it wouldn't fully convince them.

Watching the man emitting a dangerous yet "friendly" aura, the Abyss Mage hesitated.

Regardless of whether he knew Dainsleif, the eye of the "Tillage Machine" was indeed what they were searching for. If they could overpower the other party, they would have already done so.

"It's a pity. If only I could inform His Highness. But this matter needs to be reported to him immediately afterward," the Abyssal Mage pondered silently, his face concealed behind a mask, revealing no expression.

At this moment, both sides were scheming.

The Abyssal Mage planned to apprehend Xianyu later, while Xianyu was prepared to stall for time.

They were both hiding their true intentions.

Refusal was not an option. The Abyssal Mage still intended to spread the information. If refused, death awaited, leaving no choice.

"If what you say is true, we won't refuse. But how can you prove it? Words alone aren't enough," the Abyssal Mage questioned, which didn't surprise Xianyu. If the other party were easily convinced, they wouldn't have survived until now; they'd likely have been swindled long ago.

"You're right. It's difficult to believe what I say, but you have no choice, do you?" Xianyu replied confidently. "Regarding the Ley Line branches, both you and Dainsleif have them, and he's also searching for that eye. If it weren't for his unpredictable movements, do you think I would come looking for you?"

"Let me tell you a secret: Dainsleif entrusted me with the 'Tillage Machine' eye. Since he didn't provide any advance payment, it's up to me how to handle this information."

Xianyu's words had many loopholes, but since the information was indeed what the Abyss Mage wanted, and Xianyu seized upon that, he exuded confidence.

Even if I'm making it up, just knowing such hidden information, and you dare not gamble. If it turns out to be true, and the enemy gets it, it'll be twice the pain!

Hesitating, the Abyssal Mage was indeed somewhat reluctant to deny it now. Those who knew about the "Tillage Machine" eye were mostly insiders, but Xianyu wasn't one of them.

So where did he get the information from? It was worth pondering. Perhaps it really was Dainsleib who informed the person before him.

While ignorance was bliss, now that they knew, if Dainsleif got the eye, retrieving it would be troublesome.

After much hesitation.

"Alright, I'll inform our superior. How many ley Line branches do you need?" the Abyssal Mage finally relented.

In such a situation, resorting to violence was always the last resort. Why use force when you could obtain what you want without it?

The previous mention of using his life as leverage was merely to gain the upper hand initially.

Xianyu fundamentally wanted to obtain Ley Line branches; violence was just a backup plan.

Seeing the Abyssal Mage inquire about the trade numbers, Xianyu naturally stated a figure.

"A hundred. I need a hundred freshly cut Ley Line branches, unused," he stated.

Even the Abyss Mage was momentarily stunned by the number. "How... how many? A hundred?"

He initially wanted to refuse immediately, but considering he only needed to inform the Abyssa Chanters and His Highness, he didn't have the upper hand yet.

Pretending to hesitate, the Abyssal Mage spoke again, "That... seems like a lot. Ley Line branches are precious treasures, not easily obtained. But... for the Tillage Machine, I believe our superior will agree."

Xianyu accepted his response without suspicion. Although he found it strange why the other party didn't negotiate, considering the Abyssal's needs, the answer was acceptable.

However, Xianyu didn't intend to personally conduct the trade. Hmm, Fatui are always the best choice.

As for how to mobilize the Fatui when the time comes? That could easily be explained away with "I have a friend."

Neither party would sit down and discuss the details. The matter of the Tillage Machine was a closely guarded secret for the Abyssals; they wouldn't let everyone know.

As for the fools, Xianyu only dealt with Tartaglia in the transaction. He would simply send someone to collect the goods and pass along a few words; the specifics were unknown.

Perfect!

More preparations were needed. Just as he wouldn't rely solely on the fools, the Abyssals were a backup plan. There wasn't much difference between the two.

Xianyu didn't know how many Ley Line branches he would need, so it was better to gather more.

After all, he was conducting risk-free deals, using your items to get what he want. 'I can't lose.'

"In that case, how long will it take you?" Xianyu asked.

The Abyssal Mage pondered, considering the time needed to inform their superiors. Then he replied, "Five days. With this many branches, we should be able to gather them in five days."

"Alright, let's meet at the Great Watery Hollow in Dunyu Ruins in five days. You should be familiar with the place."

Familiar? How could they not be? Not just Dunyu Ruins, but the entire Lumiya, and even other countries—the Abyssals were familiar with most places.

"Got it."

With the negotiation concluded, Xianyu had no intention of lingering. The other party probably wanted him gone by now.

Someone who showed their strength before even meeting you, and who could easily put you in mortal danger at any moment—anyone in their right mind wouldn't want to linger.

Watching the figure ascend into the sky, the Abyss Mage also drifted away in another direction.

They couldn't stay by the lake any longer; their position was compromised. If they lingered, trouble would keep coming.

Although it was regrettable to leave the ruins, compared to the Tillage Machine, it was insignificant.

The conversation between the two seemed lengthy, but there wasn't much concealment, yet it was impossible for others to eavesdrop.

Not only was the distance far from the shore, but the conversation was also manipulated by both parties.

To onlookers, they could only see the two standing there, motionless.

It wasn't that they couldn't hear if the two were talking; it was just absurd that both Xianyu and the Abyssal Mage wore masks, obscuring their mouths.

Finding a secluded spot, Xianyu removed his armor and reverted to his original appearance.

The Cryo crystal butterfly fluttered around him, settling once again in his hair.

"The ability to transform into armor has been tested and proved effective," he muttered.

"The issue of Ley Line branches has been resolved. Now... we wait."

He gently touched the butterfly in his hair.

"We wait for your transformation!"

The idea was sound, but whether it would go as planned was unknown.

Things couldn't always go smoothly, even if Xianyu meticulously planned each step...