Chapter 382: Chapter 381: Little girl, please give me a cup of hot tea!

A door, two people, inside and outside the door.

Under the shroud of the pitch-black night, Suladi stood inside, watching Ji Burlen for a long time without speaking.

Ji Burlen spoke first, asking, “May I come in?”

“Follow me,” Suladi finally said, turning and stepping toward the room. His movements were slow, constantly observing Ji Burlen’s reactions, but Ji Burlen had none, just followed him expressionlessly, as if bearing no ill will, as if he were just an ordinary visitor.

But Suladi knew very well, it was definitely not so!

His throat moved a few times, Suladi took a deep breath and quickened his pace, taking Ji Burlen into the study.

Sitting behind the desk, Suladi placed his hands beneath the tabletop, squinting at Ji Burlen who stood to the side, his expression serious, and said, “Who exactly are you?”

“Heh,” Ji Burlen gave a slight smile, “The person who will kill you.”

“You’re very direct,” Suladi’s expression didn’t change much, “However… you are not the first person to say this to me, and many who have said such things have died before me.”

“But I believe, I will be the last one to say this to you,” Ji Burlen said, “I’ve said the same words to many others, and their outcomes were all without exception.”

“It seems you have great confidence in your own strength,” Suladi said, “But having confidence can be a good thing, or a bad thing. Do you really think you know me all that well? Do you not know that what you’re facing is not just me alone, but a large Wizard Organization?”

The answer is… I know.” Ji Burlen reminded Suladi, “Council Master Suladi, of course, I am aware of the Wizard Organization backing you. To tell you the truth, this matter is somewhat… well, interesting.

You see, a long time ago, for a certain plan, my associates and I have been masquerading as a certain force, partly to create momentum, and partly to conceal our true identities.

The force we pretended to be was the Black Spirit Wizard Association, left over from the destruction of the Black Spirit King Empire, using the mark of the Black Spirit Empire to identify ourselves. Initially, we didn’t realize, but later we discovered that there were others–namely you–using the same mark. Simply put, our fabricated organization actually exists in reality.

And that truly becomes interesting.”

“It was you all along!” Suladi’s eyes widened, “So, the ones who framed and attacked our Council were you!”

“The framing wasn’t intentional, because we were unaware of your existence at first,” Ji Burlen explained, “But the attacks, yes, after we became aware, have been ongoing. I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but recently members of your Council have been disappearing, ah, they were killed by us.”

Suladi’s eyes narrowed, and despite trying hard to control himself, he still showed signs of anger, “It really was you!”

“Don’t be upset,” Ji Burlen waved his hand and said softly, “Actually, the worst is yet to come. My visit today is to inform you of some news: recently, after we struck the White Stone Tower, and had some free time, we considered and decided to avoid any leaks in our disguised identities, we launched a final attack on your organization. About ten minutes before my arrival, your organization, well, your Council, was obliterated.”

Suladi was slightly startled, blinking, as if he didn’t understand.

In other words, Mr. Suladi,” Ji Burlen said, “you are now the last surviving member of your Council. The rest of your Council, your two old friends–Adod and Petra, and your student–Ken, and the members of the Council, were all killed before my arrival.”

“It’s impossible,” Suladi exclaimed, completely disbelieving.

“What’s so impossible about it, Mr. Suladi?” Ji Burlen asked gently, “The power we hold far exceeds your imagination, and destroying your organization was no difficulty for us. Even destroying the White Stone Tower posed no real challenge, just a bit of trouble. After all, there were too many wizards there, too scattered, we needed to give them time to consolidate their strength before completely exterminating them all at once.”

Suladi was silent, then after a long pause, he looked at Ji Burlen and said, “If you truly eliminated the Council, then why save me for last?”

“It’s simple, the reason I saved you for last is because I know you’ve hidden yourself deeply and are more powerful than your old friends. To avoid any unexpected complications, I decided to come to you in person,” Ji Burlen said, “As the saying goes, save the best for last.”

“So, I’m good, am I? Well, I ought to thank you for your recognition.”

“That’s what you deserve, Mr. Suladi.”

“In that case, should I not display some corresponding strength, at least… I must not disappoint your expectations of me.”

“It doesn’t matter.” Ji Burlen said, “Since I’m here, it means that no matter what strength you display, it won’t change the outcome of things. In fact, if nothing unexpected happens, you won’t even have the chance to display your strength.”

“Oh, you’re that confident?”

“It’s not confidence, but fact.”

“I don’t quite believe that, I think… I’d like to try.”

“You may try, however… you must bear the consequences.”

The study suddenly became quiet, the atmosphere tense, the air was as if filled with combustible gunpowder, needing only a spark to ignite and explode!

At this moment, the “tap tap tap” of footsteps sounded from outside the door, growing louder as they drew closer, unmistakably clear.

“Tap tap tap…”

Suladi and Ji Burlen both looked towards the door. Suladi’s expression slightly changed, while Ji Burlen appeared mildly curious.

With a “creak,” the door pushed open, and Heidi walked in with brewed tea, stepping into this environment laden with “gunpowder.”

But…

“Tap–”

Heidi had just stepped in and stopped in her tracks, for she was acutely aware of the room’s oddity. Though she could not pinpoint the exact reason, she knew something was very off.

Her large eyes blinked, Heidi looked at Suladi, then at the unfamiliar Ji Burlen, unsure of what to do or say.

After a long while, Heidi spoke up, addressing Suladi, “Grandfather, I’ve prepared the tea…”

Silence.

Suladi did not respond, not a word, just staring fixedly at Ji Burlen’s face, while Ji Burlen calmly observed Heidi.

The study was as quiet as a grave.

After a pause, Heidi could not help but tentatively speak out, “Grandfather, I’ve placed the tea on the table. Grandfather?”

Still no response, Heidi had no choice but to gently step forward, approaching Suladi, and carefully placed the teacup on the table. The next moment, she noticed Suladi giving her a very secretive look, the meaning simple: Leave quickly!

Heidi tensed up, somewhat shocked, but dare not defy Suladi’s wish, and quickly turned to leave the study.

Then, just as she was about to pass Ji Burlen, Ji Burlen suddenly spoke up, “Little girl, you… aren’t you going to offer me a cup of tea? Hmm, you’re carrying two cups, you intended one for me, right?”