From Abyssal Invasion to Bursting Stars with a Single Sword-Chapter 267 - 218: Going Alone with a Sword

That is to say.

The Bansel Clan was summoned here, this information was not hard to guess, and the Mitsui Consortium likely knew it.

Then the goal of the Bansel Clan to eliminate the Soul Capturing Monster was also not difficult to guess.

So both sides weren't playing completely blind, much information was known by both parties.

Su Muyu continued, "Moreover, they know that the three of us were involved in the operation, and on top of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary headquarters building, they've also put up a banner, inviting you to meet."

Lu Heng asked the Bansel Clan to hold their position for now, then personally went to the front of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary headquarters building and saw the banner they had hung out.

The content of the banner was an invitation for Mr. Lu to meet and discuss in detail.

Seeing this banner, Lu Heng had already guessed what was going on.

Last night's operation hadn't left any survivors, but one Soul Capturing Monster had escaped.

That is to say, the Mitsui Consortium could get useful information from that Soul Capturing Monster.

This was probably the reason for the exposure of his identity.

Lu Heng had previously eliminated multiple core members of the Mitsui Consortium, including Kenji Ono, Hideyoshi Tsugawa, Saito Takeji, Sato Ichiro, and Hasegawa Tom.

Therefore, his name should have been "well known" within the core level of the Mitsui Consortium.

"What should we do now? Do we continue with the operation? They're intentionally inviting us; there must be a trap," Su Muyu was worried.

Lu Heng thought for a moment and said, "Since they dared to name me specifically, it would appear that we lack confidence if I don't accept the invitation."

"I'm worried there might be a trap," Su Muyu frowned, reaching out to grab Lu Heng's sleeve, not wanting him to take the risk.

After all, this wasn't Da Xia; if danger arose, it would be impossible to find help.

"Don't worry, I have a plan," Lu Heng said, patting the back of her hand reassuringly with a comforting smile.

...

Afterward, Lu Heng discussed with Iron Arm and then went alone to the headquarters building of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization.

In front of the building, two Ghost Warrior Mercenaries were waiting, and upon seeing Lu Heng arrive, they first bowed respectfully, then led him into the building.

The building was ten stories tall, not very high.

Lu Heng followed the two Ghost Warrior Mercenaries to the top floor and then met Masami Ida.

In the hall on the top floor, Masami Ida was dressed in a proper kimono, standing there to greet him with a smile on his face.

He looked to be in his fifties, of medium build, with a typical Fusang facial appearance and a slight hint of worry lines on his forehead.

Next to him stood a samurai, a samurai wearing a White Banyan Mask.

Others might not know the identity of a samurai wearing a Banyan mask, but Lu Heng did.

Because these Banyan masks were a symbol of status within the Ghost Warrior Mercenaries, in the circle of Superpower Users, it was also known by the nickname "Ghost King."

Banyan is a type of monster in Fusang ghost tales, with three main types: laughing Bodhisattva, White Bodhisattva, and Red Bohra.

These Banyan masks were terrifying, with two horns growing on the head, essentially a Demon mask.

In the Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization, a samurai who could wear a Banyan mask indicated that he was one of the top three "Ghost Kings" there.

Lu Heng already had a mental preparation that he might encounter a top warrior of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization, and indeed he did.

The samurai standing next to Masami Ida, wearing a White Banyan Mask, indicated that he was the "White Ghost King" among the Ghost Warriors.

As for the face behind the mask, no one had ever seen it, and naturally, Lu Heng hadn't either.

Masami Ida smiled and gestured for him to sit, then said in not very standard but clear Chinese, "Please have a seat, Mr. Lu. Would you like some tea, or would you prefer alcohol?"

"Tea."

Lu Heng had no intention of drinking tea, but so far, the host had treated him with the courtesy due to a guest, so it was not yet time to break the facade.

They both sat down on the tatami mats.

Two maids in kimonos came forward with small, shuffling steps to prepare tea for them.

Masami Ida took the initiative to start the conversation, "I invited Mr. Lu over this time in hopes of clearing up a misunderstanding between us."

"What misunderstanding?" asked Lu Heng, his tone cold and unemotional.

"Some unpleasantness occurred in the past, but that's all behind us. Those who didn't know better and made mistakes are dead; let's not hold it against them. Mr. Lu, please, have some tea," Masami Ida gestured invitingly again.

Lu Heng did not reach for the teacup but instead stared intently at him without blinking.

Masami Ida laughed heartily, "And about last night's incident, let's consider it water under the bridge; I won't pursue it further."

Lu Heng, curious, said, "Your organization took a hit, losing a security company and a laboratory."

Masami Ida waved his hand dismissively, "That's not important. Compared to Mr. Lu, those losses are trivial."

Lu Heng didn't want to engage in pointless chatter and asked directly, "Just tell me, what is your purpose?"

Masami Ida picked up a teacup, blew on it gently, took a slow sip, and then, setting down his cup, he said leisurely, "I want to make a friend out of Mr. Lu."

Lu Heng replied dismissively, "I don't make friends easily."

Masami Ida was in no hurry as he continued, "I actually admire you. Without the backing of major financial groups, you've become a top Superpower User, which is no small feat.

"I like to make friends with capable people, and I believe we could be great friends or even excellent partners."

Lu Heng responded, still with an icy tone, "I don't think so."

Undeterred by the rejection, Masami Ida continued, "I know you're allies with the Bansel Clan, so as long as you're willing to form this friendship, I can ensure peaceful relations with the Bansel Clan and even help them with their missions within a certain scope."

Upon hearing this, a look of 'just as I thought' flashed in Lu Heng's eyes.

Just as he had suspected, Masami Ida was indeed aware that the Bansel Clan had been summoned.

He then said, "Moreover, I guarantee that from now on, I will not use any aggressive tactics against you and your friends, including the Soul Capturing Monsters."

Lu Heng did not reply, maintaining his silence, waiting for his host to continue.

Masami Ida went on, "In addition, if you agree, you can become the third-largest shareholder of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary Company without any investment; shares will be given to you as a gift. The samurai of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization will also obey your command."

Lu Heng didn't expect such an offer and looked curiously at the samurai in the White Banyan Mask behind Masami Ida. Pointing at him, he asked, "Including him?"

A smile appeared on Masami Ida's face as he answered, "As long as he's under my command, you too can command him."

This White Banyan Mask samurai had been standing behind him since the beginning, appearing as a bodyguard.

Being able to use a top Superpower User known as the White Ghost King as a bodyguard indicated that Masami Ida indeed held a very high position within the Mitsui Consortium—being a director of the Mountain Sakura Bank was certainly no small status.

Lu Heng grew even more curious, asking, "With such generous terms, what do you expect to gain?"

Masami Ida replied, "I hope Mr. Lu will return the Soul Capturing Monster, and I apologize for the previous misunderstanding."

Lu Heng was even more intrigued, "Is that single Soul Capturing Monster so important?"

Soul Capturing Monsters were indeed quite a rare species of demonic beings.

For the Mitsui Consortium, an additional Soul Capturing Monster meant another influential political figure under their control, which would strengthen their grip on the political landscape of Fusang.

Thus, the Soul Capturing Monster was indeed crucial to them, but compared to the terms offered, it seemed its importance was overemphasized.

Masami Ida clarified, "Of course, it's because Mr. Lu is more important. The Soul Capturing Monster is only a secondary reason."

Lu Heng thought it over and understood.

In fact, if he agreed to the offer and became the third-largest shareholder of the Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization, he wouldn't have to do anything for them. The mere announcement of this news would trigger a series of reactions.

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For instance, how would Da Xia react to him becoming a prominent figure within Fusang's Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization?

Li Guining, the commander of the Southern War Zone, had once chatted leisurely with Lu Heng, which had been an assessment of his thinking.

If Lu Heng now joined Fusang's Ghost Warrior Mercenary Organization, it would be tantamount to a stance issue.

At that point, Da Xia's official stance would certainly be provoked.

Driven by the situation, Lu Heng would have no choice but to work for the Mitsui Consortium.

Lu Heng picked up the teacup and slowly drank the tea, then declined, "Sorry, I won't join your mercenary group, and I won't hand over the Soul Capturing Monster."

Masami Ida said sternly, "Mr. Lu, it would be in your best interest to reconsider."

Lu Heng's reply was blunt, "No need to reconsider. Some things were decided from the start."

A cold look crossed Masami Ida's face as he snorted, "Some matters are beyond your capacity to refuse. Do you know what was in the tea you just drank?"

Lu Heng looked down at the teacup and asked, "What was in it?"

Masami Ida pulled out a mirror and held it up to Lu Heng, "See for yourself."

Lu Heng looked into the mirror and saw a ghastly face surface on his own—sure enough, it was the Soul Capturing Monster.

Seeing the Soul Capturing Monster on his face, Lu Heng showed no panic. He smiled and asked, "A Soul Capturing Monster, so what?"