"Given that your life is in my hands right now, if I truly wanted to kill you, it would be as simple as snapping my fingers. Besides, what reason would I have to deceive you?"
As Chen Shuo spoke, he waved his hand, gradually releasing the restraints on Sang Biao.
After being released by Chen Shuo, Sang Biao regained some clarity. His previous impulse dissolved into nothingness at this moment, just as Chen Shuo had said.
He was completely outmatched, so what reason would Chen Shuo have to deceive him?
"Tell me, what do you need me to do?"
Sang Biao asked in a deep voice. Chen Shuo was very satisfied with Sang Biao's clear-headed attitude.
After all, nothing comes free in this world. Seeing that the other party was being reasonable, Chen Shuo didn't beat around the bush: "Good, I'll be direct then. What I want is simple - you'll let me study you in the coming days, and in return, I'll help you return to human form. How's that?"
"Is it really that simple?" Sang Biao asked skeptically.
"Yes, it's that simple," Chen Shuo responded promptly.
At least for now, that was the only use he had for the other party. Well, he could also use him as an experience monster for Su Xiyan to practice on.
But as long as the other party agreed to his conditions, he wouldn't do anything to betray that trust.
Sang Biao was tempted. If what Chen Shuo said was true, he only needed to cooperate with his research to become human again - it was quite a favorable deal.
But just as he was about to agree, a hint of concern made him hold back: "But..."
"I know what you're worried about - your master, right? I can sense his power on you, but let me be clear: if you agree to my terms, I will guarantee your safety."
This was the answer he had been waiting for. During their previous encounter, he had already sensed Chen Shuo's true strength.
There was a good chance he was on the same level as his master, and judging from Chen Shuo's composure, he might even be slightly superior.
This was precisely why he had the awareness to be pragmatic.
One path led to certain death with no hope, becoming mere cannon fodder, while the other path, though risky...
At least it offered a glimmer of hope, plus the chance to become human again.
No matter how you looked at it, the latter option was more profitable.
"Alright, I agree. But you must remember what you promised me, otherwise..."
"I will keep my word. Also, I don't like being threatened. Don't say such things again."
Before Sang Biao could finish, Chen Shuo cut him off.
Sensing Chen Shuo's displeasure, Sang Biao dared not say another word. He knew deeply that the other party wasn't joking.
If he truly crossed Chen Shuo's bottom line, the consequences would be unthinkable.
"Fine, remember your promise."
"I will. You can disappear now."
Chen Shuo's response was concise. Now that the other party had agreed to his conditions, his next step was to open the stone coffin!
Sang Biao hesitated, after all, his original purpose for coming here was to guard this stone coffin for his master. Now that Chen Shuo was about to open it, he felt somewhat conflicted.
But he dared not linger too long, and after his form shimmered, he vanished from the spot.
After he disappeared, Chen Shuo's gaze returned to the stone coffin.
He carefully examined the stone coffin and found it was seamlessly sealed, with no apparent way to open it.
This meant the object was formed naturally as one piece, which made Chen Shuo wonder how things were placed inside it.
But that wasn't the most important thing. The fact that a Vampire of Demon King strength was assigned to guard it, and another Demon King was providing it with nutrients...
This object must be extraordinary. With anticipation in his heart, Chen Shuo began to consider how to open it.
If he were to break it open forcefully, even with the protective barriers on it, it wouldn't be too difficult for Chen Shuo.
However, there was one concern - they didn't know what was inside. If he broke it open forcefully, it might affect the integrity of its contents.
Thinking of this, Chen Shuo abandoned the idea of immediate action.
It would be better to take a more measured approach. Besides, he didn't have any good solutions right now. Rather than waste time and energy, it would be better to return soon.
Although he could adapt to everything here, Su Xiyan's condition was worrisome. Further delay would only risk leaving her with lasting health problems.
As for the stone coffin, it would have to wait for future research.
Chen Shuo didn't have many thoughts himself, but he planned to ask Su Yuanying for help. After all, Su Yuanying was an old hand who had been around for decades.
He would surely know more, and might be able to provide some insights.
After taking Su Xiyan out, Chen Shuo found a nearby hotel to stay in.
The original plan was to return home after finishing their business, but given their current disheveled state, they would certainly face questioning if they went back.
Moreover, Su Xiyan was still unconscious. If his mother Xu Mei found out, wouldn't she interrogate him thoroughly?
From any angle, Chen Shuo didn't dare take Su Xiyan back home.
Therefore, after arriving at the hotel, Chen Shuo specifically made a phone call to his mother Xu Mei.
When Xu Mei heard that Chen Shuo wouldn't be coming home, she immediately exploded: "What? Where are you going this late at night? Where are you running off to with Xiyan?"
"Let me tell you, if even a single hair on Xiyan's head is harmed, I won't let you off as her mother."
Hearing the angry outburst on the other end of the phone, Chen Shuo's scalp tingled, and he didn't know how to explain.
He couldn't exactly tell her about their situation, could he? To put his mother at ease, Chen Shuo could only make promises while gritting his teeth.
"Don't worry, Mom, I promise Su Xiyan will be fine. We're not coming back because there's no room at home, right? Our room was given to Xiao Mei, so we had to find somewhere else to stay."
Hearing Chen Shuo's explanation, mother Xu Mei finally relented: "Remember what you promised. If Xiyan says anything bad happened, you're finished, young man."
After saying this, she hung up. Looking at his phone screen, Chen Shuo felt somewhat helpless.
This was truly a case of forgetting the son after getting a daughter-in-law. If things were like this before they were even married, his life would probably be quite difficult after the wedding.
Back in the day, Xu Mei had been very loving towards Chen Shuo, never refusing anything that would make him happy.
But now, with Su Xiyan's appearance, everything seemed to have changed.
He had become like roadside grass - they could kick him out anytime they weren't happy.
Ah, such dear parents indeed, Chen Shuo thought bitterly.
While complaining to himself, he brought a basin of water to clean Su Xiyan up. After helping her clean up, Chen Shuo fell into a deep sleep beside Su Xiyan.