Law of the Devil

It was the first time that this disciple of Lan Hai voluntarily mentioned the matter of Daxue Mountain, which moved Du Wei's heart. However, looking at Philip's appearance, he seemed to be calm, and he didn't seem to be hiding anything inside.

Maybe... Although Lan Hai is from Daxue Mountain, ordinary disciples like Philip really don't know?

Du Wei thought for a moment, then said, "What do you mean?"

"Prairie people have always regarded Daxue Mountain as the supreme existence. Under the will of the Witch King, even their prairie king dare not disobey." Philip said slowly: "I think this time the envoys who accompanied this Hanmuye , it seems that there are no people from Daxueshan. Your Excellency...have you forgotten the confession about Daxueshan written by the female assassin we captured?"

Of course, Philip knew about the assassination of Ai Lu in the Watt Fortress of the Northwest Army, and the capture of Du Wei who sneaked into Du Wei's garrison at night.

Later, Ai Lu was captured by Du Wei and returned to Loulan City, and was imprisoned in the dungeon of the Duke's Mansion. Under Du Wei's "forced", she wrote the confession. As Du Wei's chief staff member, Philip has also seen these things.

When Philip mentioned this, Du Wei's heart moved. The two looked at each other for a while, and couldn't help smiling.

Speaking of the Daxue Mountain above the grassland, it is indeed a mysterious existence. On the grassland, the wizards cultivated by Daxue Mountain are respected by all grassland people. And Daxueshan is to the grassland. It's like the temple is to the Roland Empire. However, in terms of lofty status and prestige, it is far better than the status of the temple in the Roland Empire.

At least. In the Roland Empire, imperial power can still compete with the temple. The power of the empire is still firmly in the hands of the royal family and the center of the empire. But on the prairie, the majesty of the Daxue Mountain is far above the prairie king!

The statement written by the female assassin Ailu. Indeed enough detail. On the Daxue Mountain, the Witch King is naturally the highest. The succession of each Witch King must be designated by the previous Witch King to be valid. Passed down from generation to generation, without exception.

Even the current Witch King Bai Hechou. Because Du Wei found the suicide note of the previous Witch King in the underground labyrinth of Gilliat City, he knew that Bai Heshou had seized the throne by force. But in Ai Lu's confession. But write clearly. Bai Hechou's majesty is extremely high on the Daxue Mountain, and his position is also very stable.

only because. In Ai Lu's confession, there is no way to hide Bai Hechou's way of being in power back then. Also explained. Bai Hechou was the teacher who defeated him back then, and it was only when he became the Witch King that he ascended to the throne. Originally, this kind of rebellious behavior would never be recognized. It's just puzzling that after being defeated by his apprentice, Gu Lanxiu, the former witch king, finally chose to leave the snow mountain and disappeared. Although Gu Lanxiu was defeated, before leaving. But it also left a will. He openly admitted that his traitor is the new Witch King!

such a move. I have to say it is very weird. It is precisely because of this that Bai Hechou's own strength is extraordinary. Even though it is rebellious. However, he was still recognized by the previous Witch King, and only then did he secure his position as the Witch King.

On top of the Daxue Mountain. There are many weird rules, which were written out one by one in the confession of Ai Ludi. It's just that this female assassin is relying on what she says she knows, so she can't help but appear messy when she thinks about it. But even so, the rules on the Daxue Mountain, in Du Wei's view, shocked him very much!

On the Daxue Mountain, the most mysterious thing is naturally the witchcraft of the Daxue Mountain. Is it unusual to be able to compete faintly with the magic of the empire? As written in Ai Ludi's confession, on the Daxue Mountain, the wizards of the past dynasties have studied witchcraft, but they have habits that are completely different from the magicians of the empire: Do they value communication?

For example, the "Sharing Spirit" that Du Wei founded in the imperial capital just last year called for the "spirit of sharing", has already existed on the Daxue Mountain!

On the Daxue Mountain, there is a clear division of labor. The overall organizational system is divided into "three rooms". The lowest level is "Entering the World". There are about 200 wizards on Daxue Mountain, and most of them belong to this "Entering the World". Going down the mountain, wandering back and forth on the grassland, spreading the belief on the grassland, staying in various tribes, regardless of the size of the tribe, they are all treated equally, while spreading the faith, they will also help the passing tribes to cure diseases, and teach some backward tribes how to take care of livestock , and even mediate disputes between some tribes.

More than a hundred sorcerers who entered the world walked around the grassland all the year round, and all the people on the grassland worshiped him when they saw it. And the world's strict order, all wizards who walk down the mountain are not allowed to receive a gold or silver reward from any prairie herdsmen or tribal chiefs. Wherever they go, no matter whether they are chiefs or ordinary herdsmen, they are treated equally, regardless of high or low. And these worldly wizards, in addition to possessing good witchcraft, must also know medical skills, astronomy, geography and arithmetic, etc., and often even teach nomadic tribes how to judge the coming of the rainy season according to the weather, how to chase aquatic plants and migrate, etc. wait……

The only point is that wizards who have entered the world must not interfere with the politics on the grassland! Whether it is a change of throne or a foreign war. A worldly wizard must not stretch out a finger to interfere with these major events, let nature take its course.

When Du Wei knew Lan Hai's identity, he immediately and unavoidably linked Lan Hai with this "worldly" group of wizards! Lan Hai is indeed a learned scholar, who seems to be proficient in astronomy, geography, arithmetic, and medicine. Most likely, Lan Hai was also a "worldly" wizard on the snow mountain back then!

In fact, Du Wei guessed well. Lan Hai was indeed born in this mortal world, and was once the leader of the mortal world.

On top of entering the world, there is also a "collection room". Du Wei was even more surprised by the description of the "Jingjing Room"! There are about 70 or 80 wizards in the "Jijing Room". These wizards have been on the snow-capped mountains all year round, and most of them have never gone down the mountain in their entire lives! According to the description in the confession, in Du Wei's view, these people are almost a fixed "research organization"! It is specially responsible for studying the land left by wizards of past dynasties on the grassland. Regarding the research results of witchcraft, according to Ai Lu's words, these people seem to be some lunatics, or some idiots. In addition to daily research. Just don't ask about anything.

In addition, there is a "coordination room" above the snow mountain, which is mainly responsible for training wizards. Every year, those wizards who "enter the world" walk on the grassland. They will choose to pick out some children who have seen and have exceptionally good qualifications and send them to the mountain. The "coordinating room" is responsible for accepting these children. Select those with particularly excellent qualifications to train wizards. In addition to training new wizards. The coordinating room is also mainly responsible for things on the snow mountain. In terms of status, it is hidden above the other two. It's just that the number of people in this room is the least. All the year round, there are only about ten or twenty people. But in terms of strength. But it is the strongest one on the snow mountain. Outback wizards. Most of them are white robes. .

The rank division of wizards on the snow-capped mountains is not as complicated as the magicians of the empire. There are only two kinds of white clothes and commoners. Generally speaking, ordinary wizards are commoners. There is no big requirement for the color of the clothes. Some wear black. Some wear gray. And often the strength has reached a certain level. After getting the approval of the Witch King. Put on white clothes. It is the symbol of a senior wizard.

Above these three. The Witch King is the supreme existence. only. This existence is also extremely mysterious. According to Ailu's confession. Although she is Bai Hechou's disciple. But in fact, I don't see Bai Hechou several times a year. It's just that most of them study in the "coordination room". Bai Hechou appears about ten days a year. Most of the time. It's just a month. Come forward and train the disciples in person. other time. They are all hidden on the highest snow peak above the snow mountain and secretly cultivated. The Witch King is not allowed to summon him, and no one is allowed to disturb him.

People on the grassland regard the snow-capped mountains as gods. There are often prairie kings who send people to worship at the foot of the mountain. Often some difficult to major things. The Prairie King will also come to the mountain in person to ask for instructions from the Witch King. The Witch King is also absolutely invisible, sending at most one wizard. Hold the banner of the Scarlet Skull to convey the will.

If the Witch King is on the mountain. There is something important to tell the Prairie King to do. They will also send people to take the bloody skull flag to the royal court.

According to Ai Ludi's description, although Bai Hechou is a witch king. But it seems that there has never been a snow mountain.

Du Wei and Philip looked at each other and smiled, Du Wei shook his head and said, "You don't want to pretend to be a snow mountain wizard to deceive this prince of the grassland?"

Philip also smiled and said: "It's not my fault. Judging from the confession, the snow mountain wizard and the prairie king's court are in contact. It's almost a one-way connection. The loopholes in this kind of contact are really too big. If you want to make trouble, as long as the prairie king doesn't Go to the snowy mountain to verify. There is no flaw. It’s just that you have to pretend to be a wizard to deceive Hanmoye. We have no candidates here. I don’t know if the female assassin will be obedient. If she is not willing, then don’t do it No. So as not to expose the flaws. Instead, give people a handle."

"That female assassin..." Du Wei thought for a while, "She should be obedient."

Negotiations followed on the second day. It's much more enjoyable to do. Du Wei has secretly reached a deal with Han Muye. It hinted that his side could persuade the imperial capital to abolish the troops stationed on the grassland. It's just that this guy, Hanmuye, has a condition for compensation. Still biting.

"Your Excellency, I think some lions in your country have opened their mouths! 80,000 war horses? It was more than the first contract you drafted before. But you only wrote 30,000 horses!! Even 30,000, it is absolutely impossible. ! Not to mention 80,000!!"

Du Wei immediately retorted: "But Lord Hanmoye. In the previous clauses, there is no such thing as our empire's withdrawal! We have made a concession, can't you pay more?"

"80,000... is too many!" Han Muye shook his head again and again: "Although there are many horses on our grassland, war horses are not ordinary horses after all. Among the five horses, it may not be possible to pick a war horse Come on!! I think the number of cattle and sheep is acceptable. This war horse is absolutely unacceptable!"

Du Wei's face darkened, and he shook his head immediately: "Absolutely not! What is the value of ordinary cattle and sheep! A high-quality sword in our empire can be exchanged for two sheep on the grassland! Ordinary cattle and sheep. What do I want? usefulness?"

Han Muye sneered twice: "Your Excellency...Since the two sides have negotiated peace, then we will be brothers and friends in the future. Your country has asked for so many war horses. Could it be that you are preparing for war!"

Du Wei also fought back and shouted: "Then. You have stored so many war horses. Who are you trying to deal with!"

The two sides argued like this all morning. In the end, the number of war horses was set at "30,000".

Seeing that Han Muye finally agreed to the terms, Du Wei didn't know whether he was happy or heavy?

The prairie people can easily lose 30,000 horses... so how much potential do they have? It is said that they are a land tribe on the grassland. There are tens of thousands of strings! And then a little bigger to tribe. Just one order. You can mobilize no less than 100,000 subway rides! !

So. The Prairie King owns the entire grassland, if once the war is mobilized. How many cavalry could they mobilize? !

Then talk about other compensations. Hanmoyed offered to compensate 10,000 head of cattle and sheep. Du Wei immediately sneered. Said that the value of war horse land is much higher than that of cattle and sheep. There are thirty thousand war horses. Do grassland people even care about cattle and sheep? Or do grassland people think that cattle and sheep are more valuable than war horses?

We talked for a long time. Finally, 20,000 cattle and sheep were settled. Du Wei asked for an additional 10,000 pieces of high-quality cowhide. Hamuye thought about it. Also agreed. certainly. These ten thousand pieces of high-quality cowhide. Not for the empire. It was what Du Wei wanted for himself.

Hanmoye is very familiar with the official customs of the Roland Empire. If the other party does not ask for benefits. Instead, I feel strange. Seeing that Du Wei took the initiative to ask for a private gift. Instead, he breathed a sigh of relief.

Ten thousand pieces of high-quality cowhide. It's really nothing to the prairie people. Even Hamuyya himself can afford it.

But in the end, the two sides were deadlocked on two issues.

Du Wei asked for 5,000 slaves. Hammoyed refused to agree. The grassland population is not much. Every young and middle-aged man is extremely precious. Even slaves. Nor will it be given up easily. Because of the habit on the grassland. Once the war started, the Prairie King would issue orders. Let those slaves join the army. Once the meritorious service is established, you can gain freedom. So those slaves fought with great bravery. The combat effectiveness of the "slave cavalry" on the grassland. It also made the imperial army very afraid.

Next to the Earl of Villa who participated in the negotiations together. It is very difficult to understand the question of Du Wei's insistence on asking for a slave. I found an opportunity in the middle. Pulled Du Wei outside, and asked privately: "Your Excellency, our empire has no shortage of people. Five thousand slaves are just a small number. There is no need to fight for such a small number."

Du Wei smiled.

Of course he doesn't care about thousands of slaves. Calculated at the price of the empire, the value of five thousand slaves is only a few hundred gold coins.

only. What he values ​​are the slaves of the prairie people! Grassland slaves are different from Nanyang land! The slaves in Nanyang were only able to do some labor work. But the slaves on the grassland are good at raising horses and grazing! More importantly. These people are all good at riding! .

"Count Villa... these five thousand slaves. I want the land for myself." Du Wei smiled. Said: "As for the usefulness, it's not convenient for me to say."

Villa looked at Du Wei with some doubts. I thought the duke was weird. His net worth is already extremely rich, but why is he so attentive to the mere thousands of slaves.

Count Villa also had the intention of ending this negotiation as soon as possible. Think about it. Taking advantage of the time when everyone was eating at noon, I quietly talked to Han Muye. It explained Du Wei's mind.

This Hanmoye is also a little tired of such a waste of time. After listening. Immediately said: "It turns out that the Duke is an important person... If this is the case, it is another matter. In this way, the matter of slavery does not need to be written on the contract. Although my own tribe is not large, but There are still some slaves. It’s just 5,000, and it’s not easy to raise at the moment...Well, I personally gifted the Duke 2,000 slaves, and it’s as if I, Han Muye, have made friends with the Duke!”

As soon as Villa and Du Wei talked about it, Du Wei pretended to evade "this is so embarrassing", but he signed it straightforwardly.

Earl Villa has always deliberately made friends with Du Wei, and he will naturally not let this opportunity pass by. He also smiled at Du Wei and said, "My lord wants so many slaves. Could it be that some city is going to be built recently? In this way, there are some slaves in my family. If your lord doesn't mind, I will write a letter back tomorrow and have someone send it to you immediately." Two thousand people come to the northwest."

Du Wei thought to himself: What I want are grassland slaves. If it is a Nanyang slave, what do I want so much for! Just because I hold a future king of Nanyang in my hand, a slave of Nanyang, am I still missing?

Then he laughed and said, "Uncle Villa doesn't know, I'm going to build a ranch here to raise war horses and livestock, so ordinary slaves don't have enough land.

Villa listened. After pondering for a moment: "It turns out that what you lack is grassland horse herders. It's just that we haven't fought against the grassland for many years. In the domestic market, there are very few grassland slaves. That's it. People can still come out."

"Thank you so much!" Du Wei was not polite, and responded with one gulp.

after. But Philip couldn't help but asked Du Wei in private: "My lord...why do we need so many prairie slaves? These guys are very savage and not easy to tame... Besides, the northwest is desolate. We need to build a huge pasture. Not easy."

"I don't want the land for myself!" Du Wei smiled and shook his head: "Well, you heard what Al Qaeda said, the last time I stormed the city of Giliat, I released a grassland prisoner of war. That guy is Saladin! That guy The guy has some skills, ambition and methods. He also has royal blood. I let him go back. I thought that this guy would not be safe on the grassland sooner or later. Sending such a person back is like planting a seed of fire on the grassland! The only problem is. Now that guy is alone. He has no influence. I'm afraid it won't be a big deal in the short term... I want to send the thousands of prairie slaves to him... and then, just treat it as sending him It's been a while...hehe!"

Suddenly Philip realized. Then he laughed secretly.

Negotiate in the afternoon. It went smoothly at the beginning, after all, the main conditions were negotiated. Hanmoye didn't force anything more.

What the prairie people desire most. Naturally, it is the metal of the empire. There are no mines on the grasslands. The most lacking place is iron. However, the empire strictly prohibited any ironware from being transported to the grassland. This is the iron law of the empire. Hammoyed did not make up his mind on this issue either. I also understand that even if he proposes a ban requiring the empire to open up ironware. It is absolutely impossible for the other party to agree.

Only at the end. On the writing of the letter of credence. Hammiyah made a final tribute.

Du Wei asked the prairie man's credentials to make a solemn apology. And asked the prairie people to assume the position of "seeking peace". This pair of proud and rebellious prairie people. It is difficult to accept.

You can give cattle and sheep, and you might as well give some war horses. But "summoning", Han Muye refused to agree. Although it's just a name. But Hanmoye refused to let go.

Du Wei was annoyed in his heart. Everything he did was unwilling to bear the charge of "traitorous country". If you "seek peace" yourself, I'm afraid you won't have to wait three days. If the news spreads back, the imperial capital will scold her reputation in the street!

not to mention. This time. The province of Duvid Desa is the biggest victim. Prairie people don't apologize. Do you still have to apologize? !

But it seems that this is the bottom line in Hanmoye's heart. Compensation can be given. But bow your head and admit your mistake. I will never agree.

Du Wei didn't say much, just stood up. I exchanged glances with Philip, which meant: It seems that I still have to use that trick!

Seeing that Du Wei walked away with a displeased expression. Villa was helpless. He could only smile wryly and said to Han Muye: "Okay, since it's getting late, everyone might as well think about the rest of the matter, and we can talk about it tomorrow."

That night, Du Wei dismissed the guards around the dungeon, and came to the dungeon alone, when he opened the door and entered. Inside, Ai Lu was hugging her knees, sitting in a corner with her head bowed, in a daze.

Since the last "molest", Du Wei has not seen her for several days. Ai Lu was trapped here alone, and the pain in her heart was naturally beyond words.

That... that terrible Tulip Duke, that day... unexpectedly...

But every time I thought about what Du Wei did to me that day, I should have hated him, but Ai Lu found out in horror that no matter what, there was no trace of hatred in my heart! On the contrary, there seems to be some expectation in my heart.

And sitting alone, I can't help but think of the trembling smile on Du Wei's face, and those eyes...

He... the way he smiles, and his eyes, are so pretty...

Thinking of how Du Wei stripped himself almost naked that day, "treated" him like that, and then suddenly got up and left, Ailu's heart was filled with a complicated feeling, besides a little bit of shyness and anticipation, It seems that there is still a trace of shame and anger—of course, this trace of shame and anger is far from hatred for the enemy. Instead, I faintly felt: That damned guy, at such a time, how could he just walk away like that! Is it in his eyes. Am I that unattractive?

Sitting alone in this prison cell, the past few days really feel like years. There was a lot of turmoil in my mind. Distracting thoughts continue. Indistinctly, Du Wei's face can't stop thinking about it. The more Ai Lu thinks about it, the more afraid she becomes, and the more she thinks about it, the more she looks forward to it...

finally. When she heard the sound of the door opening, her heart trembled suddenly: him! he came?

He looked up expectantly. Look at the person. Can't help being surprised!

The person who walked in the room. Wearing a white robe, it is clearly the attire of a wizard on the snow mountain! Under the high cloak, although the face cannot be seen clearly. But above the other party's neck. Hanging a string of black beads, it is clearly the attire of a wizard! !

She was shocked. The first thought was: Could it be someone from the snow mountain. Come to rescue yourself? The teacher takes himself so seriously. Actually sent a wizard in white?

Can be followed. I heard the "Wizard in White" smile slightly. There was a hint of cunning and malice in that voice. It was the laughter that I had been thinking about day and night these days.

Shocked, Ai Lu couldn't help being crazy.

Du Wei laughed and lifted his cloak hat casually. Showed his face. Looking at the female prisoner in front of him: "Look, I'm dressed like this. Does it look like a wizard on Daxue Mountain?"

"You...why do you have the costume of a wizard?" Elle asked hesitantly.

"Hmph." Du Wei said lightly, "When Gilliat was going down, I personally killed a wizard in white clothes. I remember that was how he was dressed at that time. Hmm. But although I remember it very well, I'm not sure yet. Help me see. Is there any flaw?"

Ai Lu was stunned. He also forgot to question Du Wei's intention of pretending to be a wizard. I just saw Du Wei. A heart seemed to fly to Du Wei's body, and his mind was at a loss. Where can I think of anything else? Involuntarily obeyed Du Wei's words. Glancing at him a few times, he said in a low voice, "Well...the robe should be shorter. The rest...gone."

Du Wei nodded in satisfaction, and casually took out a dagger from his pocket. He cut off a part of the lower hem of the robe, and took it from the storage ring. Pulled out a bag. Throw it to Ailu far away. He smiled and said, "Okay, there are your clothes inside. Put them on quickly. Do something with me later."

clothes, clothes?

Ai Lu took over the burden thrown by Du Wei in a daze. When I opened it, it turned out that there was also a wizard's robe inside. But it's not white. But black.

"You...what do you want to do? Why do you..." Ai Lu asked tremblingly.

Du Wei didn't answer, but looked at himself up and down. He sighed and said, "Alas. In fact, there are still flaws. Although the wizard's robes are very similar to those of our Roland Empire's magician's robes, the material and texture are different after all. I vaguely remember that the white-clothed wizard I killed that day, Although his robe is white, it does not seem to be an ordinary fabric. When I touch it, it feels slippery and soft, but it is very strong. I don’t know what kind of fabric it is, but in a hurry, I can only make it casually I only hope that the other party won't notice it in the middle of the night... Hmph, even though he has a noble status, he never dared to come up and touch the robe of a white-clothed wizard."

"You...what are you going to do?" Although Ai Lu has been fascinated by Du Wei these days, after all, Du Wei's charming eyes can win the heart of a girl, but Ai Lu is still from the Snowy Mountains after all. Faintly felt Du Wei's bad intentions, so he couldn't help asking.

Du Wei smiled slightly, walked a few steps closer, and said something in Ai Lu's ear. After hearing this, Ai Lu changed color and said, "You... I will never do such a thing! I will not betray Daxue Mountain! You... you killed me!"

"It's the line 'Kill me' again." Du Wei whistled on purpose, and then reached out to pinch Ai Lu's chin. Ai Lu could have turned her head to avoid it, but seeing Du Wei's hand approaching, she didn't know what to do. , the body softened, but there was no thought of dodging in my heart.

Pinching the female prisoner's chin, Du Wei leaned closer, stared into her eyes, and whispered with a smile: "Don't worry, you will definitely do it!"

In front of the charming eyes, Ai Lu was intimidated by Du Wei's gaze, the clarity in her eyes disappeared bit by bit, and finally she couldn't help murmuring: "I...I...I..."

"You what?" Du Wei's voice seemed to have pierced into Ai Lu's heart.

"I'll do..." Ai Lu's voice seemed to be dreaming, "I'm willing to do whatever you want me to...".