One was an elder in a white robe with a furious expression, the other, a warrior composed and at ease.
The High Priest and I faced each other, scrutinizing one another.
Why isn't this old fox speaking?
Looking at the High Priest’s ancient face, as green as paint applied to old wood, I felt a sense of nausea.
Speak up! If you won't speak, I'm leaving!
I grumbled internally, but kept a neutral expression.
The contest between the High Priest and me had begun the moment I arrived at the entrance of the Temple Guard camp.
Simply put, we were both in a difficult position, and whoever spoke first would concede an advantage.
The High Priest had come to demand an explanation, and believing his status was higher than mine, he naturally wanted me to speak first, to assert dominance.
Of course, I wouldn't let the High Priest succeed. We were both subordinates of the Wood God, after all. You just got here a few decades earlier than me, and in a couple of days, we'll be facing each other in real combat. I certainly wouldn't show the High Priest any deference.
An awkward silence descended upon the scene, as the High Priest and I waited for someone to break the tension.
"High Priest, our commander is here, why aren't you speaking!"
At this moment, Hujialuo, whether it was a flash of inspiration or an unconscious gesture of goodwill towards me, took the initiative to question the High Priest.
Well done!
I silently praised Hujialuo in my heart.
Now, this old geezer has no choice but to speak!
As expected, the High Priest was the first to break. He shot Hujialuo a grim look before speaking.
"Batu, do you know why I've brought the Shepherd's Emissary to see you today!"
The High Priest, a seasoned veteran, started with the kind of question a school teacher would use, attempting to put me under psychological pressure.
You're asking me why you brought the Shepherd's Emissary to see me? Are you senile, and don't know yourself!
I grumbled inwardly, but I couldn't say it out loud. After all, the High Priest was a figure of some standing. If I spoke my mind, we might not wait for a few days; we'd be at each other's throats right now.
"Oh? How would I know? Perhaps you've been staying in the temple for too long and suddenly felt like getting some fresh air, so you brought a group of your subordinates to visit me."
"Though I haven't been here long, I do know a few good spots, High Priest. If you'd like to visit, I can show you around."
You old fox, you're playing dumb, so I'll play dumb too.
I looked at the High Priest with a feigned look of bewilderment. If everyone present didn't know that yesterday I had forced those Shepherd's Emissaries to cut off their own left hands, they would likely believe I was speaking the truth.
"Batu, I thought you were a true man, but I didn't expect you to be afraid to admit what you've done!"
Trick number two: Moral blackmail!
Do you know whether I'm a true man or not?
If you don't believe me, send your daughter over to test me!
A year later, see if I don't give you a grandchild to hold!
I've encountered this kind of tactic plenty of times in society, and I've developed a skill for deflecting it.
As the saying goes, if I have no moral bottom line, I won't fear any moral blackmail.
"High Priest, what you're saying doesn't make sense. I was sincerely trying to show you around. Even if you didn't want to, you can't just turn around and bite me!"
"I know there might be some misunderstandings between us, but for an elder like yourself, I truly hope you'll get more exercise. That way, you can live a few more years."
What I said, though seemingly sincere, was dripping with sarcasm. The High Priest visibly flushed, his face turning red.
"You... you!"
I suspect that if the High Priest weren't already half-dead and didn't look so frail, he would have certainly drawn a nearby sword and charged at me to fight to the death!
The High Priest patted his chest, taking a long while to regain his breath.
"Batu! Stop beating around the bush. I'm asking you, why did you force the Shepherd's Emissaries to cut off their left hands last night!"
"Are you trying to rebel!"
Good! The High Priest is trying to frame me, attempting to stand on high moral ground to criticize me.
Since the High Priest has revealed his intentions, I might as well stop pretending and confront him directly!
"Fine, High Priest! If you want to ask about this, then I will ask you properly!"
"You say that the Shepherd's Emissaries were forced by me to cut off their left hands last night, but have you asked them why I forced them to do it!"
"Do you know what happened last night, High Priest!"
I deliberately emphasized the words "High Priest," my intention being to expose all those unsavory dealings and see how the High Priest would explain them.
High Priest, if you dare to come to my door and question me, then don't blame me for ruthlessly slapping your face!