"Wait for me outside."
"Turn off the surveillance. I want to talk to him."
Before entering, Zhao Yunhai told A Da and the others to stop and wait outside.
"Be careful, Young Master Yun."
A Da and the others obediently stopped outside, their faces etched with worry.
After Zhao Yunhai went in, he closed the room door and the lights immediately came on.
Lin Tian shielded his eyes, unable to bear the light. For someone who hadn't seen the light for a week, the sudden brightness made it impossible to open his eyes.
"You know, I like ambitious people."
Zhao Yunhai squatted in front of Lin Tian, observing him with curiosity.
Lin Tian struggled to lift his eyelids, looking at the man who was clearly the leader. His life was entirely in this man's hands.
"I can promise to work for you."
Lin Tian said in a very weak voice. At this moment, he cared nothing for his dignity; all he wanted was to survive and then seek revenge.
"But I don't like those with hearts as high as the sky."
Zhao Yunhai shook his head and refused. Even if he pretended to agree with Lin Tian, Lin Tian wouldn't obediently hand over the Sea God Pearl. There was no need for pretense. He just wanted to see if he could use his persuasive skills to make Lin Tian reveal his secret voluntarily.
"I've investigated you. You were just an ordinary person before, and then you suddenly became wealthy overnight. I believe you have a secret."
Zhao Yunhai's gaze was like a sharp sword, piercing directly into Lin Tian's soul. Lin Tian felt as if he had been completely seen through. He decided to remain silent, wanting only to sleep. With his eyes closed, he could easily drift off.
In the next moment, Lin Tian's snores could be heard. After a full week, his spirit was on the verge of collapse.
Seeing that Lin Tian had fallen asleep, Zhao Yunhai walked out directly and instructed Si Jinyan to give Lin Tian some electrotherapy. This electrotherapy was designed to stimulate the spirit, forcibly keeping him awake even when extremely tired.
"Let me sleep!"
When Lin Tian saw Zhao Yunhai re-enter, he shouted in anger, his weak voice like a cat's meow. However, he lacked the strength to resist.
"Reveal your secret, and I'll let you sleep soundly, deeply, so deeply that no one can wake you."
Zhao Yunhai's voice was like a devil's whisper in Lin Tian's ears.
"Impossible!" Lin Tian grew increasingly irritable. But giving up the Sea God Pearl was absolutely out of the question. It was the only thing that could change his destiny. If he handed it over, he would have no chance of turning his life around. At this moment, Lin Tian's mind became crystal clear.
"But you can't get out. You're trapped here by me. What's the use of guarding this secret?"
"Or perhaps you think you're the only one in the world who knows this secret?"
Zhao Yunhai was determined to obtain the Sea God Pearl from Lin Tian. Lin Tian watched as Zhao Yunhai transformed into a pool of seawater before his eyes, a face emerging from the water and smiling at him.
"See? This is the secret you're fighting so hard to protect. I already have it."
Zhao Yunhai taunted Lin Tian.
"Impossible, it must be a hallucination."
Lin Tian couldn't accept this reality, his face contorting in rage. His secret had always been his alone, and only now did he realize he was like a clown. Zhao Yunhai could transform into seawater at will, allowing him to bypass physical defenses. However, his weakness was fire and heat, which could evaporate him. But as long as Zhao Yunhai was in the sea, he had nothing to fear. This was the power of the Sea God Pearl, a hundredfold increase that allowed Zhao Yunhai to conjure towering waves. Zhao Yunhai even had new ideas about Fusang. After all, he could now control tsunamis. Zhao Yunhai hadn't forgotten the sneak attack he suffered in Haicheng. Zhao Yunhai let out a cold laugh.
"Believe it or not, it's up to you. Hand over the Sea God Pearl. You're not worthy of possessing such an item."
"You know, you know everything."
Lin Tian's heart sank when he heard Zhao Yunhai mention the Sea God Pearl. The man knew everything and clearly possessed the Sea God Pearl's power for much longer than he had. He would never be able to catch up to Zhao Yunhai's rate of improvement and would be suppressed by him forever. Regardless, he refused to give it up. If he did, he would have no chance to rise again. A wave of cool clarity washed over Lin Tian's mind, as if the Sea God Pearl itself was aiding him.
Seeing Lin Tian suddenly regain his composure and resolve, Zhao Yunhai narrowed his eyes and left the interrogation room.
"Leave it to the professionals. Let Lin Tian reveal his secret himself."
Zhao Yunhai ordered Si Jinyan.
"As you command." Si Jinyan gestured to the person behind him. "Do as Young Master Yun has instructed."
This person was secretly cultivated by the Zhao family, a special martial artist recently transferred to Si Jinyan's team. Zhao Yunhai had given up on his persuasive approach, realizing that villains didn't rely on words. Professional matters required professional individuals. This man was named Wang Jin, a martial artist at the peak of the Innate realm, aged thirty-two. He had poor natural talent but possessed immense spiritual power. His peak Innate realm strength was built through various medicinal herbs and resources provided by the Zhao family. He had no hope of further advancement in martial arts, but his spiritual power could still improve with continuous training using advanced technology.
"Young Master Yun, leave this person to me. I can resolve this in one minute."
Wang Jin stepped out from behind Si Jinyan and respectfully assured Zhao Yunhai.
"Mm, follow me."
Zhao Yunhai glanced at him and led him inside, then closed the door. Some things were better known by fewer people.
"Here you go again. No matter who you bring, it's useless. I'm telling you, you're just dreaming. Don't even think about it."
With the help of the Sea God Pearl, Lin Tian was clearer-headed than ever before.
"It's up to you."
Zhao Yunhai ignored Lin Tian and looked at Wang Jin. "Use the full extent of your abilities."
"Yes!" Wang Jin replied loudly and excitedly. He was thrilled by Zhao Yunhai's implicit instructions. Zhao Yunhai had two intentions: First, Lin Tian was the protagonist, so going all out was the safest approach. Second, if Wang Jin's abilities were outstanding, Zhao Yunhai intended to recruit him.
"Hahaha—Him?"
Lin Tian sneered. He believed the other party was too naive. Even if they tortured him beyond recognition, as long as he didn't die, he would eventually see the light of day again. The Sea God Pearl was continuously transforming his body. With more time, he would also be able to liquefy. He just couldn't achieve instantaneous full body liquefaction like Zhao Yunhai. Lin Tian roared inwardly, needing time. Heaven was unfair, why wouldn't it give him time to develop?
Wang Jin pulled out a green leaf and placed it to his lips, blowing gently. The opening notes of the song "Only Mother is Good in the World" slowly began to play.
