Chapter 585: Deputy Two Eyes Island Lord!

Under normal circumstances, Hun Tong would have been displeased to be interrupted by Yan Yi like this.

But now, Hun Tong wanted nothing more than to pull Yan Yi closer, to have him speak up.

Hun Tong patted Yan Yi's shoulder. "You truly are one of our own. You're more reliable than outsiders. I'm deeply relieved you can speak your mind to me. I truly never anticipated Tan Mo would be so audacious. Framing me carries significant risks for him too."

Yan Yi replied, “At this point, Lord, we must focus on navigating the immediate crisis.”

“Since you cannot provide sufficient gold coins, perhaps... perhaps we should abandon the Golden Flash?”

Hun Tong's expression darkened instantly as he flatly refused: "Impossible! The Golden Flash cost me immense effort and sacrifice to acquire. How could I abandon it so easily?"

“Don't let Tan Mo's tactics intimidate you, he's only trying to scare me.”

Yan Yi hurriedly urged, "My Lord, Tan Mo has already moved against you! He intends to take you away. Do you still intend to resist?"

Hun Tong shook his head. "Of course I won't fight back. Resisting would only play right into Tan Mo's hands. It would only solidify the charge of treason against me."

“I will endure captivity for a time!”

“Suffer the hardship until the Empire conducts another investigation.”

"Tan Mo made a colossal mistake, he framed me for treason! Such a grave crime requires multiple investigations under Imperial protocol to verify."

“I refuse to believe Tan Mo can single-handedly cover everything up and bribe every single investigator from here on out!”

Yan Yi asked, “Lord, why must you do this?”

“Playing the prisoner, even if Tan Mo doesn't eliminate you, he'll certainly make your life miserable and subject you to torture.”

Hun Tong sneered coldly, "What's a little suffering? I am innocent! Whatever torment Tan Mo inflicts, I will repay him tenfold someday!"

Without Yan Yi's persuasion, Hun Tong still wavered. But this very argument only strengthened his resolve.

Yan Yi continued, "Lord, perhaps we should consider another approach. Since you refuse to sell the Golden Flash, why not negotiate a contract with Tan Mo? Agree to allocate a portion of Two Eyes Island's profits for the next few years, paying Tan Mo a fixed sum annually at set times."

“This way, you're essentially using future income to resolve your current crisis.”

“Not only would you avoid captivity and torture, but you'd remain ruler of the island throughout, wouldn't you?”

Hun Tong glared. “You want me to compromise?”

“The future profits of Two Eyes Island, are they so easily relinquished?”

"What about its future development? I'm short on funds now, will I be even more strapped later?"

“Besides, did I toil to build this empire just to generate profits for Tan Mo?”

Yan Yi knew Hun Tong's temperament well; such persuasion only fueled his rage.

Hun Tong snapped, "Besides, I'm not alone. I have my family too! Tan Mo has connections, do you think I don't? Does the Duo Mu Clan not have any?"

Yan Yi agreed, "You're right. We have our clan. Our clan won't abandon us. As one of the clansmen, Lord, I'll do everything in my power. Just give me your orders. Shall I send word to the clan now?"

Hun Tong raised a hand to stop him. “Wait. Don't be so hasty.”

He had reservations.

If he could have sought help from his clan, he would have done so long ago. Why endure this torment?

The truth was, Hun Tong's relationship with the Duo Mu Clan was far from harmonious.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have led his own forces out onto the vast ocean, carving out his own territory from the fishman clan.

If he could rely on the clan for help at any time, he wouldn't have strived to be self-sufficient, nor would he have leaned toward collaborating with Yan Yi during his conflicts with the fishman clan.

In truth, ever since he established himself on Two Eyes Island, the Duo Mu Clan had actively expressed their intent to send reinforcements to Hun Tong on multiple occasions.

Yet each time, Hun Tong refused.

The reason was simple.

Such familial aid and reinforcements came at a price.

Every time Hun Tong accepted, every benefit gained, his territory would gain more members of the Duo Mu Clan. These clan members obeyed his commands, but more often, they answered to the factions behind their clan.

Over time, it would become unclear whether the territory of Two Eyes Island belonged to Hun Tong personally or to the Duo Mu Clan.

This time was no different.

Why didn't Hun Tong seek help from his clan? He hadn't salvaged any loot, and he was desperately short of funds.

Once he revealed the truth to the clan, the reinforcements dispatched by the clan would be too overwhelming, and Hun Tong would have to pay the corresponding price, losing many of his privileges.

But if he could endure this difficult period, Hun Tong's future and prospects would be bright. After all, his former major threat—the Blue Green Coral fishman clan, had suffered heavy losses and had completely migrated away.

Yan Yi's direct declaration to deliver the message to the clan struck like a needle into the most sensitive part of Hun Tong's heart.

A question arose naturally: “During my forced exile from the island, Two Eyes Island is in grave danger!”

“None of my subordinates are capable of leading independently. Two Eyes Island is practically leaderless.”

“Once news of my escort spreads, the clan will certainly intervene!”

“Then my holdings, the foundation I built with blood, sweat, and tears, will fall into others' hands.”

“What am I to do?”

The urgency hit him. Even if he didn't fear Tan Mo's accusation, the fate of his territory terrified him. What if the imperial investigation cleared him, only for him to return to Two Eyes Island and find his home stolen?

“I must find someone to hold the island lord's position in my stead.”

“First, this person must be capable, able to stand alone and stabilize this place.”

“Second, this person must be ‘one of us,’ trustworthy enough for me to rely on.”

"Finally, this person must have a weakness, something I can hold over them. In short, someone I can control. Remember, lofty positions breed ambition in people's hearts."

After pondering, Hun Tong's gaze involuntarily settled on Yan Yi.

Wasn't this man before him the ideal proxy?

First, Yan Yi's talent was undeniably sufficient. He was the regional head of the Imperial Secret Spy Agency organization for the entire Two Eyes Island. Even if his personal strength fell short, he commanded a network of Imperial Secret Spy Agency operatives at his disposal.

Second, Yan Yi was a member of Hun Tong's clan, having collaborated with him all along. Though he'd been somewhat deceitful, it was ultimately driven by pursuit of his own interests. It was merely that events had spiraled beyond his control.

Finally, this fellow was weak! He was merely a bronze level. Even if he harbored treacherous thoughts in the future, as a gold level, could Hun Tong not handle him?

Reaching this conclusion, Hun Tong made his decision.

He clasped Yan Yi's hand firmly: “Yan Yi, my clansman, I entrust you with a crucial mission.”

“My Lord, please instruct me!” Yan Yi replied.

Hun Tong: “I am entrusting you with the position of Island Lord.”

"Ah?!" Yan Yi was stunned.

Before he could speak, Hun Tong waved him off. “Time is critical. That bastard Tan Mo has given us only five minutes. It's almost up.”

“I'll make this brief. Before I depart, you will temporarily assume the duties of Island Lord.”

"Do not refuse. You've worked with me long enough to know my men lack competence. Moreover, the fishmen's assault has depleted our forces."

“You are the best choice!”

"While acting as island lord, stabilize the situation. If the merchants cause trouble, blame it all on me. I'm already under arrest anyway. Let them scramble to bail me out, then I can compensate them for their losses."

"Be wary of clan members reaching out. Two Eyes Island is my domain! These clansmen arriving will be troublesome to handle."

Hun Tong finished speaking, patting Yan Yi's shoulder. “When I return, I'll hand over the Deputy Island Lord position to you!”

“The Imperial Secret Spy Agency isn't a place for the faint-hearted.”

“Two Eyes Island is your home. When you have children, I can even petition the Empire for a knighthood for you, carving out a portion of territory as your knightly fiefdom!”

"My Lord!!" Yan Yi trembled slightly with excitement, utterly moved by the bright future Hun Tong had laid out.

Yan Yi was so eager he could have pounded his chest in assurance: “I will devote every ounce of my strength to guarding this place fiercely!”

“Even if it means death, even if I'm assassinated, I will die at my post!”

Hun Tong immediately frowned: "No, you cannot die so easily. You are the Deputy Island Lord. This is what we'll do: I'll also entrust the Golden Flash to you."

“I'll grant you the authority to command the Golden Flash.”

"In peacetime, you'll remain hidden aboard the Golden Flash, stationed in the skies above Two Eyes Island. You'll strictly oversee all personnel entering and exiting the vessel. This will significantly safeguard your life!"

Yan Yi was overjoyed, lavishing praise on Hun Tong's brilliant arrangement.

Half an hour later.

Two Eyes Island's dock.

Yan Yi bid farewell to Tan Mo.

Tan Mo gazed intently at Yan Yi. “Congratulations. With events unfolding this way, you stand to gain the most.”

Yan Yi offered a wry smile. “Lord Tan Mo, this is a mutually beneficial partnership.”

“I'm merely a tool, a puppet propped up by the merchant alliance and great nobles behind me.”

Tan Mo snorted coldly. “Recognizing that fact shows you have some self-awareness.”

He still harbored resentment. After all, this time, he had been used as a pawn.

The next moment, Yan Yi produced a piece of intelligence and handed it to Tan Mo. “My Lord, I humbly request you speak favorably of me in your investigation report.”

“This intelligence concerns the whereabouts of the underwater spoils from the great battle of Two Eyes Island.”

“Lord, if you proceed to Ice Sculpture Island to secure these spoils, you will be the greatest victor.”

"Oh? You've been thoughtful." Tan Mo's cold expression melted away.

Yan Yi bowed deeply: “Then I wish you smooth sailing on this journey, Lord.”