Who hid my body?

Chapter 336 Lyle's Betrayal?
Lyle was stunned for a while before realizing that Carter seemed to be... trying to poach someone?

So he looked at Carter, wanting to confirm: "You might as well be more explicit."

"Don't you understand what I'm saying?" Carter said calmly. "Why pretend to be stupid?"

...It’s true!

Lyle suddenly became interested. He realized that this was a rare opportunity to properly demonstrate his loyalty to Lord Vessas!
So he declared righteously, "How could I possibly..."

“You don’t need to be afraid he’ll hear you,” Carter interrupted Lyle’s pledge of loyalty. “This necklace has severed the connection between you and him.”

Lyle paused for a moment, then looked down at the necklace around his neck.

“You can try it if you don’t believe me,” Carter said. “See if you can still get in touch with him.”

Lyle hesitated for a moment, then cautiously called out "Lord Vessas" in his mind.

There was indeed no response.

Lyle was surprised, wondering if this necklace could really stop even Lord Visas?

Hmm... that's not necessarily true. After all, Lord Vesas doesn't usually pay much attention to him. You know, when he first got this finger, he would greet Lord Vesas three times a day, morning, noon and night, showing his piety.

However, Lord Vessas rarely responded; most of the time, he was just entertaining himself by licking his boots.

"Right?" Carter said calmly, seeing that Lyle hadn't spoken for a long time and seemed to have already guessed what was going on. "He didn't respond, did he?"

Lyle thought for a moment and decided to play along: "There's really no response, so what?"

“So we can be completely open about this,” Carter continued walking. “At least here, no one can monitor you, and you can make better choices.”

Lyle followed: "So you want me to betray my...partner?"

"You black market dealers actually have the concept of partners?"

“Of course,” Lyle said. “In business, integrity is key.”

"Isn't it extra money?"

“Of course not…at least not just.” Lyle mentally reported to White, “Lord Visas, let me see what this guy is planning,” before continuing to speak with Carter, “If there’s no integrity, who would do business with us?”

“If you were truly trustworthy, you wouldn’t need to rely on the ‘Seed of Contract’ to maintain your credibility,” Carter said. “Stop rambling. My master doesn’t like this nonsense. If you’re willing to pledge your allegiance to her, I guarantee she can give you more than the ‘tongue’ can. Even if you’re currently bound by the Seed of Contract, my master can help you break free.”

It can actually break the seed of the contract?!
Lyle was somewhat surprised, but upon closer reflection, the Seed of Contract itself was a product of this place, so it wasn't surprising that they could unravel their own secrets.

But this guy actually wants to poach me, and he's put it so bluntly.

Lyle thought for a moment and asked, "So what exactly does your master want me to do?"

"I will only tell you if you promise to swear allegiance to her."

“That’s not right, isn’t the order reversed?” Lyle raised an eyebrow and said, “Shouldn’t she tell me what she wants me to do first… oh no, should she tell me what she can give me first, and then I decide whether or not to work for her?”

"That question is meaningless."

"why?"

Carter said calmly, "Because the master can give you anything."

Lyle opened his mouth, clearly shocked by Carter's arrogance.

He really wanted to ask you directly who your master was, but he knew the other person definitely wouldn't tell him, so after thinking for a moment, he changed his question: "To be loyal to your master, do I need to become like you?"

"What do you think?"

"Let's not be riddle-makers at a time like this," Lyle said. "I certainly wouldn't want to become like you."

Carter narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly displeased with the statement, but he didn't show it. Instead, he said, "Not everyone has to be a master's servant. If you don't want to, you don't have to."

"If I don't do this, what else will your master give me?"

“Of course,” Carter said. “If you knew who the owner was, you wouldn’t have this question.”

...If you knew whose henchman I was, you wouldn't be thinking of poaching my men.

Lyle refrained from saying it aloud, and simply nodded to indicate that he understood.

Seeing that Lyle didn't react further, Carter frowned: "Are you willing to serve my master or not?"

"Well..." Lyle scratched his head, "Let's forget about it."

“It seems you still don’t understand the weight of my Lord’s invitation,” Carter said calmly. “Come with me, it’s time for you to see for yourself.”

It's not that I can't understand, it's just that yours definitely doesn't weigh as much as mine.

Ugh, this is really frustrating.

I don't know when it started, but I've become so important.

Two powerful figures vying for one person—what a stroke of luck!
Lyle happily followed Carter, but after taking a couple of steps, a strange idea suddenly popped into his head.

But the words came back again.

Is the person inside him... really Lord Vesas?

Lyle was startled by his sudden thought.

Why did he suddenly start doubting Lord Vessas's authenticity? This is not something a proper servant should do.

But once the thought popped into his head, he couldn't help but keep thinking about it.

The reason he suddenly had this doubt was not entirely a spur-of-the-moment decision. He had never doubted the authenticity of Lord Vesas before because he had never seen anyone who could house their soul in a finger. If this was not the legendary Lord Vesas, then who else could it be?

But the problem is, now another person who looks remarkably like him has appeared before him.

Behind him is "Lord Visas," while behind Carter is "Master."

"Lord Vessas" can communicate with him telepathically, and Carter's master also has such means.

"Lord Vessas" can control his body to unleash his full power, and the master behind Carter can also use Carter's body, exhibiting obvious female characteristics.

Furthermore, "Lord Vessas" knew the identity of Carter's master and called her Lady Ring Finger, while Carter's master also knew the identity of "Lord Vessas" and called him Mr. Tongue.

From this perspective, these two guys are completely the same kind of people.

Since they are the same kind of people, they can never be the real Lord Vesas. No one can compare to the legendary Vesas.

Thinking of this, Lyle couldn't help but frown deeply.

Oh no, have I been scammed? I've been using Vesas's body parts to trick people into chopping off my hands and feet every day, and now I've been tricked by someone else using Vesas's body parts?
Although he knew that even if "Lord Vesas" wasn't real, he was still someone he couldn't afford to offend.

But if "Lord Vessas" isn't real, then the invitation from the master behind Carter can't be taken lightly.

Furthermore, the inability to contact "Lord Vesas" now might truly be due to the necklace belonging to the owner of this house. In that case, the owner's strength might indeed be no less than that of "Lord Vesas."

That being the case...

Lyle quickened his pace and caught up with Carter.

"Um, tell me more about your master."

……

Bai Wei naturally noticed Lyle's actions and psychological changes, which made him want to laugh.

Of course, Bai Wei was not surprised. This guy was an extremely selfish person. His previous fear and flattery of him were because he believed that Bai Wei was Vesas. Once Bai Wei's identity was exposed, he would naturally have new ideas.

Just like now, he didn't even hesitate for a moment about whether Lord Vesas's identity was real. As soon as he realized there was a possibility of fraud, he immediately started looking for new possibilities for himself.

Of course, he would still put on a show, and before going there, he would still say to Bai Wei in his heart, "Let me see what this guy is really up to."

I wonder how Lyle would react if he knew that Bai Wei could completely see through his thoughts.

But Bai Wei has no intention of showing it or proving himself.

Ultimately, he didn't care whether Lyle would betray him. Because once he brought Lyle here, Bai Wei's job was done.

Next, it was Lyle's own solo performance.

……

"I see." Lyle frowned.

After his thoughts changed, Lyle began to subtly inquire about Carter's information regarding "Lord Vessas," or rather, "the Tongue" in their eyes.

Carter was naturally happy to answer these questions for Lyle. As long as his master and the man with the tongue were presented with their current situations, any normal person would know which one to choose.

Although Carter couldn't tell Lyle all the details, giving him a general overview would suffice.

So Lyle learned that the "tongue" was indeed not Lord Vesas, but someone who possessed multiple body parts. However, he was now in dire straits, and his deal with Miss Ring Finger was merely a means to survive.

They even told him the contents of the transaction—a body part.

Upon hearing this, Lyle unconsciously clenched his left hand, covering his middle finger.

Carter's words made him think... Damn it, could I be the bargaining chip in this deal?
He brought the finger here, and once the transaction is complete, the delivery can be made directly. Mr. Tongue doesn't even need to show up in person, which ensures safety and successfully utilizes all his value.

Thinking about this, Lyle felt a wave of fear wash over him.

How insidious!
I almost fell for their trap.

Although it's not yet possible to completely confirm that what Carter said is true, Lyle's perception of Whitebeard has changed from "the omnipotent Lord Visas" to "a despicable and insidious mastermind."

In a normal state, he might realize that his thinking has changed too quickly, but he wouldn't know that he is not normal now.

Carter glanced sideways at the necklace on Lyle's chest.

The master's power came into play.

This guy is just one step away from betraying us.

Let's complete this step then.

Carter stopped in his tracks: "We're here."

We've arrived. Arrived at what?

Lyle had almost forgotten why he came here, until Lyle reminded him that they had already left the yellow sand.

Before them stood the very same towering pillar they had seen in the yellow sand.

This pillar was completely different from what Lyle had imagined. At first glance, it looked like a pale sculpture, carved with limbs and flesh. Countless tentacles and severed limbs intertwined and tangled, making a climbing motion, looking incredibly lifelike.

...No, not just lifelike, it's alive!
Lyle could clearly feel these white flesh writhing and twisting, entwining themselves and struggling to climb upwards, pulling other severed limbs down in the process. From a distance, they looked like worms struggling as they were burned by flames, which made Lyle's scalp tingle.

He couldn't help but raise his head, wanting to see what exactly was on that high place where flesh and blood were struggling to reach.

Then he saw a statue standing at the highest point.

Lyle didn’t know which god it belonged to, but he knew for sure that it was a god.

Because it is too sacred and solemn.

His eyes were closed, and the wings that stretched out from his back seemed to be able to block out the sun, or as if he were the sun.

Even Lyle, a person with no faith at all, couldn't help but want to bow down the moment he saw the idol.

This is the ultimate sacredness, but the flesh and blood beneath that sacredness is the ultimate blasphemy.

Lyle didn't know whether the pillar meant that the gods had suppressed these blasphemous creatures, or that these blasphemous creatures were desperately trying to get close to the gods. He didn't dare to ask. Under such a miracle, he could only obey.

Wait, obey?
“This is the obedience of the voice of God.” Carter’s voice rang out behind Lyle. “Just give Him a name, and He can wipe out everyone in the world who has that name. This is the power of the gods, and also the power of the master.”

Carter paused, then looked at Lyle.

"Do you dare to oppose such a power?"

Lyle opened his mouth, but couldn't utter a word.

“Of course I know that the man with the tongue behind you is also quite capable,” Carter said slowly. “But do you really think he can contend with such power?”

Lyle still couldn't answer. He looked up at the statue again, the light shining down from it so bright he couldn't open his eyes.

He had never seen such a bright light in the desert; just looking at it made him feel like he would be set ablaze.

This made Lyle feel as if he had been transported back to five years ago, to the fear he felt when he first looked directly at the sun.

“I…” Lyle’s lips were dry.

“Don’t be nervous.” Carter smiled and extended his hand. “You still have a choice. You don’t have to become His enemy, do you?”

Lyle glanced at Carter's outstretched hand, then subconsciously turned his head to look at the surroundings of the Heavenly Voice.

Those guardians of the land who uphold the obedience of the divine voice wear holy armor, which reflects the same light as the idols, and seems capable of igniting everything.

Lyle had never considered becoming a follower of any god, except for today.

“Join us,” Carter said calmly. “Become our master’s servant, and we will give you everything.”

This isn't the first time Carter has said this.

He had said it half an hour ago, but Lyle just found it funny.

He had said it again ten minutes earlier, but Lyle began to ponder.

Now that he brought it up again, Lyle was filled with nothing but...ecstasy.

Yes, I can join here, I can become a member of this group!
This place can give me everything!
Lyle instinctively reached out his hand, ready to shake hands with Carter.

He had made his decision, and Carter smiled.

But at this moment.

A loud retching sound startled Lyle.

He instinctively turned his head and saw one of the tentacles under the statue suddenly open its mouth and then vomit outwards.

One after another, decaying skeletons were vomited out of that giant mouth.

Lyle was stunned: "What is that?"

“Don’t be nervous,” Carter glanced at it. “It’s just eating.”

"Eating?"

“Yes, the obedience of the Heavenly Voice is alive, so it naturally needs to eat,” Carter said calmly. “It’s just indigestion after eating, nothing to be alarmed about.”

Lyle watched as the surrounding guardians, unfazed, stepped forward, collected the vomited flesh and blood, and fed it back to the tentacle, which also ate it again without any disgust.

The loud chewing sounds gave Lyle goosebumps, but they also calmed him down considerably.

...It seems that anything related to gods is somewhat abnormal.

Lyle didn't foolishly ask Carter what he was eating.

After all, as a black market dealer, he had seen many similar cases, so Lyle quickly regained his relaxed expression.

But each time, he would comfort himself.

It doesn't matter. Anyway, these outsiders are eating their own people because their own gods are eating their own people. It has nothing to do with him.

As long as the no-man's-land remains unaffected...

Lyle's smile suddenly froze.

(End of this chapter)