Pfft!
The person sitting next to Li Daqian spat out the wine in his mouth, drawing everyone’s attention.
Although everyone was looking at him, no one laughed. They all felt the same way—shocked and momentarily at a loss.
Killing a level-nine lifeform? They had been prepared for that when they received Ye Zhongming’s message. Although he hadn’t explicitly stated it, he had hinted at a battle against mutated lifeforms.
A battle that Ye Zhongming would describe as “high-level” could only mean a fight against a level-nine lifeform.
When each received the message, they felt a mix of anxiety, excitement, and nervousness, followed by anticipation of making history.
Sure, the Beast Villa had already achieved the first kill of a level-nine lifeform, but everyone knew the specifics. That had been a weakened, pregnant level-nine lifeform—essentially a lucky break for humanity.
Facing a fully-powered level-nine lifeform? Honestly, no faction dared to try that yet.
If Ye Zhongming had gathered so many experts and high-level battle beasts to attempt a kill, they could understand and even support it. It was dangerous, but the potential rewards were enormous.
Relationships were one thing—they were allies and partners—but they weren’t about to give up their lives.
Looking at the person who had spat out his wine, everyone quickly made up their minds. When they turned back, their decision was clear.
“Hey, how did you even get to your current position? Pure passion? And you guys, do you realize you’re following a leader who’s a bit of a fool?”
The first half of Mu Xinfei’s sentence was directed at Ye Zhongming, while the second half was aimed at the core members present.
“Xinfei, watch your tone,” Commander Mu scolded his daughter, then apologized to the core members, who looked displeased. He then turned to Ye Zhongming. “Mr. Ye, perhaps we are all powerful evolved in the nation, and the forces we command are among the strongest in this land. But… that doesn’t mean we can take on level-nine mutated lifeforms, especially two. This…”
Commander Mu shook his head, leaving his sentence unfinished, but the meaning was clear.
They couldn’t defeat two level-nine lifeforms even with all of them combined.
“Brother Ye, maybe you should reconsider?” Li Daqian coughed awkwardly. He had initially planned to support Ye Zhongming unconditionally, especially after Ye Zhongming had saved his son. But taking on two level-nine lifeforms at once was just too outrageous. He had to think of himself, too.
Deacon Water didn’t say anything, but her expression made it clear she disagreed as well.
Ye Zhongming smiled. This was all within his expectations.
“I didn’t explain clearly enough.”
He stood up and looked around the room. “Level-nine lifeforms are indeed powerful. Their strength may not be world-destroying, but it surpasses our highest imaginations.”
Many of the core members in the room recalled their encounter with the Saint Father in the secret realm, and they still felt a lingering fear.
“But that doesn’t mean we can’t kill them.”
Ye Zhongming’s tone shifted, and his eyes gleamed as he looked at everyone. “Don’t worry. We only need to deal with one injured level-nine lifeform. How about that? Any concerns now?”
The group exchanged glances, and Commander Mu spoke again. “Mr. Ye, while we shouldn’t doubt your words, your lack of clarity leaves us uneasy. Could you explain more clearly so we can make an informed decision?”
“Exactly, Zhongming. If it’s just one injured level-nine lifeform, we’d naturally help. But you mentioned two earlier, and now you’re saying one. We’re confused,” Deacon Water added, looking at Ye Zhongming. Li Daqian didn’t say anything, but his expression suggested he agreed.
Ye Zhongming pondered for a moment. “In short, our target is indeed two level-nine lifeforms. But Cloud Peak will handle one of them. The other, we’ll take down together. Cloud Peak will handle the rest. Everyone is free to withdraw if anything unexpected happens or the situation becomes untenable.”
These people were all elites of the nation. Although Ye Zhongming still hadn’t explained everything clearly, they could read between the lines. It seemed Cloud Peak had a method to kill one and severely injure the other. If that was the case, then it was doable.
“Even brothers should settle accounts. How will the level-nine lifeforms be divided?” Mu Xinfei was determined to play the tough role today.
“That depends on the specific situation and each person’s contribution. Those who contribute more will naturally get more. If contributions are similar, we’ll divide the level-nine lifeform’s body based on valuation. We’ll discuss whether you take your share or trade among yourselves later.”
Everyone thought about it and agreed that the plan was fair. They all knew dishonesty wasn’t an option—their reputations were at stake, and Ye Zhongming’s integrity was well-known. He wouldn’t allow any underhanded dealings.
“Now, Mr. Ye, can you tell us which level-nine lifeforms we’re dealing with? We’re all itching to know,” Commander Mu said with a smile, his eyes shining with interest. The man who had hidden in the shadows, even as his own zone was infiltrated and torn apart, was clearly intrigued by the challenge of facing a level-nine lifeform.
Ye Zhongming thought for a moment. “The Nine-Winged Crow and… the Armor King.”
“You’re insane!”
Deacon Water shot to her feet, glaring at Ye Zhongming.
Mu Xinfei, her father, and Li Daqian looked at Ye Zhongming with disbelief.
The reason? The name “Armor King” was all too familiar.
Since the country rankings were established, the Armor King had firmly held the top spot on the list of mutated lifeforms.
Not only was it a zombie—once human like them—but it was also one of the first to reach level nine. To this day, it was the only confirmed level-nine lifeform to have killed another level-nine being!