Moving through the forest, Xiao Hua and the others were in much better spirits than before.
For the first time, they felt what true hope was like.
Ye Zhongming had agreed to their proposed plan, and, in return, promised that after this mission, the women and children would be allowed to join Cloud Peak.
However, the plan still required some outside help.
Red Python Rock was a human settlement established after the apocalypse. Due to topographical changes, a rock formation resembling a crimson python had emerged, with three rare spinning wheels clustered beneath it. Over time, this had grown into a small town of tens of thousands, with nearly twenty thousand permanent residents.
The entire town was abuzz when Ye Zhongming arrived with Xiao Hua and the others.
By this point, Ye Zhongming was no longer alone. He had summoned an operational team from the lurking Chameleon unit—tasked with ensuring his safety—forming a small but formidable squad of about a dozen.
In terms of numbers, they were nothing special. But their strength was intimidating.
Three seven-star evolved, the rest all six-star!
Thus, although many coveted the high-value “livestock” captured by this bounty hunter team called “Golden Bones,” no one dared make a move—especially since this was the fringes of the Soul Merchant’s territory. Many feared provoking the giant.
What if this “Golden Bones” team had ties to Soul Merchant?
Still, some couldn’t suppress their greed.
Three groups attempted to strike on their first night in Red Python Rock.
The first group was the largest but had lower evolution levels. They attacked, hoping to overwhelm with numbers, only to be slaughtered within minutes.
The second group consisted of assassins who tried to take advantage of Golden Bones’ post-battle fatigue. They infiltrated—and never came out. After an hour of silence, the watching townsfolk understood.
The third group struck at dawn. Their strategy was sound: a seven-star defensive evolved charged the front door, a ranged attacker provided suppressing fire from a vantage point, and another seven-star agility evolved flanked from the rear to sow chaos.
Though few in number, their tactics and class synergy were impeccable. Observers thought they stood a chance—if the tank could hold off two or even three of Golden Bones’ seven-stars, victory was possible.
But the tank failed.
Two seven-star dagger-wielders carved him into pieces in under a minute.
A single bullet from inside the house blew the ranged attacker’s head off mid-shot.
The flanker? Like the assassins, he vanished without a trace.
After that, no one dared challenge this mysterious bounty hunter team.
When force failed, diplomacy followed.
At sunrise, a delegation arrived at Golden Bones’ camp, politely requesting an audience with their leader. To Ye Zhongming, they spun tales of danger, but the message was clear: This mission is deadly—you need us.
Ye Zhongming refused.
But as they packed to leave, the town’s chieftain intervened, bluntly demanding a cut of the profits. If Ye Zhongming agreed, Golden Bones would forever enjoy a 20% discount on all supplies, lodging, and goods in Red Python Rock.
Ye Zhongming studied the chieftain—a burly man dressed like a barbarian from some fantasy game—and asked seriously, “You really want to come with us?”
When the chieftain confirmed, Ye Zhongming smiled and agreed.
As the chieftain and his men set off with Ye Zhongming, many townsfolk watched enviously.
This was the privilege of power. Though no one dared attack Golden Bones directly—their strength made the cost too high—a simple threat had secured the chieftain a share of the spoils.
“Brother, why insist on delivering these women to the Soul Merchant in person?” the chieftain asked as they marched, eyeing the “livestock” bound in special ropes. “Just send word, and they’ll come collect.”
“I have my reasons,” Ye Zhongming replied with a faint smile.
The chieftain studied him. “If there’s profit, don’t forget your old brother here.”
Ye Zhongming nodded. “I won’t. But whether it’s good for you… I can’t say.”
The chieftain’s suspicion deepened, his gaze drifting to the cart pulled by mutated beasts. On it rested two crates—one large, one small—their contents a mystery.
Wisely, the chieftain didn’t pry further.
“Speaking of Soul Merchant…” he mused, shifting topics. “They were just rumors before, but now they’ve risen right beside us. Feels strange.”
He was a talkative man, filling the march with complaints.
“With Pin Palace in the west, Soul Merchant in the east, and God Hall in the north, those three major factions have formed an iron triangle. The territory inside? Either you surrender or get wiped out. We’re lucky to be on the edge.”
Noticing Ye Zhongming’s attentive silence, he grew bolder.
“Honestly, it’s all Cloud Peak’s fault. If they hadn’t started expanding and forming alliances, Pin Palace wouldn’t have copied them, recruiting God Hall and Soul Merchant. And let me tell you—those last two? Not good people. These women? They’re for that kind of use!”
“What kind?” Ye Zhongming asked.
The chieftain hesitated. “Ah, forget it. In this damned world, what’s the point of judging? Take the money and move on.”
Changing tack, he added, “Rumor says God Hall is experimenting at Great Tso Lake, creating level-eight mutated lifeforms. If true, eight-star potions might hit the market soon. I’d better start saving.”