Ye Zhongming nodded, recognizing the chieftain’s probing.
After three days in the wilderness, they encountered a Soul Merchant convoy, which transported them to a guarded compound.
Through the building’s windows, a cluster of structures loomed on the horizon. Was that the Soul Merchant’s base?
Half a day later, a delegation arrived—unexpectedly led by a deputy chairman.
The chieftain, who’d earlier called the Soul merchant “not good people,” now fawned like a kitten, his obsequious smile never fading—a masterclass in adaptability.
The deputy chairman—referred to as Vice-Chairman Yang—carried himself with authority. After a cursory inspection of the “livestock,” he ignored the groveling chieftain and fixed his gaze on Ye Zhongming.
“Is there something else you should be telling me?”
Ye Zhongming’s intel didn’t include this deputy chairman—likely a recent promotion during the Soul Merchant’s disappearance. Even the chieftain had mentioned their leader had changed.
Without a word, Ye Zhongming signaled his men to unload the two crates and open them before the crowd.
Just days ago, Ao Cha had resupplied at Red Python Rock!
Vice-Chairman Yang strode to the smaller crate, kneeling to examine Ao Cha’s body closely—even stripping the dead man’s equipment.
The corpse had been specially preserved, showing no decay—a technique Soul Merchant also used to maintain post-mortem appearances.
After a long inspection, Yang stood, his expression grim.
He paced briefly before locking eyes with Ye Zhongming again.
“Explain. And don’t lie. If I catch you in a lie, you’ll lose more than your reward—you’ll lose your life.”
Ye Zhongming shrugged. “We were tracking bounties, found a runaway woman, followed her to a hideout. When we arrived, it had already been attacked. The women were unconscious, and these men—”
He gestured at the corpses. “—were all dead.”
A flicker of confusion crossed his face.
“What is it?” Yang pressed.
“The women weren’t knocked out. It was more like… a shockwave or gas. I questioned them—they don’t remember anything. Didn’t even see who did it.”
Yang studied him for a long moment before closing his eyes in thought.
He believed Ye Zhongming.
Ao Cha’s throat bore a clean, even cut, indicating he’d been executed while restrained. No signs of struggle.
The possibility of a sneak attack was ruled out—a warrior of Ao Cha’s caliber would have reacted, even if ambushed.
Which meant whoever killed the others and captured Ao Cha was far beyond this “Golden Bones” team’s capabilities.
They’d simply stumbled upon a windfall.
Just then, Yang’s subordinates returned from interrogating the women. Their report matched Ye Zhongming’s account.
Though Yang’s expression darkened, he showed no urge to avenge Ao Cha.
He knew his limits. If Ao Cha’s killer was beyond him, revenge was suicide.
His duty now was to report Ao Cha’s death and deliver the corpses to the chairman. The “livestock” were secondary.
“Give them their reward,” Yang ordered, preparing to leave with the bodies and women.
But Ye Zhongming stopped him.
Yang turned, cold. “I’m in no mood for games. Push me, and you die.”
Unfazed, Ye Zhongming pointed to the distant buildings. “Is that Soul Merchant’s base?”
Yang’s eyes narrowed at the audacity.
“Is your chairman there now?”
Ye Zhongming continued, ignoring the rising hostility. The chieftain tugged at his sleeve, trying to save him from suicide.
One of Yang’s men started to speak—
Ye Zhongming flicked a finger.
The six-star evolved collapsed, his words dying with him.
The sudden murder stunned the room. Only Yang remained composed.
“So you’re here for trouble. Even Ji Ruiguang wouldn’t dare act so boldly here!”
His hand shot up, a claw-shadow streaking toward Ye Zhongming’s throat.
Ye Zhongming’s blood surged.
This was how a true expert reacted—no hesitation, just lethal intent at the first sign of threat.
With an uncanny shift, Ye Zhongming evaded, his blade flashing upward as an energy field enveloped them, disorienting foes while empowering himself.
“You’re Ye Zhongming?!”
Yang recognized the Undead Sand Moon Blade, the Moonlight Field—signatures of the Cloud Peak King. Though Ye Zhongming had altered his appearance, his techniques betrayed him.
Hearing the name, the chieftain shrieked and fled.
Everyone knew the enmity between Cloud Peak and Soul Merchant. If Ye Zhongming were here, only one outcome awaited: war.
Though shaken, Yang fought back fiercely. Intricate patterns shimmered across his armor, deflecting the deadly slash.
The two clashed in close quarters, each seeking an early advantage.
At their level, gaining the upper hand in the opening moments often decided the battle. Their duel became a blur of precision and lethality.
Meanwhile, the Chameleon squad engaged Yang’s escorts.
Having freed themselves, the women armed themselves with gear from a space ring Ye Zhongming had given Xiao Hua and joined the fray.
A Soul Merchant member fired a distress signal.
Watching it arc into the sky, Ye Zhongming smiled oddly.
Half the plan was complete.
Now, it was time to see how enticing this “bait” truly was.