Xiao Zhe watched as Yin Yang took a piece of paper from the array. Although he was curious, he knew now was not the time to ask questions.
Yin Yang’s eyes narrowed slightly. He decisively bit his fingertip and pressed his blood onto a specific symbol.
That symbol represented the two Sequence 6 individuals!
After completing this, Yin Yang carefully placed the ritual memorial back in its original spot and led Xiao Zhe toward the bottom of the mountain.
They hadn't gone far when they saw lights flashing at the base of the mountain. Over a dozen vehicles were driving toward the summit.
“It’s the Security Bureau cars!”
Xiao Zhe’s voice held a hint of pleasant surprise, but Yin Yang decisively changed their direction.
“Aren’t we going to meet up with them?”
Yin Yang said calmly, “Bureau Chief Guo is only a Sequence 7. That guard from before was also a Sequence 7, and he was bitten to death in three bites. What use is he up there?”
“I observed those corpses earlier; they were all disemboweled from the inside out.”
“I also caught a glimpse of those blood-colored tentacles. They should be some kind of sacrificial product. Combined with the fact that the people didn't die all at once—instead, seven or eight out of every ten died...”
“This proves that the initial shelling was nothing more than a feint intended to lure people in. Those tentacles are their true trump card!”
“Plus, not a single person on the observation deck died, and not all of the ordinary people or transcendents were killed. From this, I’ve reached a conclusion.”
“Those cultists likely tampered with the water!”
Hearing Yin Yang’s analysis, Xiao Zhe’s eyes widened to the size of saucers.
“The water?”
“Yes. I noticed when I was coming up the mountain that there were stalls giving out free water.”
“To strike down so many people silently, there is a high probability they did something to the water.”
“The people on the observation deck are all big shots; naturally, they wouldn't drink that kind of water, which is why they are fine.”
Xiao Zhe looked enlightened after hearing this, and then secretly felt lucky that he hadn't drunk any water while coming up the mountain.
“But if they’re so strong, why did they need to lure people away?” Xiao Zhe asked. “The strongest person on the mountain is only a Sequence 7. Isn't this move redundant?”
Yin Yang sighed and looked at Xiao Zhe with a deadpan expression.
“Who told you that the shelling was to lure people away?”
“On the contrary, it was meant to draw people in!”
Xiao Zhe’s eyes went wide as Yin Yang pointed to himself.
“For example, wasn't I drawn in by them?”
“But... but why? Just for that big-headed infant monster?”
Yin Yang continued leading Xiao Zhe down the mountain, explaining as they walked.
“No, they are after divinity—the divinity required to ascend to Sequence 5!”
“If I’m not mistaken, they are likely after the minister’s daughter.”
Xiao Zhe grew even more astonished. “You mean they want to kidnap the minister’s daughter?”
“Not kidnap her, but her bodyguards!”
Yin Yang continued walking. “The words and deeds of the high-ranking officials follow a predictable pattern—their so-called etiquette, rules, and pomp.”
“Given the minister’s status, it’s normal for a Demigod to accompany him when he travels.”
“But for his family, even his most favored young daughter doesn't have the status to be accompanied by a Demigod.”
“So, for her visit this time, she could most likely only bring a few Sequence 6s.”
“For a typical trip, two Sequence 6s would suffice.”
“But this is the fierce and lawless Wangduan City, so the manpower would probably be doubled to about four.”
“Those four Sequence 6s are exactly what they want!”
Xiao Zhe listened in stunned silence, having no idea how Yin Yang had analyzed all of this.
The sky was dark and the mountain path was slippery, so the two of them descended very slowly.
While they were talking, those vehicles had already reached the summit.
Seeing this, Yin Yang frowned again. “The second wave of the sacrifice should be starting soon.”
“There’s a second wave?” Xiao Zhe was shocked, his expression turning anxious. “Are we... are we just going to watch them go to their deaths?”
Yin Yang’s expression was incredibly solemn. “You are a Sequence 9, and I am a Sequence 8. Even if we go up there, what use would it be?”
“You saw the fate of Lord Mei and that dark-skinned fellow, and they were both Sequence 7s.”
“It is not that I am unwilling to save them; it is that I am truly unable.”
Hearing Yin Yang say this, Xiao Zhe sighed and finally stopped mentioning saving anyone. He was indeed kind, but he wasn't stupid.
“Did many people see you come to the mountain today?”
Xiao Zhe thought for a moment and nodded. “Quite a few. After all, you know my build—it’s fairly conspicuous.”
Yin Yang narrowed his eyes. “In a moment, I’ll take you directly home. Regardless of whether they die or not, someone will definitely come to investigate such a massive case. They should have ways to find you.”
“When the time comes, just tell the truth. Say that I saved you.”
“What about you?” Xiao Zhe was worried, perhaps fearing that saying this would lead to trouble for Yin Yang with the authorities.
Yin Yang smiled. “I told you before, I’m leaving.”
“Where to?”
“To collect a debt.”
“Collect a debt? I can go with you! I don't really want to stay in Wangduan City anyway. In such a big city, there isn't even a shred of human warmth.”
Yin Yang shook his head seriously. “No, this is a debt I must collect alone.”
“But if I give you up, what if those people go looking for you?”
“Don't worry, they won't find me.”
“What if they do?”
“There is no ‘what if.’”
“Then... will I also be unable to find you?” Xiao Zhe suddenly stopped in his tracks, looking at the only friend who had just saved his life.
Yin Yang pointed to Xiao Zhe’s pocket. “No. You are different from them. You have a token.”
“What token?”
“A token to recognize me.”
...
Jiuqing Mountain.
“Holy mother of...!”
Bureau Chief Guo was stunned. He had guessed the situation would be bad before he arrived, but he hadn't expected it to be this bad!
Setting aside the dead for a moment, how was there a battle between Sequence 6s going on?
Mr. Qin dashed to Mr. Li’s side. “Old Li? How are you holding up?”
“I’m fine.”
“Where is Young Master Mei?”
“He went down the mountain.”
Hearing this, Mr. Qin felt a bit more at ease.
But he immediately noticed that Old Li’s condition was very poor. The purplish-blue veins around his eyes were bulging, looking as if they might burst at any second.
“Are you at your critical threshold?”
“Almost.”
“Stop now. Leave the rest to me!”
Mr. Qin spoke with absolute certainty, but Mr. Li gave a bitter smile.
“Even if you and I give it our all today, we might not make it back alive.”
On the other side, Bureau Chief Guo lit another cigarette and dialed a number on his phone.
“Hello?”
“The Shadow Lotus Church is performing a sacrifice on Jiuqing Mountain. The minister’s daughter is also here.”
“What? A sacrifice! What the hell is your Wangduan City doing?!” a roar came from the other end of the line.
Bureau Chief Guo looked helpless and let out a sigh. “Stop shouting. All you ever know how to do is damn well shout. I’ve wanted to give you a piece of my mind for a long time!”
The person on the other end seemed not to have expected Bureau Chief Guo to say such a thing and was momentarily stunned. But then they heard him continue.
“I’m afraid I won't be making it over this hurdle. After I fall in battle, don't forget to give my family their pension.”
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