They robbed four more groups along the way, gaining another few million points and dozens of Soul Essence Lamps. By now, Bolabo was practically covered in hanging lamps.
They soon reached the second cavern. Just as Zhang Ye was preparing to show off his skills, he suddenly heard the sound of fighting coming from inside.
Zhang Ye and Lina exchanged a glance and signaled Bolabo to hide. Then, the two of them and the slime submerged into the ground, quietly sneaking in.
When they saw what was happening, they were amused.
Wasn’t this that one guy from that one family?
Currently, Nan was farming monsters inside the cavern, though he didn't dare to pull monsters as blatantly as Zhang Ye did.
His method was relatively discreet. He used magic to lure dozens of Flame Rock Beasts from a small area into a tunnel, then continued luring more after killing them. While his farming efficiency wasn't as exaggerated as Zhang Ye’s, it was definitely lightning-fast compared to the average examinee.
Zhang Ye noticed three extra Soul Essence Lamps on Nan's waist, and one of them was already full!
He must have stolen them from others.
As Zhang Ye watched, the mischievous grin on his face became more and more apparent, making Lina shudder involuntarily.
“Brother Ye, we aren't... going to rob him again, are we?” Lina asked.
Zhang Ye gave a wicked smile. “Hey, watch your mouth. You’re an employee of Honor Among Thieves & Ethical Heists Co., Ltd. now. How can you use an uncivilized word like ‘rob’?”
“This is called ‘conducting business.’”
Lina: “...”
Zhang Ye looked at Nan, who was having a blast killing monsters not far away, and said with a chuckle, “See, Mr. Nan is an old client of ours. We’re already familiar with each other, so we have to prioritize our old clients. That’s the only way to ensure a long-lasting business relationship.”
Lina’s face was blank with confusion. “Is... is that how it works?”
“Of course it is. Also, call me President Zhang, thank you. After all, I am the founder of this company.”
Lina: “...”
How did this person get so into character?
“What does President Zhang mean? And what does ‘company’ mean?” Lina asked.
“A company is like a country, and President Zhang is the King,” Zhang Ye hummed. “We’ve basically founded a nation here, you know? We’re the founding fathers.”
Lina’s mouth hung open, feeling that Zhang Ye’s words were getting more and more ridiculous.
“I’m President Zhang, and from now on, you’re Vice President Lina. You’re second only to me, understood?”
“Oh...” Lina was dazed, being led along by Zhang Ye’s logic.
“Wait until that vict— I mean, wait until Mr. Nan has filled two Soul Essence Lamps, then we’ll go talk business,” Zhang Ye said.
“Oh, okay!” This time Lina understood, and her small face grew increasingly excited.
For some reason, even though she knew robbery was wrong, Lina felt so excited—she loved it!
There was no chance to experience such thrilling things back in the royal palace.
Following Brother Ye was definitely the right choice!
Heehee!
After waiting for about two hours, Nan finally filled two Soul Essence Lamps.
Nan was also panting heavily.
Although his mana reserves were much larger than others of the same tier, he couldn't sustain such intensive farming indefinitely. He needed to rest for half a day to recover his mana.
However, before he could take more than two breaths, several Holy Light Shackles tore through the air and bound him tightly.
It didn't end there. A few seconds later, another set of Holy Light Shackles appeared.
Double Holy Light Shackles!
Nan: “...”
Seeing this familiar scene and feeling the familiar mana fluctuations, Nan had a certain colorful phrase in his heart that he wasn't sure was appropriate to say out loud.
Zhang Ye emerged from the ground with a grin, rubbing his hands as he ran over to Nan.
“Mr. Nan, long time no see! I’ve missed you dearly!”
Nan: “...”
Looking at the armored warrior before him, Nan remained expressionless, but the veins on his forehead began to throb. His killing intent surged around him, almost turning tangible.
“Mr. Nan, I’m here to talk business again.” As he spoke, he skillfully plucked the Soul Essence Lamps from Nan’s belt.
Nan: “!!!”
“Our company, Honor Among Thieves & Ethical Heists Co., Ltd., has launched a brand-new service: a loyalty discount! Your second heist is half-off; we’ll only take half of your essences!” Zhang Ye continued.
“And since you are an old client of the company, we are adding even more value. We’re gifting you three brand-new Soul Essence Lamps!”
“Furthermore, as the Chairman, I’ll personally provide a special benefit and put the belt back on for you. Most people don't get this kind of treatment.”
“What do you think? Isn't it thoughtful? Aren't you moved?”
As he spoke, Zhang Ye removed the full lamp from the belt, replaced it with three empty ones, and very thoughtfully tied the belt back onto Nan.
“Mr. Nan, your waist is really thin. It’s a total A4 waist, haha,” he said with a chuckle.
At this moment, Nan’s eyes began to twitch.
“Alright, the benefits and discounts have been delivered, but I have a few more things to say.”
“Mr. Nan, are you really not going to consider the Win-Win Cooperation package?”
Nan finally couldn't take it anymore and ground out through clenched teeth, “Get lost!”
“You got it!” Zhang Ye clapped his hands and cast another Holy Light Shackles on Nan. By now, Nan was almost bound into a ball, with only his head sticking out.
Then, with a wave of Zhang Ye’s hand, a burst of mana covered Nan, and he immediately began rolling away like a soccer ball.
Nan’s face was dark, his eyes filled with killing intent.
Because he knew the deed was done and he had no power to resist, he could only glare death at Zhang Ye.
Just you wait!
I will definitely kill you!
I’ll kill you!
Zhang Ye chuckled and checked the Soul Essence Lamps.
Good heavens, one-fifth of the essences in these two lamps were from magical beasts at Tier Eight or above. Together, they were worth nearly ten million points!
This meant that in just a few hours, this guy Nan had killed over six thousand magical beasts, and over a thousand of them were Tier Eight or higher!
That was an average of one beast every two seconds—instant kills. He was way too ruthless!
Zhang Ye gave Nan a mental thumbs-up.
Just then, Bolabo called out to Zhang Ye through their contract link. Zhang Ye summoned him and asked, “What is it?”
Bolabo gave a sheepish smile. “Um... Boss, I just saw a mineral vein outside. If I eat it, my defense will improve. Can I...”
Hearing this, Zhang Ye nodded. “Sure, go ahead and eat if you want.”
“Great! Thanks, Boss!”
Bolabo left happily, while Zhang Ye looked toward the cavern.
“Lina, let’s go farm!”
“Okay!”
...
Over three hours later, Zhang Ye had harvested several thousand more essences, worth over thirty million points!
How sweet!
With this many points, he was guaranteed a top three spot.
Moreover, his physique had improved to the Tier Nine Newly Advanced stage, which was what made Zhang Ye the happiest.
Next, he would continue farming while looking for more business and his brother-in-law.
“Awoo, awoo! Save me, Boss!” Suddenly, Bolabo’s howling voice came through the contract link.
Zhang Ye was startled and asked, “What happened?”
Wasn't Bolabo supposed to be eating a mineral vein? Why was he suddenly calling for help?
Had he been caught by other examinees who mistook him for a regular Rock Beast?
“Boss, I was eating minerals, and then I saw that purple-haired kid tied up like a ball. I wanted to teach him a lesson, so I started kicking him around like a ball.”
“Who knew that while I was kicking him, he’d suddenly break free? Now he’s trying to hack me to death!”
“Ow, ow, ow! It hurts!” Bolabo cried out. “Boss, hurry and take me back! Hurry!”
Hearing this, Zhang Ye quickly pulled Bolabo back into the contract space and then summoned him to his side. When he saw him, he could barely hold back his laughter.
Bolabo’s golden shell was now hacked into a tattered mess. Half of a shoulder plate had been sliced off, and a blade mark ran across half of his face, making him look both ridiculous and comical.
That kid Nan was pretty fierce.
As soon as Bolabo appeared, he began to complain tearfully, “Boss, that kid is too ruthless. Look at this! He ruined my handsome face. How am I supposed to face anyone in the future?”
Zhang Ye couldn't help but laugh. “If someone kicked me around like a ball, I’d hack them too once I got out.”
Bolabo shook his large head, then leaned toward Zhang Ye with a fawning expression. “Boss, since I’m in such a pitiful state, could you give me some mana to help me recover?”
Zhang Ye was amused. So he was after his mana.
It made sense; his mana was refined to the absolute extreme. He was essentially a super power bank. Not only could he transfer mana to others to replenish them, but they could also use his mana for cultivation.
He nodded. “Fine.”
With that, he pressed his hand against Bolabo, injecting pure mana into him.
Bolabo’s face immediately lit up with excitement.
After being injected with four-fifths of Zhang Ye’s mana, Bolabo excitedly ran off to cultivate.
Zhang Ye sighed. He didn't know if Nan had recognized Bolabo or if he would associate the beast with him...
Whatever, he wouldn't worry about it. BBQ first!
With so many points already secured, Zhang Ye and Lina could afford to rest for a while.
“Come on, Lina, let’s have a BBQ party to celebrate!”
“Okay... but where is the meat coming from?”
“Hehe, I came prepared!” Zhang Ye smiled proudly. With a wave of his hand, the space before them was filled with various meats, seasonings, a grill, and even fruit juice. It could be said that Zhang Ye had prepared very thoroughly for this secret realm journey!
Lina’s eyes instantly sparkled.
Although they wouldn't die if they didn't eat or drink for a few days at their level, who wouldn't want to have BBQ in this barren secret realm?
It was no wonder Leona said the magical beasts in this secret realm were hard to eat—how could a bunch of rocks taste good?
Therefore, the examinees who hadn't brought food with them were likely in for a rough time.
For the next three days, they would probably have to fight on empty stomachs.
Zhang Ye offered them three seconds of silence, then brushed some honey onto the meat.
...
...
Rate on N.U.
