Suddenly, a voice called from below, followed by a whistling rush of wind. Yang Baiyu shot up from the ground, standing poised mid-air, his back as straight as a lance.
Since Ye Chen arrived, the fighting below had ceased, affording him the opportunity to come here.
Possessing his formidable physique, he had naturally overheard Torgel’s words and understood the gravity of this negotiation; if the parley failed, the two sides would erupt into the largest human war in history!
A single sentence determined the life or death of tens of millions!
He gripped his long spear slightly, his usually proud head bowing just a fraction. After a moment, he murmured, “Carving words onto Mr. Torgel’s chest was my doing. When this gentleman left the city gate, he acted outrageously, brutally killing an innocent, defenseless woman and a child under ten years old from within the city. My indignation drove me to it.”
He had never spoken humbly to anyone in his life. Now, he felt the gazes of everyone around him laced with mockery. Waves of humiliation washed over him, his arms trembling slightly. He longed to rush down and strike Torgel dead, but he knew that with someone as powerful as Samsheet nearby, success was unlikely.
Moreover, doing so would shatter the negotiations, ignite the great war, and tens of millions of lives would perish in the conflict…
Think!
His mother had taught him since childhood that while one might not save the world, one must never harm others!
He had held this lesson deep in his heart since boyhood. Now, a bleak thought arose: If I died, would the world find peace? Wouldn't that be blissful? But if I died, who would feel the ache? Who would weep or mourn for me? Years from now, would anyone even remember me?
The thought brought a silent pang of sorrow.
Samsheet’s expression remained calm as he glanced at Yang Baiyu. “I didn’t expect Chairman Ye’s subordinate to be so insolent. Fortunately, Chairman Ye understands righteousness. I trust you will not disregard the world for the sake of personal gain, right?” The implication was clear: if Yang Baiyu was not executed, war would break out, and the suffering of the populace would be entirely your fault!
Ye Chen offered no reply, looking up at Torgel with a cold expression. “You murdered ordinary residents of the Base City?”
Seeing Ye Chen’s unfeeling eyes, Torgel shivered, forcing a smile. “Nonsense! Those two lowlifes mocked me first. As an envoy sent by the Celestial Alliance, how could I tolerate mockery? My intention was only to administer a small punishment, but unexpectedly, I mistakenly killed them.”
Ye Chen nodded slightly, saying no more.
Samsheet frowned when Ye Chen remained silent. “Chairman Ye, are you still hesitating? If you cannot bear to do it, I can act on your behalf!”
Ye Chen frowned. “Act on my behalf for what?”
Samsheet was startled, and everyone nearby froze, watching Ye Chen’s expression, unsure if he was truly dense or merely pretending.
Samsheet said gravely, “Your subordinate committed such an act; are you still going to shield him?”
Ye Chen looked puzzled. “What did he do?”
Anger flashed in Samsheet’s eyes. “He carved insulting words onto the body of my dispatched envoy—insulting me, and insulting the tens of millions of people of my Celestial Alliance! Tell me, was he right or wrong?”
Ye Chen turned and looked at Yang Baiyu.
Yang Baiyu understood Ye Chen’s predicament and sighed inwardly. He cupped his hands. “Lord Chairman, I willingly accept the punishment, but I only ask that after my death, my body be preserved well, not defiled by villains.”
Ye Chen nodded slightly. “You were indeed at fault in this matter!”
Hearing this, Yang Baiyu’s heart sank, growing cold. He managed a bitter smile, thinking, Yang Baiyu, what are you? How could others risk tearing faces with such a powerful faction for your sake?
Xu Tianguo and the others wanted to speak but stopped themselves, finally letting out a quiet sigh and saying no more.
Ye Chen walked up to Yang Baiyu and patted his shoulder lightly. “When you go back, practice your calligraphy more!”
Everyone, including Yang Baiyu, was stunned.
“Cal-calligraphy?” Yang Baiyu stammered, bewildered.
Ye Chen nodded. “Next time you carve something, write the characters better, so outsiders won't mock Chinese culture!”
Even the slow-witted Yang Baiyu understood Ye Chen’s meaning. He was overjoyed to the point of tears, looking at him emotionally. “Yes, I will definitely practice diligently later!”
Ye Chen waved his hand. “I’ll teach you!” He turned back to Torgel, his eyes narrowing slightly. His figure shifted, becoming an apparition—a surge like the speed of an electric superman. Moreover, the conversation just now, filled with everyone’s hidden motives, had taken remarkably little time.
Whoosh!
Even Samsheet, who was closest, did not see Ye Chen’s movement, only feeling a sudden gale. By the time he registered the rush of wind, it was too late to intervene.
Suddenly, a gentle breeze swept by. Ye Chen’s figure seemed to vanish, only to reappear in the same spot moments later. If one’s eyesight wasn't exceptional enough to catch the 0.01-second disappearance, to onlookers, it looked as if he hadn't moved at all.
As Samsheet puzzled over this, a shriek sounded nearby. He instantly turned to look and saw Torgel standing rigid, blood streaming down his face, wailing in agony. He hadn't fallen rolling on the ground.
He looked down and realized Torgel’s arm hung limply, blood seeping from his skin—it had been forcefully wrenched out of its socket. Furthermore, both his feet were pierced by two sharp knives, immobilizing him, leaving him standing there, screaming incessantly.
Everyone was greatly shocked. Even with pig brains, they knew this must be Ye Chen’s handiwork.
The powerful figures from the God-King's Mansion below were horrified, realizing that even with their superior vision, they couldn't discern Ye Chen’s movements. Even more chilling was the realization of Ye Chen’s sheer brutality!
Ye Chen acted as if nothing had happened, asking Yang Baiyu beside him, “See the two characters written on his face?”
Yang Baiyu startled, then quickly focused his gaze. He saw that amidst the blood streaming down Torgel’s face, two large characters had been carved: Turtle-Head! (Wang Ba!)
When the crowd heard Ye Chen’s words, they all noticed it. Previously, they had only seen Torgel’s bloody face, not looking closely, never suspecting Ye Chen had carved two characters there!
White Dragon, fearful of stirring up more trouble and having followed Ye Chen for a long time, knowing he used any cruel method against his enemies, showed no fear and chuckled merrily. “Oh my, where did this Wang Ba come from? The times have really changed; even a Wang Ba is so ostentatious, afraid that others won't know you’re a Wang Ba?”
The others couldn’t help but let faint smiles touch their lips upon hearing this.
Xu Tianguo was somewhat bewildered. Wasn’t this supposed to be a negotiation? He looked toward Ye Chen, only to see his expression calm and unconcerned.
Ye Chen flicked his finger, and the two sharp knives stuck in Torgel’s insteps dissolved into vital energy and were drawn into his body.
Samsheet waved his hand, and a dense burst of vital energy floated out, enveloping Torgel’s cheek. Instantly, the screams subsided. As the white light of the energy dissipated, the blood on Torgel’s face stopped flowing, and the wound healed miraculously. However, the scars left by the two characters would not vanish so easily.
Torgel looked toward Ye Chen, seeing his cold expression, devoid of any discernible emotion, and felt a chill deep in his heart. Recalling the preceding events, fear gripped him, and he dared not speak another word.
Samsheet turned to Ye Chen, his expression as dark as ice. “Are you intending to fight?”
Ye Chen nodded. “Correct. Never mind that your subordinate murdered people in my Bright Base City; even if he stepped on an ant, I would not let it go lightly! I’ll give you a chance: A duel, do you dare?”
Everyone present was stunned, never expecting Ye Chen to propose such a demand.
The many powerful figures from the God-King's Mansion below also froze, then stared at Ye Chen as if he were an idiot. Although Ye Chen’s strength shown earlier had impressed them, they felt that this level of power was like an egg hitting a rock when challenging Samsheet—a suicide mission!
A duel, do you dare?
Samsheet burst into furious laughter. Throughout his life, he had been a dragon among men since the beginning of the apocalypse. When the virus struck, he already possessed a physique level of 300. Even mutated beasts like tigers and lions were his food. No one had ever dared to be so arrogant in front of him!
Had he not seen Ye Chen’s considerable strength earlier and felt a flicker of admiration for his talent, he would have attacked long ago!
He laughed fiercely twice, his booming voice shaking a hundred li, like thunder from the heavens. Even the dark clouds overhead trembled slightly, seemingly about to disperse. Those nearby felt a dull ache in their eardrums. This was shocking because everyone present was a master, yet even they suffered ear pain; an ordinary person might have their brain burst!
After a few laughs, Samsheet retracted his sound, staring menacingly at Ye Chen. “You are courting death!”
Ye Chen’s expression remained natural. “This is not the appropriate venue for us to fight. Follow me.” He turned to leave.
Samsheet sneered. “You want to lure me away? Hmph, very well, I’ll grant your wish, and I’ll let you see that the massive army of my Celestial Alliance is not to be trifled with!”
Ye Chen’s face was expressionless. “What are you waiting for?” His figure moved, charging toward the distance.
Seeing Ye Chen leave, Torgel felt intense hatred for him but dared not act against his wishes. He quickly urged, “My Lord Alliance Leader, be careful of his trickery...”
Samsheet was arrogant. “Tricks of a petty thief can defeat me?” He moved, following immediately.
The onlookers watched the events unfold in an instant, slightly dazed.
Xu Tianguo looked surprised, pondering, What is Chairman doing? He must have designed this to draw Samsheet away because he lacks the certainty of instantly killing him, fearing that if pushed too far, Samsheet might rush into the Bright Base City and self-detonate, causing catastrophic losses! But if he leaves, how can we possibly stand against their five million strong army?
His mind raced, and suddenly, a flash of insight struck him. Yes, with the Chairman's wisdom, how could he not consider this? He must have a contingency plan! With this thought, his mind settled somewhat. He looked at White Dragon and the others beside him. “Kill these people first!” he commanded, his gaze sweeping over the many powerful figures from the God-King's Mansion below.