Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2027: Scapegoat

However, several beams of light suddenly shot out, striking the person beside him and killing him instantly.

"You really don't take the Changxu Water Race seriously, do you?" one of the Changxu Water Race members said with dissatisfaction.

Compared to those true experts, even if their 'Furelai' were the same or even higher, they wouldn't stand a chance. But against these individuals, whose 'Furelai' was merely a fraction or even a tenth of theirs, their Holy Symbol attacks were undeniably effective.

The Changxu Water Race individual, who had been held hostage, quickly scrambled to safety.

The remaining five people exchanged glances, too afraid to speak, and continued to edge their way out step by step.

At this moment, their only thought was to escape this place as swiftly as possible.

As they passed Ye Zhongming and the others, they kept their backs to them, retreating cautiously while still holding their hostages.

Ye Zhongming, far too weak to stand on his own and supported by two Changxu Water Race members, looked at them and offered a smile.

A chill ran down their spines from his smile, making them increasingly wary.

Unfortunately, this caution would not spare their lives.

Just as they reached the doorway, several whistling sounds rushed towards them. Four of the five instinctively turned to see the source of the sounds. The remaining one chose to tighten his grip, intending to strangle his hostage.

Regardless of their reactions, none of them succeeded. Their lives were extinguished almost instantly. The one attempting to harm his hostage was struck directly, his head shattering, leaving a headless corpse.

Outside, Qiuqiu, having just shattered a target's head, let out a pained whimper.

Beside Qiuqiu, four towering shadows stood by the doorway.

These were the four formidable experts dispatched by Yisewei to safeguard the Changxu Water Race.

After eliminating the other estate retainers and guards, these four had taken up positions outside. The surviving members of the Eight Powers just happened to fall into their trap.

At this moment, their gazes shifted entirely as they looked again at the weak, seemingly near-death Ye Zhongming.

Entrusted with the protection of the Changxu Water Race members, they were well aware of Ye Zhongming's actions. This small-scale operation had showcased the Novice First place's reliability, ruthlessness, decisiveness, and absolute thoroughness.

He had pushed himself to such a state merely to honor his promise to the Changxu Water Race, even daring to make an enemy of the Huo'er Star people by directly annihilating one of their slave trafficking squads.

This act of unflinchingly confronting a vastly superior super race for the sake of a promise had earned their deepest admiration.

If their own Sheke Star people had done this, it might have been more understandable. However, in reality, they wouldn't dare. Yet, a frail Earthling, sheltered by a minor clan, could fearlessly wield his blade against an existence countless times more powerful than himself—such courage merited their profound respect.

Furthermore, this individual had meticulously planned and orchestrated the entire operation from inception to conclusion, demonstrating both audacity and precision. Whether it was utilizing his own abilities within the room or employing their assistance—individuals who clearly wished to avoid antagonizing the Huo'er Star people—his strategy was flawless. How else could they have coincidentally been waiting here for these Eight Powers clan members carrying hostages? Hadn't he arranged it? While they wouldn't antagonize the Huo'er Star people, they harbored no reservations about eliminating a few individuals from Darkstrip City.

Such a comprehensive individual, ruthless towards himself and his enemies, would be denying conscience if one claimed he wouldn't achieve greatness in the future.

This entire operation had successfully achieved all of Ye Zhongming's objectives.

The rescue of the individuals was paramount. The Changxu Water Race population was already critically low; seeing ten of them appear here simultaneously was a rare occurrence. Allowing them to depart under these circumstances would not only displease Ye Zhongming but also potentially strain the relationship between him and the Changxu Water Race.

This outcome represented the most effective strategy he could devise.

Fortunately, their side had emerged victorious, and everything had unfolded into the most optimal scenario they could have envisioned.

"Leader, we bid our farewells here."

These protectors were initially part of the terms set by the Clan Leader, allowing Princess Yisewei to return to the clan and temporarily sever ties with White Robe. Now, their mission had concluded ahead of schedule, and the clan was recalling them.

Even without direct communication, they could surmise the reason for the expedited recall. It was undoubtedly connected to the recent matter of the princess's arranged marriage.

Judging by the current circumstances, it appeared the clan was beginning to favor the proposed union.

While it wasn't originally their place to interject, these individuals, despite being experts, possessed only sixty to seventy thousand Furelai, lacking the standing of true powerhouses. However, the events of today solidified their resolve: upon returning to their respective clans, they would insist on an audience with the clan leader to discuss the recent occurrences. Furthermore, they would emphatically convey that Ye Zhongming was not to be underestimated, recognizing him as a person of immense potential with a potentially brilliant future.

It also happened that the princess-obsessed White Robe was this person's close brother. And the Star-Eye Clan, a group looked down upon and even scorned by their own clan, was none other than the maternal clan of Ye Zhongming and White Robe...

While the ultimate decision rested with the clan's high-ranking officials, relaying this crucial information was their responsibility.

"I thank you all for your support these past days, and also for your assistance just now," Ye Zhongming expressed, presenting a spatial ring.

"Within, the white boxes contain tokens of my appreciation for each of you; I trust you won't find them lacking. The red boxes hold gifts from White Robe intended for the princess; I would be grateful if you could help deliver them."

The recipients first offered their thanks, then cautiously stated, "Regarding the gifts for the princess, we can only do our utmost; no guarantees can be made..."

Ye Zhongming nodded in understanding, expressing his gratitude once more.

Without further delay, the group turned and departed.

Unable to maintain consciousness any longer, Ye Zhongming instructed, "Quickly secure the battlefield," and then promptly lost consciousness.

Upon awakening, he found himself aboard a spacecraft, en route to the Su Race.

…………………………

Darkstrip City had never before been gripped by such widespread panic and fury.

The sudden loss of numerous esteemed successors from the Eight Powers and various smaller clans overnight had plunged their respective factions into utter disarray.

These high-ranking successors, even if not direct descendants of the clan leader's lineage, were often important disciples or sons-in-law. Their untimely demise sent shockwaves, causing significant internal turmoil and unrest.

More alarmingly, within Darkstrip City's jurisdiction, over a hundred individuals from the Huo'er Star people were brutally eliminated, and ten Changxu Water Race slaves vanished without a trace. The question of accountability loomed large.

Although no immediate news emerged from Huo'er Star, it was certain they would not let this matter go unaddressed. The possibility of a coming catastrophe for this region was palpable.

The Huo'er Star people held no regard for the Eight Powers. Should they dispatch investigators, their initial response might very well be to unleash their wrath upon them.

If such a scenario unfolded, their eight races would face severe repercussions.

After careful consideration, it appeared the most viable course of action was to swiftly apprehend the perpetrator, providing the Huo'er Star people with a target for their rage. As for the extent of the lingering fallout, they could only resign themselves to fate.

The crucial question remained: who exactly was the killer? If a swift identification was impossible, then... on whom should they place the blame as a scapegoat?