Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 2050: Fighting a level above

Shi Yong and Ou Chong, at the head of the Bronze Camp's assault team, were silently consuming their meal around the dining table.

Approximately half of the provisions had been supplied by the Star-Eye Clan's contingent.

Since these individuals were brought by Ye Zhongming himself, the Su Clan naturally bore no responsibility for their expenses. Had it not been for Jie Su's personal intercession, the Su Clan would have even demanded payment for their lodging.

Given the clan's decidedly strained circumstances, the assault team members had prepared for this eventuality long in advance, ensuring they had their own provisions for food, clothing, and daily necessities.

Today's meal, though partially sourced from Su City, was not paid for by them either; rather, several Gold Mask warriors generously treated these younger comrades.

A sense of unworthiness often plagued them concerning the equipment they had received.

Millions of Moonspan Gold represented a colossal sum, not just for them, but even for the Star-Eye Clan. Yet, the Bronze Order Leader had bestowed it upon them.

And here were these Bronze Camp juniors, partaking in simple, almost austere fare. How could they remain unperturbed?

Regarding Ye Zhongming's capacity to produce such vast sums, neither the Bronze Camp nor the Gold Camp personnel found it peculiar anymore. Having followed Ye Zhongming throughout their journey, they were privy to much of the information known only to the Star-Eye Clan's upper echelons. This included knowledge of forging Red Condensation-grade equipment and the allegiance of the Changxu Water Race, among other secrets. They understood that this new Bronze Order Leader was no ordinary figure; he possessed unique strengths and abilities far beyond the norm. Whatever he was involved in operated on a higher plane, with each action likely carrying profound significance.

Consider, for instance, the Bronze Order Leader's substantial expenditures within Su City. While others might assume the Star-Eye Clan's affluence, these individuals were aware of the clan's dire poverty; this funding originated entirely from the Order Leader's personal coffers. The reason for such lavish spending here was multifaceted: the quality of local goods was a factor, but even less astute observers could discern that it was a strategic display of influence, aimed at securing greater advantages in the impending cooperation negotiations.

The Order Leader was effectively leveraging his private wealth to offset the Star-Eye Clan's financial deficiencies. Consequently, even though Ye Zhongming had explicitly instructed the guesthouse staff to provide comprehensive care for the assault team and the accompanying Gold Mask warriors, their requests for special treatment were all respectfully declined.

"You all seem a bit altered."

Having spent nearly the entirety of their journey in close proximity, the Gold Mask warriors and the Bronze Camp assault team members had developed a comfortable familiarity. Thus, sitting together, sharing a meal, and conversing felt entirely natural.

"Indeed, we didn't perceive it initially upon boarding the ship, but now the difference is apparent. Have you achieved significant advancements recently?"

Another Gold Mask warrior observed the younger members, posing the question.

Their Furelai levels had all surpassed twenty thousand. While a complete assessment was not possible, they could at least sense the discernible shifts in the internal energy these individuals now possessed.

"It's difficult to say at the moment," Shi Yong responded with a smile.

In truth, even if he had the inclination to elaborate now, he would be unable to articulate the specifics. They were merely practicing according to Ye Zhongming's instructions, without even knowing the precise designation of the cultivation technique.

"Shi Yong, your Furelai has surpassed ten thousand, correct?"

The lead Gold Mask warrior among them placed a hand on Shi Yong's shoulder and inquired.

Previously, Shi Yong held a mid-tier position within the Bronze Camp, with his Furelai hovering around eight thousand. Achieving a level exceeding ten thousand indicated formidable progress.

It was important to note that within the entire Bronze Camp currently, only Zhong Hongke, besides Ye Zhongming, had exceeded ten thousand Furelai.

Shi Yong nodded in confirmation. "While I haven't precisely measured it, I believe I have crossed that threshold. The sensation is distinctly different from before."

A discussion about Furelai levels and cultivation stages ensued, with the Gold Mask warriors primarily addressing the inquiries posed by the Bronze Camp members.

The meal drew to a close in this convivial atmosphere. However, before the final conclusion, Ye Zhongming dispatched a message, instructing them to follow the Su Clan representative who would be arriving to escort them.

Shi Yong and Ou Chong immediately understood that the time for their participation had arrived.

Promptly, the assault team members donned their gear and prepared for departure, with the Gold Mask warriors falling in behind.

………………………………………………

Ye Zhongming and the others reached the training grounds ahead of the group. Jie Su stood alongside him, making no pretense of maintaining a formal distance.

After all, everyone was aware of his close relationship with Ye Zhongming; any deliberate show of distance at this juncture would appear utterly disingenuous.

"You seem to possess quite a few valuable items?" Jie Su remarked, a hint of mild annoyance in his tone.

Ye Zhongming understood his friend's unspoken meaning but deemed it unnecessary to offer an explanation at this precise moment.

Of the two items he subsequently produced, the 'Weapon of War' had been procured from the Library Palace.

The formula for this item, which perfectly merged medicine and equipment, was not truly lost. In the past, the leader of a certain race was once attacked and pursued. Through a bizarre twist of fate, he ended up fleeing into the Library Palace, eventually becoming a humble librarian. Upon his demise, the formula remained within its hallowed halls. For countless years, the Library Palace guarded this precious secret. It wasn't until the old dean took leadership that a change occurred; he began acquiring necessary materials through established channels, eventually producing finished goods.

To ensure secrecy, the production of this 'Weapon of War' was limited, with only around twenty pieces ever made. Ye Zhongming brought every single one with him this time. The formula itself was naturally entrusted to him as well.

As for the other crucial material, Purple Luo Zinc, it was not sourced from the Library Palace. Instead, it was acquired from the stockpiles of the Changxu Water Race. Recently, Helsky was dispatched by Ye Zhongming with a specific objective: to discreetly 'receive' the assets of the Changxu Water Race. Currently, Ye Zhongming possesses over a thousand pounds of Purple Luo Zinc.

According to the inventory Ye Zhongming was given, a substantial quantity of this metal, approximately one hundred thousand pounds, remains in other locations that are not yet accessible. This realization led Ye Zhongming to ponder why one should never underestimate any cosmic race that once held significant power. Even the Changxu Water Race, despite lacking a permanent base, still controlled vast wealth unparalleled by most.

One hundred thousand pounds of Purple Luo Zinc—even at pre-inflation valuations, the sheer worth of this material exceeded ten million Moonspan Gold. During the era when the two factions extorted the Su Clan, its value could have easily multiplied five or even tenfold.

"What do you plan to present to the clan this time?" Jie Su inquired, his tone patient despite Ye Zhongming's silence. While he harbored a slight resentment for not being informed earlier, Jie Su secretly hoped his junior brother possessed more of these 'Weapons of War' and quantities of Purple Luo Zinc.

"The primary impediment to our cooperation currently lies in the Star-Eye Clan's inherent weakness. This is a critical vulnerability, one I am unable to resolve at present. Therefore, I must demonstrate our potential to the Su Clan. This team I've assembled is specifically intended to showcase that not only I, but the entirety of the Star-Eye Clan, possesses immense latent power."

Jie Su's expression flickered slightly, unable to contain his curiosity. "Tell me about it first?"

Ye Zhongming let out a hearty laugh. "There's nothing I cannot share."

"I have trained a contingent of one hundred individuals. Their combat methodology is rather unconventional. In a short while, we will require a team from the Su Clan for a sparring match. Naturally, it must be... their people."

The Cloud Peak King subtly indicated Kelan Su with a nod of his chin.