Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1261: Like a Fog

Within the chamber, the group exchanged glances, the silence stretching out. Eventually, all attentions converged on Zhang Yi.

Before their arrival, Zhang Yi had explicitly instructed them to focus solely on their objectives and to strictly avoid interfering in any local matters.

While their squad possessed formidable capabilities, provoking an entire regional power was unnecessary and unwise.

After all, this region was host to Epsilon-level entities.

Zhang Yi, seated upon the sofa with his hands resting on his knees, surveyed his companions.

"Do not engage in unnecessary actions," he reiterated. Then, a smile touched his lips as he added, "However, since we are here, we must gain a clear understanding of the environment we are operating in."

"Tonight, I will venture out to scout Sangha Monastery and the Great Snow Mountain. Meanwhile," he gestured toward Liang Yue, "Liang Yue, I need you to survey the Pagyi Family. But remember, remain an observer only. Do not draw any attention to yourself."

Liang Yue’s superhuman ability index had climbed to 9,800. Across the entirety of the Snowy Plateau Region, there were few individuals capable of besting her in combat.

Furthermore, her background in a specialized security department made her exceptionally skilled in the arts of reconnaissance and counter-intelligence.

Entrusting her with this assignment was beyond appropriate.

Liang Yue gave a sharp, immediate nod. "Understood!"

"The rest of you, eat, drink, and find comfort here while awaiting further updates. Fear not; regardless of the chaos in this region, we remain secure."

Zhang Yi offered a comforting smile to the group.

Their anxiety waned; with Zhang Yi present, they knew they could withdraw at a moment's notice should complications arise.

Zhang Yi urged everyone to retire and avoid lingering on the day's unsettling events.

Yang Xinxin, however, remained, seeking a private word with him.

"Brother, what prompted your sudden request for Teacher Liang to monitor the Pagyi Family?"

Yang Xinxin watched him intently, her eyes bright with curiosity.

Per their original design, the team was to remain stationary while Zhang Yi acted alone regarding the Great Snow Mountain and the Monastery.

All other entities were intended to be ignored.

Clearly, dispatching Liang Yue had been an impulsive shift in Zhang Yi’s strategy.

Zhang Yi offered a thin smile, his gaze turning reflective. "Because, prior to our arrival, we were blind to the nature of this place. Now, I suspect the Pagyi Family holds complexities we hadn't anticipated."

The day’s occurrences had been deeply eccentric.

The suicide of that woman, combined with the strange, unsettling expressions of the serfs, had ignited a persistent sense of unease within Zhang Yi.

Guided by his innate caution, Zhang Yi felt compelled to uncover the hidden secrets of this location to regain his peace of mind.

"Pagyi Gesang would never dare to plot against an Epsilon," Yang Xinxin reasoned. "Not unless he has the backing of Sangha Monastery."

Zhang Yi habitually rubbed the back of his hand, his expression growing wary and cold.

"Which is exactly why I must investigate. This turmoil in the Snowy Plateau Region is far from simple. We must proceed with extreme caution at every turn."

...

It was past eight in the evening when Pagyi Gesang returned to his estate.

Wrapped in a heavy cloak and escorted by a significant detachment of his personal guards, he marched rapidly through the gates.

Lhobu was waiting at the entrance to greet him.

"Master, our honored guests have arrived. Per your instructions, I have ensured they are settled into their designated chambers."

Pagyi Gesang’s mustache twitched, and an eager, excited grin spread across his face.

"Excellent. Lead me to them at once."

Noticing the exhilaration on his master's face, Lhobu felt a twinge of confusion.

"Master, while I understand they are esteemed, what manner of guests warrants such extreme reverence from you?"

Pagyi Gesang stood as one of the most powerful figures in the entire Southwest.

Even with the Yasha Langtai Family currently in the ascendancy and bolstered by the Lord of the Charnel Ground, they had failed to subjugate the Pagyi clan for over two years.

Despite Pagyi Gesang’s tendency to grumble during his interactions with Zhang Yi, the deep-seated power of his clan kept his rivals cautious.

Pagyi Gesang cast a stern glance at Lhobu. "That is not a matter for your concern."

Trembling, Lhobu dropped to his knees. "Forgive me, Master! I have overstepped!"

Pagyi Gesang let out a sharp hiss. "Stand up and report the day's events!"

The true identity of Zhang Yi was a guarded secret, known only to Pagyi Gesang and his primary bodyguard, Suolang Deji.

However, Lhobu was a direct relative of the bloodline, and by rank, stood as Pagyi Gesang’s uncle.

Had anyone else dared to pose such a question, they would likely have been dragged away for a ritual sky burial.

Heart hammering against his ribs, Lhobu relayed the day’s developments in precise detail.

This included the grand tour of the estate he had provided to Zhang Yi, as well as the incident involving the late Twenty-seventh Concubine.

Pagyi Gesang’s gait faltered slightly as he frowned at Lhobu.

"Gesang Meiduo is dead?"

Lhobu bowed his head. "Indeed."

Pagyi Gesang’s voice dropped to an icy register. "For what reason did she gain access to the quarters of our honored guests?"

Lhobu trembled. "The Twenty-seventh Concubine was your most cherished spouse, so... the sentries dared not obstruct her movements."

Pagyi Gesang grunted dismissively. "Have all guards on duty today executed. Their remains can satisfy the quota for the ritual implements Sangha Monastery requires."

"Understood. But... shall we continue the investigation into her death?" Lhobu ventured to ask.

Pagyi Gesang narrowed his eyes, waving the thought aside. "She was merely a woman. If our honored guest desires her presence, I can provide a hundred more!"

Lhobu swallowed hard, finally realizing the immense weight these outsiders held in Pagyi Gesang's estimation.

Upon his return, Pagyi Gesang did not dawdle, making a beeline for Zhang Yi’s quarters.

Within moments, the existing security detail was replaced entirely by his elite personal guards.

The original personnel were efficiently and quietly purged, leaving no trace behind.

Pagyi Gesang ordered his entourage to wait outside, entering the courtyard accompanied only by Suolang Deji.

Once inside, his demeanor shifted to one of manufactured, effusive warmth. "Oh, my dear friends from afar! You have finally reached us! I have missed you so much that the nights have been sleepless, counting stars in your absence!"

Zhang Yi opened the door, and upon witnessing the boisterous, rotund Pagyi Gesang, he donned a wide, equally feigned smile.

"Family Head Pagyi, it has been far too long!"

The Family Head bounded forward, grasping Zhang Yi’s hand with exaggerated fervor.

"No need for such formalities; call me Gesang. We are not strangers!"

Pagyi Gesang beamed, his eyes disappearing into the folds of his cheeks.

He then adopted an apologetic posture. "Please, accept my deepest regrets. I was abruptly summoned to coordinate the Prayer Festival. As the head of this family, I could not refuse. Otherwise, I certainly would have led the entire clan to welcome you at the border of the Snowy Plateau Region myself!"