Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1287: Two-Pronged Approach

Chapter 1287: Two-Pronged Approach

Zhang Yi claimed the three bodies. Being high-level Delta origins, simply abandoning them would amount to a massive waste.

He made his way back without anyone daring to obstruct him. Before long, he disappeared amid the thick, relentless snowstorm.

Soon enough, he arrived back at the Pagyi Family compound.

By now, Pagyi Gesang had made it home and sat in the main hall, drinking butter tea while repeatedly peering toward the entrance.

Standing next to him, the chief steward Lhobu looked profoundly anxious and murmured continuously.

"I only meant to have folks hold them off briefly. Even if they were three Dharma-protecting Vajras, what of it? Would they truly storm into our Pagyi Family estate?"

"Yet I never foresaw that honored guest deciding to depart with them on his own. No matter what I did, I couldn't prevent it."

Lhobu's remarks aimed to clear his own name, assuring Pagyi Gesang that he shouldn't shoulder the blame for this incident.

Pagyi Gesang brushed him off. Deep down, he grasped Zhang Yi's motives concerning his actions.

By slaying Loren and his companions, Zhang Yi had already revealed his sharp teeth. No amount of restraint now would make the Yasha Langtai family spare them.

They might evade pursuit temporarily, but not indefinitely.

Besides, considering Zhang Yi's stature, why would he even care about a trivial clan like the Yasha Langtai family?

Not just them—even that formidable Lord of the Charnel Ground couldn't compel Zhang Yi to bend.

This move essentially shredded every last bit of facade with the Yasha Langtai family.

Yet Pagyi Gesang felt no burden from it; instead, delight filled his heart.

After all, that facade was merely the final flimsy veil remaining.

As the Prayer Festival drew near, it was clear to all that the final traces of peace in the Southwest Region would soon evaporate completely.

Should the Yasha Langtai family secure the fabled Demon Kingdom treasure, the Pagyi Family would face utter doom.

Zhang Yi's deed showed his readiness to meddle in the Pagyi Family's grudge against the Yasha Langtai family.

Naturally, they first had to prove their worth to him.

Ignoring Lhobu's endless babble, Pagyi Gesang fixed his gaze on the doorway.

All of a sudden, a shadowy form emerged at the front courtyard's gateway.

Zhang Yi had come back.

The gate guards jumped in shock. They hadn't sensed any approach, but Zhang Yi suddenly stood right there.

This implied that if Zhang Yi wished to assassinate someone inside the fortified Pagyi estate, it would be effortless, like dipping into a pouch for an item.

Awe and terror gripped the guards as they quickly lowered their heads in respect.

"Distinguished guest!"

Unaware of Zhang Yi's name, and with Zhang Yi's group using codenames like "A, B, C, D" among outsiders, the estate folk all called him "Distinguished guest."

Zhang Yi gave a nod and marched into the yard. Pagyi Gesang promptly set aside his teacup, forcing a sycophantic grin as he hurried forward.

Witnessing Zhang Yi's unscathed return left Lhobu stunned in disbelief.

He knew the family head's invited guest held exceptional power, but he never dreamed the man could slip away from three elite superhumans of Sangha Monastery.

"My esteemed benefactor, you're back!"

Beaming widely, Pagyi Gesang guided Zhang Yi inside. He then promptly cleared the room, sending away everyone including Chief Steward Lhobu.

Just the pair stayed behind. The rest lingered outside, brimming with curiosity, at some remove.

Suolang Deji posted himself at the main entrance with a stern face, barring any near approaches.

Once the door shut, Zhang Yi settled into a seat.

Pagyi Gesang eagerly inquired, "Mr. Chaos, what happened with those individuals?"

Zhang Yi replied coolly, "Eliminated them all. This incident carries heavy weight for you now. Are you prepared to face it?"

A mocking grin curved Zhang Yi's lips.

He had slain Sangha Monastery's Dharma-protectors, easing Pagyi Gesang's load, yet the Pagyi Family must now endure the fallout.

Pagyi Gesang drew a deep breath. Thrilled inwardly, his expression turned grave.

"Thank you!"

He spoke to Zhang Yi with utmost sincerity.

"Over these years, Yasha Langtai Deji, backed by the Lord of the Charnel Ground, seized the Khenpo seat at Sangha Monastery."

"With that authority, he transformed Sangha Monastery into the Yasha Langtai family's personal domain."

"Countless Pagyi clansmen fell to their Monk Soldiers under false pretenses!"

"Mr. Chaos, you did right by killing them!"

Pagyi Gesang pressed his right hand to his chest and voiced his deep thanks: "For all those wronged clansmen who perished, I thank you on their behalf!"

In the Southwest Region, where faith and governance intertwine, dominating Sangha Monastery allowed killings in the name of deities and buddhas.

For instance, this time Mukawa and his two allies arrived at the Pagyi estate claiming to exorcise demons and eradicate evil, leveraging their trio's might to demand the captive.

In territories steeped in religious influence, a cleric's sway surpasses even that of worldly rulers.

Secular power might provoke revolt if seeking a death.

But here, proclaiming 'This is a divine trial from gods and buddhas—after death, reach the Pure Land or reap eternal riches in rebirth' would send people joyfully to their graves, even grinning.

Since Yasha Langtai Deji gripped Sangha Monastery, he purged dissenters from opposing factions via endless excuses.

The once-dominant Pagyi Family suffered most, losing numerous vital figures to them.

Zhang Yi sipped his tea calmly and asked, "What's your next move?"

"My team and I can step in too, but you'll need to provide fitting rewards."

Zhang Yi rubbed his thumb against his fingers toward Pagyi Gesang.

Though the Demon Kingdom treasure and the authentic *Epic of King Gesar* manuscript topped his desires.

He had no issue pocketing some additional gains along the way.

Tears of appreciation welled in Pagyi Gesang's eyes.

"Honored Mr. Chaos, surely heaven dispatched you as a bodhisattva to rescue the Snowy Plateau!"

"Your assurance sets my mind at ease. Still, the Yasha Langtai family likely won't push us to the brink this time."

"With merely a week until the Prayer Festival, disrupting this major occasion brands one a grave offender."

"To be safe, just aid me discreetly in blocking the Lord of the Charnel Ground's involvement."

Zhang Yi nodded. "Handle your own choices in these affairs. I don't meddle in others' household matters."

Every one of the Six Major Regions manages its own issues, with a core rule against meddling in outsiders' business lightly.

Zhang Yi sought solely the precious manuscript and the mythic Demon Kingdom ruins. He wouldn't thrust himself into local disputes.

Having said his piece, Pagyi Gesang departed.

Sangha Monastery and the Yasha Langtai family wouldn't drop it. Even without full-scale conflict, they'd surely respond somehow.

He had to direct his people to bolster defenses. He also needed to consolidate key resources into the family vault.

Author's Note