Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1321 - 588: Facing Three Generals (Part 2)

~7 minute read · 1,872 words
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Qiu Xiaoping attempts to recruit Divine Doctor Ding and Fang Yu into the Rebel Army. Ding Hui questions Qiu Xiaoping about the Jiuyao Organization and their involvement in the slave trade, causing tension. Despite initial friction, Ding Hui considers joining if her demands for resources are met, much to Fang Yu's chagrin.
"Barely acceptable." "So that means... Divine Doctor Ding is willing to join the Rebel Army?" "Don’t rush, this is just my condition for joining the Rebel Army. The terms for my husband have yet to be discussed." "Huh?" Qiu Xiaoping was dumbfounded. Just one person’s terms? If it’s two people’s, wouldn’t it really drain the Rebel Army’s resources? If it indeed requires that much, she must report this further up; as a Minister, she cannot make decisions about this level of allocation. Fortunately, Ding Hui’s next words immediately relieved her. "If you want my husband to join the Rebel Army, you need to help us find someone." Finding someone is good, it’s a relatively easier task. The Rebel Army’s influence is not what it was initially. Now it’s basically spread across the entire Thunder City, with a well-established intelligence network, making it not difficult to find people. Most importantly, it avoids draining resources by continuous exploitation... "As for who exactly to find, we’ll discuss it further later. Now, it’s time for my husband to make his demands." What?! Wasn’t it just... Before Qiu Xiaoping could speak, Ding Hui already slyly winked at her. "Earlier, I as a wife, unilaterally made the demands for my husband, but I think the Rebel Army shouldn’t ignore his personal interests, right? In Thunder City, individuals as skilled in combat as my husband are quite rare." Qiu Xiaoping was silent. Indeed, there aren’t many. Including four ministers and two commanders, the Rebel Army only has six individuals capable of sparring with Fang Yu. Beyond that, only those in the Foolish Underworld or the Ten Major Families with high-level powers are eligible to face him. With such a lineup, it’s truly valuable! In fact, compared to Divine Doctor Ding’s potential concealed strength, Fang Yu’s immediate combat ability is what the Rebel Army currently needs the most. Otherwise, Qiu Xiaoping wouldn’t lower her status to personally invite him. "Young Master Diao..." Qiu Xiaoping looked at Fang Yu, but before she could finish her sentence... "I will not join the Rebel Army." This... Qiu Xiaoping was a little dumbfounded and looked at Ding Hui. The latter had already begun to bombard Fang Yu’s mind with relentless arguments. Since the voice emerged directly in Fang Yu’s mind, Qiu Xiaoping could only see the two fall into a certain stalemate. After a long while, Fang Yu reluctantly spoke. "Fine, I will join the Rebel Army, but I need... a Talisman of Malevolence Dispelling." A Talisman of Malevolence Dispelling? Qiu Xiaoping was slightly taken aback, then her expression began to shift into something peculiar. This item, she hadn’t heard mentioned in a long time. Mainly because this thing, though rare, is truly hard to find. Yet, being rare doesn’t mean it’s useful. It’s a typical example of rarity without much value. The warehouse might... have one or two pieces? After all, the Rebel Army has collected from quite a few old small and medium-sized families, and some factions have also defected to them, acquiring a considerable number of rare items. "We’ll see about that, even if it’s not in the storeroom, our Rebel Army will help Young Master Diao acquire one!" But Fang Yu spoke again. "That’s not enough." What? Are you two lions? Both opening your mouths wide, never-ending demands? Qiu Xiaoping was reaching her limit, suppressing her emotions, she asked. "And what else does Young Master Diao want?" "Protection." "Huh?" Seeing Qiu Xiaoping somewhat puzzled, Fang Yu pointed at Ding Hui and himself. "I need the Rebel Army to use their energy to protect my wife and myself, to safeguard our privacy, to cover our tracks and traces, ensuring no one can easily find us." Ah, it’s that kind of matter. Qiu Xiaoping breathed a sigh of relief; if the two of them join the Rebel Army, they immediately become high-level members, matters related to privacy and whereabouts will have dedicated handling to obscure and ensure the safety of the upper echelon. The Rebel Army has been thriving in Thunder City for a long time without being rooted out by the Foolish Underworld; their skill in this domain is, of course, undisputed. "There’s more." Fang Yu spoke again. "More?!" Qiu Xiaoping was genuinely on the brink of collapse; she was somewhat afraid of Fang Yu opening his mouth and spitting out more demands. "The last demand." Fang Yu raised a finger and continued, "I need all the intelligence on the demons lurking in Thunder City. The Rebel Army should have gathered quite a bit on this front, right?" That is inevitable. As always, being able to maintain the secrecy of their forces under the heavy scrutiny of the Foolish Underworld, the Rebel Army’s reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance capabilities are truly terrifying.

Within Thunder City, the demons that had been lurking in the shadows were largely exposed, thanks to the diligent intelligence efforts of the Rebel Army. Still, a degree of difficulty remained, as some demons possessed the cunning ability to disguise themselves as humans, making it challenging to take decisive action. Others remained under suspicion, presenting an equally difficult situation for any immediate strike.

A consensus was swiftly achieved, leaving all parties involved with a sense of satisfaction. "A warm welcome to both of you joining the Rebel Army's grand family! I will promptly submit your requests for processing. I'm confident that soon, we will all be colleagues!" Qiu Xiaoping's delight was practically palpable.

Fang Yu, despite a moment of hesitation, ultimately found himself benefiting from the arrangement. However, after seeing Qiu Xiaoping off and finding himself alone with Ding Hui in the room, Fang Yu couldn't suppress his growing frustration. "Why did you agree to join the Rebel Army without even consulting me first? This is completely against what we had agreed upon earlier!"

"The circumstances have shifted, Fang Yu. Have you forgotten whom you've crossed?" Ding Hui replied, his gaze sharp.

Whom had he crossed?

Someone of significant standing.

A sudden realization dawned on Fang Yu.

"You mean... we've already thoroughly antagonized the Foolish Underworld, so we might as well align ourselves with their opposition and reap some advantages?"

"Precisely! From my observations, the Rebel Army currently holds the superior hand in terms of intelligence within this ongoing struggle against the Foolish Underworld," Ding Hui confirmed.

Fang Yu's brow furrowed. While joining the Rebel Army felt advantageous at this immediate moment, a lingering concern remained.

"If the Foolish Underworld or the Ten Major Families decide to exert pressure on the Rebel Army, what course of action will we take if a full-blown conflict erupts?"

"We leave," Ding Hui stated simply.

"What?" Fang Yu exclaimed, taken aback.

"What, exactly? Do you intend to live and die alongside the Rebel Army?"

"Of course not... but, after receiving so many benefits, simply abandoning them to flee when they face trouble feels somewhat… inadequate, doesn't it?" Fang Yu voiced his unease.

Ding Hui stroked his chin, feigning deep contemplation. "Then, by all means, let us stay. Let us live and die with the Rebel Army, then overthrow the corrupt forces of the Official Office and the Foolish Underworld! We shall uproot the Ten Major Families that have held sway in Thunder City for countless years! We will crown the Rebel Army as the rulers of Thunder City, guiding them towards a glorious and prosperous future! Subsequently, you can ascend to the position of City Lord, while I become the City Lord's consort. Together, we shall transform Thunder City! What do you say to that grand vision?"

Fang Yu was left speechless.

The mere thought of such a scenario caused Fang Yu to sigh, his expression one of exasperation. "Are you being serious right now?"

"What do you believe?!" Ding Hui shot back, equally exasperated.

"Toppling the established powers, the ambition you propose is truly audacious! Even with both our lives invested, it might not be enough! Such an undertaking would undoubtedly require hundreds, if not thousands, of years, spanning multiple generations. For such a monumental endeavor, what compelling reason do you think we have to involve ourselves fully?"

Fang Yu shook his head. "None whatsoever."

"Precisely! We benefit when it's advantageous, and we depart when the time comes. Do you genuinely believe the Rebel Army holds any sincere regard for us? They are merely exploiting our abilities and strengths; it is a purely symbiotic arrangement. To truly embrace the grand aspirations of the Rebel Army as an ideal would be an act of utter foolishness," Ding Hui explained.

Understanding dawned on Fang Yu. "So, our role is to act as temporary enforcers for the Rebel Army, leveraging their protection to evade pursuit from the Foolish Underworld. In the interim, we tend to our own affairs before quietly slipping away?"

"That is the essence of it," Ding Hui affirmed.

Fang Yu still harbored a slight sense of moral ambiguity, yet Ding Hui's words resonated with undeniable logic.

They possessed no valid reason to squander years, decades, or even centuries of their lives entangled in the internal power struggles of Thunder City.

In the grand tapestry of existence, there would always be individuals driven to push forward, willing to dedicate everything to such causes. However, that particular task did not necessitate their involvement.

Just as their discussion reached this point, Fang Yu suddenly perceived something amiss and gestured for Ding Hui to fall silent.

The very next second.

Bang!

Fa Hongwen burst through the door, his demeanor frantic. "Mr. Diao! Something significant has occurred! I've just received crucial news from Master Xing! Fa Xiao, that shadowy figure behind the Forest Snake Gang, the one who has been orchestrating my life from the shadows, is planning a surprise assault on our Forest Snake Gang tonight! Mr. Diao, tonight's events will determine the trajectory of my life; I'm counting on you!"

"Where is Lord Qiu? Regardless of the cost, I must implore her to spend the night at the gang's headquarters to ensure our safety, to protect the Forest Snake Gang!" he pleaded.

"And, and... Damn it! At this critical juncture, Master Zhang Xiangzhi has gone missing! Oh no, oh no, Master Xing mentioned that Master Chang has been secretly detained by that individual! It's utter chaos! Complete pandemonium! Mr. Diao, please bear with me a moment, I need to find Lord Qiu and have a word before returning to discuss the grand strategy with you!"

Fa Hongwen spoke in a rapid, jumbled torrent of words, even departing in haste. Nevertheless, Fang Yu managed to grasp the main points. Essentially, the clandestine leader of the Forest Snake Gang intended to settle scores with the gang itself.

But…

Fang Yu's expression became rather peculiar.

Seriously, my friend.

You're choosing just the right moment.

Qiu Xiaoping, and shortly after, Monk Quan Heng, along with myself.

My goodness, are you truly intending to confront the three prominent figures all at once? Is this for real?