Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1352 - 603: Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter (Part 2)

"Thank you, Elder Yang."

Qiu Xiaoping correctly addressed the elder, earning his favor and a sense of recognition within the rebel army’s leadership, bolstering his regard for her.

Holding a torch, Qiu Xiaoping led the way down the stairs, with Fang Yu and the others following behind.

As they descended, Fang Yu observed the tunnel's construction; it was notably unrefined, showing numerous, surprisingly fresh repair marks.

A peculiar feeling stirred within Fang Yu, yet he refrained from inquiring further.

Catching sight of the light below, Fang Yu realized they had arrived at their destination.

The underground space was significantly smaller than anticipated, reached within mere steps.

After securing the torch, Qiu Xiaoping turned to face Fang Yu.

The entrance above had been sealed, leaving them entirely within the rebel army's hidden base.

"Young Master Diao, what are your impressions of this place?"

Fang Yu paused before replying, "...It is remarkably constructed and quite well-hidden."

"Hahaha, Young Master Diao needn't offer insincere flattery. However, you are correct about its concealment. Young Master Diao, perhaps you could venture a guess as to how many years this underground base has been in existence?"

This question posed a challenge to Fang Yu.

As he was not originally from Thunder City, he had no knowledge of when the underground base was established.

After a moment's thought, he ventured an uncertain guess, "Three to five hundred years?"

"Incorrect! It is merely three months old."

Fang Yu's eyes widened in immediate surprise.

He wondered if he had misheard.

"Three months? So this was constructed as a temporary measure??"

"Precisely! Even Thunder City's original blueprints did not include any underground tunnels or bases of this nature. It has been the rebel army that has gradually constructed this over the years!"

Fang Yu's brow furrowed.

"Such a monumental undertaking... accomplished solely by your rebel army? How numerous are your forces?"

Qiu Xiaoping sighed, "Young Master Diao still fails to grasp the full picture."

She extended a hand to touch the uneven walls.

"Have you not noticed? These walls and stairs are not the work of martial artists."

Fang Yu was momentarily taken aback, then a sudden realization dawned, causing his expression to shift dramatically.

"You imply..."

"That is correct!"

Qiu Xiaoping spun around abruptly, her gaze locking intensely onto Fang Yu's.

"The rebel army has never truly been *our* rebel army, but rather the rebel army of Thunder City's populace!"

"Thunder City has endured the oppressive tyranny of the Ten Major Families for far too long!"

"While Thunder City's history signifies a glorious progression for the Ten Major Families, for the common folk, it is a chronicle steeped in bloodshed and tears!"

"Elder Yang, who granted us passage above, without wife or child, do you truly believe he desired such a fate? It was the Ten Major Families who took his loved ones, the Foolish Underworld who brought him such suffering! Yet, what recourse did he have? He was but an ordinary man, devoid of martial prowess, forced to witness his family's tragic demise before his very eyes!"

"But does that deep-seated hatred, that fiery indignation within his heart, truly extinguish simply because he lacks power?"

"No, that fire only intensifies, burning ever hotter!"

"And we, the rebel army, simply serve to collect these individual sparks, forging them into a conflagration that, one day, will engulf the entire city, casting down those arrogant figures from their elevated positions, forcing them to confront the very hardships the citizens of Thunder City have endured for countless years!"

Qiu Xiaoping's voice grew with passion as she placed her hands firmly on Fang Yu's shoulders.

"Young Master Diao, the rebel army did not materialize overnight, nor did its strength surge instantaneously; it is the inevitable consequence of prolonged oppression!"

"Join us, do what is right! Lend your strength to the citizens of Thunder City, to the masses!"

It must be admitted that Qiu Xiaoping's words carried significant persuasive power.

However...

Fang Yu's heart, in truth, was not profoundly swayed.

Yet, one aspect became undeniably clear to him.

It was evident that a substantial portion of Thunder City's citizenry harbored support for the rebel army.

This was inferred from Qiu Xiaoping's earlier mention of the numerous rebel army bases scattered throughout Thunder City.

If these bases and underground facilities were not directly constructed by the rebel army, then it must be the citizens themselves who were transforming their own underground spaces into rebel strongholds.

While rebel army members undoubtedly provided assistance, the individuals actively offering locations and creating clandestine underground rooms were, without question, these very citizens.

A single spark can indeed ignite a prairie fire.

Could this rebel army genuinely possess the capability to overthrow the dominant Ten Major Families of Thunder City?

Fang Yu contemplated the image of those ten imposing pillars, sensing that the situation was likely far more complex than it appeared.

Furthermore, sheer numbers are insufficient; combat prowess is the ultimate determinant.

The rebel army already struggled against the Foolish Underworld; facing the superior Ten Major Families would be an even greater challenge.

One could only conclude... that the future held a degree of uncertainty and potential.

As time marches on, a growing number of ambitious individuals are drawn in, and one day, the Rebel Army might truly have the power to dismantle the Ten Major Families.

However, by that distant time, I may no longer be within Thunder City's confines.

After all, my sole purpose here is to locate a specific person, and if they aren't in Thunder City, there's absolutely no reason for me to remain.

"No further explanation is needed, Lord Qiu. I, Diao Deyi, am fully prepared to dedicate my strength to the Rebel Army!"

My personal thoughts are irrelevant; outwardly, I must clearly demonstrate my allegiance.

Standing beside him, Qin Er observed this exchange with a peculiar expression.

This is because when he and Scarface initially joined the Rebel Army, they did not receive such a welcoming reception.

They were considered the lowest of the low within the Rebel Army, their joining motivated solely by the need for self-preservation.

Matters such as rescuing Thunder City, or dismantling the Ten Major Families, were far beyond their capabilities.

"Excellent! With your sworn words, Young Master Diao, I can finally feel at ease!"

Leaving Qin Er and the others in waiting, Qiu Xiaoping opened a door and ushered Fang Yu into a private chamber.

Fang Yu surveyed the room and noted three individuals already seated within the spartan confines.

One person held a sword, her visage obscured by a lady's fan, her slightly elevated chest gently rising and falling with each breath as she appeared to be in deep meditation.

Another possessed a full beard, exuding an aura of stability and trustworthiness, and immediately directed his gaze towards them.

The last individual, presenting a carefree demeanor and clad as a Taoist, even carried a wooden sword strapped to his back.

[Xu Qingqi: 8911/8911.]

[Nian Jiachen: 8000/8000.]

[You Shouliang: 8000/8000.]

"Qiu Xiaoping, your efforts are greatly appreciated. You must be Young Master Diao; a truly remarkable presence!"

The bearded Nian Jiachen was the first to extend his greetings.

He clasped his hands towards Fang Yu and the others, and naturally, Fang Yu reciprocated the gesture.

"Please, have a seat. We can converse once we are settled."

He gestured for them to sit, and Fang Yu cast a glance at Qiu Xiaoping before following his lead, occupying the third seat on the left.

"You must be the new Chief of the Black Department. This old Taoist goes by You Shouliang; we are all comrades now."

After Fang Yu had taken his seat, the Taoist opposite him offered a greeting.

"Greetings, esteemed Lords. I am Diao Deyi, officially pledging my allegiance to the Rebel Army as of today!"

"Well spoken! Hahaha!"

"No need for such formalities; we are all united in purpose now!"

Both the Taoist and the bearded man welcomed his declaration with laughter.

Only the person situated in the center, her face concealed by a lady's fan, remained entirely unresponsive.

After a moment of contemplation, Fang Yu rose and declared.

"Diao Deyi, pays his respects to the Rebel Army's Commander!"

His words hung in the air, and the others present exchanged surprised glances.

"But he is not..."

Qiu Xiaoping had barely begun to speak when a booming, hearty laugh cut him off.

"Hahahaha!"

Xu Qingqi withdrew the fan from her face and rose from her seat.

"Well said! For the position of Rebel Army Commander will inevitably be mine! Your perception is keen, I like that about you!"

Fang Yu: ...

He observed the others, who could not help but cover their faces, and thought to himself.

Could it be true? With such an astonishing level of vitality, and also holding a high position?

"This is Xu Qingqi, the... adopted daughter of our Rebel Army President..." Qiu Xiaoping explained softly to Fang Yu.

But in the very next instant...

"Incorrect! I am the Chief of the Rebel Army's Summer Department! Diao, I shall personally ensure your standing within the Rebel Army from this moment forward!"

Xu Qingqi waved her hand grandly, even placing a foot upon the table, offering her ambitious backing.

A Chief possessing nearly Nine Thousand Vitality points; the Rebel Army certainly possesses a substantial foundation!

Fang Yu was greatly astonished.

For even when he was in Sunset City and encountered the Hai Family Patriarch, that individual's vitality was just over nine thousand.

Although under the array's amplification within the city, their actual combat power surged to immeasurable heights, enabling them to stand as equals against formidable beings like the Qingling Taoist.

Yet, a consistent combat power exceeding nine thousand vitality was typically indicative of the highest echelons in smaller cities like Sunset City.

Astonishingly, in Thunder City, this level of strength still placed one in a subordinate position.

Furthermore, above these ranks resided the Rebel Leader, the Foolish Underworld, and the Ten Major Families themselves...