Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1354 - 604: A Steady Stream (Part 2)

Nian Jiachen's understanding dawned.

He produced a map from his person and marked a circle upon it.

Subsequently, the map was presented to Fang Yu.

"Young Master Diao, take this and proceed to Floral Street. You will find one of my subordinates there. He shall guide you to identify the demons concealing themselves as humans. Within this designated area, you have my leave to eliminate them as you see fit. However... it would be prudent to slay them at spaced intervals, thereby avoiding the creation of excessive commotion."

Fang Yu's eyes narrowed.

So, this represented only a segment of the intelligence regarding the demons.

Or, to be more precise, it was intel on demons whose demise would not impact the Rebel Army's operations.

Yet... having even partial information was preferable to none at all.

If he were compelled to search for them independently, he might only manage to dispatch a handful over two weeks, a significantly lesser number than what the Rebel Army's intelligence suggested.

Securing the map, Fang Yu offered his thanks with clasped hands, voicing no complaints or alternative suggestions.

He pondered the reason why the Rebel Army possessed knowledge of certain demons, knew their exact locations, yet refrained from eliminating them, intentionally leaving them at large.

Could it be that these particular demons served some covert purpose for the Rebel Army?

While Fang Yu was lost in thought, a pleasant fragrance drifted into the air.

With a casual gesture, a delicate hand rested upon Fang Yu's shoulder.

"Brother Diao, you carry the air of one who despises evil! Do you not yearn to eradicate all demons from existence? Come now! Big Sis is here to lend her aid in their destruction! Should you encounter any demons you are uncertain about, simply summon me, and I shall accompany you on the mission!"

Mission, my foot!

You simply wish to pilfer my experience points, don't you?

Begone as far as you can!

Fang Yu swiftly stowed the map.

This individual appeared to be the type perpetually eager for combat; it was best to avoid entanglement lest he forfeit experience points and be unable to address the matter with her.

Though these thoughts occupied his mind, he maintained an outward show of respect.

Immediately, Fang Yu stated:

"Thank you, Minister Xu's..."

"Call me Big Sis!"

Fang Yu was interrupted before he could complete his sentence.

His expression stiffening, Fang Yu compelled himself to say:

"Thank you for your kind offer, Big Sis, but a task as minor as demon hunting scarcely warrants troubling you..."

"Hahaha! No worries, no worries! Just call for me when you require assistance! I am generally found frequenting the brothels and taverns of Thunder City, so if you seek me out, a nearby establishment will likely yield me or my associates."

Bro...thel?

Fang Yu regarded Xu Qingqi, a flicker of bewilderment crossing his features.

"Ah, yes, what else did Father instruct...?"

Her contemplative expression left Fang Yu utterly speechless.

Xu Qingqi possessed a truly lamentable memory; she would forget a matter moments after it was mentioned...

No, wait, shouldn't martial artists possess commendable memories?

This person was likely not paying attention from the outset! That was why she could never recall anything!

Reflecting on the various requests he had presented to the Rebel Army, Fang Yu could not help but gently prompt her: "Regarding the task of locating someone..."

Smack!

Xu Qingqi excitedly smacked her thigh.

"Ah, right! Locating someone! That Hui Yao!"

The surrounding individuals regarded her with silent contemplation.

This turn of events caused Xu Qingqi a measure of awkwardness, and she leaned in, whispering discreetly into Fang Yu's ear: "To be frank, our Rebel Army has some existing ties with Hui Yao."

Initially, Fang Yu perceived a slight tickle as Xu Qingqi's breath touched his ear, but upon hearing her words, his gaze snapped directly towards her!

So, the Rebel Army did indeed have dealings with the slave organization!

"Xu Qingqi!"

Just as Xu Qingqi was about to divulge more, Qiu Xiaoping fixed her with a stern glare, enunciating clearly: "Allow me to clarify this particular matter. I believe the Commander officially assigned this responsibility to me."

After all, he had only recently joined the Rebel Army.

Fang Yu sensed that the Rebel Army harbored a degree of apprehension towards him in various capacities.

Not all information was conveyed with complete transparency.

For instance, concerning the intelligence on demons, Fang Yu remained ignorant of the Rebel Army higher-ups' ultimate intentions for those entities.

The current situation mirrored this.

Xu Qingqi, being rather forthright and quick to speak, was evidently being reined in by Qiu Xiaoping's intervention, a clear attempt to prevent her from inadvertently revealing crucial intelligence.

"The Rebel Army lacks sincerity."

Fang Yu suddenly murmured, rising from his seat.

This abrupt movement caused subtle shifts in the expressions of those present.

With the exception of Xu Qingqi, who still appeared oblivious, the others displayed clear signs of awkwardness.

"Young Master Diao, please do not take offense. My trust in you is absolute. However, as you hail from the outer city and are not a local, your experience is still somewhat limited. The higher-ups will naturally be cautious. Once you have served with the Rebel Army for about a year and achieved some notable accomplishments, they will place their trust in you just as they do in us."

Qiu Xiaoping conveyed this apologetically.

It was she who had extended the invitation to him.

Now that he felt wronged, she was actually quite vexed and agitated.

But this was a collective decision made by the Commander and several other ministers, a decision she could not possibly defy.

"It’s perfectly fine. My loyalty to the Rebel Army is as clear as crystal! The work of the Rebel Army is for a grand cause! It is the blessing of the people of Thunder City! The moment I decided to join the Rebel Army, I was resolved to be fuel for this great cause and to give my utmost effort at all times!"

These sincere words were dismissed by everyone present, as if they were merely a gust of wind passing by.

Only Xu Qingqi appeared genuinely delighted by his declaration.

"Brother Diao, you undoubtedly possess the potential for great achievements! Follow me, and I shall assist you in overthrowing the Ten Great Families! Once that is accomplished, my father will ascend as the City Lord, a veritable prince, and I shall be a princess. As a reward, I will bestow upon you the esteemed position of Great General! And for all of you, everyone will receive a share; you shall all be Founding Generals!"

The moment these words were uttered, their expressions underwent a noticeable shift.

"You must not speak so recklessly, refrain from uttering such words..." The aged Taoist quickly shut his eyes, feigning disinterest.

The bearded Nian Jiachen couldn't help but feel a mixture of amusement and frustration.

"Qingqi, our objective is to dismantle the Ten Great Families, not to challenge the Da Xia Dynasty. Therefore, please avoid using terms like 'prince' or 'general.'"

Qiu Xiaoping also interjected at this juncture.

"In any case, I will be the one to inform Young Master Diao about our dealings with the Hui Yao Organization. Are there any objections?"

With Qiu Xiaoping steering the conversation back to the main subject, everyone naturally agreed.

Fang Yu’s gaze also shifted towards her.

Fang Yu was eager to understand the nature of the Rebel Army’s dealings with the slave organization.

Furthermore, to uncover information about his brother, Diao Ruonian, this particular aspect was crucial to focus on; the more knowledge he acquired, the greater his chances of discovering his brother’s current whereabouts.

"Young Master Diao, you should be aware that the Ten Great Families of Thunder City possess considerable ancient origins."

He was, in fact, unaware of this.

Nevertheless, this did not prevent him from nodding in agreement at that precise moment.

Observing Fang Yu’s affirmative response, Qiu Xiaoping proceeded with her explanation.

"The more ancient an entity, the more inclined it is to delve into the forbidden."

"And within Thunder City, the ultimate forbidden lies within those ten Sky-reaching Pillars."

"Initially, the Ten Great Families employed straightforward and rather crude methods, apprehending individuals within Thunder City who were either solitary or willing to sell themselves for the purpose of exploration."

"However, the truth cannot remain concealed indefinitely. As citizens began to disappear frequently and mysteriously, a sense of panic permeated the lower-class populace. The exodus of people consequently led to the decline of Thunder City."

"Realizing the detrimental consequences, they ceased these practices. The Ten Great Families then understood that if this continued, Thunder City would inevitably transform into a desolate ghost town sooner or later."

"Consequently, they devised and introduced a secondary method. This method involved... the procurement of slaves through purchase!"

"Furthermore, they abandoned the practice of making large, one-time acquisitions. Instead, having learned from past mistakes, they adopted a steady and gradual approach. Slaves were acquired at regular intervals, accompanied by the allocation of resources."

"Over an extended period, the slave purchasing enterprise in Thunder City gradually flourished, establishing a comprehensive network and evolving into a remarkably profitable venture."

"As the business expanded, individuals began flocking from all corners."

"The Jiuyao Organization stands as the most substantial and stable entity engaged in the slave trade within this region."

"And Hui Yao serves as the representative of the Jiuyao Organization, specifically tasked with managing their business operations in Thunder City."

"The Ten Great Families maintain close commercial ties with Hui Yao. Likewise, we, the Rebel Army, also forge connections with Hui Yao through the medium of slave transactions."

"By engaging with Hui Yao, we are able to acquire a significant volume of intelligence pertaining to the Ten Great Families."

"This intelligence is of paramount importance to us! For the Ten Great Families to attempt our elimination, they would be compelled to mobilize high-ranking experts and a substantial contingent of personnel, and such movements would be impossible to elude Hui Yao’s notice."

"Alternatively, should the Ten Great Families suddenly initiate large-scale purchases of slaves, we can infer their recent activities based on the volume of these orders."

"In essence, while Hui Yao functions as a trading partner to the Ten Great Families, they simultaneously serve as our vital intelligence conduit."

"Until such a time as we succeed in overthrowing the Ten Great Families, our transactional engagements with Hui Yao shall persist without interruption."