Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1355 - 605: Intelligence

Qiu Xiaoping let out a sigh.

She was fully aware that the slave trade was a wicked and destructive practice. However, the Rebel Army's ultimate goal was a noble aspiration – a brighter future!

The current unpleasantness was merely a temporary sacrifice for that envisioned tomorrow.

Once Thunder City was finally liberated, their Rebel Army would undoubtedly free all the slaves within its walls and offer restitution for the hardships they had endured.

Yet, with the grand mission still incomplete, unwavering patience was paramount! It was a delicate dance, akin to negotiating with a predator!

Fang Yu’s brow furrowed.

"So, Hui Yao supplies slaves to the Ten Great Families and simultaneously acts as your intelligence network? Isn't that a case of profiting from both sides? Are you not concerned about the possibility of Hui Yao betraying you?"

Qiu Xiaoping offered a slight shake of her head.

"Hui Yao possesses only limited knowledge regarding our Rebel Army's intelligence operations. Furthermore, Jiuyao has maintained its existence for many years as a purely mercantile organization, steadfastly avoiding any involvement in power struggles. This neutrality is precisely why this slave-trading entity has persisted for so long without facing dissolution."

"As eras shift and influential families rise and fall, only commerce itself remains an enduring constant."

"Their absolute neutrality ensures the longevity of their business. Hui Yao's involvement is strictly confined to the slave trade; any other intelligence is merely our own deduction of the Ten Great Families' affairs, gleaned through our commercial interactions."

"Moreover, we exercise such extreme caution that even if Hui Yao were to betray us, the repercussions would be negligible."

The Rebel Army's clandestine bases were dispersed throughout the city, drawing strength from the populace's silent support. Even in the event of exposure, it would only mean the loss of a single limb, hardly a fatal blow.

Despite Qiu Xiaoping's confident assertions, Fang Yu's frown deepened slightly.

He found it difficult to place any trust in individuals engaged in the slave trade, especially when participating in such heinous acts; could they truly value their reputation?

Without further comment, he steered the conversation directly to his primary concern.

"Given the Rebel Army's extensive business dealings with Hui Yao, you must surely be aware of his current location, correct?"

At this direct question, Qiu Xiaoping visibly hesitated, her gaze even drifting towards Xu Qingqi, who appeared quite oblivious.

However, Xu Qingqi, clearly not privy to the commander's true role, did not grasp the significance of Qiu Xiaoping's subtle glance.

"If Brother Diao wishes to know, then simply provide him with the information!"

Qiu Xiaoping sighed once more.

Since the commander had entrusted this vital matter to Xu Qingqi, any ensuing consequences would fall upon his shoulders, leaving her merely to follow instructions.

"The Zhang Family. Our operatives managed to track his movements during our previous transactions, and he was eventually traced back to the Zhang Family's residence. However, according to our most recent intelligence, Hui Yao might also be staying at the An Mansion. Therefore, his current whereabouts are likely either the Zhang Family or the An Family."

A spark ignited in Fang Yu's eyes.

"What does he look like?"

"He always wears a cloak that obscures his face; we have never actually seen his true features, and…"

Qiu Xiaoping meticulously recalled the details and slowly elaborated, "During several encounters, his voice and even his physical build appeared to vary, suggesting the use of disguising artifacts. Alternatively, 'Hui Yao' might simply be a codename employed by different individuals. Consequently, reports of Hui Yao surface inconsistently – sometimes at the An Mansion, sometimes at the Zhang Mansion, or even at the other estates belonging to the Ten Great Families."

Fang Yu's brow furrowed, his mind racing with possibilities.

Regardless of the uncertainty, a tangible lead on Hui Yao had finally emerged.

Fang Yu had no prior experience with the Zhang Family, nor any existing connections with them; a direct, uninformed approach might prove imprudent.

If he could somehow assume a plausible identity or fabricate a legitimate pretext to visit the Zhang Family, his unique ability to perceive bloodlines might enable him to identify Hui Yao instantly!

As the preeminent power in the local slave trade, Hui Yao would undoubtedly possess a blood count exceeding 8000, rendering him easily detectable.

As for the An Mansion, entry there would present a far more convenient scenario.

Monk Quan Heng hailed from the An Mansion; therefore, fabricating a plausible reason to accompany him there would facilitate a discreet search for Hui Yao's location.

Precisely! Hadn't Monk Quan Heng mentioned earlier that Ding Hui was scheduled to attend to Ye Danshan's ailment? This presented a perfect opportunity...

Fang Yu began to weigh his options, then abruptly remembered something and lifted his head.

"And the individual I asked you to locate, have you received any news?"

With the Rebel Army and the Ten Great Families involved in such extensive slave trading, it was a disquieting possibility that his elder brother might have been acquired within Thunder City, or worse… perhaps already eliminated… the most dire outcome.

Thus, at this precise moment, Fang Yu simultaneously anticipated Qiu Xiaoping's report and harbored a dread that the revelation might not align with his hopes.

Meanwhile, Qiu Xiaoping had already commenced her response.

"I have meticulously reviewed the Rebel Army's acquisition records for the preceding months, and regrettably, no individual matching your description appears. As for whether he is listed among the purchases made by the Ten Great Families, that information remains uncertain. A significant number of slaves are acquired without names, identification numbers, or even documented origins; records typically only note physical attributes, health conditions, specialized skills, and similar metrics."

"However, once the Rebel Army acquires slaves, they are either incorporated into our ranks to strengthen our fighting force or used to fill vacant positions. They are essentially treated as one of our own, thus we meticulously inquire about them and maintain detailed records, ensuring every slave has documented proof of their status."

"This is not necessarily the practice with the Ten Major Families. Therefore, if you intend to locate a specific individual, you must seek out Hui Yao directly for assistance."

A spark of excitement ignited within Fang Yu's heart.

"Very well then, would it be possible for the Rebel Army to arrange a personal meeting with Hui Yao for me?"

"Without a doubt, that can be arranged. However, you may find yourself disappointed. As I've mentioned, Hui Yao might not be a singular entity. It's possible that those who engage in trade with us are not Hui Yao himself. Even if you do manage to meet them, obtaining any useful information might prove to be a challenge."

Still, an encounter is better than nothing at all.

Utilizing these unique eyes, Fang Yu would be able to precisely narrow down his search parameters.