Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1357 - 606: Isolation

~5 minute read · 1,233 words
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Qiu Xiaoping proposes a plan to ambush and kill two Underworld Hall Masters, Jinfang Zai and Xing Xueman, using Fang Yu as bait. This would weaken the Underworld and solidify Fang Yu's ties to the Rebel Army. Fang Yu, however, prioritizes finding his Big Brother first and declines the immediate offer, but expresses interest in learning about Lian Xiaoya. Intelligence leads to Lianyun Village, a place connected to Lian Xiaoya, but it has recently been wiped out, leaving Fang Yu determined to investigate the ruins.

"Shall we conclude for the day, then?"

Having concluded his explanations, Qiu Xiaoping directed his gaze toward the others present.

"How incredibly dull!"

Xu Qingqi was the first to rise and depart.

"Once again, we extend our welcome to Young Master Diao’s joining our ranks." Nian Jiachen rose as well, preparing to take his leave.

"I shall hasten below to urge the individuals there to expedite the inventory of our supplies." The elder Taoist, You Shouliang, also withdrew with a smile.

As everyone gradually departed, Fang Yu found no reason to remain. He exchanged a few words with Qiu Xiaoping before exiting the secret chamber.

The map clutched in his hand served as a reminder of potential monster spawn points; perhaps a busy day lay ahead?

Qiu Xiaoping observed Fang Yu’s retreating figure and let out a sigh.

The day’s meeting had not unfolded as smoothly as she had hoped, but there was no need for haste; time was on their side.

With this thought, Qiu Xiaoping also departed with purposeful strides.

What puzzled Qiu Xiaoping the most was the whereabouts of the Commander during such a critical juncture. Where could he possibly be?

Even with the involvement of a Minister-level figure, their absence was undeniably inappropriate... Could there truly be something of greater importance demanding his attention?

...

Jiangxin Restaurant, Tianzi Elegant Room.

An elder, distinguished by his white hair, savored his wine while taking in the surrounding scenery.

He took deliberate sips, relishing every subtle note of the exquisite wine within his cup.

Below the restaurant, the lively panorama of ordinary people on Jiangxin Bridge unfolded like a pleasing appetizer, bestowing a sense of peace and contentment upon him.

"A truly serene and leisurely vista, wouldn't you agree, Lord of the Mansion?"

The white-haired elder inquired blandly, taking another sip of his wine.

The door to the room was then slowly pushed open.

A middle-aged man, clad in white attire, entered the room, proceeding to close the door behind him.

"You mock even before entering; it’s quite irritating, wouldn’t you say?"

Taking a seat opposite the elder, he uncovered a wine jug, drank directly from it until it was empty, and then casually set it aside.

"Speak, what is it you require of me?"

The white-haired elder fixed his gaze upon him.

"Have you received word from the Capital?"

"They’ve dispatched troops, have they? Why, are you fearful? Rest assured, your Rebel Army is far from substantial enough to be classified as insurrectionists."

The Master of Foolish Earth Mansion wiped away traces of wine from the corner of his mouth and retorted with a sneer.

"The Capital’s military is advancing southward, having already traversed more than half the distance; they might be targeting the Demon Capital, or perhaps Thunder City." The Rebel Army Commander shifted his gaze from the Master of the Mansion, looking down towards the crowds below, and spoke with a calm demeanor.

"There’s no need for excessive speculation; it must be the Demon Capital!" the Master of the Mansion asserted with certainty.

"And what happens after the Demon Capital falls? With demons concealed within the city, and the Ten Pillars actively nurturing them, how long do you believe this deception can be maintained? Do you truly wish for Thunder City to suffer the same fate as the Demon Capital?"

Upon hearing this, the Master’s countenance darkened considerably.

"I have already journeyed to Melted Heart Cave and procured an original evil stone from the Land of Gathering Evil; the truth shall soon be unveiled, thus rendering further discourse unnecessary!"

"A truly loyal dog, aren’t you!"

The Rebel Army Commander uttered a cold sneer, his mockery causing faint veins to pulsate on the forehead of the Master of Foolish Earth Mansion.

"Do not provoke me; although my power was diminished after my visit to Melted Heart Cave, with the original evil stone now in my possession, you are well aware of the outcome should conflict arise."

The Rebel Army Commander stated with underlying seriousness, "My intention has always been to seek peace. Should you and I unite our strengths, with Foolish Underworld and the Rebel Army joining forces, we will possess the might to contend against the tyrannical descendants of the Ten Pillars!"

"Then exercise patience! Until I have personally clarified the situation, I shall refrain from any association with a rebel such as yourself."

"Then I can only implore you to act with haste. The Capital’s deployment of troops southward is certain to provoke reactions from the Ten Major Families. Any precipitate actions on their part could plunge Thunder City into devastation, a catastrophic outcome that neither of us desires to witness."

"...Hmph!"

The Master of Foolish Earth Mansion emitted a cold snort, stood up, and departed.

The Rebel Army Commander simply turned his gaze back towards the masses gathered below.

The sunlight, filtering through the windowpanes, divided his face starkly into areas of light and shadow, subtly imbuing his features with a chilling and eerie aura.

...

Bo Mansion.

Song Qianlong observed Bo Shan, who was now joyfully prancing about, a stark transformation from her previous shrewish demeanor. She conversed happily with her nanny, and a faint smile touched his lips.

However, upon recalling the reports submitted by his subordinates, that smile inevitably began to fade slightly.

The Black Rain Commerce had met its downfall.

The chess piece that had just been placed on the board had been taken.

"Such a regrettable loss, Fa Xiao."

It had not even been utilized, yet it had already met such an end due to internal power struggles.

Song Qianlong's eyes turned icy.

Although the Black Rain Commerce still possessed other pawns to deploy, the downfall of their Vice President had indeed caused ripples in some affairs.

That was a rare beast he had chosen, one that was both obedient and useful.

It truly made one wonder... how does the Demon Emperor Lan Yuhe of the Demon Capital train his wild beasts?

It is said that the former Demon Emperor, Lan Yuhe, was once a mere human.

Song Qianlong gazed out the window.

This time, he had not arrived alone.

The Master of the Song Family, his own father, had also come to the Bo Mansion.

However, his father had proceeded directly to meet with the Patriarch of the Bo Family, and Song Qianlong himself lacked the standing to be involved in such a meeting.

Song Qianlong's eyes narrowed.

His father had always underestimated him.

Yet, this underestimation also served as his camouflage.

"Father, very soon, I will achieve something magnificent, something that will make you, the Song Family, and everyone in Thunder City look at me with entirely new eyes!"

His gaze then shifted to his first wife, observing her now tranquil abdomen. The more Song Qianlong looked, the more pleased he became.

This young lady from the Bo Family possessed a purer bloodline; perhaps the outcome would prove superior to that derived from Che Xintai's woman.

There was no need to rush; everything could wait until Che Xintai's unborn child had entered the world.

Come to think of it, that moment was only a matter of days away now...

...

Inside another chamber.

The Master of the Song Family and the Patriarch of the Bo Family were engaging in a long-awaited reunion.