Online: I Can See Health Bars Chapter 1373 - 614: Doing No Wrong Is Not as Good as Achieving Nothing

~4 minute read · 1,057 words
Previously on Online: I Can See Health Bars...
Lu Qiaochun argues with an old shopkeeper about the value of intelligence, escalating the conflict until Fang Yu intervenes. After Lu Qiaochun leaves, Fang Yu examines a map showing numerous suspected demons, distinguishing between those recently replaced and those long-established. He requests the ambiguous suspect list, but the old shopkeeper hesitates, prompting Fang Yu to give him one day to decide.

Fang Yu is swamped, at least for today.

While discussing this matter with other ministers of the Rebel Army was an option, arranging a meeting would consume an unquantifiable amount of time just to get them to agree to see him.

After all, these ministers are typically occupied with managing their own territories within the Rebel Army. Their current gathering was a special occasion, convened solely because Fang Yu had joined.

Yet, neither the Commander nor the Deputy Commander was in attendance.

For intelligence of this caliber, Fang Yu was unsure if merely dispatching a messenger would grant him access.

Most likely, it wouldn't. Information regarding demons lurking within the city is considered highly sensitive within the Rebel Army. Even if its internal application is limited, it holds little significance for lower-ranking members.

The reaction from Director Nian Jiachen of the Spring Department, who restricted Fang Yu's access to only a portion of the intelligence instead of revealing everything, already indicated that the Rebel Army had certain strategic plans in place regarding this matter.

Furthermore, as a new recruit, Fang Yu was still under scrutiny. The Rebel Army likely harbors reservations and maintains certain precautions towards him.

Therefore, instead of wasting time seeking out others for discussion, Fang Yu decided it would be more effective to hunt demons directly. By eliminating the immediate threats and then achieving some notable accomplishments, the old man at the pawnshop would undoubtedly make the right decision.

The provided ambiguous list, which could contain either demons or humans, was far less valuable than the seven confirmed individuals already in hand. These individuals fell within the purview of the old man's authority, and with a slight adjustment of standards, he could easily provide them.

The Rebel Army, after all, could not realistically allocate manpower and resources to meticulously investigate hundreds or thousands of potential identities. Beyond the constraints of ability or personnel, the tasks currently demanding the Rebel Army's attention did not warrant the expenditure of resources on such vague intelligence.

At this juncture, it would be more prudent to entrust this less-than-valuable potential list to Fang Yu.

If I were to follow this list to locate those individuals, each identification would be a direct hit!

Fang Yu ceased further conversation with the old man and, upon departing the pawnshop, began preparations for the day's hunting expedition.

"Sir." Yu Ji offered a respectful greeting upon seeing Fang Yu emerge.

"Sir." With Yu Ji's intervention, Lu Qiaochun's anger had subsided considerably, though a trace of vexation remained in her voice.

"Let’s go."

Fang Yu uttered no further words. After stowing the map, he gestured for the two to accompany him.

The pair exchanged a meaningful glance and promptly fell into step behind him.

Fang Yu moved with swift determination.

According to the intelligence on the map, there was an unidentified individual nearby who might potentially be a demon.

Fang Yu’s pace quickened, a familiar thrill of leveling up by consecutively defeating monsters, reminiscent of his gaming days, coursed through him.

After Fang Yu and his companions had departed, the old man from the pawnshop remained immersed in contemplation, pondering Fang Yu's demeanor as he left.

That unshakeable confidence left the old man perplexed.

He could not fathom the meaning behind the new minister's request to wait a day.

What significant undertaking could possibly be accomplished within a single day?

Even if a major event were to occur, it would not fall under his department's purview, meaning any resulting achievements would not be credited to him, thus offering no incentive to alter his stance.

Should he divulge supplementary intelligence and be discovered, he would face reprimand from his superiors.

Moreover, if a genuine request were to be made, it would be far more appropriate to discuss it with Director Nian Jiachen of the Spring Department. He, the old man, was merely an operative and dared not overstep his designated responsibilities.

At his advanced age, the old man had long since moved past the stage of eagerly pursuing accolades. His current focus was on maintaining stability, not seeking merit but avoiding fault.

This steady approach was also a contributing factor to his enduring position at the pawnshop; while competence was essential, a reliable work ethic played an equally crucial role.

Consequently, no additional intelligence would be provided.

With a slight shake of his head, the old man returned to his seat, his consciousness drifting back into a state of semi-slumber.

...

"Sir, what are your plans..."

Following their exit from the pawnshop, Lu Qiaochun and Yu Ji accompanied Fang Yu to a teahouse, taking a seat by the window on the second floor.

Following Fang Yu's line of sight, they observed him gazing at the entrance of the Hundred Fathoms Martial Pavilion situated across the street.

Even within Thunder City, the Hundred Fathoms Martial Pavilion was a well-recognized establishment.

While perhaps not a paramount martial arts academy, it stood as one of Thunder City's established institutions. It maintained a welcoming policy towards the lower and middle classes, offering elementary martial arts instruction for a fee. However, progressing to advanced techniques required more than just payment; it involved successfully passing examinations and formally integrating into the school's ranks.

Though bearing the school's insignia, it also receives its safeguarding, which deters casual harassment. This setup offers individuals from less privileged backgrounds an avenue to improve their circumstances. Consequently, despite the Hundred Fathoms Martial Pavilion's moderate strength, it holds a favorable standing among the populace. Nevertheless, the accessibility of its ranks results in a diverse student body, with occasional whispers of internal purges circulating. Lu Qiaochun's knowledge of the Hundred Fathoms Martial Pavilion extends only to these details. She entertains the notion that Fang Yu's presence here might stem from information obtained from that old man at the pawnshop. Could it be... is a sinister force hiding within the martial arts school? "They've arrived," Fang Yu's abrupt murmur recalled Lu Qiaochun from her musings. Casting her gaze out the window, they observed a disheveled man exiting the Hundred Fathoms Martial Pavilion's gates. He sported an unusual sword at his hip, shaped like a spike, with a blade of grass dangling from his lips.