Starting as the President of a Billionaire Group Chapter 1249 - 1224: Luring the Enemy Into the Trap

The venerable elder finally accepted that Ye Chen wasn't fabricating the truth earlier and possessed the genuine ability to extricate him.

"Young one, your capabilities are truly astonishing," the elder expressed, offering praise.

Ye Chen guided the elder back along their initial path, skillfully circumventing the myriad of traps, and ultimately reached the location where the Snake Spirit had extended an invitation for a shared drink.

At this particular juncture, the place was devoid of any occupants, leaving Ye Chen to ponder the whereabouts of the Snake Spirit, Scorpion Spirit, and their assembled subordinates.

Unseen by Ye Chen, the Snake Spirit and Scorpion Spirit were positioned at the cave's entrance, observing Big Child and Second Child with malevolent grins.

She marveled at the swift arrival of two more youngsters, arriving as if herding them in wasn't necessary; these Hulu brothers had apparently come of their own volition.

The Snake Spirit mistakenly identified Ye Chen as Yellow Child, reckoning that with these two Hulu additions, their number would reach three, leaving four remaining to be gathered.

Her ultimate ambition was to capture them all collectively and subsequently refine the legendary Elixir of Immortality.

It's probable that the Snake Spirit's sheer delight at the prospect of the two children willingly presenting themselves blinded her to the discernible differences between Ye Chen and the Hulu siblings.

"You utterly shameless celestial being, return my grandfather and elder brother forthwith, and I may yet spare your wretched existence," Big Child declared, gesturing accusingly at the Snake Spirit.

"How dare you address Her Ladyship in such a manner? Believe it or not, I shall utterly crush you," Scorpion Spirit interjected before the Snake Spirit could even respond.

He would not tolerate any disrespect directed towards the Snake Spirit and was poised to bring his formidable hammer down upon Big Child.

Nevertheless, this aggressive action was halted by the Snake Spirit, who cast a glance at Scorpion Spirit and remarked, "He is but a mere child; do not frighten him, lest my heart ache."

The Snake Spirit's feigned tenderness was utterly repulsive, a facade the Hulu family would never fall prey to.

Subsequently, she turned her gaze towards Big Child and Second Child, a smile gracing her lips, and stated, "You young ones speak with such venom. I merely invited the elder and that child over for a cordial drink. Why then do you utter such falsehoods about me? Though I am a celestial being, I am not the villain you perceive me to be."

With that declaration, she proceeded to weep, shielding her face with her hands.

"My Lady, pray do not debase yourself to the level of these insignificant brats," Scorpion Spirit pleaded urgently.

"I am merely saddened; why am I perpetually misunderstood? I acknowledge that my elder sister engaged in numerous malevolent deeds previously, but I am fundamentally different from her. Why must I always endure such contemptuous stares? I extended an invitation for a drink with pure intentions, only to be accused of nefarious abduction," the Snake Spirit articulated, her emotions escalating.

"Cease this charade, you depraved celestial; your deceitful performance holds no sway over us. I have witnessed firsthand all your wicked transgressions," Second Child asserted, pointing an accusatory finger at the Snake Spirit.

The Snake Spirit was aware that Second Child possessed the uncanny abilities of Thousand-Mile Eye and Downwind Ear, granting him the perception to observe all events transpiring within their vicinity.

At this precise moment, an alarm was raised within the dungeon; it was discovered that the elder and Ye Chen had vanished, prompting an immediate report to the Snake Spirit at the cave's threshold.

"Your Majesty, dire tidings," a subordinate announced, rushing forth in a state of considerable panic.

The Snake Spirit rebuked the subordinate with clear displeasure: "What is the cause for this unseemly haste?"

The subordinate, lowering his voice, conveyed the alarming news: "Your Majesty, the elder and the young master have absconded from their confinement."

Despite her internal turmoil and frustration, the Snake Spirit maintained an outward composure. Her domain was intricately secured with numerous traps, rendering any escape impossible without her direct guidance.

"Young one, are you perhaps mistaken? You should re-examine the situation," the Snake Spirit suggested, a subtle shift in her eyes betraying her inner thoughts.

Second Child reactivated his Thousand-Mile Eye abilities to survey the dungeon once more, only to confirm that both the elder and the elder brother clad in yellow robes were indeed no longer present.

"How can this possibly be?" Second Child muttered, bewildered.

"Elder Brother, did you ascertain the whereabouts of Grandfather and Little Brother?" Big Child inquired with palpable anxiety.

"Elder Brother, Grandfather and Little Brother are unequivocally absent from the dungeon," Second Child confirmed, relaying the factual account.

"You see? You must believe me now," the Snake Spirit declared, a triumphant laugh escaping her lips.

The nearby Scorpion Spirit, overhearing the exchange, was filled with confusion. He had been under the firm impression that the elder and the child were securely held within the dungeon; the notion of their inexplicable disappearance baffled him.

Despite his burgeoning doubts, he refrained from directly questioning the others.

"Second Brother, endeavor to look more attentively," Big Child urged, his voice laced with urgency.

Prior to their arrival, Second Brother had indeed mentioned that Ye Chen was imprisoned alongside their grandfather. The current discrepancy, their sudden absence, was perplexing.

Second Child scrutinized the dungeon meticulously several more times but still failed to detect the presence of their grandfather or Ye Chen.

He regretfully shook his head and stated, "Grandfather and Little Brother are demonstrably not here."

"Behold! Surely you believe me now," the Snake Spirit proclaimed, her laughter growing louder.

"You vile enchantress, reveal without delay the location where you have secreted away my grandfather and elder brother," the impetuous Big Child demanded, once again pointing an accusing finger at the Snake Spirit.

"Accompany me. I shall personally escort you to where the elder and the child are presently situated. They are engaged in a bout of spirited drinking," the Snake Spirit announced, ostentatiously swaying her body as she moved forward.

As her gaze shifted, her smile vanished instantly; she had never anticipated Ye Chen escaping the dungeon alongside the old man.

It was especially noteworthy given that the dungeon's path was fraught with peril, making a successful escape seemingly impossible without her direct involvement.

Instead of acknowledging Ye Chen's capabilities, a disturbing suspicion surfaced in her mind: a traitor must have aided Ye Chen in his escape.

Once these individuals were recaptured and returned to the dungeon, she was determined to unmask the traitor and mete out a severe punishment, serving as a stark warning to any others who might consider such a betrayal.

Ye Chen and the old grandpa settled at the spot where Snake Spirit had prepared a grand feast, awaiting her return so they could compel her to reveal the exit.

"Child, though we've managed to break free from the dungeon, our escape isn't complete yet," the old grandpa sighed wearily.

"Old grandpa, please don't worry. We will absolutely find a way out; have faith in me," Ye Chen declared with unwavering confidence.

He understood that their departure hinged on Snake Spirit's reappearance, but the crucial issue was Snake Spirit's current whereabouts, as she was nowhere to be seen.

At that precise moment, Snake Spirit's voice echoed from a distance.

Upon hearing it, the old grandpa's complexion visibly paled; he turned to Ye Chen, urging, "Child, we must conceal ourselves quickly to avoid recapture. The next escape attempt will be far more challenging."

Ye Chen, however, merely waved his hand, displaying no hint of apprehension, unlike the worried old grandpa.

Having witnessed Ye Chen's earlier display of skill, the old grandpa, despite his lingering unease, chose to heed Ye Chen's counsel and remained seated without moving.

The sound of Snake Spirit's voice grew progressively louder, and Ye Chen knew with certainty that she was approaching their location.

A subtle smile played on Ye Chen's lips; she was finally arriving.

He was aware that Snake Spirit possessed a Ruyi, her most prized artifact, which she used to subdue all the Hulus.

This time, Ye Chen eagerly anticipated confronting Snake Spirit, keen to ascertain the true efficacy of her legendary treasure and whether its power matched his prior estimations.

Ye Chen harbored no fear; instead, a thrill of anticipation coursed through him.