As martial artists entered, Murong Sheng Rui and his group remained unmoved. Since they knew there were no treasures inside and entering would be useless, even potentially falling into Xiao Man’s trap, they naturally wouldn’t venture deeper.
“Master, those people outside look a bit strange.”
“Anyone who can come here is no ordinary person. They call themselves merchants, but I see no goods. It’s clear they’re waiting to snatch a share of the spoils,” the leader said coldly.
“Then should we…”
“No need. Anyone who dares to bring so few people into Devil City is certainly not simple. There are many experts in that group. If we act rashly, we’ll be the ones to suffer.”
“But those people look like wealthy young masters on a tour, with rosy cheeks and smooth skin. They clearly haven’t suffered any hardships,” the young man said indignantly.
The leader glared at him. “Have you ever seen a wealthy young master without experts accompanying him? The fact that they’ve reached this point indicates they have many skilled individuals around them. If we clash with them rashly, we’ll suffer heavy losses. If we sustain damage before even seeing the treasure, will we still have the strength to fight for it once we find it?”
“Master’s teachings are correct.”
Wei Wu Ji stood at the entrance, watching the group’s figures disappear. It served them right. If this group had harbored ill intentions towards them, he would not have let them go easily, ensuring they never returned.
In just a few days, more and more people entered Devil City. However, everyone tacitly avoided provoking Feng Mo Ran’s group. Until one day, a group of five arrived. They varied in height, build, and weight, and among them was a woman. They referred to each other as siblings.
As soon as the five arrived, they noticed Feng Mo Ran’s group lingering on the outskirts, showing no intention of entering. They, too, began to wander around the perimeter.
“Big brother, aren’t we going in?”
“What for?” the lean leader asked, taking a puff of his pipe.
“To search for treasures.”
“With just a few of us, if we go in, I fear we’ll have the life to take it but not to spend it,” the lean man said faintly, gazing at the group in the distance.
“Are we going to give up this treasure that’s within reach?”
“Who said we’re giving up?” The lean man’s eyes gleamed. “We came here to pick up leftovers. So many martial artists are here searching for treasure, even people from the court have arrived. If we try to snatch it, we’ll definitely fail. It’s better to wait by the river and catch a fish, as the saying goes.” Su Dan Novel Network
“Big brother, what do you mean?” the tall man inquired. “Are we waiting for the treasure to run into our arms?”
“Second sister, what do you think?”
“With our small numbers, we can’t compete. Moreover, the treasure vault must be full of traps. Entering rashly would be life-threatening. It’s better to learn from that group and wait outside. When people come out with the treasure, we can catch those who are alone and snatch the treasure from them!”
“Great idea!” Several people chimed in, and their urgency dissipated. They found a secluded corner to wait, intending to ambush those who found treasures and take them.
A carriage, swaying precariously, appeared in everyone’s sight. The driver wore a bamboo hat and held a slender stick, leisurely urging the horses towards Devil City.
Feng Mo Ran, who had been meditating for days, finally opened his eyes and looked at the approaching carriage. Chu Qing Ge immediately stood up, her gaze fixed with longing on the distant carriage. She seemed to hear a child’s cry.
“My child.” Chu Qing Ge immediately ran towards the carriage, but after only a few steps, she was stopped by Zhu Xiu.
Chu Qing Ge craned her neck to look at the carriage, her anxiety evident. Her child was young and had never been away from his mother. She wondered if he was eating well, sleeping well, or being tormented. It was hateful that she couldn’t grow multiple arms to protect him, otherwise, he wouldn’t have to endure such suffering.
The carriage stopped at the entrance. The driver alighted and knelt to pay respects. “Master, the person has been brought.”
The carriage door was opened, and Yin Zhu, holding the child, stepped down. Upon seeing Chu Qing Ge, she quickly called out, “Young Madam, are you alright?”
“Yin Zhu, you truly are a traitor!”
Yin Zhu’s pleased expression vanished with these words, replaced by awkwardness and unease. Zhu Xiu stepped forward, reaching out to take the child, but Yin Zhu clutched the child and retreated.
Zhu Xiu looked displeased. “Give me the child.”
Seeing this, Chu Qing Ge immediately rushed forward, passing Zhu Xiu, and tried to snatch the child from Yin Zhu’s arms. Zhu Xiu, displeased, reached out to grab Yin Zhu, but Yin Zhu retaliated, stabbing him with a dagger hidden in her sleeve, piercing Zhu Xiu’s palm. Having succeeded, Yin Zhu pulled Chu Qing Ge back rapidly and placed the child into Chu Qing Ge’s embrace.
“Damn it!” Zhu Xiu, wounded, looked enraged and lunged forward to seize the child. The driver, kneeling on the ground, struck Zhu Xiu’s calf with a palm. With a crack, Zhu Xiu let out a scream and fell to the ground.
The driver blocked in front of Chu Qing Ge. “Go quickly. There are people waiting for you outside.”
“You want to leave? Did you ask my permission?” Feng Mo Ran asked leisurely.
The driver sneered. “If she wants to go, she goes. Why does she need your permission?”
“Presumptuous!” Feng Mo Ran snatched a sword from a guard and charged forward with killing intent. However, the opponent quickly returned to the carriage, drew a sword from beneath the carriage, and engaged Feng Mo Ran in a fierce battle. They exchanged blows, both wielding deadly attacks, each desperately trying to take the other’s life!
In a short while, after more than ten exchanges, Feng Mo Ran was forced back, glaring hatefully at the driver. “Nangong Yu, it’s you!”
The driver tore off his mask, revealing his true face. It was indeed Nangong Yu.
“Grand Tutor, it’s been a long time. You’re not pretending anymore, but I didn’t expect you to have no shame,” Nangong Yu said coldly. “Using an infant as bait.”
Feng Mo Ran sneered. “I was just regretting not having time to find you. You’ve delivered yourself to my doorstep. Perfect, capturing you is more useful than capturing all of them!”
“If you want to capture me, you’ll have to see if you have the ability.” As Nangong Yu spoke, several figures appeared behind him.
“Madam Xiao, please come with us.” Si Ye immediately led Chu Qing Ge away. “It’s not safe for you here.”
Chu Qing Ge, holding the child, hesitated. Her gaze fell on Yin Zhu. “Yin Zhu…”
“Miss Yin Zhu is safe. You don’t need to worry. That’s not Yin Zhu,” Si Ye explained. “Let’s leave here first.”
“Alright.”
Chu Qing Ge, holding the child, left with Si Ye. Feng Mo Ran looked at Murong Sheng Rui. “Emperor Yun, why aren’t you acting? The more bargaining chips, the better. Capture Chu Qing Ge and her son.”