Chapter 26: Better for My Comrade to Die Than Me

If it weren’t for his keen sense of smell, and his particular sensitivity to the scent of these beasts, he would have remained oblivious to the unfolding situation beneath Han Mountain City. By the time he discovered it, however, it was already too late. All he could do was save himself.

Upon further inquiry about the specific condition of the beasts, a sigh of relief was collectively exhaled by Zhang Tianlong, Lin Wanfeng, Ye Shuang, Zhang Si, and Lin Sanjue. However, the subsequent news shared by Zhang Chun stunned everyone.

“The pangolin and rat wolves weren’t originally located near Han Mountain City. Had they been, the Shi family would have been wary of them,” Zhang Chun declared, the revelation shocking those present. “It was the work of the Wang family. These beasts were initially laying siege to Jiuchuan City, but they were diverted to Han Mountain City by the Wang family’s actions.”

Zhang Chun had been escorted to the large group where Zhang Tianlong was stationed.

Zhang Tianlong seized Zhang Chun’s wrist.

“Zhang Chun, do you comprehend the gravity of your words? This isn’t a matter that you can simply speculate on.”

Staring back at the wide-eyed gaze of his family leader, Zhang Chun didn’t flinch, his voice seething with anger.

“Family leader, I can stake my reputation on it. It must be the doing of the Wang family.”

Zhang Chun had spent years living under a pseudonym in Han Mountain City. Despite his undercover status, he had developed an affection for the city, making it impossible for him to feel indifferent about its destruction. His heart burned with anger.

“Han Mountain City had consistently managed to keep the beasts at bay, outside its borders. However, about half a month ago, members of the Shi family rescued some people from the Wang family, who were found being chased by spiritual beasts at the edge of their domain. Out of a sense of duty, the Shi family saved them. These members of the Wang family claimed their presence was to establish a pact with the Shi family, an offensive and defensive alliance during the beast tide. The Shi family agreed without hesitation. But in hindsight, the emergence of the Wang family was too conveniently timed. They had barely left after forming the alliance when Han Mountain City was breached by the pangolin and rat wolves. We hadn’t seen a trace of these creatures in the beast horde before. How could anything be so coincidental in this world?”

Indeed, the coincidences were too many to ignore, provoking suspicion.

After allowing Zhang Chun to rest, everyone present was burdened with grave thoughts.

The presence of two late-stage Innate beasts, the fall of Han Mountain City, and the actions of the Wang family, every single event was heart-stopping and deeply troubling.

“It’s like treading along a cliff edge, where one misstep could lead to a fatal plunge into the abyss,” Zhang Shen, who had been quietly listening all along, reflected.

‘The Wang family, you say? In these times, nothing anyone does should come as a surprise. But I appreciate you all for highlighting a clear path for me!’

Zhang Shen’s eyes lit up. He had figured out a potential solution to the current predicament of Hongyuan City. Although it was a rough plan, it wasn’t unfeasible.

Two days later, the undercover agents stationed in Jiuchuan City relayed additional intelligence to Hongyuan City.

That night, a confidential meeting was once again convened among the fifteen Innate members of Hongyuan City.

Zhang Shen continued his silent observation from the sidelines, raising no eyebrows.

During this period, Zhang Shen had exposed some of his cultivation level, showcasing himself as an Acquired 8th Layer cultivator.

A fifteen-year-old at the Acquired 8th Layer? Beyond the Zhang, Lin, and Ye families, there had never been such a prodigy in the history of the seven cities. With such talent, he was undoubtedly a future leader and a reliable pillar of support.

If they didn’t allow Zhang Shen more exposure to family affairs now, a risk could arise in the future. Once Zhang Shen’s cultivation level increased, and he found himself unfamiliar with how to handle these matters, no one would be able to influence his decisions. This lack of understanding and control would inevitably lead to chaos.

So, they were capitalizing on the present opportunity to expose him to more, to listen more, observe more, think more, and gain firsthand knowledge of how current leaders manage affairs.

Although Hongyuan City was presently under dire circumstances, it was still essential not to overlook the future.

Perhaps Hongyuan City would eventually fall, and they’d have to relocate their surviving forces to resurrect elsewhere. In such a scenario, Zhang Shen would undoubtedly be part of the surviving force, maybe even one of the most crucial individuals who must escape.

“It’s confirmed, Jiuchuan City had a hand in the events of Han Mountain City,” the confidential report sent by the undercover agent from Hongyuan City revealed.

A noticeable number of pangolins and rat wolves previously encircling Jiuchuan City had suddenly vanished. The disappearance was so stark that everyone in Hongyuan City immediately linked it with the incident in Han Mountain City.

“Jiuchuan City is despicable, to resort to such underhanded tactics.” Lin Sanjue fumed.

“Is this the act of a human being, to harm their own kind?”

“We must expose their actions. Otherwise, who knows how many more they’ll deceive? I shudder to think.”

“Indeed, it’s outrageous. Contending with creatures like pangolins and rat wolves is tough enough, and demands ample preparation. Yet, they deceptively diverted the Shi family’s attention under the guise of the alliance, allowing the beasts’ successful infiltration. It’s nothing less than treachery.”

Watching the elders passionately denounce and reprimand, Zhang Shen felt a tad awkward.

After some deliberation, Zhang Shen decided to voice his thoughts. “Um, I believe we could learn a thing or two from the Wang family’s tactics.”

The scale of what he wished to achieve was beyond his individual capabilities.

Immediately, Zhang Si and Lin Sanjue turned to him, and the communication talisman fell momentarily silent.

It was Zhang Tianlong who broke the silence, “Cough, Shen’er, you…? Forget it, what were you about to say? Elaborate, please.”

Under the scrutinizing gaze of Zhang Si and Lin Sanjue, Zhang Shen gathered his thoughts.

“The challenges currently facing Hongyuan City are overwhelming, considering our own strength. Disregarding the already obliterated Han Mountain City, soliciting help from the other five cities is simply impractical. So, why don’t we learn from the Wang family? We could convert our crisis into someone else’s, allowing them to perish instead of us.”

It felt as if they were meeting Zhang Shen for the first time. Zhang Si, Lin Sanjue, and even those behind the communication talisman remained silent for a considerable period. The silence was eventually broken by a voice commending his insight.

“Good, well said,” someone praised but was quickly interrupted by a cough.

Then, Zhang Si ushered Zhang Shen out of the command center room, leaving him somewhat perplexed.

Zhang Si left him with only a few words, “You should leave for now. The upcoming matters aren’t suitable for your involvement. I’ll explain further tomorrow.”

Upon Zhang Si’s return to the tent, he found everyone else engaged in a heated debate.

“Zhang Tianlong, just look at what you’ve done. You’ve influenced my nephew in this way,” Ye Shuang began, reminiscing about how his sister, once an exquisite beauty, ended up marrying such a coarse man as Zhang Tianlong.

“It’s none of your concern. He’s my grandson, and I will raise him as I see fit,” retorted Zhang Tianlong.

“Heh, why can’t I have a say? He’s my cousin’s son too. Look at him, merely fifteen, and his thoughts are so dark. Is this acceptable?” Lin Wanfeng interjected.

Despite their verbal exchanges, Zhang Si couldn’t help but feel a sense of boasting in their voices. The phrase Zhang Shen had stated, ‘let the others perish instead of us,’ brought a smirk to his face.

“Little Shen has always shown great promise. I’ve been pondering on how to tell him that the world can be treacherous, and one must not be overly kind-hearted. Especially for someone who has to shoulder responsibilities, a degree of ruthlessness is necessary. However, I didn’t anticipate that he’s matured to such an extent, that he has comprehended this principle ahead of time.” Zhang Tianlong laughed heartily, his heart swelling with joy.