Chapter 29: Your Era Lies in the Future

Zhang Shen had thrown caution to the wind and started hunting voraciously, causing the local spiritual beasts to suffer considerable losses. Their numbers visibly dwindled.

By the time the creatures from other regions noticed something was amiss, there were over a dozen fewer Innate beasts, and hundreds of Acquired beasts had disappeared. All of which had become Zhang Shen’s bounty in the past two months.

However, as time wore on, a major event occurred, putting an abrupt halt to his hunting spree.

A member of the Ye family, an Innate practitioner, had fallen in battle. Zhang Shen found out about this when he returned to the Sixth Squad. At the time, Lin Da and Ye Ruohuo were locked in a fierce debate.

“Lin Da, your diplomatic skills and wisdom are unmatched. In times of discord, our family will need you to mediate and carve out a space for our survival,” Ye Ruohuo was trying to persuade Lin Da.

But Lin Da remained stoic and unmoved. “Ruohuo, you’re mistaken,” he countered earnestly. “The weak have no place in diplomacy, let alone mediation. If Hongyuan City falls, my negotiation abilities will become obsolete.”

He gazed solemnly at Ye Ruohuo, “You are stronger than me and have far greater potential. The younger generation is still coming of age, and they need a strong figure to shield them from adversities.”

True to his reputation for wisdom, Lin Da spoke calmly, rendering Ye Ruohuo speechless with each sentence. Zhang Shen, standing on the side, also pieced together the situation.

Several days earlier, Hongyuan City had finally initiated its plan, intending to lure away the two late-stage Innate spiritual beasts.

Three Innate martial artists known for their adeptness at concealment and robust survival skills were assigned to execute this mission. They successfully managed to draw one beast toward Jiuchuan City. However, Jiuchuan City lived up to its reputation as the most formidable among the Seven Cities.

As soon as the late-stage Innate beast came into their sight, a late-stage Innate powerhouse from the Wang family, lying in wait, sprang into action.

But the first individual the Wang family’s Innate practitioner attacked wasn’t the spiritual beast, but the person who had lured it.

Simultaneously, other Innate members from the Wang family launched attacks in different locations, with more of their comrades hidden in the shadows. A careful tally revealed that eleven Innate practitioners took advantage of the situation.

The main orchestrators of this plan were from Hongyuan City, who were directly dealing with the threat of two late-stage Innate beasts.

The sudden onslaught from the Wang family’s late-stage Innate powerhouses left the three Innate practitioners from Hongyuan City helpless. They were swiftly injured.

An elderly Innate from the Ye family fearlessly engaged the patriarch of the Wang family to prevent the capture of his comrades and the exposure of any incriminating evidence. Eventually, he resorted to self-detonation.

This bold and decisive action led to the injury of the Wang family patriarch, allowing the other two Innate practitioners from Hongyuan City to seize the opportunity to retreat. They didn’t squander the chance that the elderly Innate from the Ye family had created with his self-sacrifice.

The most favorable outcome would have seen the lured late-stage Innate beast inflicting serious damage on the Wang family. However, another late-stage Innate from the Wang family unexpectedly emerged from Jiuchuan City.

Together, the two late-stage Innate powerhouses managed to eliminate the spiritual beast, suffering only minor injuries in the process.

The demonstration of power by the Wang family left the remaining five cities in stunned silence. With such formidable strength, they could easily dominate the region.

Hongyuan City was feeling the most pressure. The death of the veteran Innate weakened their strength.

More worryingly, although the elderly Innate didn’t leave any evidence behind when he self-detonated, the Wang family’s intelligence network could quickly identify which Innates had recently vanished or died.

Losing a late-stage Innate spiritual beast in exchange for the Wang family’s hostility left the question of whether this gamble was worthwhile.

With the loss of one late-stage Innate beast, the remaining one began to show signs of restlessness. To prepare for this beast and any potential action from the Wang family, the formidable individuals of Hongyuan City convened and started to plan for contingencies.

The debate between Lin Da and Ye Ruohuo revolved around who should stay behind as the safety net for the revival of their three families. Despite her deep reluctance, Ye Ruohuo was eventually persuaded to stay.

Sometimes, for individuals with an overwhelming sense of responsibility, the pain of living could exceed that of death.

Soon, additional people would join the Sixth Squad as this unit was fundamentally designed to act as a way to ensure the families’ survival.

“After my departure, immediately go into hiding. Do not allow others to find you, and do not disclose your location. Do not emerge unless you’ve heard that the crisis in Hongyuan City has been resolved. Even if a message comes through the communication charm, do not respond unless it contains the highest level password,” Lin Da sternly instructed Zhang Shen and Ye Ruohuo.

Upon exchanging glances, Ye Ruohuo and Zhang Shen understood the gravity of the situation. Without rebuttal, they listened intently to Lin Da’s words.

Having made all the arrangements, Lin Da set off for the frontline Third Batallion in secrecy.

Over the next three days, Ye Ruohuo would await the arrival of the elite members from the three families, who were to be transferred here as reinforcements.

However, she would only wait for three days. Following this, irrespective of whether people had arrived or not, Ye Ruohuo would be obligated to lead everyone into retreat and concealment.

During these three days, she would also prepare her belongings and gather supplies. However, that same evening, Zhang Shen made a clandestine visit to Ye Ruohuo. To her surprise, Zhang Shen had come to bid her farewell.

“Do you understand the implications of what you’re saying? Are you intending to go to the Third Batallion? With your current strength, you won’t be able to influence the battlefield outcome. Your presence there would be inconsequential,” she voiced, a hint of anger flickering in her eyes.

She had perceived Zhang Shen as someone who had a comprehensive understanding of the overall situation and knew when and what actions were necessary. Didn’t she herself harbor a sense of unwillingness? But for the sake of the future, she had to endure and safeguard a beacon of hope.

“You have talent, but talent is just that, talent. Until you cultivate it, you remain weak. Your era is the future. The family is banking on your future,” Ye Ruohuo said, anger punctuating her words yet the underlying tone was of heartfelt advice.

Zhang Shen listened quietly, showing no signs of impatience. As she somewhat regained her composure, Zhang Shen extended his right hand.

“I believe, regardless of what I say, it would be challenging to convince you. So, why not let you experience my power firsthand?”

Ye Ruohuo’s eyes narrowed, her previous anger subsiding. What was his intention with these words? Power? At merely fifteen years old, even if he was concealing some of his abilities, how powerful could he truly be? Was the boy delusional?

Nonetheless, Ye Ruohuo extended her hand in response.

Ye Ruohuo gripped Zhang Shen’s right hand, summoning her Innate Stage power. However, her face turned pale within moments.

Zhang Shen did not hold back, revealing his true might, the physical strength of an Innate 6th Layer.

Ye Ruohuo’s expression was one of shock. She pushed her strength to the limit, reaching the Innate 2nd Layer. Her internal energy surged, but she only felt a depth from Zhang Shen that she couldn’t fathom. Her power, when compared to his, felt like a breeze attempting to move a massive boulder. The disparity was immense.

‘Is this… real?’ Ye Ruohuo couldn’t help but stare at Zhang Shen in disbelief.

“Zhang Shen, you actually…” Ye Ruohuo was so stunned that she was at a loss for words.

If she found his strength unfathomable, then his true strength couldn’t be merely one or two levels above her own.

Zhang Shen nodded, “This is my current strength.”

“You… why did you…” Ye Ruohuo wanted to ask why he had been hiding his strength, but she understood halfway through her question.

He had surpassed her at just fifteen years old. This couldn’t be explained away by mere talent. This wasn’t just something that would instill fear in others and make them want to remove him. His unparalleled achievements would arouse insurmountable greed.

With such power at the age of fifteen, he must have had opportunities beyond imagination. This was something that would drive everyone to madness. Who doesn’t desire to grow stronger, to ascend to a higher realm?

Even Ye Ruohuo couldn’t help but feel stirred upon realizing this. Yet, she managed to suppress the surge of greed in her heart through sheer willpower.

“No wonder you chose to hide your strength. Once your power becomes known, Hongyuan City wouldn’t be able to withstand the covetous eyes of the outside world,” Ye Ruohuo sighed.

“You’re right. But with Hongyuan City on the brink of survival, I can’t just sit back and do nothing. I won’t get involved as Zhang Shen, and nobody will suspect I’ve ever acted,” Zhang Shen said truthfully.

Ye Ruohuo, now slightly more composed, asked in confusion, “If that’s the case, why share all this with me? If you’ve hidden it for so long without any leak, why reveal it now?”

“I didn’t want to,” responded Zhang Shen, looking resigned. “But if I were to leave without a word, I fear you might lose your sanity.” He added, “In that event, you might find yourself forced to choose between me and the other members of the Sixth Squad, oblivious to the circumstances.”

Ye Ruohuo came to a realization. If Zhang Shen hadn’t said anything, she might very well have abandoned the people of the Sixth Squad, tracked down Zhang Shen, and attempted to forcibly take him into hiding.

Ye Ruohuo resonated with a particular saying. ‘Often, a singular, overwhelmingly powerful individual is more valuable than a horde of mediocre tribesmen.’ 

Zhang Shen’s previously demonstrated talent held more weight than the entirety of the Sixth Squad or even herself.

As long as the three bloodlines survive, even if only one or two individuals remain, as long as a sufficiently powerful person exists, who would fear being unable to birth a new family after several decades or a hundred years?

Ye Ruohuo understood. Zhang Shen was revealing his strength not for any other reason but for the sake of the other members of the Sixth Squadron.

If Zhang Shen was to leave silently, and she was to pursue him, the remaining members of the Sixth Squadron would likely be exterminated by individuals from the other five cities. Not just the Wang family but also the other four cities. Ye Ruohuo had never harbored any hope for their integrity.

“Of course, I hope you can maintain secrecy regarding this matter. Let no one else know except us,” Zhang Shen expressed. “We both know that until I am capable of quelling all resistance and greed with my power, revealing my strength won’t benefit Hongyuan City in the slightest.”

Ye Ruohuo promptly pledged that she would indeed keep her lips sealed.

After discussing how Ye Ruohuo would cover for him, giving the impression that he had always been with the Sixth Squad, Zhang Shen discreetly departed.

However, sometime after Zhang Shen’s departure, Ye Ruohuo suddenly came to a realization, and a shiver of fear ran down her spine.

‘At such a young age, he managed to keep his secret until now. His mental acuity is downright terrifying.’

Today, he confessed to her to save the other members of the Sixth Squad, a clear demonstration of his regard for his comrades. But did he not realize that once a secret was shared with a second person, it might no longer remain a secret? Could he even be sure that she would resist the pull of greed?

Ye Ruohuo reckoned Zhang Shen had probably anticipated all this. So, what if she hadn’t repressed the greed within her heart? What then?

Ye Ruohuo decided not to dwell on the matter any further.