Hunting God Era

Chapter 188 I took action, and then what?

Lu Zhao returned with Li Ye's sword. Unlike when he left, he was full of confidence and had a faint smile on his face.

He also experienced the power of killing a powerful opponent, even if only temporarily.

But it's enough.

"Director Li, it's over."

He respectfully returned the sword to Li Ye.

"Alright, the rest is up to you." He took the sword and smiled.

Li Ye's sword was inlaid with authority. When he handed it to Lu Zhao, it was already set to restrain the power of authority, which was of the wood element and the attribute of wind.

If it's the fourth realm, Lu Zhao having the sword is useless.

But if you're only at the third level, one sword is enough.

The power of authority is just that domineering.

No matter how much a person cultivates their strength, they are still just a human at this stage. But the power of a god has evolved over countless years, forming concepts and rules that ordinary people cannot contend with.

By using three families with martial artists at the third realm as a warning to others, the situation in Yangcheng became completely stable.

Lu Zhao's arrangements were indeed quite thorough; that very night, the once bustling business club became deserted.

The first step is to stabilize the situation and reduce the workload of disinfection.

As for the demons that shouldn't have appeared, they were no longer dealt with by the exterminators, but were taken care of by the various martial arts factions.

The various martial arts factions, like the most loyal hunting dogs, roamed the streets and alleys, their diligence even surpassing that of the disinfection workers, making one wonder if they had also joined the disinfection bureau.

Then came the prohibition of business.

All forces in Yangcheng associated with these martial artists have been banned, and they have been explicitly ordered to suspend all operations, even if it means incurring losses.

Although the lower-level martial artists were resentful, they dared not harbor any other thoughts.

In just over ten days, examples have already emerged.

A small martial arts family consisting only of members from the Nine Dragons Sect, unable to bear the cessation of their business, secretly went to the Demon Realm to transport goods out.

It's not smuggling; they already have a share in this business, just not the majority. The ban isn't imposed by the government, but by the martial artists upstream of them.

This didn't violate the official rules, but it did violate theirs.

On the very night the goods were shipped out and sold, several second-realm warriors came to their door, and the Nine Dragons Gate warriors were killed on the spot. The family, which had finally accumulated some wealth, was wiped out.

This lesson chilled the hearts of other martial artists who had harbored such thoughts, causing them to abandon all such ideas and never entertain any further ambitions.

Even those corporations that openly conduct business received warnings in Yangcheng. Although Li Ye didn't say it explicitly, Hu Anxia was too ruthless. In order to make a good impression, he visited each of those companies.

These companies were mostly founded by martial artists, and the most powerful ones were only at the second level. Hu Anxia took a simple and direct approach, bringing other martial artists who wanted to make a name for themselves to visit them.

These are all influential martial artists from Yangcheng. With a few such powerful figures showing up, the company has to think twice and can only scale back its operations to maintain basic business.

Even Zhuang Han of Tiangong Group was visited by Dai Ning.

In the high-level reception room, Zhuang Han looked at Dai Ning, who was slowly sipping a cup of tea, with a worried expression, and said:
“Stopping now would be too costly. You know we’re in the business of legitimate companies. If Li Chuang wants to force out the Six Ghosts Sect to find clues about the Locust God Sect, he should be doing so in the shadows, not in our hands.”

Normally, he wouldn't be afraid of anyone coming. Li Ye had come before, so he could just take a break.

Even if he wanted to expand his influence, he would only rely on contracts and the like, and would not be involved in smuggling.

People like Dai Ning, to put it nicely, are local martial artists; to put it bluntly, they're just thugs rising to power. What do they have to do with people like us who run businesses?

In terms of background, he has the protection of a sect and is not afraid of anyone.

But sometimes things aren't like that. Zhuang Han thought that way before because although Li Chuang's reputation was great, it wasn't big enough to affect Yangcheng.

It's big enough now.

He killed three people at the third level, destroyed three families, and gathered these underground rabid dogs who started biting people indiscriminately. Even if someone were to take the blame, it wouldn't be his.

It was all done by these underground martial artists; what does it have to do with Li Ye?

Now that the leader of the vicious dog gang has come to his door demanding that he stop his business, he can only offer a polite explanation.

Unlike these people, who at least had the three major families as compensation, he had nothing and suffered a complete loss.

"It's because it has nothing to do with you that you didn't receive any orders from the rebel king."

Dai Ning smiled slightly, "However, as you know, I've already mobilized, and no one can shake the will of the rebel king. Rather than saying I'm here to discuss things with you, to put it bluntly, I'm informing you, you understand?"

Zhuang Han paused upon hearing this, then nodded silently.

"Our goal will definitely be achieved, and the only price we'll pay is ourselves. Chairman Zhuang, you're not the only one who has no choice in this situation; we are too. But now we are the knife, and a knife must be used. I don't want it to be us, the knife, that cuts your flesh in the end." Dai Ning took a sip of tea.

"Aren't you afraid?" Zhuang Han's face turned cold.

“We’re afraid, but what’s the use of being afraid? If we’re afraid of the rebel leader, we won’t die for now. If we’re afraid of you, we won’t survive tonight.” Dai Ning smiled bitterly, but her tone was resolute.

Fearing the sect behind him is no different from fearing the Six Ghosts Sect. If they fear them, they will disobey Li Ye's orders and fail to achieve the desired results. Li Ye can offer them benefits, or he can cleave them in two with a single sword strike.

He didn't even need to lift a finger; the sword would suffice.

"I understand."

Seeing that Dai Ning was clearly determined, Zhuang Han could only sigh, stand up and reach out to her, "Boss Dai, I will do as you say. I hope that in the future, I will have the opportunity to cooperate with Chuang Wang... no, with Director Li."

"This has nothing to do with the rebel leader, don't talk nonsense," Dai Ning also stood up, shook hands with him, and reminded him.

We won't leave these people with even the slightest weakness.

The blame will only be shifted onto them.

Private fights between martial artists are perfectly normal. As long as they don't affect ordinary people, not to mention these underground martial artists, even if Zhuang Han dies, it's all for nothing.

The difference is that when these people die, their family businesses are divided up, while those who run legitimate businesses don't.

There's no other difference.

The largest group in Yangcheng agreed, and the smaller ones had no choice but to follow suit and suspend all their activities.

Some even breathed a sigh of relief, after all, the underground martial artists were running out of patience, and if they didn't agree soon, things probably wouldn't get any better.

Everything in Yangcheng not only fell into calm, but also into stillness.

The situation lasted for about a month.

night.

The moon is dark and the wind is high.

The home of the Hu family.

"Yes, that's how we should do it. Of course, we must maintain the great situation that we've worked so hard to achieve. How can we be lenient? We must strike while the iron is hot. Even after the restrictions are lifted, we must still maintain control."

Juan leaned back on the sofa, talking on his phone, "You can manage it yourself. Okay, turn it off if you don't need to."

As he spoke, he hung up the phone, a hint of intoxication with power appearing on his face.

He couldn't have had it better this past month or so.

Although he was treated like a dog, Li Ye didn't really care about them; he only cared about the results.

Now that the results are in, and Yangcheng is moving in the direction of the plan, Li Ye naturally won't interfere.

During this period, he also accelerated his acquisition of other people's businesses.

Following Li Ye's instructions was correct, but some industries simply needed time to digest, which gave him that time. The feeling of gradually gaining control under Li Ye's protection was intoxicating. Was this the power and influence a third-realm martial artist should have?
It is indeed very good.

"Master Hu."

Just as he was basking in this sense of satisfaction, a sinister voice suddenly rang out behind him.

Juan felt a chill run down his spine and instinctively looked up and leaned back.

A figure dressed in black, with a pale, ghostly mask on his face, appeared silently behind him, like a real ghost.

Time seemed to stand still at that moment, as the two stared at each other. However, Juan could only see the pale, ghostly mask. After a moment of stunned silence, he jolted awake and quickly stood up.

"Who are you?" Juan asked, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

It happened without anyone noticing.
Killer?
No, the aura is too strong!

Why would someone this strong come here to kill him for no reason?
"We've come to you to collaborate."

The masked man's voice was hoarse and dry, like sandpaper scraping against the floor, echoing throughout the hall, "Interested in doing some extra little business?"

"Small business?" Juan swallowed, his voice a little hoarse. "What kind of small business?"

The masked man took out a small black bottle. "I'll borrow your transport service to fill some of this. It doesn't matter what it is, just get it out of here. I know you're capable, so a little bit of cargo shouldn't be a problem, right? Ten million for each shipment."

Juan narrowed his eyes slightly, "The Six Ghost Gates?"

Director Li once said that there was a strange 'nutrient solution' that was black.

The Six Ghosts Gate is responsible for transporting goods from here.

To him, this was a legendary sect. He had heard of it and knew a little about it, but no one had come to him so directly so far.

"You know that? That makes things even easier," the masked man said hoarsely. "Accept it or not?"

"You came to see me first?" Juan asked.

The masked man nodded. "Of course, we've done our research. You used to work for us, and Wu Jianshen gave you a lot of work back then. Now that he's gone, we're looking for you."

"I can't do it."

Juan shook his head, and the masked man's figure was about to fade away.

“I can’t do it because I’m not high enough. In fact, our Director Li is very interested in your business! Have you heard of Li Ye, the Li Chuangwang?” Hu Anxia hurriedly said.

The masked man's form solidified again, his hoarse voice tinged with doubt, "Li Ye? Li Ye, the one who killed our man? He wants to talk business with us?"

“Yes, I am Director Li’s confidant. Wu Jianshen is ungrateful and unwilling to introduce me, so Director Li has never had the chance. In fact, he really wants to meet you!” Hu Anxia emphasized the last two words.

"Oh, it doesn't matter. If that's the case, then let's meet. It seems the information gathered wasn't entirely accurate," the masked man said calmly.

"Shall I contact them now?"

Juan picked up his phone.

The masked man didn't stop him, and Juan quickly dialed the number, which was answered soon after.

"Section Chief Lu, someone from Hu Anxia's area contacted me. It's the one Director Li mentioned last time. Yes, he's at my house. He's also looking forward to meeting Director Li. Okay, okay, I'll pass on the message right away."

Juan hung up the phone and smiled at the masked man, "This is Director Li's subordinate, the head of the data section. He's here to inform Director Li. He means that I should keep you here so you won't leave, because Director Li will be here soon."

The masked man stared at him for a while without saying a word, then looked away, nodded slightly, and flashed back to sit down on the sofa.

Juan breathed a sigh of relief, confirming that the man wouldn't leave, and asked curiously, "A powerful figure from the Six Ghosts Sect, are you really that careless? Director Li is the deputy director of the Disinfection Bureau. What if we're in cahoots to scam you?"

The masked man was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I don't care. You're all trash."

Juan: "..."

This statement means
There is absolutely nothing wrong with it.

If the other party is very strong, then they certainly won't take them seriously.

Just as Juan was thinking this, he was suddenly startled and realized something was wrong.

He knew Li Ye, but he didn't even take Li Ye seriously. He was...
The masked man seemed to know what Juan was thinking and said calmly, "I am from the Fourth Realm, unlike you."

Four realms!

It's practically a legend!
It's not just a difference between the second and third realms; in ancient times, it was called 'ascension' or 'becoming a free-spirited immortal'!
Oops!

Juan's expression froze; he regretted making the call.

If Li Ye comes and can't handle this person, then the one who tipped him off...
Boom!

He had just thought that when, in the next instant, a loud bang came from the roof.

The cool moonlight, shining through the hole like a spotlight on a stage, shone straight down and enveloped the masked man and Juan.

A figure, like a meteor falling to earth, carrying an overwhelming and unstoppable pressure, landed heavily in front of the two.

Bang!
Dust flew everywhere, gravel flew everywhere, and the swirling air pressure made Juan's hair fly straight up.

The newcomer was dressed in a black uniform from the disinfection department. The brim of his peaked cap cast a deep shadow in the moonlight, obscuring the upper half of his face, revealing only his resolute jaw and slightly pursed thin lips.

At his waist, the Heaven-Slaying Sword, which struck fear into the hearts of the entire Yangcheng martial arts world, hung there quietly.

It was Li Ye!

They came too fast!
"You're from the Six Ghosts Sect?"

As soon as Li Ye appeared, his eyes locked onto the masked man and noticed the small black bottle in his hand.

"Oh? Caught red-handed? That was easy. Well, I thought it would take more effort, and I was even prepared to postpone my enrollment. That was from the Locust God Cult, wasn't it? Hand over the information about the Locust God Cult, and I'll spare your life, how about that?"

The masked man simply looked at Li Ye, his expression obscured by the mask, but his hoarse voice was calm, “You, a third-realm assassin, should know the power of a sect, right? I really find it hard to believe that you would actually come to me to hold me accountable.”

He slowly stood up. "Killing you is as easy as turning my hand. Here's what we'll do: you make the first move, and I'll kill you."

"Okay."

Li Ye nodded, instantly drew his sword, and made no extra movements. As soon as the sword was drawn, it inexplicably displayed an invisible aura, and the blade burst forth with silver light, spreading towards the person.

The man's figure turned ethereal, and he was about to make a move when, with a loud bang, the silver light almost materialized and pressed down on his figure.

"How can it be!"

The masked man made a 'hoarse' sound from his throat, as if trying to break free from his restraints, but inexplicably, he couldn't break free no matter what he did, as if he were being pressed under a mountain.

Li Ye took a step forward.

Click!

The ground beneath the masked man's feet instantly cracked like a spiderweb, centered on him.

He groaned, feeling the pressure on him increase sharply, his knees buckling uncontrollably, and he was about to kneel down.

Such is the wondrous use of the power of the Ruyi authority.

Or rather, this thing is adaptive; if someone else is wielding the sword, it also needs to know the other party's information.

But when he uses it himself, he will adapt and exercise restraint.

No matter what kind of power it is, it all seems futile. No matter what methods it uses, at the fourth level, it is as fragile as paper.

"I took action, and then what?"

Li Ye chuckled, "If you can't kill me, why don't you tell me where the goods came from?"

(End of this chapter)