Chapter 288 - 204: Driving the Tiger to Devour the Wolf, Fruitful Results

Chapter 288: Chapter 204: Driving the Tiger to Devour the Wolf, Fruitful Results

They silently mulled over the name Xie Yuan, feeling as if they were witnessing the rise of a dazzling new star—

Provided he could leave this place alive.

As they stared at the Profound Weapon in Xie Yuan’s hand, the shock on many faces slowly faded, replaced by greed.

Everyone had witnessed the treasure’s miraculous power, and while Xie Yuan himself was incredible, he was now severely injured...

Many began hatching their own little plots, but no one dared to be the first to make a move. They all waited silently for someone else to take the lead.

In the midst of the tense silence, a man suddenly broke from the ranks of the Great Li experts and leaped toward Xie Yuan.

"This Xie Yuan is a government fugitive! Who knows how he snuck in here. I’ll apprehend him first!"

Like a hawk, he leaped into the air and dove toward Xie Yuan.

Xie Yuan watched the man approach, his deep eyes quietly reflecting the incoming figure.

But before he could move, a Long Sword shot out from the side, intercepting the expert in mid-air.

Startled, the man was forced to change direction and land nearby. His expression shifted as he stared at Qin Zhenyang.

"Brother Qin, why are you stopping me? Do you intend to help this government fugitive? Or could it be that you, the esteemed Grand Chief Disciple of the Cloud Mountain Sword Sect, ninth on the Hidden Dragon List, have also taken a fancy to this man’s possessions?"

He immediately tried to corner Qin Zhenyang with his words, fearing he would also join the competition.

Qin Zhenyang’s expression was calm as he said in a deep voice,

"Brother Xie just dealt with two of our greatest enemies and stabilized the situation. He is a great benefactor to us from Great Li in these ruins. How can we take advantage of him in his moment of weakness?"

"Hmph. He wasn’t doing it for us; he was doing it for himself. What kind of benefactor is that? Besides, we don’t even know how this man got in here. For all we know, he could be with those from the Western Regions, plotting something nefarious."

The man’s eyes glinted as he said bluntly,

"He’s a wanted man. Apprehending him is a contribution to Great Li. It is the duty of a Martial Artist."

Hearing this, Yuan Zhenying scoffed.

"How shameless. You’re obviously just greedy for his treasure and taking advantage of his weakness. And you have the gall to call that a Martial Artist’s duty."

The man’s expression didn’t change. He simply said coolly,

"I, Jiang Chen, came from nothing. I’m not like a highborn lady who has everything handed to her and knows nothing of the world’s hardships."

Yuan Zhenying’s face darkened. Gripping her long spear, she started to move forward but was stopped by Qin Zhenyang’s outstretched arm.

Qin Zhenyang knew of this Jiang Chen. He was an Assassin from the Yanzhou borderlands who made his living collecting bounties.

But besides taking government bounties, he also seemed to accept other contracts. He was a morally gray loner who was completely unscrupulous in his methods.

With Xie Yuan injured and holding a treasure, he was a juicy, defenseless prize. A lone wolf like Jiang Chen would never pass up such an opportunity.

Qin Zhenyang shook his head.

"Brother Jiang, on the first floor, many of our companions were saved by the so-called ’Heroic Spirit.’ You received its help as well, remember?"

Jiang Chen’s expression flickered, but he said coolly,

"What of it?"

"By now, everyone should understand. There is no Heroic Spirit here. It was just Brother Xie, secretly helping us all along,"

Qin Zhenyang said with a sigh.

Many let out soft gasps. After all the dangers they’d faced, the truth was only now dawning on them.

Xie Yuan’s ability to conceal his presence was second to none. If anyone in this tower could have pulled it off, it had to be him.

"Xie Yuan... Brother Xie, was it really you?"

"Thank you for saving my life, Brother Xie!"

As realization dawned, the way many looked at Xie Yuan instantly changed. Gratitude replaced greed, and they quietly suppressed their selfish intentions.

The contingent from Great Li was mostly composed of members from righteous, reputable sects. While they coveted the treasure, they wouldn’t stoop to repaying kindness with malice.

Jiang Chen, however, remained unmoved. "I could have handled things myself," he said coldly. "Who needed his meddling? At the end of the day, he’s a wanted criminal who killed an official—a cunning and vicious thug named by the government. His motives for helping us are still highly debatable."

Hearing Jiang Chen’s words, Qin Zhenyang’s brow furrowed tightly.

He knew, of course, that Jiang Chen was really after Xie Yuan’s possessions and refused to back down. But Xie Yuan had saved the heroes of Great Li on several occasions and had even eliminated two top experts from the Western Regions. Now, he was a spent force, no match for Jiang Chen whatsoever. After rendering such meritorious service, how could Qin Zhenyang allow him to be bullied?

Qin Zhenyang said in a solemn voice,

"Once we are outside, Brother Jiang, you are an Assassin, and I won’t interfere with how you deal with wanted criminals. But in here, young Brother Xie has rendered outstanding service. If anyone tries to take advantage of his weakness, I will not stand idly by."

His words were delivered with such conviction that they struck a chord with the onlookers. They silently tucked away the last of their selfish notions.

Jiang Chen’s eye twitched. Seeing Qin Zhenyang’s resolute stance, he scoffed and sheathed his blade.

He looked at Xie Yuan, his voice tinged with reluctance.

"I’ll let you off the hook today. If Grand Chief Qin wasn’t so insistent on protecting you, you wouldn’t be getting away. Fine. But once we’re outside, I will definitely cap... bring you to justice."

With a final snort, he turned to leave.

Xie Yuan, who had been silently tending to his wounds, watched Jiang Chen’s retreating back, his eyes narrowing.

Seeing Jiang Chen about to depart, he took a breath and suddenly vanished.

Jiang Chen seemed to sense something. He spun around, drawing his blade, but froze halfway through the motion, not daring to move an inch.

A chillingly sharp blade was pressed against his neck. Behind him, Xie Yuan had reappeared.

Jiang Chen swallowed hard and roared,

"Xie Yuan! I already let you go! How dare you ambush me in front of all these people!"

Qin Zhenyang also frowned and took a step forward.