Chapter 1917: Divergence

Chapter 1917: Chapter 1917: Divergence

"Really, it’s been hard on them. To be honest, I was somewhat angry just now. In the past, even when we were weak, or facing life-and-death situations, one word and we’d charge ahead, fearless of death. But now, indeed, some have started fearing for their lives. Without rivals, perhaps decadence is inevitable," Ye Shikai sighed.

"How many people have gathered now?"

"About a thousand, but many of them are newcomers."

"Alright, having them is sufficient." Ye Shikai waved his hand. When there were only dozens left in the Three Temples, didn’t they manage to ’live’ through it? There’s nothing they can’t overcome now. Even though the Three Temples’ power has grown, Ye Shikai misses those old times. Perhaps he’s never been one to settle down or maybe he’s always been alert to danger.

"Sir, we’re all battle-hardened, people who’ve walked through the blood and rain of blades. Now, without fights, we can’t quite adapt," said Nightmare suddenly.

"You’re right, maybe this is a kind of illness."

Ye Shikai and Nightmare walked outside, the Netherworld Palace members were already assembled.

"Boss, we..."

"Alright, don’t say anything." Ye Shikai interrupted Soul Destroyer. He knew what the other wanted to say. Soul Destroyer and Demoness aren’t afraid of death; they just ’revere’ it, or rather, they don’t want more casualties, especially among the old comrades...

"After this operation, there’ll be no more deaths," Ye Shikai said calmly. Recalling two years ago, his situation was fraught with internal and external strife. In Huaxia, there were many families, and abroad, there were people like Zeus and Aphrodite. Now, these people have all been defeated. The HST project is the last opponent.

"Everyone," Ye Shikai shouted loudly among the crowd.

"You must be wondering why we’re heading to our deaths, right?"

"This time, our operation is voluntary. If any of you want to leave, seize the moment and go now." Ye Shikai said calmly.

After a while, no one left the crowd.

"No one? I’ll give you ten more minutes to think. Everyone, close your eyes. If you want to leave, you can do so now." Ye Shikai turned around. Among these thousand people, not everyone necessarily is resolved to die; perhaps they’re too embarrassed to leave due to others. So he had everyone close their eyes to give those wanting to leave a step down.

"One minute left," Ye Shikai reminded.

"Okay, time’s up." Turning back, everyone was still in place. Ye Shikai had everyone open their eyes; not a single person left...

"Since you’ve chosen this path, I’ll definitely lead you down it. Everyone head to the airport; we’re going to North America." Ye Shikai felt gratified, at least now, there are a thousand brothers willing to follow him to the end.

North America.

"We’re back again," Ye Shikai murmured. This was once the realm of the God King Hall, but now it’s the territory of the Three Temples.

"Old Ye, you’re late," Wang Kai walked out of the restaurant at this time, "I’ve been at the airport for a long time, waiting for you guys."

"Without fights these days, my hands are itching. How’s it going? If it’s not an intense fight, I wouldn’t have come," Wang Kai joked.

"Rest assured, this time you’ll get your fill of fighting, but I remind you in advance, be sure not to underestimate."

...

North America, Netherworld Palace Sub-base.

"George has significant power in North America, enough to be considered a tycoon, maintaining close relations with the local Underworld. His research facility is heavily guarded. This time, we’re attacking as raiders, so we must plan well, or there’ll be casualties, and we won’t be able to permanently end the HST project."

"Since it’s a raid, why not just bomb the research facility? I can do that," asked Soul Destroyer.

"No, we must capture George alive. I need to know everything about the HST project from his mouth, otherwise, it doesn’t count."

Many have come here, with varying opinions. During discussions, many conflicts arose, making Ye Shikai feel "overwhelmed" at times.

"Kai, are you planning to continue?" During a break, Chen Yuxin handed him a cup of water.

"What do you mean by that?"

"With so many factions present, do you think you can command them?" Chen Yuxin countered.

"Indeed, it’s not easy. I can’t say they harbor ill intentions, but values differ, and there’s conflict between them. You’re not going to be able to bind this group together."

"Xin, why are you telling me this, what do you mean?" Ye Shikai questioned.

"There’s been no action yet; everything’s still possible. Kai, give it up. The people from the Chen family are just my pawns. I don’t care about their survival. Even if they all die in this operation, with the resources I hold, I can rise again, but I care about you. If something happened to you..."

"Alright, don’t say anymore." Ye Shikai signaled her to stop talking, "I won’t get into trouble, rest assured. Besides, George is visible while we’re hidden. If the operation fails, I can immediately organize a retreat."

"Have you decided?"

"Of course," Ye Shikai said sternly.

"Mr. Chen."

"Sect Leader Wuyan."

At this time, Wuyan led a few disciples over. The meeting of two exceptionally beautiful women changed the atmosphere. Wuyan was only nineteen, but Chen Yuxin was merely twenty-six. Ye Shikai felt the atmosphere turn "cold."

"I must thank you for Sect Leader Wuyan’s assistance this time," Chen Yuxin said with a faint smile. They hadn’t yet discussed official matters, but the "contest" between the two women had already begun...

"It’s nothing much. The opponent is a foreigner proficient in the art of poisons, and I’m here out of curiosity. As for helping, it’s just a favor in passing," Wuyan responded cleverly, turning to look at Ye Shikai.

"Mr. Chen, I have something to discuss with him. Would you mind?"

"Sect Leader Wuyan, is there anything you can’t say here?" Chen Yuxin retorted, her tone carrying a hint of frost.

"Sorry, it’s a private matter. Of course, if Mr. Chen really minds, then forget it."

"Ahem, Xin, go rest for a while. Since Wuyan has something important to discuss with me, it must be significant."