Chapter 43: The Stratagem and the Trap

‘I never imagined Xiao Bai would resolve it with just a few words.’

Not long after Bai Li’s conversation with Yu Menghua, the operation officially commenced, and Lin Xi, having gotten her wish, joined the combat.

It remained a mystery what Bai Li had said to convince Yu Menghua, the branch head, to permit them, who might have been considered liabilities, to participate.

“It was nothing, really. The branch head is actually quite understanding; if you sincerely ask her, she’ll usually agree, and the chances are even higher if you’re a junior.”

As Lin Xi carried her in a princess-style embrace through the air, Bai Li chose to divert her attention with other topics, lest her face flush as crimson as her eyes.

“Is that so? I always thought she was the type to be full of stern authority.”

“…That’s also true. However, she’s also fiercely protective of her own at the same time.”

Faced with Lin Xi’s query, Bai Li hesitated for a moment before replying.

Her answer, of course, was no lie; according to intelligence gathered by the Beast Organization, Yu Menghua was indeed an exceptionally protective individual, much like a sect leader in a fantasy novel who dotes on the protagonist and their other disciples.

Yet, even so, this alone would not have been enough to make her agree to let Bai Li and Lin Xi join the operation. In fact, precisely because of her protectiveness, it was even more unlikely she would allow her juniors to willingly step into danger.

The real reason for her current acquiescence was Bai Li’s subtle stratagem, which involved presenting a plausible rationale and an offer Yu Menghua simply could not refuse.

She hadn’t threatened the other party; she had merely painted a scenario where a kind and gentle girl, overly concerned for others, might impulsively venture into a perilous zone alone, then added a few reasons why their presence wouldn’t cause any trouble.

Ultimately, both personally and professionally, Yu Menghua had no grounds for refusal; indeed, declining would have likely created more complications.

What Bai Li didn’t quite realize, however, was that Yu Menghua secretly held high regard for them and believed they already possessed the qualifications to participate. Had it not been for her reluctance, simply knocking them unconscious would have been far less troublesome.

Assuming, of course, that she could actually accomplish such a feat.

****

“We’ve arrived! Everyone, assume defensive positions and split up according to the plan!”

Having confirmed their arrival directly above the target location, Yu Menghua commanded everyone to disperse, forming a pattern akin to a Dyson swarm as they blanketed the industrial district from above.

“Formation, activate!”

As Yu Menghua uttered these words, all the present Weichangzhe were linked by fine threads of energy, resembling a constellation stretching across the entire sky.

This was an array (TL Note: A magical formation or spell circle) favored by cultivators (TL Note: Practitioners of ‘Xianxia’ or ‘Wuxia’ style martial and spiritual arts, often involving immortality-seeking and powerful spells), a type of ability user. Indeed, spell arrays came in many forms, and this particular one, a colossal formation primarily directed by Yu Menghua with the other ability users assisting, was designed specifically for group combat, capable of weakening enemies within its range while simultaneously bolstering allies.

While the precise mechanism for distinguishing allies from enemies within the array had yet to be fully deciphered, this did not diminish its immense versatility. Moreover, at this very moment, it possessed an additional function that proved quite useful.

A distinct glow emerged from a specific point within the array, conspicuously bright even under the glare of the midday sun and the array’s own luminescence.

“There it is! Assault team, follow me!”

Yu Menghua instantly pinpointed the illuminated building within the industrial zone and, leading the remaining high-level ability users, soared towards the target.

When the array’s effects took hold, either on an enemy or an ally, a distinct, colored halo would appear above their head, visible regardless of ambient light. She was now exploiting this very feature to locate the hidden enemy stronghold.

“Open up! Weichangzhe!”

In an instant, cultivators, armored warriors, color rangers, mages, mechanics… an eclectic array of ability users encircled the building. However, contrary to their spoken command, their attacks immediately tore away the outer walls and other obstructions, revealing the equipment within the structure.

Inside, numerous vats held nutrient solutions, containing submerged corpses and raw materials, some even still alive. Yet, apart from these gruesome sights, no human figures were present.

“This… we’ve been played!”

Witnessing the clear evidence of human experimentation, Yu Menghua, though enraged, managed to maintain her composure and think rationally.

Upon closer inspection, she realized that the halos indicating friend or foe were all emanating from the living beings suspended in the nutrient solutions. This meant that the enemies originally stationed here had either escaped beforehand, or they had long since acquired intelligence on the Weichangzhe and laid a trap to ensnare them all.

Always operating under the assumption of the worst-case scenario, it could only be the latter.

“No good! Everyone, scatter quickly…!”

Yu Menghua immediately reacted, alerting everyone to evade, but it was already too late.

Numerous thorny vines burst forth from the ground, directly assailing the vital points of the nearby ability users.

However, those present were veterans who had endured countless battles, possessing exceptionally keen combat instincts and reactions. At the very least, they managed to avoid instant death from fatal wounds.

For them, any injury that wasn’t immediately lethal offered a chance at recovery.

“Ow, ow, ow, ow… What is this?”

“No, these plants are poisonous…!”

“Where are my antidotes? Where are they?”

Yet, if poison was involved, the situation would become exceedingly troublesome.

As they descended into disarray, a figure emerged from the shadows.

…Wait, that wasn’t right. This area was directly exposed to the array’s light and the midday sun. Where could shadows possibly exist?

“As expected of you all, to actually manage to avoid a direct hit to your vital points. Well, the outcome remains much the same, regardless.”

A Cloaked Figure clapped their hands, speaking thus.

In the mere instant they saw them, everyone understood: this was the target they needed to eliminate, and a formidable enemy at that.

Without a word, Yu Menghua, who was closest and the only one unharmed, unleashed a sword strike.

“Oh my, attacking without a single word, that truly hasn’t changed. But is that really alright?”

“Why wouldn’t it be? I have no interest in granting an enemy the leisure to unleash their trump card.”

As the branch head, Yu Menghua’s modus operandi was caution, never affording her opponent even the slightest chance of turning the tables.

In the time it took to utter a single sentence, she had already unleashed countless strikes, pulverizing the surrounding ground and the remaining thorny vines with such a dense barrage that not even visible dust remained.

“Ah, you still haven’t figured it out? Aren’t you curious why that array in the sky has no effect on me?”

“Wh…!?”

The Cloaked Figure remained utterly unperturbed within the sword net, and then snapped their fingers.

The next moment, an unknown incantation materialized upon their exposed arm.

“Though you’ve never seen it, you can probably guess its purpose, can’t you? These incantations.”

“You…”

Upon seeing the incantations on their hand, Yu Menghua roared, grinding her teeth. The other party, however, didn’t continue to be enigmatic, as if fearful she wouldn’t truly understand.

“Status Share—which means, right now, whether it’s my physical abilities or anything else, everything is currently connected to someone else.”