Liu Bolong was groggy, as if he’d had many strange dreams, yet it felt like he hadn’t dreamt at all.
By the time Chen An woke him up, the chair beneath him was soaked with cold sweat.
"Boss, wake up, we have hope now." Chen An said excitedly.
Liu Bolong wasn’t fully awake yet and muttered, "Enough, Old Chen, stop comforting me. We’ll pack up and leave Jade Dragon City today."
Chen An couldn’t help but smile wryly, first giving an apologetic smile to Zhao Ya, then patting Liu Bolong’s face and pointing with his hand.
"Boss, take a closer look at who this is!"
Liu Bolong finally woke up a bit more and looked in the direction Chen An pointed. He was first bewildered, then opened his mouth in surprise.
"You are... that Young Hero from No Man’s Land!"
"That’s right, it’s the Young Hero who once aided us in No Man’s Land. Let me introduce you. This Young Hero’s name is Zhao Ya, an esteemed disciple of the Azure Dragon Temple," Chen An said with admiration.
On the way back to the inn, Zhao Ya had already shared some information about himself with Chen An.
Upon hearing that he was a disciple of Southern Azure Dragon, Chen An was overjoyed.
Because, with his level of cultivation, the Azure Dragon Temple seemed like a legendary Immortal Sect, something he couldn’t possibly reach.
And since Zhao Ya was a disciple of Southern Azure Dragon, it meant he possessed great power.
Handling the boss’s matter should be a piece of cake for him.
At this moment, Liu Bolong also saw hope. Suddenly energized, he turned over and knelt in front of Zhao Ya.
"Young Hero Zhao, save me."
"Get up and talk. Since I’m here, I’m naturally here to help you, so there’s no need for this," Zhao Ya said slowly.
Only then did Liu Bolong stand up, eagerly recounting the incident.
After understanding the situation clearly, Zhao Ya felt a stirring in his heart.
At first glance, this seemed like a run-of-the-mill commercial scam: lure the businessmen with high profits, dispel their doubts with various tactics, and then trap and finish them off.
There was nothing particularly unusual about it.
But Zhao Ya felt there was something off, especially with the attitude from Jade Dragon City, which reminded him of the White Tiger Hall.
"Alright, I understand. What’s the name of the trading company that scammed you?" Zhao Ya asked.
"It’s called Yuanfu Trading Company. The shopkeeper is named Zheng Dalei, a tall and robust, dark-fat man," Liu Bolong replied without hesitation, looking at Zhao Ya full of hope.
Though he said nothing, the longing in his eyes clearly conveyed his thoughts.
That was his entire fortune; if he lost it all, half a lifetime’s hard work would come to nothing.
That’s why he had been so desperate before.
Now that he had finally grabbed hold of a lifeline, Liu Bolong’s sense of urgency was understandable.
But he didn’t dare rush things.
Because Zhao Ya had nothing to do with this matter, and his help was out of kindness, not obligation. Pushing him could backfire and complicate things.
Zhao Ya understood Liu Bolong’s thoughts well. He was indeed curious to find out what was behind this Yuanfu Trading Company.
If it turned out to be as he suspected, things would be much simpler.
"Let’s go, take me to have a look," Zhao Ya said.
Liu Bolong was overjoyed, his excitement causing his voice to tremble.
"Alright, alright, I’ll take you over there."
"We can go, but when we get there, you take the lead. If anyone asks, just say I’m a relative who recently came to visit," Zhao Ya instructed.
"I understand, I understand," Liu Bolong replied repeatedly.
The route from the inn to Yuanfu Trading Company was one Liu Bolong had walked countless times.
But from initially being high-spirited, gradually becoming restless, to finally falling into utter despair, Liu Bolong had deeply experienced the emotional journey.
But now, his mindset was completely different.
After receiving Zhao Ya’s help, Liu Bolong’s confidence soared. Despite not having eaten properly for days, he walked with more vigor than before.
The staff at Yuanfu Trading Company were surprised to see Liu Bolong, seemingly invigorated like he’d had a shot of adrenaline.
What’s up with this guy today?
Why’s he so unusually excited?
Liu Bolong ignored them, striding confidently into Yuanfu Trading Company, expecting no reception.
The accountant behind the counter raised his eyes briefly, recognized Liu Bolong, and then went back to his calculations without a word.
Liu Bolong sat unceremoniously in the guest area, calling out to the young attendant, "What are you standing there for? Bring some tea and snacks."
The young attendant grudgingly brought the refreshments.
Liu Bolong was indeed famished, gobbling down the food while asking,
"Where’s your shopkeeper?"
"The shopkeeper’s out."
"Has he really gone out, or is he hiding from me knowing I’m here?" Liu Bolong sneered.
The young attendant didn’t respond.
Despite his young age, he was a veteran employee of Yuanfu Trading Company and knew how to handle debt collectors.
He wasn’t the only one; other employees were experienced in such matters too.
No matter what Liu Bolong said, everyone went about their business as usual, without even giving him a second glance.
Previously, Liu Bolong was infuriated by this indifference, yet helpless.
But today was different.
Not only was Liu Bolong not angry, but he also sneered inwardly.
Keep up the act!
With Young Hero Zhao backing me up, let’s see how long you can keep the charade going.
Thinking this, Liu Bolong instinctively glanced at Zhao Ya.
He saw Zhao Ya standing behind, his eyes not on the trading company, but fixed intently on a painting hanging on the wall.
Liu Bolong dared not ask, and could only wait patiently.
Zhao Ya was indeed captivated by the painting on the wall.
Because it depicted the customs and traditions of Great Yan.
This is indeed quite rare.
Although the Beyond the World and Great Yan are not completely isolated but have always engaged in trade and exchanges.
In fact, Liu Bolong is involved in that business, otherwise, he wouldn’t risk traversing the no man’s land.
But after these days of contact, Zhao Ya discovered that people from Beyond the World generally look down on people from other places.
This not only applies to Great Yan but also to other regions.
Yet, this Yuanfu Trading Company actually hung paintings of Great Yan’s local customs on its walls.
This must either be unintentional, or it proves that the person who established Yuanfu Trading Company has countless ties to Great Yan.
However, this doesn’t prove that Yuanfu Trading Company is connected to the Separation Tower.
Thinking of this, Zhao Ya subtly looked around, focusing on scrutinizing the clerks of the trading company.
Eventually, Zhao Ya’s gaze settled on the accountant behind the counter.
At first glance, this accountant didn’t seem unusual.
Wearing green clothing, a small cap, appearing shrewd and capable.
Other than the calluses left by years of holding a pen, there were no traces of martial arts on his hands.
Yet, Zhao Ya still sensed something amiss, though he couldn’t pinpoint exactly what was wrong.
He watched thoughtfully.
Suddenly, Zhao Ya’s gaze lingered on this accountant’s writing hand.
Something’s wrong!
Very wrong!
Because the hand of this accountant while holding the pen was impossibly steady.
Even a calligraphy master who practiced diligently for a lifetime couldn’t make their hand that steady when holding a pen.
How to describe it?
It was as if this pen had its own consciousness, each stroke was so natural, yet there wasn’t the slightest tremor.
This point is hard for ordinary people to notice.
Even if they did, they wouldn’t find it very difficult.
Only Zhao Ya knew how much control this required.
But after realizing this, Zhao Ya felt a sense of relief in his heart.
In any case, this was an important clue.
Even if Yuanfu Trading Company has no connection to the Separation Tower, there’s definitely something fishy.
Otherwise, Zhao Ya couldn’t figure out what kind of business could make such an elite fighter hide their identity and become an accountant.
Zhao Ya coughed lightly, indicating that he was ready on his side and could leave.
This was the pre-decided signal before they came.
Hearing this, Liu Bolong felt reassured, gulped down his tea, and muttered.
"Damn, seems like they want to avoid me again. I really want to see how long you can keep hiding from me."
Saying this, he stood up to leave.
Zhao Ya followed behind.
No one spoke during the whole process, and even when Liu Bolong stood up, that young clerk took the teacup, clearly signaling them to leave.
But just as they were about to reach the entrance of the trading company, a group of people suddenly walked in from outside.
Leading them was a tall and dark fat man.
Seeing this man, Liu Bolong was taken aback.
Because the person who came was Yuanfu Trading Company’s shopkeeper, Zheng Dalei, who he’d tried to meet numerous times before without success.
How to put it.
It was like searching high and low, only to find it effortlessly.
Previously, Liu Bolong couldn’t meet him no matter how many times he tried. This time, he didn’t hold any hope and was even prepared to leave, but he showed up.
And at that moment when Liu Bolong was stunned, the feeling of a strong threat suddenly overwhelmed Zhao Ya.
At the same time, Zheng Dalei grinned at Zhao Ya.
"You Azure Dragon Temple people sure can move fast. From White Tiger City to here, over eight hundred miles, you came overnight without even resting?"
This sentence directly confirmed Zhao Ya’s suspicion.
"Separation Tower?" Zhao Ya said coldly.
"Hehe, I haven’t heard that name in a long time. To be honest, I really don’t like hearing someone call me that. I prefer being called ’Shopkeeper’."
"However, since you asked, I’ll tell you, this is indeed the Separation Tower base you’re looking for."
Saying this, a hint of regret appeared on Zheng Dalei’s face.
"Honestly, I really don’t want to oppose your Azure Dragon Temple. The enmity between us was caused by a couple of arrogant fools."
"But I also know that you won’t let me go, and since you’ve come to Jade Dragon City, it’s only a matter of time before you discover us, so I decided to strike first."
As Zheng Dalei spoke, the once bustling Yuanfu Trading Company had been cleared, and the doors and windows were closed from the outside.
The accountant behind the counter had unbeknownst stood behind Zheng Dalei.
Liu Bolong and Chen An looked panic-stricken.
They had no idea what had happened.
But they could still pick up some hints from what Zheng Dalei had said.
It seemed that Zheng Dalei had another identity, and this identity’s faction had fierce conflicts with Zhao Ya’s Azure Dragon Temple.
And looking at Zheng Dalei’s actions, it was obvious he was going to make a move.
At this moment, Zhao Ya, who hadn’t spoken all this while, finally sighed.
"So, did you find a way to lure Elder Shen Yunshen away as well?"
"That’s right!" Zheng Dalei replied coldly.
"Though Shen Yunshen is powerful, my Separation Tower is not to be trifled with, so sending a few people to stall him was no trouble, but you are...."
"Enough," Zhao Ya interrupted directly.
"While you’re stalling for time, poisoning us secretly, by now you’ve at least used a dozen poisons. But aren’t you curious why not only am I unharmed, but even these ordinary people are standing here unscathed?"