Chapter 111: Choice

The other party looked hostile, ready to surround him.

Old Pang had prepared for this. These people were obviously local ringleaders of some sort. One could find people like them almost everywhere. They must thought him to be someone worth wringing, and wanted to take a shot. He meaningfully looked to Ka Sang, and Ka Sang grinned in return, understanding him.

Old Pang planned to see what the gang was going to do next, but the chance never came.

He did not expect Ye Chong, standing beside him, to have such a huge disparity with others in understanding the ways of combat!

While he did not know the other party’s goal, it was still obvious from their formation and attitude that they were not looking to have a round of tea with them!

Ye Chong’s eyes shone brightly. He was not used to waiting for the other party to declare their intentions. The dangerous territory coupled with days of continuous battles had awakened his undiminished wild nature! It was as if he had returned to a world like the trash planet, where power reigned supreme!

These gang members were probably just like the mutants on the trash planet to Ye Chong. As he saw it, these unfriendly people were just like mutants unsheathing their claws and baring their teeth at him!

Why should he wait for the mutants to attack him first before retaliating?

Ye Chong was not so foolish!

After confirming their hostility, Ye Chong went straight at them.

He leaped, a shadow crossing the space and into the midst of the gang.

He greeted the leader with a kick, his swift leg solidly connecting against the leader’s face! *Crack*, the chilling sound of bones broken, and a pit formed on the person’s bloody face, as if pounded by a large hammer. He was flung backwards like a sandbag, tens of meters away, as his death was a certainty!

Everyone stared in shock!

Old Pang and Ka Sang stood in stupefaction!

Who … Just who was this ruffian?

Ye Chong was like a tiger amongst sheep, his power unchallenged. He moved quickly, a blur of a figure moving amongst the gang, and his path was marked with howls of pain and bodies succumbing to death!

When Old Pang and Ka Sang recovered, the battle was already over! This was the first time the two of them saw Ye Chong’s ruthless methods, and they were shocked! The weather was simmering hot, but cold sweat trickled uncontrollably down their temples!

Ye Chong did not mind them, but began to search the bodies of the gang members. Gathering spoils was the best part for every hunter, and Ye Chong was not an exception to this!

Old Pang and Ka Sang gathered their thoughts and rushed forward to help Ye Chong with the searching.

Whenever there were new arrivals, Haleyson’s local gangs would send their lackeys ahead to scout for promising members or invite capable men and women onboard. As it was, the streets were lined with people with their own intentions. Ye Chong’s performance was witnessed by many of them.

However, none of them dared to approach Ye Chong, but fled to their own respective bases to report their findings.

Soon, almost every influential gang knew the arrival of a certain killer in Hoth!

Old Pang felt terror creeping slowly into him. From his first move against the gang, up until now, he had not found even one survivor! All of them died from just a single move! Seeing Ye Chong’s indifferent expression only made him feel frigid inside!

“Is this guy a butcher?”

Without asking for their intentions, or excuses, and without even knowing their background or offering a chance of conversation, the guy had murdered them all! “The b*stard’s crazy!” thought Old Pang, raising his guard against Ye Chong!

A man like him was too dangerous! Who knew if he would suddenly attack him or Ka Sang?

After gathering their spoils, the three did not care for further exploration and returned to their place.

Back at home, a thorough inspection revealed that the spoils were quite valuable. There were at least fifteen identity cards, and 3 of them were for a stay exceeding 3 months. Old Pang was rejoiced to find them, since it means that they could now afford to request for a transfer from the Mentalist Sanctuary. After all, Haleyson was a place too complicated !

Of course, Ye Chong understood their concerns, and handed a card each to the two of them.

Old Pang did not expect Ye Chong’s generosity and was, for the moment, stunned. Ka Sang was more straightforward, and did not think much of it as he gleefully accepted the identity card from Ye Chong.

With the card in hand, Old Pang declared anxiously, “Best if we all apply for a transfer now. I think the force behind that gang would definitely not leave us be. We should leave as soon as possible!”

Ka Sang nodded profusely on the side, in agreement with his big brother.

Ye Chong replied lightly, “You guys go ahead, I’d like to stay here for a while longer!”

Ye Chong’s words were a surprise for Old Pang and Ka Sang. The latter asked frankly in his horror, “Why? This place is obviously damned, what’s there to stay for?”

Ye Chong did not reply!

Old Pang pondered, silent for a long moment before speaking solemnly, “If you do not wish to leave, then we bid you farewell. Should we meet again some day, please don’t hesitate to let us know if you’re in trouble, I and Ka Sang will be most willing to help!”

Ka Sang’s expression was one of uncertainty, but he managed to nod and announce loudly, “That’s right! I, Ka Sang, will help you, even if it costs me my life!”

Old Pang could not help but glared a little at Ka Sang, and the man swiftly lowered his head!

“Then we’re off. You take care, I hope we’ll meet again!” Old Pang grabbed Ka Sang with him and left hastily amidst Ye Chong’s silence.

Ye Chong watched the two of them left without a word!

In truth, Ye Chong had considered it before. Ever since he stepped into the outside world, he knew exactly how different he was from everyone else. It was only natural for others to not understand his methods. Ye Chong had tried to change his ways, but his habits were already an integral part of him, and whenever a situation arose, he often unconsciously resorted to his usual methods to handle the crisis.

Habits were not developed overnight. Similarly, habits developed from more than ten years could not be changed overnight.

Besides, he still did not know when he would have another episode of his odd condition. Ye Chong did not trust the two men the way he would trust Mu and Shang.

He withdrew Shang. The mech was excited from finally coming out. “Heh, the weather’s wonderful, the composition is very suitable for human breathing! Ye, you should’ve let me out sooner. Don’t worry, I’ll keep you safe and sound! Mm, while I’m slightly worse off than that crazy Mu, but compared to you I’m still very capable! Besides, with me by your side, hehe, you’re going to enjoy life to the fullest! I, for one, am not as dull as that old hat …”

Ye Chong ignored Shang’s blabbering and continued with checking out the spoils.

He found nothing similar to any form of currency. “How could these people be so poor?” Ye Chong was baffled.

Shang laughed teasingly at him. “Ye, you can be a real fool sometimes. There’s a 90 percent probability that the money is in the identity cards. See the number on the lower left corner of the cards? That should be the money digits!”

Ye Chong checked out the lower left corner of the cards as Shang suggested, and found the numbers. Each of the cards had a different number on them.

Shang’s bionic eyes flashed wildly, obviously scanning the card.

“Hmm, Ye, see the slot at the bottom of the card? Fit the slots of 2 cards together. Yes, just like that, then configure one of the card’s digits, and you can now transfer money from this card to the other! Tsk tsk, such crude technology. There’s no identity restriction or authentication steps, this is really blood money!” Shang lamented!

For a mech to express such lamentations was more than a little odd.

Ye Chong, however, was used to it. Besides, Shang was right. There were no safeguards in place, a constant temptation for people. It was most likely that blood was spilt and lives lost in the course of the money’s passage from owner to owner!

Ye Chong transferred all the money to a single card, and the total came up to 6446. Ye Chong had no idea how much that was worth. “But, this came from more than a dozen identity cards, so it should a good sum,” Ye Chong muttered to himself.

“Huh?” Shang exclaimed out of the blue.

“What?” Not many things could surprise Shang, and Ye Chong was now curious. Shang may enjoy making a big fuss out of nothing, but Ye Chong had never seen him truly surprised by anything! In this respect, Shang and Mu were very much alike.

Shang’s tone was serious, and Ye Chong, used to the mech’s usual attitude could not help but thought it comical.

“Their technology is very advanced, the card’s central design is reasonable, the encryption is also cutting-edge. WIthout entering the root of their system, I can’t modify anything!” Shang explained solemnly.

Ye Chong asked, curious, “Why would you want to modify it?”

Shang’s seriousness immediately turned to a light jeer, “Hmm, I’m just trying to see how much the money’s worth! This money we have, what’s it good for? It might not even be enough for a hot sexy battle, I’ve always wanted the real thing! Ye, we should discuss this, let’s buy the latest hot sexy battle …”

Ye Chong immediately broke into a sweat!

“Sidetracked, sidetracked!” Shang asked, embarrassed, “Hmm, where were we?”

Ye Chong was not sure if he should laugh or cry. “You said you couldn’t modify the card!”

“Ah! Right!” Shang’s tone as he remembered what he was talking about made Ye Chong felt very weird. Was it even possible for a PSI [1] to forget?

“Ye, have you ever wondered, if not even I can modify it, then their technology must be very advanced! But this advanced technology was not used to provide any authentication or safeguard for these identity cards! Isn’t it curious?”

“You have a point!” Ye Chong agreed after a moment’s thought.

“Moreover, how can the card’s designer not think of this problem? It’s impossible! That would mean that this lax security is deliberate! It also means that the local governing quarters intentionally allowed activities like stealing and robbing. If that’s the case, then we have to think really carefully about the things going on around here!” Shang was now speaking like a wise person.

“You have a point! But, er, what does this have to do with us?” Ye Chong was confused.

Shang’s wise demeanor immediately wilted. “I’d expected you to say something like that. Heavens, Ye, are you not the least bit excited? Don’t you think there’s a huge conspiracy in this place? Have you never thought of becoming a hero? …”

Abruptly, Shang stood up straight, and said lowly, “Ye, we have a situation!”

Chapter 112: Another Episode

A large group of mechs and people armed with heat ray guns were moving towards them in a mighty formation. Pedestrians avoided the mob, scattering into hiding. From their practiced motions, it was obvious that this was not the first time something similar had happened.

Ye Chong immediately deployed Yu Di. The mob did not seem friendly, and Ye Chong was no fool, guessing that they were probably here for him. “Must be friends of the gang earlier today,” thought Ye Chong!

He swiftly slipped into Yu Di’s cabin and activated the scanning system. A swarm of red dots appeared before him. “They are a large group,” Ye Chong muttered to himself.

Shang’s toned turned dismissive. “Ye, you’re capable enough to handle them yourself. The threat level is not high enough, I can’t help you. Ah, such a pity! It’s been so long since my last battle!” A touch of regret was apparent in his words.

“Alone it is!” Unless the situation demanded it, Shang would not interfere. While he did not fully understand the reason, Ye Chong also did not intend to rely on them too much! Being too dependent on them would rapidly reduce his combat skills! His own strength was more reliable than someone else’s!

In such a complicated neighbourhood, passivity and retaliation after the enemies made their move would only spell death! If battle was inevitable, it was best to make the first move.

Qu Fa sat in his beloved mech, watching his lackeys move quickly and orderly towards the target. Once they circled him, the opponent will not escape their grasp. To face against these three men, he had deployed even his precious small team of mechs. These mech pilots were all with at least intermediate piloting skills. Apart from that, the 3 team leaders were all reputed as expert level pilots.

Qu Fa was cautious in nature. He had always behaved warily, and had never used his small team of mechs, its presence merely in anticipation of grave situations!

While many members of the Orbit Syndicate were skillful due to strict membership qualifications, competition within the Syndicate was still rife. Who was someone as insignificant as him to claim the title of an expert mech pilot? The 3 team leaders under him were hired after much relentless persuasion. He was not particularly inclined to recall those days!

In all honesty, this open conflict in the current sensitive period was not something the careful Qu Fa was willing to initiate.

However, more than a dozen of his members were murdered in the streets today. If he did not make a show of power, then he would quickly lose his place in the syndicate, and there would probably no more lackeys with him by tomorrow! On Haleyson, survival was difficult without some support. A weak organisation would also be quick to disperse!

Suddenly, a loud *BANG* was heard. Brick debris sprayed out in all directions. The small house was immediately swallowed by a swirl of yellow dust.

Qu Fa was startled. The circling formation was not yet formed, and yet the opponent had noticed them. They seemed to be quite wary. It looked like the battle today would inevitably be a hard one! Fortunately, there were only three of his enemies. No matter how capable they may be, they will surely falter from being outnumbered! For now, Qu Fa could only hope that the other organisations would not interfere with the battle, or he would be in real trouble!

A black mech emerged from the dusty clouds, unperturbed by the situation! “It looks like they’re underestimating us,” Qu Fa thought to himself, laughing despite his rage. In fact, he was wrong about Ye Chong, for Ye Chong was not prone to underestimating his opponents, no matter how weak they seem to be. As for his current entrance, it was most likely a suggestion from Shang to create a psychological pressure on the enemies.

Before Qu Fa could give the orders, the four-limbed black mech moved.

After so many days, Ye Chong had grown quite familiar with Yu Di. In Fred’s eyes, Yu Di was not exactly a mech of the highest grade. The 4 limbs may look many, but for the average pilot, they were excessive. After all, how many pilots could move their hands as fast as Ye Chong? However, it was as though the mech was designed specially for him. His impressive hand speed had always been restricted by the mechs he used. With Yu Di, Ye Chong’s hard work in improving his hand speed was finally paying off!

With time and effort, what could Ye Chong and Yu Di’s combination be capable of?

Ye Chong had no intention of questioning his enemies. Yu Di moved like a huge octopus, lunging ahead. Before anyone could react, he was already at the edge of the mob’s formation.

In the blink of an eye, Yu Di had already counted the enemies, a total of 37 mechs. They were all above average, but Ye Chong had grown used to mechs of this level, no longer surprised by them. The only mechs that could interest him now were the Black Cove mechs, MPA’s internal mechs and, perhaps, the few mechs by Fred the Great that he left behind.

Shang was howling excitedly in Ye Chong’s mind.

Yu Di did not make any feints, but rushed straight towards the mechs.

Ye Chong’s first opponent was a Skyway-III model. It looked like a wolf, and was an expert level mech. Its 4 mechanical limbs were obviously modified, looking menacing! Yu Di’s lunge did not faze the mech, as its concealed gun chambers opened up, and the firepower was aimed towards Ye Chong with full force.

However, with his experience with the MPA’s nanowave guns, this level of shooting attacks were like fireworks to Ye Chong, pretty and without substance. *SHING*! His shield, ready before his chest, expanded to meet the assault. The beast’s eyes instantly lit up like fire.

Skyway’s pilot did not expect his attack to be blocked at such a short distance. Before he could escape, he suddenly heard a buzzing sound from his mech. In his confusion, a violent explosion engulfed him ruthlessly like a beastly flood!

Ye Chong moved fast. He shielded himself with the shield and the UF magnetic sword. The sword was like a lurking viper, ready to deliver the fatal blow. Ye Chong was reluctant to use his grenade launcher, since the grenades were limited. If he finished the ammunition, the grenade launcher will be useless! Without Fred the Great with him, there was nowhere for him to replenish the curious grenades. Each one of them was unique! Ye Chong did not feel like wasting these precious resources in the current battle.

The thirty over mechs were mostly long range mechs.

It was definitely a nightmare for the long range mechs to be so close to a close range mech! Besides, no matter if they were long or close range mechs, being close to Ye Chong’s Yu Di was the mother of all nightmares!

Yu Di was like a meat grinder. Everywhere it went, mechs scattered in pieces, their parts flying off. The sound of mechs exploding did not subside.

Qu Fa’s face twisted with pain and suffering. All his hard-earned fruits of labour were gone!

Qu Fa’s death was unremarkable, garnering little attention, since he only represented a small gang from Hoth. However, the battle had won Ye Chong an enormous reputation! No matter how small the organisation was, it was still an amazing feat to defeat one single-handed!

Ye Chong was ruthless, and no one was expected to survive from his attacks. Besides, he showed impressive battle skills, and had an odd but frightening mech!

Ye Chong’s merciless methods were the cause of hesitation for many linchpins. He would be an ideal murdering tool for them if appropriately handled. However, with any misstep, he could be trouble, with a blade to their necks!

Many of these gangs had extended their olive branches to Ye Chong, but Ye Chong did not respond to any of them! He did not wish to live a restricted life, as a weapon in another person’s hands. Had he thought otherwise, which of these organizations could be more powerful than Black Cove?

Ye Chong was finally left alone. Understanding that Ye Chong did not plan to join any of the gangs, most of them were relieved, since this was an acceptable outcome for them!

Ye Chong walked leisurely on the streets. He was planning to familiarize himself with the local environment, but was interrupted last time. Now, he could finally take on the task!

The people on the streets all avoided Ye Chong. His infamous “killer” reputation in Hoth was unchallenged. He was described as being cold and merciless, a bloodthirsty murderer. Overnight, Ye Chong was smothered with the image of a butcher! Ye Chong did not mind it. Given the situation, it was more useful to be intimidating to others!

Without any interference, Ye Chong walked casually down the streets by himself, Shang in his alternate dimension. On the streets, a single-armed mech trailing him would be a sore sight. Besides, Ye Chong felt that Shang would better serve as a secret weapon. He was also feeling physically well recently, and this was just a stroll, as there should be no complications! Such were Ye Chong’s thoughts.

Ye Chong did not recognise the trees by the streets, and naturally did not know their names, but that did not stop him from taking a liking towards the flora!

Ye Chong examined the buildings that lined the streets on both sides as he strolled aimlessly around the neighborhood.

“Huh!” Ye Chong could not help but exclaim, seeing the strange architecture before him. A light green house, tinged with nature’s graces. The design kindled calm and peace within Ye Chong.

A faint and mysterious fragrance made Ye Chong’s nose a little itchy, and he suddenly found himself stepping onto the short wooden steps before the house.

Just as his right leg landed onto the steps, Ye Chong suddenly felt his mind shuttered, and was immediately alerted. He tried to reach out for Shang, but found his senses completely isolated from the mech! “This is not happening.” Ye Chong felt helpless!

Soon, Ye Chong did not even have time to dwell on his helplessness, as a mind-piercing pain engulfed him like a tsunami wave!

Chapter 113: Ye, Free Tonight?

“Ye, free tonight?” Her voice swirled throughout the room like the breeze of a winter morning, as she stood sternly behind Ye Chong. Rui Bing seriously wondered on what world Ye Chong had been occupying himself with for the past 3 days at the modification room.

The skeleton pieces glossed in brilliant whites on Ye Chong’s hands and there scattered also countless similar pieces inside the case resting before him. That one chunk of bone of his inventory seemed to have been changed into a shower of snowflakes, their surface was extremely smooth, the striations were exuding luxury and beauty.

“Nope.” A standard reply from Ye Chong the concise speaker, as his eyes remained glued on the apparatus, not even a second was spared to shift his sight on his beloved. It was as if the apparatus was the rightful mistress of the house, and Rui Bing was certainly becoming a green-eyed monster, desiring that one occasion that she was allowed to smash the distracting machines. But really, Ye Chong’s indifference was the real cause of her envy.

Wait, what am I thinking?

Rui Bing breathed. Once… deeply… out… Twice… deeply… out… She realized that spark of emotion she almost initiated, as she quickly regained her calmness.

Sigh it looked like my training hasn’t been really effective. I’m losing my steadiness. Did I seriously lose control of my temper over trivial things like this just now?

Ye Chong seemed to be unaware of Rui Bing’s strange behavior. The period before three days ago, they were still having combat training together, like a kind husband doing things for his wife’s greatest hobby. Ye Chong accompanied her training and thanks to this hobby they shared time being together. Rui Bing, though her mouth remained zipped, fully appreciated, even treasured the time she had with Ye Chong all alone.

Nevertheless, “Umm… Rui Bing, if you would excuse me…” Three days ago, Ye Chong, came like a winter storm, suggested to pause the combat training. A request it was from him. Rui Bing, with a heavy heart, still gestured her acceptance towards his request without hesitation. And that was when Ye Chong sank into the modification room, and never got out ever since. Rui Bing spent the next three days carrying meals to Ye Chong by hands, as wordlessly as Ye Chong on his desk. She would watch – with a stare of warmth and longing – this man pause the clinking on this desk, began chomping the meals she made silently then turn his chair back onto his work.

She did expected this happening from this man, since not only he was a pilot, but also a martial arts practitioner, as well as a skeleton artisan. Well probably the boy got a new idea on his toy? Rui Bing thought as she looked at Ye Chong completely indulged in his research.

Her eyes were seemingly mesmerized, as the charm of the man in work wafted through her senses.

But no! I’m not giving up! Not today!

“How about a day with me, and not the machine?” Rui Bing’s voice rang cold.

“Nope.” Ye Chong’s head remained low above the skeleton pieces. His eyes lustrously gazed at the piece in his hand, so lustrous that Rui Bing once wished she was that piece instead.

Hmph. But she needed to be persistent. Perseverance is the quality of a typical martial arts practitioner! And Rui Bing had already overcome the Jie experts in her field! So she would have far greater perseverance on this!

“It’s just one day.” Rui Bing who broke her white flag, repeated, “How about it?” Her frozen face demonstrated no expression, in which her clear eyes reflected one hint of gentle expectation.

Meanwhile Ye Chong had already started drilling these pieces. Rui Bing felt defeated when she had no idea what her man was doing, especially on why he must drill those thin pieces. Practically her comprehension on mech development was nearly zero, although with great efforts she had been trying to catch up with her man’s expertise. For a layman like her it would take time and for people like her, her talent could never beat that monstrous man of hers.

“Really? Nope?” Tilting her head in disbelief, the slight curve her lips made was depicting tiny mischiefs in her head.

“After the work, at least.” Ye Chong’s head stayed associated with the bone pieces. Drilling is what shows an artisan’s craftsmanship alright? It demands a pair of firm hands that could withstand the mini quakes steadily, with great concentration, or your hands could be getting new pores anytime. Moreover those bone pieces were harder than they looked, one could tell so with that lasting cry of drills on one single piece, yet Ye Chong, was all determined drilling holes in them.

“No, after my time, at least.” Her words came light like her dancing blouse as she spread her legs across the ground, into position, she slid like a graceful swam, eyeing that culprit of her disrupted relationship – that snow white bone piece!

Ye Chong did not lose his sense of alertness despite being fully committed to his work. But he insisted on drilling, the bone piece would be going into the bin if he were to stop in the middle.

Helplessly his hands stoned with the vibration of the driller, as he made a strange twist with his lower body. One leg supporting his entire weight, as he sprang up from his seat with the other and performed an epic kick. Ye Chong already gained full control over every piece of his muscle, skillfully too. So the epic kick was merely simple as his usual soccer kick.

Okay, he’s good.

Rui Bing could not help but compliment Ye Chong’s adaptability even under such circumstance. But it was not good enough! She had done enough training with Ye Chong that she knew his tricks way better than anybody else, as she gently tipped the ground and span in heavy afterimages, one diagonal slid to Ye Chong’s side and her hands rapidly rose over Ye Chong’s piece.

One would sympathize with Ye Chong because his hands were technically immobilized because of his quality assurance and the piece. He was feeling real troubled but he got to act. His springing leg immediately withdrew support of its bones as springy it became and whipped upon Rui Bing.

Heh!

Rui Bing’s raised the corners of her lips, expressing the predictability of Ye Chong’s moves, she made a fancy turn and swung to the other side. Her sleeves were grooving by the gale she created, it felt as if an angel joining a carol on the world under her feet.

The drilling process was finally going to be completed. Ye Chong sighed a relief, his eyes glared at the fair white skeleton piece, that he forgot Rui Bing’s raid.

Rui Bing could hear something snapping in her head as she saw her man still remaining in his position five minutes ago. Ye Chong was lucky that she had very gentle temperament. Still! Her right hand seized that piece from Ye Chong’s hand.

Ye Chong’s right hand was holding the bone piece. The driller was getting through, he was feeling relieved but he saw one hand, with texture smoother and fairer than the bone piece, reaching towards him. He was not on his guard and he did not react on time as his right hand tilted and touched the driller!

Droplets of hemoglobin fluttered throughout the silent space.

His brows tightened as he saw one droplet of his vitality fell onto the sliced bone, which was then fully absorbed, remained as a dark red spot on the surface, like sand absorbing the water upon contact.

“Ah!” Rui Bing shrieked and quickly grabbed that bleeding hand of Ye Chong. She placed the hand into her mouth and began sucking them sympathetically. Her frozen face shattered as regrets and guilt stirred on her pale expression. She licked the bleeding fingers and felt her heart was aching the same degree as Ye Chong.

I’m… I’m sorry…

“Stop messing around.” Said Ye Chong as his eyes glanced upon the remaining bone pieces in the case, withdrawing his fingers from the salivating cavity of hers. “Alright?” He returned to his work as normal.

No… I’m not.

Rui Bing looked at Ye Chong being bewitched by his work again, as tears rolled off her cheeks.

It’s… It’s… Do you know what day is today?

Rui Bing tried to word her feeling but something felt like choking her. She carried on watching Ye Chong, all quiet, dead quiet, letting her feelings stream through her cheeks.

An hour lapsed, that it felt like forever. Rui Bing stood behind Ye Chong, her eyes remained on Ye Chong, and Ye Chong was senseless enough to continue working vigorously.

She bit her lips, turned away and walked.

Ye Chong rose from his seat, breathing in the greatest relief all readers could ever imagine, that even Rui Bing could hear it right next to the door. Then she heard the clinking, a different clinking this time, a clinking of conclusion, which haunted her and seized her moving step towards outside.

Ye Chong then turned to his back and flinched upon seeing Rui Bing, “You’re still here?”

“Mhm. Nothing.” She responded, her back remaining faced to Ye Chong.

“Well. Here.” The flat tone ringing some keyword caused her to turn back to Ye Chong instantly, “Merry Christmas.”

It was the case! The same case Ye Chong had been working on forever and ever and ever! Rui Bing tightened her lips as her shaking hands opened the case slowly.

Hah… I … Her tears overflowed.

It was a pair of knuckles, fairer than the powder snow, livelier than the festive itself, made out of pure skeletons, resting in the case obediently. One piece of the knuckles’ armor was tainted by a fainted crimson spot.

Once again, her sight was blurry as wetted, not by her sadness but a joy of being loved.

Chapter 114: Mentalist Jia Zhuo

Suddenly, a wave of gentleness and peace overcame Ye Chong. It felt chilly, like being soaked in icy waters, but the pain throughout his body was relieved to a certain degree. Even though it still hurt to the bones, the pain was now at a more manageable level for Ye Chong.

At the very least, Ye Chong could focus on comprehending his current situation!

The episode this time lasted longer than the last one. As the pain gradually dwindled into nonexistence, Ye Chong was already soaked in sweat, akin to being fresh out of the shower. Ye Chong’s face was devoid of color. He stood up trembling, not deploying Shang immediately, merely sending a mental reassurance to the anxiously waiting mech. He was back to his normal self, only that the sweating had slightly weakened his body.

A middle-aged man came to him, his jaunty profile lit with a little smile, dressed in a light green robe. His physique screamed frailty to Ye Chong!

The man spoke first, “You collapsed before my doorway. Seeing as you were in trouble, I had moved you into my house. Please forgive my insolence!” His voice was unhurried, with a calming effect.

Ye Chong noticed then that he was indoors, and thanked the man, “You have my thanks for saving me, mister!”

The middle-aged man smiled, “It’s nothing much, don’t worry about it! I am Jia Zhuo. Relax, this place is safe. Your injuries were quite serious, please have a seat and rest!”

“Thank you!” Ye Chong sat down as suggested. As he sat, he noticed his muscles, sore from the episode. “It really is more serious than last time,” thought Ye Chong to himself.

Jia Zhuo offered an unfamiliar cup of verdant green liquid to Ye Chong. He said courteously, “Please enjoy!” and waved with his arm by way of inviting him to try it.

“Okay!” Ye Chong took the cup and finished it in one go. The bright, verdant Six-Inch Green was bland with a light tinge of bitterness, and tasted like water in Ye Chong’s mouth. Ye Chong did not suspect the Six-Inch Green to be harmful to himself. After all that had happened, if the other party was hostile to him, he would not be able to defend himself.

Beside, Ye Chong was quite certain that this man was one of the mysterious mentalists of the Orbits.

Seeing Ye Chong’s manner of finishing his drink, Jia Zhuo laughed demurely. “You must be from Haleyson!” Ye Chong’s confusion was obvious, and Jia Zhuo explained, “This is the most common drink found in Haleyson. People usually drink it in small sips to appreciate its flavor. Those who drink them in huge gulps are usually newcomers. It tastes like water if you drink it that way!”

Ye Chong understood then, and concisely said , “It’s good!”

Jia Zhuo apparently noticed his guest’s difficulty with words, and so he asked, “So, you quite suddenly collapsed just now , what happened?”

Ye Chong was quiet for a moment before replying, “I have a strange illness!” While he did not know how the mentalist was able to relieve his pain, if he could learn how to do it himself, it might be able to cure him of the poison from Black Cove’s silver liquid, or at least reduce the pain.

Ye Chong had a quick discussion with Shang in his mind.

Shang said, “Ah, Ye, this guy here might be able to help you!”

“Mm, I know that!”

“Then let’s tie him up and interrogate him! How’s that?” Shang bared his evil mischief.

“Mm, will he speak under interrogation?” Ye Chong was not confident with the method.

“Hehe, Ye, don’t you worry. I have 756 interrogation strategies stored in my database, of which 177 of them do not require any tools. Psychology is my specialty! Hehe, I can even make him spill everything about his previous life, and the life before that [1]!” Shang, with his devil’s tail in full view, did not forget to quote a familiar script from the movies!

“First, we have to get him under our control!” Ye Chong began to consider the possibilities, and said, “But I’ve heard that mentalists are strong, what if I killed him? We know too little about mentalists!”

“You’re right!” Shang sounded a little dejected. “Unfortunately, I can’t help you with that, or we would have definitely captured him alive!”

“Mu once talked about the principle of equal trading. Since he helped me earlier, it doesn’t seem … appropriate! To treat him like this!” Ye Chong did not fully understand Mu’s explanation of the principle, and was now uncertain of himself.

“Ah, right, how could I forget! Ye, it’s because you didn’t remind me earlier that a kind PSI like me nearly committed a grave mistake! Mm, to repay a debt is seventh on the list of criteria to be a real man. The seventh, a very important criteria …” Shang spoke emptily, and discreetly hid his devil’s tail out of sight.

Poor Jia Zhuo was not aware that he had dangerously grazed past the fate of a living hell.

As Ye Chong mentioned his condition, Jia Zhuo grew interested, “Oh, a strange illness? What are the symptoms? What’s the cause?”

“The episodes come irregularly, the symptom is pain, the cause is unknown!” Ye Chong’s mechanical way of answering invited a look of disdain from Shang. While Ye Chong knew his condition was due to the silver liquid, he felt it inappropriate to mention it, and so had left it out.

Ye Chong’s answer was too plain, and Jia Zhuo knitted his brows despite himself. “Mm, are there any other peculiarities?”

Ye Chong vividly recalled his experience. “Mm, it felt like my mind was suffering. This time, even the muscles were sore. Also, my brainwaves were blocked, and I couldn’t link with any brainwave-driven mechanisms, such as mechs!”

“Oh! There’s such a thing!” Jia Zhuo was clearly surprised by the symptoms. He frowned for a long while before sighing and speaking apologetically, “Ah, my apologies. I’m not a professional doctor. I’m not familiar with the symptoms.”

“Okay!” Ye Chong asked abruptly, “Are you a mentalist?”

Jia Zhuo paused, before smiling in reply, “Yes! I’m a mentalist!”

Ye Chong asked, “The chilly feeling in my head, was that you?”

“You mean this?” Jia Zhuo did not move, but Ye Chong could feel the chill spreading in his brain, just like when he was having an episode; this time he was conscious, and the feeling was more obvious, as though his brain was thoroughly cleansed with spring water, and it felt soothing.

Ye Chong was startled, as anyone would when something appeared out of the blue in their mind. He asked curiously, “How did you do that?”

Jia Zhuo laughed a little. This was not the first time he was asked with that question.

Mentalists were, in fact, mental strength practitioners. Through vigorous training of one’s mental consciousness, the potential of one’s physical body could be enhanced. That was why they often had skills unique to them. Unlike Black Cove’s emphasis on physical strength, they were a strong force in a different aspect! Jia Zhuo’s demonstration was only the most basic and common application of a mentalist’s skills, used for calming a person’s mind, called Mind Cleansing.

Ye Chong, who had never experienced anything like it, was understandably startled.

As he was reminded of his conversation with Hak about the origin of mech pilots and the 3 main schools of pilots, he could not help but ask, “Secret arts practitioner?”

Jia Zhuo was surprised. “So you know about them too. Haha, it’s not really much of a secret. Secret arts practitioners are the forefathers of mentalists. Back then, the secret arts practitioners split into two. Those who did purely mental training became mentalists, like me; the others are called mentalist pilots, mech pilots who undergo mental training.”

“Mentalist pilots!” It was a new term for Ye Chong. He imagined how a mech pilot with special mental powers could fight in a battle. What would it be like? Ye Chong was moved by the thought.

“Haha, mentalist pilots are not well known. They usually dwell in mentalist sanctuaries, rarely going out.” Jia Zhuo noticed Ye Chong’s bafflement and explained.

“Hmm, I don’t know what to make of your illness, but you can try your luck in Zeuth zone. There’re many strange characters there, you might gain something unexpected!” Jia Zhuo went to his table and wrote something on a piece of paper. He then passed the paper to Ye Chong. “These are the addresses of some capable doctors whom I personally know. You can try them, but they’re mostly eccentric, and may make queer requests of you, so watch out! Even if they fail, do not worry. The area is full of capable people, so long as you search patiently, it is highly likely that you’ll meet a doctor who can help you.”

Ye Chong accepted the paper with gratitude. “Thank you!”

Jia Zhuo smiled warmly and waved his hand in dismissal. “It’s nothing, I can’t help you much! It’s all up to you!”

Abruptly, Ye Chong asked, “Mm, can you teach me Mind Cleansing? I’ll trade you for something!”

Jia Zhuo smiled apologetically. “While Mind Cleansing is the simplest of mental power application, it’s still difficult to learn! Beside, without the mentalist sanctuary’s approval, I can’t teach it to anyone!”

Ye Chong replied with an “Okay.”

Shang complained in Ye Chong’s mind, “I should’ve known. We should’ve just tie him up and interrogate! I believe he will speak!” Silence fell for a few seconds. He then excitedly said, “Ye, I’ve got a good plan!”

“What plan?” Ye Chong asked curiously.

“Hehe, this guy’s nice to you, best not to make our move! But there must be more than one mentalist around here, hehe, if we’re to capture another mentalist, then it’s not a violation to the principle of equal trading!” Shang instigated.

“Hmm, that makes sense!”

“Right? Of course my plans make sense! I’m not as a dull as that fool, Mu. Hehe, a mentalist pilot, must be fun!” A certain devil’s tail began to wag in excitement!

Ye Chong bid farewell to Jia Zhuo, and asked about whether there were any mentalist sanctuaries in Zeuth.

Jia Zhuo thought Ye Chong was interested in becoming a mentalist, and pointed out the location of the mentalist sanctuary in the Zeuth zone enthusiastically. He even told Ye Chong the addresses of a few capable mentalists, suggesting that Ye Chong could visit them for lessons in mentalism when he had time!

Chapter 115: Kidnapping

“You sure we’re heading in the right direction?” Ye Chong asked.

“Er, who knows?” Shang replied irresponsibly.

Ye Chong smiled wryly as he scanned the unfamiliar environment . From one unfamiliar environment to another, Ye Chong did not feel any difference between any of them. However, as he was reminded that Shang had no map for the area, the result of the mech’s directions was only to be expected.

Zeuth was more organised than Hoth, the pedestrians all calm and leisurely strolling about. In Ye Chong’s time in the zone, he had not seen any fights on the streets. In Hoth, it would have been impossible to avoid.

Vintage brick buildings could be seen in every corner of the zone, in great variety. Most of the buildings were not tall, unlike in Hoth, where brick buildings that reached a few tens of meters tall were still considered average, and looked more like warehouses.

The streets were lined with shops on both sides; technology from outside the Orbits could occasionally be seen. It seemed that the Orbits were not as isolated from the outside world as it was rumored to be.

Most of the shops were mech related. Unlike Ye Chong’s experience of online purchasing via Fal’s virtual net, where the products were delivered to the buyers, the local community seemed to reject this convenient and advanced method of purchase. On the contrary, they practiced the old ways of purchasing on the spot. Mechs were openly displayed in the shops, where one could choose in their own time, and even request for a test drive.

Mainstream models in the Five Galaxies were rare, and Ye Chong was unfamiliar with most of the models on display. This greatly interested him. The mechs here were unlike any he had seen before!

However, under Shang’s hastening, Ye Chong reluctantly tore himself away from the goods.

“Ask for directions?” Ye Chong asked.

“Of course, what else can you do if you’re lost? You have a better idea?” Shang mocked.

“No!” Ye Chong was clear cut in his answer.

“Eh, Ye, look 30 degrees to your left! Wow, look at that body! She even had a mask on! Hehe, I won’t be stopped by just a mask!” Ye Chong knew from his tone that Shang was growing enthusiastic.

Ye Chong shifted his vision 30 degrees to the left.

“What’s there to see?” Ye Chong muttered to himself. The person was wrapped in a long purple robe, with a face mask on. Only her subtly graceful movements hinted at her gender.

“What would you know?” Shang spoke scornfully. “Any top class beauty would shine with a special charisma, with an unmistakable quality! Ah, these words are wasted on you! Let me scan her a bit first!”

“Hmm, shine with a special charisma? Does he mean aura? Isn’t that what powerful people have? Could all top class beauties be powerful?” Ye Chong was deep in thought.

“*Cough**cough*” Shang’s scanning was disrupted by Ye Chong’s thoughts. “Er, Ye, your imagination is actually quite impressive!”

Ye Chong was baffled, but he knew that something was wrong with his thoughts.

“Huh! Isn’t that Feng Su?” Shang was surprised. “How could she be here?”

“Who’s Feng Su?”

“Heavens! Ye, do you not know Feng Su? What a sad, sad life you have. Feng Su is Fal’s most popular female superstar! Also the female artist with the highest worth! Tsk tsk, I myself am her number one fan. Back in the days, her one song managed to silence the spectators for a whole 15 minutes. It was unheard of! What? Ye, you weren’t aware? As expected, Mu’s influence had turned you into a wild animal, what a sore sight! Looks like the burden of transforming you into a true human has fallen to me! Hehe …” Shang chattered on.

Ye Chong knew that once Shang went into a mood, he would not let up for a good while.

Shang suddenly spoke in a dramatic fashion, “Ye, aren’t we asking for directions? Go ask her! Hehe, Ye, this is a golden opportunity I’ve created for you! Ah, too bad there are no photon processors around, or I’ll show you how beautiful she really is, and you’ll definitely fall in love with her! She’s the dream girl of a great many young men! Hehe, I have her exact measurements here from my scans. These is first hand information, infinitely better than whatever you read on the virtual net!” Shang spoke like one bewitched.

Ye Chong, however, was indifferent. “Not interested! Why should I ask her? Besides, the fact that she’s a superstar and appearing here all alone is very suspicious, don’t you think? There must be a story behind it!”

Shang was shocked. “Ye, you’re getting smarter! Hmm, you’re right, it is suspicious. Why would she be here of all places? No wonder she’s trying to be inconspicuous! Ah, Ye, there must be something behind this, so we should definitely look into it. We might even stumble upon some exclusive story!”

“Shang, is it worth it to waste our time on this? We have more important things to do!” Ye Chong was unimpressed.

Shang could not help but grumble, “It’s just asking for directions, how long can that take?”

Ye Chong gave it a thought before approaching Feng Su. “Good day to you, do you know how I can reach Street 22?” Ye Chong asked the masked woman, the one called Feng Su.

Feng Su turned around and gave a measuring glance at him. She found him looking relaxed, but with an undisguisable apathy behind it.

Feng Su spoke with her demure, enchanting voice, “Oh, Street 22, just go straight ahead and turn right at the third intersection, you’ll reach the street after a five-minute walk!” Her short dialogue lingered in the air, the voice gentle and lovely, tugging at one’s heartstrings!

The accurate control of her voice and tonality was a surprise for Ye Chong. He staggered a little before gathering himself for a reply, “Oh, thank you!” and turning to leave.

“I hope you’re satisfied, Shang!” While Ye Chong did not understand this indulgence of Shang’s, he would still do his best to fulfill the mech’s wishes! However, Shang did not speak for a long while.

“Shang, what’s up?” Ye Chong thought curiously. Could the mech’s sound receiver be damaged? Surely not.

“Wow, that was awesome! A voice from Heaven! From Heaven itself! Heavens, to hear such a moving voice in this mortal realm! Ye, do you not feel it?” Shang was high as a kite!

“Mm, it was alright!” Ye Chong replied lightly.

“Hey, Ye, let’s invite her for a chat. This opportunity is only found once in a century, no, once in a millennium! Ye, let’s talk to her again, yes? Just once more!” Shang begged.

Ye Chong was unmoved. “We’re going to Street 22!”

Shang understood Ye Chong’s temperament, and grumbled, “Sigh, you’ve never seen her holographic image, or you would fallen head over heels for her! Er, but … That may not be the case too, since your requirements are different from the average man! Ha, I know, Ye, surely you must be secretly in love with that lady in the white training garb?”

“No!” Ye Chong objected, but the image of a white figure came unconsciously to mind. He could almost smell that mysterious fragrance, and taste the smoothness under his tongue. Suddenly, he felt a pressure rising in his chest, and Ye Chong quickly suppressed his thoughts until the pressure eventually subsided.

“Haha, Ye, that must be it, you can’t hide it from me, your brain activity just now was 30% more active than usual. Your pulse quickened, and your blood flow was faster! Hmm, I suppose that lady was also likeable. Too bad we can’t return to Blue Ocean for now. After all, she had asked for you to marry her! But Ye, don’t sacrifice an entire forest for that one tree [1]. Compared to Feng Su, that lady still has a lot to make up for! Hehe …” Shang laughed discreetly to himself and teased Ye Chong.

Ye Chong rolled his eyes and followed Feng Su’s directions to Street 22, leaving Shang to blabber on in his mind.

No. 103 on Street 22!

This was an address given by Jia Zhuo, where a masterful mentalist stayed, which was Ye Chong and Shang’s destination! Ye Chong had expended great effort to find the place, since it was located far from the main streets, secluded within a piece of thinly forested area.

The low, vintage looking brick house had a roof that twisted upwards at the edges. There hanged a row of wind chimes that tinkled soothingly whenever a breeze swept through. The second floor’s window was slightly opened, and not tightly shut. The house was surrounded by a forest. It was obvious that the mentalist was not very welcoming of visitors! This was a great advantage for Ye Chong, enough to boost his confidence for what he was about to do next!

“Shang, any suggestions?” Ye Chong asked.

“Hmm, best if you make your move as fast as you can. We know too little about mentalists, who knows what weird tricks they have up their sleeves. He’s now in the second floor, and unfortunately, the house is too small for me to enter, or I’ll be able to give you a hand!” Shang was now in all seriousness, like a completely different person, or, more accurately speaking, a completely different PSI!

“Mm, you have a point!” Ye Chong agreed. Mentalists were a mysterious factor. Even Jia Zhuo’s Mind Cleansing was something incomprehensible to Ye Chong. He was thus extremely cautious of them!

“Er, also, usually robbers wear a black cloth over their face, to avoid recognition!” Shang reminded him.

“There’s something like that? Where’d you heard it from?” Ye Chong was curious.

“The movies of course, that’s how all the robbers do it!” Shang spoke matter-of-factly.

Ye Chong could not find any black cloth, but fortunately he had kept the F-58 mask from Black Cove in his bag. He put on the mask, and felt that it was more practical than whatever black cloth there was. It had been some time since he last wore the mask. Ye Chong caressed the black mask on his face, overwhelmed with emotions.

“You brought that thing?” Shang reminded him.

“Yes!” Ye Chong gave a shake with his wrist.

Ye Chong moved deftly like a raccoon, entering the second floor. Shang laid in wait in the forest outside as his backup.

The wind chimes hung along the eaves tinkled, masking the sound of Ye Chong’s approach.

Ye Chong gave a sweeping glance of the second floor. With the exception of some basic wooden desks and chairs, there were not many other decorations in sight. The entire floorboard was made of wood. Ye Chong had no time to dwell on the mountainous expenses required for the floorboard, but took great care in avoiding any creaking sounds from his steps.

The entire second floor had only one room, but the door was shut tight. The man must be in there!

“Who dares to invade my house!” A shady voice rang in Ye Chong’s mind, just as the door creaked open by itself, revealing an elderly with an overcast expression, staring at Ye Chong with glowing eyes. His curiously glinting eyes startled Ye Chong!

When Ye Chong heard the old man’s voice, he knew he was in trouble. As the door opened into a slit, he saw an old man sitting inside, facing him.

Before Ye Chong could react, he felt his body leadened into a deadweight, and his vision blurred. Under the unexpected attack, Ye Chong instinctively reacted and whipped his hands out!

That movement took all his energy, and Ye Chong could no longer defend against the restrictive force that bound him. Crash! He felt into a heap on the floor. The world was spinning in his eyes, halos of light swirling around, putting him into a daze.

Another crash was heard, and Ye Chong could hear an old man’s surprised yelling.

He immediately felt the weight lifted, and the binding force on him vanished! After a few minutes, Ye Chong’s vision returned to normal!

Ye Chong pulled himself off the ground with great effort, his muscles still trembling, cold sweat rolling down his spine.

The old man was wrapped up firmly like a dumpling, lying still on the floor. He was, however, undeterred in yelling angrily in all seriousness, “Who are you?! I’m a mentalist, do you know what you’re doing? Attacking a mentalist, you’ll be hunted by the sanctuary to the ends of the world!” His tone changed immediately as he said, “I’m a reasonable man, if you need help, just let me go and we’ll talk it through, I’ll definitely help you! You should know that …”

Ye Chong ignored the man as he flexed his limbs, glad of his freedom! Earlier, he had swung a weapon made of a string with weights on both ends towards the old man. It was Shang’s idea. Once the weapon rotated from the swing, it would entangle anything it hit. Ye Chong was strong, and while the weights were not too heavy, his throw of the weapon towards the old man had his target firmly tied up! Once the attack was disrupted, Ye Chong regained his freedom!

What a powerful mentalist! If not for his quick reaction, he would have become a defenseless captive! Ye Chong recalled the encounter with delayed fear.

The old man had hawkish nose and eyes. His pupils glimmered as he continued yelling angrily.

Ye Chong had no intention of chatting him up. He lifted the old man and jumped out from the window with his prize. The interrogation part will be left to Shang!

Chapter 116: Meeting Again

Ye Chong carefully hid in a tree, keeping watch for Shang. The bouts of shrill cries from the trees behind him gave him the goosebumps. While he was used to matters of life and death, the pitiful cries still perturbed him greatly!

Ye Chong began examining his memories of the earlier encounter. The old man was able to detect his intrusion into the house. It was an impossible feat. If it was Ye Chong himself in the room, even his hearing could not filter the sounds of the tinkling wind chimes and detect the intrusion.

More frightening was the fact that Ye Chong was bound by the enemy without any chance of retaliation. That was a first for him! What he lost was not only his freedom of movement but also his sight!

It was too horrifying!

How did he attack? Ye Chong did not see the old man make any movements. It was truly baffling!

Suddenly, Ye Chong heard a soft shuffling sound. He gathered himself. Someone was here!

Ye Chong signalled in his mind to Shang to speed things up as he moved through the trees, agile like a mutant primate, in search of the old man’s visitor! On the trash planet, Ye Chong had always made use of the intercrossing metal beams in the trash to evade attacks from pursuing mutants. The tree branches were more flexible than metal beams, and more resilient. Ye Chong skillfully made a turn in the trees, the thick canopy providing him cover.

Among the trees, the holographic scanning system’s efficiency was impaired due to the complicated terrain. Even the most advanced scanning systems could no longer be completely reliable. On the contrary, human senses were more trustworthy! Of course, when it came to Mu and Shang, Ye Chong was unsure of their limits!

If he had heard it right, the shuffling sound was moving towards the old man’s house. It seemed that the house was the only one nearby.

Ye Chong carefully forged ahead.

A purple robed woman with a purple veil was walking along the route amongst the trees that led straight to the old man’s house. The shuffling sound came from her steps on the fallen leaves.

Ye Chong was startled. Was this not the woman he had asked for directions earlier? Ye Chong immediately relayed this to Shang. The mech replied that he was almost done, as he was just now repeating his questions to gauge the reliability of the information from the old man.

Ye Chong followed Feng Su cautiously, countless thoughts going through his mind. “What is with this lady? Does she know the old man? Er, Jia Zhuo had called him Mr Yin. She’s a superstar, why would she know a mentalist like Mr Yin?”

While Ye Chong was not familiar with the job description of a superstar, he believed that it was probably unlikely for the occupation to be related to mentalists! Besides, the fact that she was in the Orbits was also curious.

“However,” Ye Chong thought, “it’s got nothing to do with me, right? What I need to do is to buy time for Shang.”

Feng Su was not walking too quickly, looking fragile. Ye Chong considered knocking her out to avoid any mishaps. As for killing Feng Su, Ye Chong might have even considered that if not for Shang. However, with Shang’s fondness of Feng Su, Ye Chong did not feel like upsetting the mech with her death!

For Ye Chong, Mu and Shang were his best friends, the people he cared about most. In his heart, they were as alive as any human being! They were the most precious lives to him!

“Hmm, best if I knock her out.” Ye Chong was confident of controlling his strength!

Ye Chong approached Feng Su silently, ready to deliver a blow to her nape to knock her out!

Suddenly, Feng Su stopped moving and turned, speaking severely, “Who’s that? Come out!” Her eyes looking towards the canopy where Ye Chong had hid himself.

Ye Chong was shocked. How did she found out? He did not make any sound at all!

Feng Su stepped a little wider, anticipating a fight, her hands in a battle-ready posture.

While he did not understand how Feng Su noticed him, Ye Chong held no fear against the women before him! To him, her physique was not match for his!

Feng Su glared coldly at the canopy to the left above. Someone was hiding there. Whoever it was, Feng Su was certain that they were hostile! Could they be some rapist, to follow her for so long before choosing to attack in this secluded area? Feng Su’s eyes flashed with killer intent!

The canopy rustled, just a bit. *Pheeww* A headwind blew, as a figure in green shot out towards her in an astounding speed!

Feng Su humphed coldly, angled her body slightly and avoided the figure as she bowed her head and silently hooked her leg upward into a back kick! Bam! The green figure hit the ground, revealing itself to be an arm-thick branch with some leaves on it. The branch stuck deep into the soil, half of it beneath the ground!

A chilling breeze kissed her nape; from the strength, the other party was looking to knock her out. The thought stoked her killer intent even further! This kind of rapist could only blame himself for his inevitable death by her hands!

Ye Chong suddenly found himself missing his target, and knew something was wrong! Fortunately, his attack was only meant to knock her out, the blow not packing too much force. He leaped backwards in retreat, and avoided a kick from Feng Su by only a hair’s breadth!

His successful retreat surprised Feng Su, her eyes turning serious. It seemed that she had underestimated her enemy’s speed. This guy was not going to be easy to defeat!

However, Feng Su was confident of her skills! While the guy before her was definitely impressive to the average person, it would only take her slightly longer to claim victory!

Turning back to face her enemy, Feng Su had a clear view of the enemy for the first time!

Feng Su’s eyes narrowed. “Black Cove’s men?” The man before her was wearing a mask very familiar to her. She was knew many things about Black Cove, and the mask with F-58 engraved on it could only mean that this was Number 58 of Team F!

Strange. If she remembered correctly, Team F was posted at the outermost ranges of Black Cove. Why would Black Cove send its weakest members to the Orbits? Would Black Cove not know about the Orbits? The thought was swiftly dismissed! Impossible! Black Cove and the Orbits knew each other well, how could such a clumsy mistake be made?

Could it be that there were more powerful members nearby? And this was only someone keeping watch? If that was the case, could the opponent’s target be Mr Yin?

These thought flashed through her mind, and it seemed more and more plausible by the moment. Feng Su’s killing intent raged! She must quickly disable this lookout to send out a distress call and rescue Mr Yin! Feng Su believed that if the one from Black Cove was not that particular person, she would stand a chance to help Mr Yin!

Ye Chong was experienced in life-deciding battles, and was sensitive to his opponent’s killer intent. He felt her readiness to kill, and while he did not understand the change in intent, he was still fearless of the battle!

Feng Su was determined to end the battle quickly!

Ye Chong watched her closely, not underestimating her because of her gender. However, he did not initiate an attack, since his primary goal was to buy time!

Suddenly, a strange gleam flashed in Feng Su’s eyes!

Ye Chong started. A mentalist! “To think that she’s a mentalist,” thought Ye Chong, as he decided to not hold back any further. He leapt to action, moving evasively like a flickering shadow, a blur of a figure, hoping to confuse the opponent’s vision and avoid being targeted.

“Phew!” The expected feeling of being bound did not come, and Ye Chong exhaled in relief. It seemed that the plan worked!

While Ye Chong was rejoicing, he saw the woman lunge towards him!

Since he could now avoid the attack, Ye Chong grew more confident and aimed a punch towards the enemy!

Feng Su twisted her body and easily avoided Ye Chong’s punch, closing in on him.

“Close-range combat?” Ye Chong analysed calmly.

Ye Chong had always preferred close-range combat. His robust reflexes and outstanding strength and speed could make up for his lack in battle techniques in close quarters!

Ye Chong dared not hold back now. He believed that if Shang had to decide, the mech would probably prefer to have him live than her! Besides, how could he die here?

Close-range combat was also vicious, without room to hold back, for any movement could mean life or death!

The two engaged in tight combat, the stakes self-evident!

In the blink of an eye, Ye Chong’s attacks changed from the force of hurricane storm to a barely manageable assault!

Ye Chong groaned on the inside. His opponent’s movements seemed to be assisted by some sort of foresight. Whenever he was about to attack, she seemed to anticipate the blow, and Ye Chong had not even had grazed a blow against her since the battle began. On the contrary, the opponent’s attacks were sharp and unavoidable. Despite Ye Chong’s robust reflexes, he had received quite a few hits. If not for his sturdy build, he would probably be seriously injured!

The strangest part was, up till now, she had never taken a blow from Ye Chong. His every punch met with empty space, and that sense of a hollow attack was very dispiriting for him. He was more powerful and faster than her, but the attacks never landed!

Occasionally, his eyes met Feng Su’s mysteriously gleaming eyes, and Ye Chong could not help but shiver in his mind.

Ye Chong figured that, with the way things were going, he would get more and more disadvantaged!

Abruptly, Ye Chong came to a sudden realization and felt like slapping himself. His goal was not to kill her, but to buy time! Ye Chong felt enlightened, but the momentary distraction earned him another fist and a kick!

Ye Chong quickly moved backwards in retreat. If he could widen the distance between them, his superior speed would allow him to avoid attacks more easily!

Feng Su followed him closely like a parasite, obviously realizing his intentions.

Chapter 117: The Scary Feline

The difference in speed was evident the moment they competed. Ye Chong was obviously leading. It was common sense to know that he possessed an absolute upper hand in velocity. He travelled so fast that he only flashed by like faint images in naked eyes. Feng Su was also such a blitz as it moved in afterimages, which however stayed incompetent when compared to Ye Chong’s skills. The distance grew fast between them.

Well, a master Ye Chong sounded like, yet he was not actually having an easier time dealing with this woman. He planned to rush straight and make a few sudden turns to get rid of her. In spite of that, such trick did not seem to work as this peculiar woman, as if a feline in the jungle, always managed to follow his turnings immediately. It felt like her intuition was at the same frequency as Ye Chong’s brain or she was aware of such crude tactic by Ye Chong, that she could even estimate the timing of turning and act accordingly in horrifying accuracy. Puzzling, puzzling indeed to Ye Chong.

It was getting spookier each time! No way!

Ye Chong was never alone. The opponent received the same shock as he did. “When did the Black Covers get this strong? A thrown-out grunt being this potent? Did we miss out something important on our observation? Why is there such a vast difference compared to the information we obtained?”

Feng Su’s heart panicked as she raced on and began to discern the inhuman strength and abnormal level of dexterity in possession by the opponent. “That pace too…” A momentum she could hardly compete with – other than the severe lack of skills, it was amazing. With his potential, if he mastered the Black Covers’ combating skills, he would bring disasters. No! In fact, he would be the disaster itself!

It only required a nod from the Black Coves, then he would be a great fighter in no time.

But how could the people from Black Coves miss such a brilliance? She was well aware of the forces behind the curtain, still she could not believe that they would make such a costly ignorance. She was shocked yet she was glad that apparently Number 58 did not learn that signature assaulting skill from his former organization, or she would be the busted one for the day. The skill was terrifying enough to make her hair stand by just imagining it.

The residents of the Orbits admitted to not the greatest force, but only to the wisest use of force.

The best outcome would only be achieved when the force was used in the wisest way. Certainly, the kind who held the greatest force in the galaxy would be none other than the pilots themselves. Nevertheless, it did not signify the insignificance of the other occupations like the fighters. The ones who combated brutally, no one would ever agree to the assumption that the fists of the fighters were no match to the iron walls of the mechs. A pilot would always be bound to the sequence of deploying a mech and entering the cabin after, and within that time frame, a skillful fighter could assault the pilot countless times before the corpse of the pilot rolled into the cabin.

So… Never look down on forces of any kind!

The afterimages of two phantoms lurked in the path of the forest, chasing each other.

“Jajaja!” Shang’s voice rang in pride, “Ye, that old gramp had spat everything! Woohoo! We are on the jackpot! Mentalist sure is interesting! I had already emphasized the fact that I could make anyone spit with my techniques! But man… that old gramp had a spine missing in his body. You know what I’m saying! He only lasted 20 minutes before he coughed out all he knew!” Shang probably meant that the old gramp was spineless…

“Of all time. Shang, you jerk!” While having a road-runner show with Feng Su, Ye Chong cursed as he was forced to bear with Shang’s words. He no longer had the mood to play with the wild kitty, as he turned to the other side to meet with Shang somewhere else. He was making his escape. He ran as far as possible to Shang he reckoned.

A twist, a stomp to the ground, a tur- Ye Chong’s legs felt tightened.

Ye Chong was astonished as his body tilted to the front like being pulled by inertia. Fortunately he reacted in time. He hit the ground with his palms, lifted from the ground like a spring, his waist charged up and he made a flip. Feng Su’s eyes glared strangely as her speed rose sharply. The luster in her eyes waved like odd beams as she moved rapidly.

Right when Ye Chong repositioned himself, that woman launched herself into him. That fair palm of hers inched towards Ye Chong and blatantly she aimed his throat!

The more dangerous the situation became, the calmer his thoughts turned. He maximized the speed of his hands as his right hand vanished and reappeared before his throat while his left hand had shifted to his chest, shielding his heart.

Ye Chong might be an enemy, but an impeccable enemy he was. Compliment blinked in her eyes upon seeing how Ye Chong was still able to react in the nick of time. That speed was also an overwhelming surprise to her.

“Still!”

It was not sufficient to stop her attack!

Wham!

Ugh!!

Ye Chong moaned as the rib on his right felt ruptured. He scowled as he went jabbing Feng Su’s neck. The dead-or-alive situation had once again ignited the potential in Ye Chong. The speed of his hands had gone beyond what the naked eyes of humans could capture!

It missed Feng Su, as his hand slid through her cheek. Her prediction saved her again! She was pleased when she made a bend before anything else. Zoom! A sharp hiss cut through the air! Fear filled her eyes in a second. She could almost smell and feel death. She had never felt this close to death before.

Ye Chong hurriedly jumped up high.

She straightened her body and the aftershock lingered in her mind with bewilderment a moment after, wondering what in the Orbits Number 58 was doing. No fighter would go into the air as there would be nothing to grip onto to fight back! If this was his attempt to make a strike, that would be fruitless! His performance was outstanding the whole time. He should not be using such a low trick… Or… this… Was this a trap?

Ye Chong jumped up high. The blast he made on his feet was immense.

No you don’t! Feng Su estimated the final height of Ye Chong as she also launched herself, striving to grab and pull him onto the ground. It was not her concern whether it was a trap! She would break him for sure!

Huh.

At that very point of time, things changed. A blue-white mech arrived in the scene and caught Ye Chong from mid-air. The next moment she knew, they disappeared.

Her eyes did see everything, including the appearance of the mech, well, most of it. That blue-white mech…

…

!!

“Ah!” Could it be…

Her mind went chaotic as she mumbled in disbelief.

Ye Chong was hung in Shang’s right hand as his eyes coldly fixed on that woman who had wounded his body! It was inevitable that her other attributes were far inferior than Ye Chong, yet she almost had him. What a scary feline! What a horrible woman! No! Such fearsome mentalist!

Shang glided between the trees agilely. He was fast and moved with grace that the ace pilots were sweating just by seeing his performance.

Outside the woods there lied a broad lake, which was unfamiliar to Ye Chong. The incoming wind felt humid with a faint refreshing sensation. The water was crystal clear and mechs of all walks of models were flying above it.

Before he could utter a word, his back felt hollow as he drastically fell. He panicked.

“Ye, I’m dreadfully sorry… I…I… fooled around too much just now… I had run out of energy… I…I…I…I am…h…heading back to…di…dimension,” only silence followed afterwards.

“Shang, you jerk!” cursed Ye Chong again. Even a saint like Ye Chong in most times could not bear with such crap as he fell all the way down haplessly.

Splash!

Ye Chong fell into the water as he was gargled by the river. Ye Chong might be an expert in piloting but he was still a novice in swimming. He did not know how to swim and he was struggling, drowning! He inhaled the fine portion of the mere air he got and he walked in the water. Due to his amazing control of his speed, he could feel the flow of the water clearly. As he became much calmer when being closer to death, his brain discerned every single bit of information in the surroundings. He analyzed instantly with his past experiences as he attempted a variety of coordinations of his body in the water.

Not too long after Ye Chong dropped into the water, a purple mech zoomed by the lake.

The air flow created by its speed lifted ripples on the surface of the lake.

Gasp!

A head popped out on the lake, grasping for air. That was Ye Chong. The mask on his face somehow fell off when he was underwater. His face looked pale after holding his breath for so long.

Cough! Ugh!

He spat out the plants from his mouth. Ye Chong concluded his discovery on a method to stay on water and not to sink. His legs stepped on the water rhythmically, trying to stay afloat with the flows he created, though he had probably drunk gallons of them.

I am not expecting to be saved!

He clumsily propelled towards the shore. He whimpered as his wounds ached by water and his exaggerated movements. Damn you Shang! If you get back on… No! I should never get you back on! This was like the nth time Ye Chong cursed the drugged robot.

Well the cursing did not help Ye Chong in any bit, not even to distract him from the pain he had to suffer. If it was Mu, he would not have to suffer any of these! Only Shang this jerk could be such a nuisance to drop him into the water! Ye Chong laughed bitterly.

When he finally got to the shore, he collapsed. His calves felt strained… The fight with Feng Su was too energy consuming as every move could cost his life. Most of his stamina was depleted in the end. His wound… It was bad, especially after being dipped in the water for too long… It was a miracle that Ye Chong could still hurl himself to the shore.

He was tired, so tired that he could barely lift his fingers. He could imagine himself never waking up again if he ever fell asleep.

The star blazed like a fireball. The warmth showered onto Ye Chong’s body, comforting and hypnotizing it was, like the cradle of safety. His eyes grew drowsier… but he could not… he could not sleep… this was not a place to rest.

He never expected to be this weak one day! If he would be this weak back on Trash Planet-12, he probably would have became an empty skull gashed by the engulfers.

The sound of footsteps trailed in his ears. There was someone coming! But well… Ye Chong was too worn out to even open his eyes. He knew his fate, that he could not fight back even if the person was hostile. He ridiculed himself, yet he tried to adjust his breath, trying to accumulate the very last ounce of his strength.

The person came before him.

Here it goes!

…

… …

Nothing happened. It was surprising to Ye Chong. Nonetheless he had to stay alert, though it might have been pointless in the end, as he looked as good as dead. He tried feeling his breath and eventually, he could feel his strength coming back bit by bit.

Ye Chong never opened his eyes as he assumed that would make the foe reckless. Well, if he were to show resistance, he could only dish out one strike at his very best. At least he could paralyze the foe with a blow of his arm or something… then he would have a cushion for the night, assuming the foe was truly hostile that is.

Out of the blue, he felt the person gently pushing his body!

Chapter 118: Nan Nan

“…ig br…er…”

“Big bro…er…”

“Big brother!”

An adorable voice rang sweetly by Ye Chong’s ears, “Big brother! If you stay under this hot sun your skin will become dark, very dark!” With her tiny hands, she held Ye Chong. She tried shaking him very hard. She kept shaking him in hopes that he’ll regain consciousness. Due to her small build, she did not have enough strength to shake Ye Chong who was much heavier than she was.

Ye Chong forced his heavy and tired eyes open. He tilted his head over and beamed at the little girl in front of him. The bitter smile on his quivering lips shone a little terrifyingly with that drained face of his.

The little girl seemed to be about 5 to 6 years old. The pair of large eyes blinked peculiarly above her dollish pink cheeks. A pale green beret sat on top of her head obediently… That was not a beret, that was a lid! The slots on it justified its identity! Ye Chong recognized it being one of the parts of a mech. The material seemed unusual too. Ye Chong wondered what this lid was made out of as he was amazed by the craftsmanship.

A red diamond shaped piece about the size of a palm hung around her neck. There were 4 holes tidily crafted on it. Ye Chong was astonished! Wasn’t this a part of a mech’s interior? It was the washer, wasn’t it? Why was she using it as an accessory?

Judging by her naivety blatantly presented through her appearance, Ye Chong let off a sigh of relief. It seemed like his security was finally assured.

“Wow… Big Brother, your smile’s ugly! Were you bitten by a dog? You poor, poor thing!” She expressed her utmost sympathy. The little girl carried on, “Big brother, can you move? You have to move! Yikes! You’ll get dark, very, very dark! What if… you become as dark as Brother Hei Zi… That wouldn’t be good…” She pondered hard about it and frowned. She somehow looked adorable in that state. “Aha!” she clapped her hands as she got inspired by something. Her angelic voice cheered loudly as she tripped her way away.

For some reason Ye Chong felt rather relaxed after listening to innocent words uttered by the little girl – it was as if something deep, deep down had awakened. His sight lost the waddling little girl… “She had probably headed home,” Ye Chong laughed and closed his eyes once more. He focused on regulating his breath, striving to regain his vitality as soon as possible. Being out of control on his own fate felt absolutely terrible.

He breathed in rhythms, attempting to avoid dozing off. It was a challenge to stay awake under a fatigued condition like this… A trial to one’s will was to not be lured away by sleep! The tiredness crashed into his head wave by wave. There were a few times where he fell asleep before knowing it yet he dragged himself out of the bog. Sleep could have been helpful in rejuvenating his strength but not fast enough.

It was agonizing to stay awake yet it was quite effective. He could feel his strength restoring bit by bit. This excited him. The exhaustion was mostly gone! Mhm, in about 10 minutes time, I should at least regain mobility!

Out of the blue he felt the glaring light vanished. Something was blocking his face and the scorching heat was greatly reduced!

He had his eyes opened.

His blurred vision discerned a small hand holding onto grass weaved into a shape of a ring which blocked the sunlight.

Her expressive eyes blinked again, “Big brother!” The charm was captivating, as her cheery voice resounded, “You won’t get dark now! Hehehe, isn’t Nan Nan smart?”

Ye Chong subconsciously smiled, without realizing how that smile twitched his wound. Hssssst… Hsstt… Out of immense ache he hissed pitifully.

“Hehehe…” little Nan Nan giggled, seeing how Ye Chong’s face turned bitter. Her laugh was bubbly, like ringing bells in spring. It was far lovelier to the ears than Feng Su’s voice. “Ow… poor, poor, big brother…” After giggling, her faint brows squeezed, “It must be bad, bad doggie! Bad, bad doggie bit big brother! Bad doggie is bad! Bad doggie bite Nan Nan’s dress!” While she shared her bad experience with a dog, she did not forget to show her sympathy too, “Big brother, your clothes, doggie bit it? Did bad doggie bite you?”

“Mhm!”

“Hehehehe~ Nan Nan was out alone. Shhh, it is a s-e-c-r-e-t. Grandpa and Brother Hei Zi says Nan Nan should not play outside. But staying home is boring! Nan Nan wants to play! Big brother, play with Nan Nan, okay?”

“Mhm!”

“Yay! Nan Nan is happy! Big brother is good! Good big brother!”

…

Three men walked by the river. They seemed to be chatting idly, as sometimes lustfully they burst out laughing. The filthy-looking shorty was ugly as hell. He looked like a pumpkin which rolled off a cliff. Every part of his face was well-blended. “Hey you both! Look over there!” he called the other two men as he spotted something.

For the other men, one was somewhat normal… yeah, the kind that would get missing once stepped into the crowd, while the other was fleshy on his face, looking messy as unshaved. Their eyes rolled in curiosity. They seemed quick-witted at least.

As guided by the shorty’s finger, they shifted their sight over, “Lao Pi, what is so worthy of all the heyhoo there?” The rugged man chuckled, “It’s just some beggar hooking up with a little girl. What is so exciting about that?”

The average guy said nothing, but his expression told the same.

Lao Pi sneered as he ignored that average guy’s expression, “You are just as dumb as you always are, Lao Meng! Look at Lao Ping, at least he’s not as dumb as a donkey like someone I know! Look at that little girl carefully!”

Lao Ping and Lao Meng stared at little Nan Nan dancing around the beggar for a moment. “She’s just a kid,” muttered Lao Meng. “Why are we looking at her for? Don’t tell me… you are a pedophile in disguise?”

“Shhhhh!” whispered Lao Ping. “Say it quietly. You can’t criticize the person who’s in front of you.” He lectured though his expression showed approval towards Lao Meng’s statement. And Lao Meng started giggling nonstop!

Ugh!

The corner of Lao Ping’s eyes twitched, as the wrinkles on his face splashed like waves, “Look at what the girl has on her head…” He pretended he had never heard the comment, “And also her neck.”

“Wha-”

“Tsk, tsk tsk,” interrupted Lao Pi as he grew impatient. “Sigh, some people just can’t use their eyes the right way. Don’t you see the obvious, stark things on her body? That kid has part of an inner ring of a mech’s feet, yes, that pale green ring. It should either be the bones of the green beast or the skull of fletchant, yes it could be the skull of that bird. Tsk, tsk tsk, do you know how much could this be sold for?”

!

Lao Ping and Lao Meng finally got the whole reason why Lao Pi reacted dramatically upon seeing the girl. Their eyes went wide like saucer as they spoke together. “How much?”

“Keke!” Lao Pi was getting puffed up seeing how the two dummies showing the expected reaction. “It would be strange if you know its actual value. Let me tell you… that piece isn’t some ordinary knock-off in the street. Tsk, obviously it’s a masterpiece out of pure handcraft. And not any maker on Haleyson could produce such artistry, I reckoned.”

“Stop blowing your own trumpet! Just tell us how much it is already!” Lao Meng’s face was filled with disdain while Lao Ping depicted supports at the side.

“100,000? At the very least,” Lao Pi was not really sure of the exact pricing, but that should be it!

That dubious stare from Lao Ping was discomforting… Lao Pi’s face reddened as he embarrassingly replied, “I do not know the exact figure! Well, at least it would not be lower than this!”

“For real?” Lao Meng immediately responded skeptically. “This crap could go up to 100,000 of the currency here? Hah! No way! Stop pulling my leg! With 100,000 of our currency you could get the same junk hat. 100,000 of them!”

Lao Ping stayed silent as he collected his mind.

“The crap you know with your head!” Lao Pi’s face tightened as his face went redder, “Let me tell you something more to fill that airhead of yours! Junk hat? Whoever that is rich and insane enough to get this piece as a hat, he would be the mascot of the planet! The more valuable part is that washer on the kid’s neck! I am dead f*cking sure this piece worth a fortune! Way more than that ring!”

“Whatever you say, boasting Pi,” Lao Meng disdainfully spoke.

“Why you!”

“Hey! Hey! Hey! I don’t understand why you guys could bicker when the thing is not even in our hands! Wouldn’t it be much easier if we get those things and check the price ourselves rather than guessing and denying each other here? IShe’s just a kid, how hard could it be! And that beggar seemed to be kicking his bucket anytime soon. No pressure, Lao Meng, go get the things off the little girl! And we would head straight to Huang San’s place for appraisal. Maybe we could really make a fortune out of these!”

Lao Meng went chuckling again upon hearing the suggestion. He showed approval as he headed to Nan Nan.

Ye Chong on the ground could feel every quake occurred. That heavy footsteps coming into his senses immediately illustrated a buffed man heading towards him. Ye Chong had his eyes wide open. Nan Nan was busy fanning Ye Chong with the grass ring in her hands. Good Nan Nan… not! Thanks to the grass ring, Ye Chong could hardly see the appearance of the coming foe, though he could see the legs clearly.

Ye Chong put up his guard. By some means, Ye Chong was having an urge to prevent this little girl from getting into any kind of troubles. “By some means” it was, he could not explain why, but the urge was strong and still! Sadly Mu and Shang were not by his side, or he could at least investigate this strange feeling in detail.

The footsteps got nearer and Nan Nan did not seem to have noticed a thing. Could that be a relative of hers? Ye Chong was ready! A portion of his strength had recovered! He could launch an attack for the girl anytime soon!

As Lao Meng started breeze-walking towards Nan Nan, she noticed something as she turned her head, “Big brother, is this your friend? He is coming to help you? Is he?”

Ye Chong’s heart skipped a beat. Nan Nan does not know this person! Who in the Haleyson could this person be! What does he want!

Lao Meng gleefully walked towards little Nan Nan. The grin was not helpful at all. He already looked horrifying enough with his appearance, adding that grin would only make him the most fearsome monster to the girl. Nan Nan was foreign to the smiling creature as she fearfully hid behind Ye Chong. Her head popped over his back, taking a peek. “Yikes!” She withdrew herself and started trembling behind.

“Big brother! Nan Nan… Nan Nan is afraid! Beard man is scary! Bad beard man!” she shook Ye Chong slightly and her voice was choked with tears helplessly.

“Heya, little girl. I meant no harm,” Lao Meng squeezed every kind of smile he had seen in his life before, “I just wanted to take a look at that beautiful green hat of yours. Oh, what a pretty necklace, could you give me that red… red…” He scratched his head and mumbled, “The heck was that again? Lao Pi had mentioned it before… How could I forget it… Sheesh, this is humiliating…”

Nan Nan wanted to stay alert but due to that introductory line of that bad beard man, she could not! She tried suppressing her laugh. All the intense fear she had before was gone. She pulled a face at Lao Meng, spitting her tongue, “Stupid beard man! Stupid! Stupid!”

And thereby Ye Chong got the big picture of the entire scenario. So that was what the man wanted! Man I am dumb! How could I forget this? Did my IQ just go down with my stamina after I get hurt?

Mu had once said it before – when one possesses a value beyond one’s own strength, one would be coveted by people. Looks like he was right after all!

Lao Meng took a glance at that beggar half-dead.

He did not seem threatening at all, man I am really dumb! The heck am I doing these mumbo-jumbo for, I’ll just snatch it!

Lao Meng kept his smile as he sprinted towards the kid.

Nan Nan the smart little girl sensed the danger as she sank into Ye Chong’s back. Her body was shaking violently.

Lao Meng stopped before the pathetic beggar as he launched his grab towards the girl.

And that was when Ye Chong made his move after being a splat of mud for so long!

Chapter 119: Rescued

A twinge seized Lao Meng’s rib and spread throughout his body. He lost control of his body out of a bewildering sudden as he collapsed right onto the lying beggar. And that was the moment when he realized the fact that the half-dead looking beggar actually had his eyes opened, glaring right into his soul!

The cold classic stare from Ye Chong caused Lao Meng’s heart to twitch.

Back in Black Coves, perhaps Ye Chong was not able to master the greatest assault, however he did learn a few of one-hitting techniques to hold the foes. The one occurred before was a strike to the target’s spinal cord to disable the target’s control to the body. It sounded all powerful like a technique from the martial arts tales, however as a matter of fact this was the most fundamental move in the Black Coves. Ye Chong did hear about other skills that were more tormenting and overwhelming back then, which some of them being truly bizarre!

Ye Chong used the technique when the foe let his guard down. A perfect one-hit strike!

He laughed bitterly in his mind. The move seemed simple, yet it consumed a majority part of his charged stamina. His breathing became hasty again.

Habitually, the following procedure could have been the killing. Ye Chong would hardly leave a living foe to spread his words around. The strike before was fatal enough to take this buffed man out, but Ye Chong simply did not have the stamina to kill this guy!

This technique could have been both efficient and effective. The effect was only temporary nonetheless. After a certain duration had passed and that duration was not long in actuality, the enemy would retrieve control of his body without any wound. And the one who would suffer the worst fate would be Ye Chong himself!

Ye Chong hoped that he could regain his stamina in time to at least launch one last strike before the enemy could move again. Once and for all!

Ye Chong’s eyes looked bloodthirsty!

As Lao Meng saw every expression on Ye Chong, out of fright, he screamed on top of his lungs, “Yikes! Why the hell can’t I move anymore? Holy Haleyson! Lao Ping, Lao Pi, get yourselves over here and save me! F*cking hell! I got set up! Quick! Get yourself here already!” Lao Meng’s coarse voice roared harshly.

Ye Chong flinched – he did not come alone? He was no longer concerned on his energy-saving plan as he pushed the beefy man to the side – Ugh, I thought I was moving a whale or something! Ye Chong stood up frantically on his weakened limbs – assuming the foe had mates behind, then I would surely lose in the end if I kept lying on the ground! He took a look at Nan Nan, who was covering her eyes and squatting on the ground, shivering. Somehow a hint of warmness rushed through Ye Chong’s body upon seeing her.

I’ll just do my best, thought Ye Chong. The situation was not as optimistic however.

Obviously he was thrown into a nasty situation, where the odds were all against him. Nonetheless, he did not rant or show grudges!

Providing that he would be killed in the end, he had to make the kill cost them a lot at the very least! Violence flashed in the dark pupils of his eyes, which frightened Lao Meng who had been watching this fierce beggar the whole time. His voice rang drastically, “Lao Ping, Lao Pi, be careful! This is a savage one!”

Lao Ping and Lao Pi inched towards Ye Chong sluggishly, as their faces were fixed with grim.

The sudden collapse of their friend was more than shocking. Till he made that SOS shriek, they were not aware that Lao Meng had fallen prey to a set-up.

The fact that the beggar stood up weakly was comforting to the two. At least he looked fragile as if he could fall in a breeze! Even so, thinking back of how desperate Lao Meng’s reminder sounded, their expressions turned grave once more, as they knew Lao Meng well. He might be a man who was all rough and tough but he had some real sensibility.

The beggar’s indifference even in such a nerve-wrecking situation justified Lao Meng’s reaction. It was then the two noticed the strangeness in this foe.

“Hey friend!” Lao Ping was acting kind as he spoke slowly, “This… This was just some misunderstanding, right? This friend of mine found the girl rather adorable, so he wanted to play with her. I know his jokes were pretty bad…” Lao Pi in the meantime shifted to the back of Ye Chong and started inching towards him. This was the 3 mousy-tears’ way of resolving issues after running business in the Orbits for years. They were a flawless team – Lao Ping first would use words to hold the foe, while Lao Pi would strike from the back. It always worked! Even if the foe did not fall for the strike, at least it would hold the foe throughout the entire conversation.

Unfortunately… What they had encountered was an oddity. Ye Chong was that one major who went against chattering during combats!

Ye Chong did not bother to carry on listening as he turned to his back, lifted his leg and launched a kick right into Lao Pi, which shocked the heck out of Lao Pi. It was a rare occasion to have a foe who wanted to fight right away. However, the kick gave no effect. It felt as weak as the beggar. And Lao Pi was relieved.

Seeing how the dirty beggar wanted to pick a fight for real, he decided to stop blabbering and give a kick to his back as he lifted his foot.

Lao Pi sneered as he felt harmless of the beggar’s kick. He moved faster towards Ye Chong.

Out of the blue, that feeble leg of Ye Chong’s sprang, like a serpent ready to take a bite. Fearsome it looked! The target was the neck! If the kick landed on point, the throat would shatter and the man would be dead! Lao Pi did not manage to react in time to dodge, as he covered his head with his arms crossed.

Thup! The kick hit Lao Pi’s arms. That was when Lao Pi was astounded by how much heavier the blow landed than it appeared! Ye Chong’s leg was stuck on the arms. He exerted more pressure on Lao Pi’s arms, the arms went closer to the face. Outrageous! Lao Pi used all his strength to force Ye Chong away. As adrenaline rushed on such a dead-or-alive situation, Lao Pi’s strength was amazing. Lao Ping was relieved seeing this.

Who knows!

Thup!

Ye Chong used the push by Lao Pi, as he fired himself towards Lao Ping.

Lao Pi’s leg was already lifted and he could not react in time. He only saw how Ye Chong was lifted by the force of Lao Ping and sank into Lao Ping, like a snake slithering over Lao Ping’s leg, raising his upper body alarmingly.

Lao Ping’s right leg was crushed as he lost balance. How else could he react?

Ye Chong had his eyes closed. Ache covered the top of his head, as he whimpered.

Crack!

A cracking sound of bone-crushing. Lao Ping fell onto the ground with his face hardened.

In that split second, Ye Chong launched his head right onto Lao Ping’s chin. The blow was so strong that it actually broke Lao Ping’s chin. The chin had always been the more delicate part of the anatomy, so Lao Ping collapsed due to the heavy blow.

Ye Chong and Lao Ping rolled together. The whole execution just now had completely exhausted every ounce of his strength. He could not even lift his fingers at that moment. Plus that blow he delivered with his head also returned a severe dizziness.

The vision blurred out and he looked all giddy.

In the fuzzy imagery, he saw the last man sneaked towards him… and there was one dark spot behind him that was becoming bigger.

What was that dark spot…?

Ye Chong’s eyes grew blurrier… And the sound in the surrounding retreated like the waves as they grew further.

Nan Nan… I tried… my best…

This was Ye Chong’s final thought before he fell into darkness and went unconscious.

…

… …

Ah!

Ye Chong opened his eyes abruptly. It was a foreign environment. “Mu… Shang… Are you there? Mu, Shang, speak to me if you are.” The first thing he did was to try contacting his partners to at least have an idea what was going on. Sadly Mu did not reply despite being the usual quick one to answer his inquiry, while Shang… he then only remembered the fact that Shang had drained his battery before.

Oh… the battle. He pieced up the fragmented memories. Wondered what happened to Nan Nan… she was probably rescued or Ye Chong would have been dead undeniably, considering how those peculiar men would not spare him at mercy.

He took a look on his body and lifted his limbs. Okay, all were good. The wound was mostly healed. It was satisfying to see his own strength coming back as normal. If the 3 men would come and taunt Ye Chong again, he would skew them in 5 seconds for sure.

He checked his belonging… Okay, the talisman on the neck was intact. At least I could summon Mu Shang if anything went wrong! This was most important to Ye Chong. The keystone for Yu Di was still there too. The bag… everything was there. Nothing was lost! The dagger, a gift of the person was there. Ye Chong felt much more relieved.

At last, he started inspecting his surroundings.

Ye Chong was on a bed; the mattress felt comfy. The room was pitifully crammed compared to the room Ye Chong used to stay where his mechs could be stored altogether. The pale green walls had countless tiny adornments, which gave off a living vibe to the room. There was a mini nano-water filtration machine at one corner with quite a number of knitted animals at the other. What are these for? Ye Chong wondered – Are they some sort of target for practice? The knitted animals did not look realistic while some details were overdone. They did not even look close to their actual counterpart!

Weird stuffs! Thought Ye Chong.

Right at that moment, Ye Chong’s ears caught two footsteps heading towards this room. He was alerted as he got off the bed and went into his defensive stance.

Bang. The door was pushed open!

It was Nan Nan! Right at one frame where the door was first opened, he could already discern her through the tiny gap.

Nan Nan entered the room, “Big brother! You’re finally awake!” Hurrahed Nan Nan as she saw Ye Chong standing in the middle of the room, “Good! Nan Nan is happy! Very good! Good Ye Chong!” Joyfulness gleamed on her face.

She was cute as usual but Ye Chong did not have the grace to look at her jumping around, instead his eyes fixed on that dark man at her back. The man should be at his 30s… he was very tanned. His shirtless body revealing his large muscles was rather scary, though his smile depicted a quite sincere personality. He followed Nan Nan carefully, probably was afraid that Nan Nan could trip anytime with her clumsy steps.

That body size obviously defined his strength in Ye Chong’s eyes.

The dark man grinned the moment he noticed the constant stare from Ye Chong. His teeth were sparkling white.

Little Nan Nan was intelligent. The moment she realized the exchanging stare between them, she went pulling Ye Chong’s pant and introduced gently, “Big Brother, this is my Brother Hei Zi. He loves Nan Nan very, very, very muchie! That day, Brother Hei Zi came and found Nan Nan. We are lucky. If not, big brother and I would be sad, very, very, sad. We got hit!”

Little Nan Nan’s messily produced description adorned with her hyper-active gesture finally clarified Ye Chong on what happened after he passed out. So that enlarging dark spot was the mech of Hei Zi. He saved his life in the nick of time.

“Thank you for saving me,” Ye Chong thanked him with much appreciation.

“No no no!” Friendlily Hei Zi replied, “It was what I should have done. I should be the one thanking you. If it was not for you, Nan Nan… she could have been…” He withdrew his word… he seemed pretty mortified by what could have possibly happened.

Chapter 120: In Search of a Visit

Without much hesitation, Ye Chong decided to stay for a while. The reasons were simple – first, he was going to search for the great doctors in this area; second, the training method of the mentalist discovered by Shang required much exploration – a tranquil environment would be necessary to achieve both of these. The outside world was pretty disturbed these days, though Ye Chong did not fear any of those incoming raids, he would prefer a bit of silence for the moment.

So calmly, he stayed at Nan Nan’s place, with these 2 quests in his mind which revolved about the horrible illness in him. He must stay, especially when the quests could take a long duration, be it finding out the great doctors or the breakthrough in the mentalist’s methodology.

Mu and Shang were fully charged way back. The first thing Shang got was a lecture about responsibility from Ye Chong, in detailed, vigorously after he rebooted. Sigh, what a headache to Ye Chong!

Practically Nan Nan’s family was of 3 members – her grandfather, Brother Hei Zi and Nan Nan herself. Ye Chong had rarely seen her grandfather showing up at the living room, although the elderly seemed to be in the pink of health. He always seemed to be somewhere else. The problem was the elderly appeared a little haughty sometimes, unlike Hei Zi who acted gentle and sincere the whole time.

Ye Chong was recollecting the information obtained from Shang’s private interrogation on poor Mr. Yin.

Mentalist was sure a mysterious occupation… Most of the information contained jargons passed from the past generations. An ordinary person might not be able to understand the gist of being a mentalist even after being bestowed with such decent information filled with foreign terminology. Fortunately, Shang’s own databank was vast in information, so a majority of the terms could be clarified; while the undefined terms, certainly Shang would have to get it somewhere else, for instance, from Mr. Yin’s head…

Mr. Yin was in such a misfortune. It could have been the worst day of his life. Mentalist treated the foundation of their mentality as the root; the meaning of their life. And because of Shang’s “special” interrogation, everything was pulled out of his head through his mouth, which caused severe damage to his mentality in the end. The drastic drop in his psychic ability was in expectation.

Well, Ye Chong was not a psychological analyst. He knew nothing about the man’s mind. Only Shang could voice his opinion as loud as he wanted and even Mu expressed helplessness in this field.

Hence, based on what he had learned from Shang’s digging of Mr. Yin’s brain, he began his mentalist training.

The catch was, information could never replace experience completely. That probably could clearly define the problem both Shang and Ye Chong faced currently. They might have sufficient information on the techniques, but Ye Chong still had to bear the process of being the lab rat while experimenting the techniques. He did not mind being one however.

The foundation of being a mentalist begins with meditation – technically, breathing and meditate, which was what Ye Chong was doing at the moment. To make his respiration slow yet profound in a certain rhythm while maintaining a state of emptiness in his head, the mentalists called it “Wu” or some addressed the state as “Kong Ming*”.

The breathing part was rather simple to Ye Chong. He was so used to adjusting his breathing in desired patterns. This requirement was achieved rather quickly and effortlessly.

The Kong Ming state though… It was challenging… He realized it was difficult to think about nothing in his head. In spite of that, Ye Chong did not give up straightaway. He tried for the next few days and on the 10th day of the practice, he started to get the gist of it.

According to the information acquired, a talented person would usually achieve the state of emptiness on their first attempt while the less-talented kinds could get it on the 2nd or 3rd day of training… For those who could not even get it after 3 days… they… they could never be a candidate for mentalist.

Although the information sounded discouraging, Ye Chong did not bother – whether if he was a candidate for mentalist or he was never one to begin with, it did not matter. He only hoped that he could ease the pain when the symptoms were triggered again with one or two techniques learned from the mentalist’s mastery. That was the whole point of his continuous training.

Mentalist solely relied on mental training to develop the potential in mankind. In addition, coming from that unlucky Mr. Yin, apparently there was a closely related branch off the mentalist occupation – the “mentalist pilot” they called it. Unlike mentalist, a mentalist pilot was obliged to undergo mental training as well as physical training.

Moreover, according to this man, it seemed like the mentalist pilot held the actual authority in the Orbits. They were the true elites as they shouldered the duty of guarding the safety of the sanctuary. Every mentalist pilot happened to be an ace pilot and they owned mechs modified by themselves.

Well then, if that was the case, Feng Su should be a mentalist pilot too. Ye Chong could still recall the pain when dealing with her like it happened yesterday. So he was well aware of the strength of a mentalist pilot.

The progress of his spiritual awareness training was sluggish and barely effective. It would take up to ages if Ye Chong would like to master those advanced techniques mentioned in the information at this rate. Ye Chong did not throw a tantrum of impatience however, as he understood deeply that being impatient and acting impatiently would not help hastening the progress at all. So what was the point of being all restless and agitated? Such a typical Mu mindset fixed in Ye Chong’s head.

Ye Chong would meditate routinely at night and he would spend the days looking for the great doctors with Hei Zi, who wholeheartedly assisted him in this with compassion. Nan Nan’s grandfather was ever-going, he was always busy with something. Hei Zi could only accompany Ye Chong half of the day as he had to spend the remaining time on doing tasks given by Nan Nan’s grandfather, though Ye Chong had the slightest idea on what they actually worked as.

As he was meditating, he heard two footsteps – one was heavy and the other was lighter – obviously those were from Hei Zi and Nan Nan.

He tidied his clothing – his own clothing was burnt way back. And because of that, he was wearing Hei Zi’s clothes instead. Hei Zi’s body was known to be much bulkier, so the clothing felt oversized on Ye Chong. It was not much of a concern to Ye Chong however, he folded the sleeves and the extra portion of the clothing. As long as the clothing would not affect his action, oversized or not, it did not matter, even though Ye Chong looked like a freak in it…

On the other hand, Nan Nan was on cloud nine. She was often at home alone and was forbidden to head out. It used to be her life crisis to remain like this but then she met Ye Chong, who could stay by her side at home while in the morning she could head out with Brother Hei Zi and Ye Chong. Even if Ye Chong was heading out alone, he would get her along. “Good big brother! Good Brother Hei Zi!” giggled the little girl, which was peculiar to her grandfather for how he actually felt easy of letting his granddaughter go out with this stranger.

“Big brother!! Big brother, are you ready? Brother Hei Zi and I are ready! Come out! Let’s go play! Let’s go play!” The little girl had already started shouting in excitement ahead of time. Her bubbly voice rang refreshing like the dews in the dawn – sweet and living.

Ye Chong pushed the door open. “Big brother!!” Little Nan Nan hurrahed as she skipped her way to Ye Chong clumsily upon seeing him finally leaving the room. Ye Chong quickly grabbed her before she fell. At about 1 meter away from Ye Chong, little Nan Nan squeaked excitingly as she jumped and Ye Chong lifted his arms and held her up in the air. He put the little girl over his shoulders. “Hehehe!” Little Nan Nan chuckled as her mushy hands gripped the collar of his shirt to avoid falling.

Hei Zi smiled at Ye Chong sincerely as usual while they headed out.

“The doctor is called ‘Dr. Lu Caite’. He lives at the boundary of Zeuth area. It is quite far from here. I am not really familiar about this doctor… I think I need to ask around once we arrived there.” Hei Zi was not the kind who spoke too well on lengthy sentences. He went silent after a brief explanation.

“Mhm,” Ye Chong also shut his mouth after a monosyllabic response. One could imagine the scenario when 2 concise-talkers hung out together.

As the journey would be consuming this time, they could only use mechs to rush their way there.

“Good mech!” Right when Ye Chong deployed Yu Di, Hei Zi responded with his eyes lustered, “Though the material was… normal,” his words trailed off…

Normal? What did he mean by normal? Other than the mechs at Black Coves and FMPA, Ye Chong was confident enough to claim that Yu Di had the best material. Or did it mean Hei Zi’s mech used a way better material than this?

“Ugly mech! Ugly big brother’s mech!” criticized Little Nan Nan as she spat her tongue out.

“Hah!” And Hei Zi deployed his mech too.

Well, Hei Zi’s mech looked quite normal… it was a humanoid mech. The material was really an eye-opener however, as most parts were made out of materials Ye Chong had never seen before. It was the same black mech but it was not the sparkling black metallic texture he used to see on Black Cove’s mech. The material of Hei Zi’s mech looked like something he knew but it was not something he knew at all. Yes, it looked like some sort of reformed material, yet the marks on the surface looked like it was wholly natural, which was really amazing to Ye Chong.

Hei Zi grinned the moment he saw how Ye Chong’s eyes were all glued on his mech, “The master made it for me!” That master uttered in Hei Zi’s mouth was none other than Nan Nan’s grandfather.

“What material is this?” asked Ye Chong as he went touching the surface. Both strength and ductility were fair!

“Ye.” Mu’s voice echoed in his head, “This is a strange material. It is my first encounter of such peculiarity. It did not seem to be artificial. The stats were all-rounded perfections. It is an impeccable material to build a mech!”

Well it was simply because Shang had hit his time so he had to switch with Mu. What a relief to Ye Chong.

“Most of these are from the skeletons of the Giant Black Whale.” As he identified the interest in Ye Chong towards his own mech, Hei Zi explained, “They are very ductile.”

Giant… Black Whale? Skeleton? You made mech with skeletons? That was really new to Ye Chong.

He wanted to inquire more about this “skeleton-hidden-in-mech” sorcery but Hei Zi was already hopping into his cabin. Eventually Ye Chong had to inhibit his curiosity as he brought Nan Nan into the cabin, starting off their journey.

The mechs moved extremely fast. It did not take them long to hit the boundary of Zeuth.

They kept their mechs into the dimension after they had landed successfully.

“I had only came here a few times before,” mumbled Hei Zi. “Not really sure here. Dr. Lu was someone I heard from gossips. We need to ask around.”

“Mhm,” and again, a simple response from Ye Chong. They had been through various places, meeting up with countless great doctors at the area, but none of them could identify Ye Chong’s illness in the end. Ironically, some of them even assumed that this was a stupid prank pulled off by these irresponsible, immature youngsters as they angrily abandoned the two bewildered men, waving their sleeves restlessly home.

Asking the way became the mission for little Nan Nan, simply because she dealt the most damage to motherly females. And it worked like a charm, in no time they had gotten the exact address for Dr. Lu, thanks to the kindest enlightenment from this momma on the street. They reached the said address fast.

“Is it here?” pointed Ye Chong at one house surrounded by quite a number of mechs.

There were 5 mechs surrounding the corners of this house. It looked like a war could brew anytime…

“That should be it,” Hei Zi sounded a little unsure…

“Antsient…Rock Sutreeet.. Seven Paive Tree,” Little Nan Nan was reading the address, which was “Ancient Rock Street-753”. She tried reading it carefully and then declared it proudly, “It is here! We found it! We did it! We did it! We did it! Hurray!”

But what were those mechs doing here? Ye Chong and Hei Zi looked at each other in dismay.