Chapter 118 – Shocking the Crowd

Chapter 118 – Shocking the Crowd

Yuan Jianze’s emotions were in turmoil, a mix of complexity and pain. He had initially thought Cheng Yang being a high-level magic apprentice was already impressive, considering the apocalypse had just begun. Becoming a high-level magic apprentice so soon was beyond reason. If not for Cheng Yang’s ability to instantly kill warriors with 30 health points, Yuan Jianze wouldn’t have believed it.

But now, it seemed he had underestimated Cheng Yang. So far, Yuan Jianze hadn’t seen any attacks that failed to penetrate Cheng Yang’s defenses. The only explanation was that Cheng Yang’s defense was abnormally high.

If it were just about equipment, the area attacks should have hit Cheng Yang’s weak points. Yet, Cheng Yang emerged unscathed after the barrage. This couldn’t be explained by equipment alone.

If not a high-level apprentice, then what? A peak-level apprentice? Yuan Jianze dared not think further. According to a mid-level apprentice who recently shared his experience on the forum, advancing from beginner to mid-level doubled all attributes. If the progression from mid to high and high to peak followed the same pattern, Cheng Yang’s defense would exceed 8 points, and his attack power would surpass 40 points. With skills and equipment bonuses, these stats would be terrifying.

Now, Yuan Jianze found himself in a dilemma. To fight was likely futile, but to retreat would mean losing face after his earlier threats.

He regretted letting Liu Xiyue slip away earlier. Capturing her as a hostage would have been a strategic move. But now, she stood 200 meters away, out of reach.

“Commander, judging by Liu Xiyue’s attire, she’s not a warrior. Since she chose to flee, her strength must be limited. Why not send a few fast runners to capture her?” suggested Old Wu, standing beside Yuan Jianze.

Yuan Jianze gritted his teeth. “Go after her!”

Old Wu quickly organized a team of twenty warriors to chase Liu Xiyue.

Cheng Yang observed their movements but only offered a silent prayer for the twenty warriors before shifting his focus back to the battle.

In just over ten seconds, dozens had fallen around Cheng Yang. Some had tried to rescue Zhao Xun and others, but Cheng Yang thwarted every attempt. Any warrior who got too close was swiftly dealt with, deterring further rescue efforts.

Zhao Xun and his companions lay on the ground, terrified as arrows and magic missiles whizzed overhead. Cheng Yang’s ice spike skill was particularly deadly, capable of wiping out entire groups in an instant. One hit meant certain death.

Meanwhile, the twenty warriors chasing Liu Xiyue had disappeared into the distance, their fate unknown.

Yuan Jianze watched as Cheng Yang continued to slaughter his men amidst the chaos. Regret began to creep in. Perhaps attacking Cheng Yang had been a mistake.

But how to resolve this situation? Sending more men? Overwhelming Cheng Yang with numbers? Yuan Jianze wasn’t sure. Before the appearance of taverns and shops, he might have considered it. But now, with the discovery of storage rings in the shops, Cheng Yang likely had a vast supply of mana potions. Unless he mobilized the entire city’s warriors, depleting Cheng Yang’s resources seemed impossible.

Admitting defeat was unbearable. Yuan Jianze couldn’t imagine the consequences. With tensions high and Cheng Yang holding the upper hand, peace seemed unlikely. Moreover, losing would shatter his authority, making him a laughingstock in the city.

As Yuan Jianze hesitated, Cheng Yang cut down another thirty men. To him, these attackers were too weak.

Cheng Yang considered capturing Yuan Jianze to end the battle swiftly. But he dismissed the idea. The city’s power structure was too complex. Eliminating Yuan Jianze might lead to chaos, with various factions vying for control. Cheng Yang didn’t want to deal with constant threats from the shadows.

So, Yuan Jianze had to live, at least for now. Cheng Yang had no intention of killing him.

Lu Gaofeng, leader of the Second Militia, stood beside Yuan Jianze. A shrewd businessman, he had calmed down after seeing his men fall. He recognized Yuan Jianze’s dilemma.

“Commander, perhaps we should negotiate. I have nearly a hundred men held captive. If we push Cheng Yang too far, they’ll be killed,” Lu Gaofeng whispered.

Yuan Jianze’s eyes flickered. “Cease fire! Fall back!”

The warriors retreated as if granted a reprieve. Cheng Yang didn’t pursue, calmly watching Yuan Jianze.

Yuan Jianze glanced at the dungeon portal, frustration evident. “Cheng Yang, I admit your strength. I concede the dungeon portal. But you must release my men. Otherwise, even if I don’t pursue you, the tens of thousands of warriors in the city will hunt you down.”

Cheng Yang laughed. “Commander Yuan, you still don’t understand the situation. I don’t need to face your warriors head-on. I can pick them off from the shadows. In a few days, your men won’t dare leave the city.”

Yuan Jianze was speechless. Cheng Yang’s logic was sound. He inwardly cursed Cheng Yang for lacking the demeanor of a true master.

If Cheng Yang knew Yuan Jianze’s thoughts, he’d laugh. In the apocalypse, survival trumped decorum.

“What do you propose?” Yuan Jianze asked, having already taken a step back.

Cheng Yang smiled. “Simple. Your faction is a threat to me. Disband your forces, and I’ll let you go. These captives can leave too.”

“Impossible!” Yuan Jianze’s face darkened. Disbanding his army would strip him of his authority. The city would descend into chaos.

Cheng Yang didn’t truly want Yuan Jianze to disband his forces. If he did, killing Yuan Jianze would achieve the same result, plunging the city into disarray.

Cheng Yang understood the art of negotiation. “Commander Yuan, you’re stubborn. I didn’t intend to make such demands initially. I only wanted you to withdraw from the dungeon. But you attacked me. My price for intervention is high, higher than you can afford. Do you still think you can bargain?”

With that, Cheng Yang dashed forward, closing the distance to within 30 meters of Yuan Jianze before unleashing a barrage of ice spikes in front of him.

Yuan Jianze stumbled back in fear, only to realize Cheng Yang had no intention of killing him.

“You…” Yuan Jianze felt this was the worst day of his life. He now understood that if Cheng Yang wanted him dead, resistance was futile.

Cheng Yang returned to his original position, calm and composed. “Commander Yuan, have you reconsidered?”

Yuan Jianze’s face was ashen. “Disbanding the army is impossible. The city’s hundreds of thousands depend on us for protection. Otherwise, they’ll fall prey to demonic beasts. As for other conditions… you may propose them.”

Cheng Yang breathed a sigh of relief. This was the opening he had been waiting for.

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