Chapter 228: Escape

Ye Mo produced a defensive necklace and gave it to Tang Beiwei. "Put this on. After I leave, close the windows and lock the door. Don't open it until I return."

He couldn't be certain that those who plotted against him wouldn't also harm Tang Beiwei.

"It's a beautiful necklace, brother. Is it for me?" Tang Beiwei admired the exquisite piece. She rarely wore jewelry; this was her first.

Ye Mo felt a pang of guilt. Tang Beiwei possessed neither proper jewelry nor a modern phone, a clear indication of her recent hardships. He refrained from mentioning it, instead resolving to be more attentive to his sister.

He then said, "Don't remove this. These are charms I made. If anyone enters, throw these at them. When you throw one, say, 'Lin.'"

Ye Mo handed her ten palm-sized charms. Tang Beiwei stared, dazed. Had he spent the entire afternoon crafting them? Was this the Dao magic he’d mentioned?

Seeing her confusion, Ye Mo explained, "These are Fireball Charms. Throw them; they'll create fireballs. Don't use them casually."

"Brother, this..." Tang Beiwei was speechless.

Ye Mo waved his hand. "Just remember my words. I wouldn't hurt you. After I leave, wait for me."

He reiterated his warnings; Tang Beiwei nodded seriously, acknowledging her previous mistake. Wei Yongqian hadn't merely intended to teach Ye Mo a lesson; he'd aimed to kill him. The significant expense involved confirmed this.

Ye Mo left the room, closing the door. He knew his enemies were cunning and dangerous, and he wanted to ensure Tang Beiwei's safety. He carefully scanned the area with his spirit sense, confirming the surveillance personnel were distant.

Nevertheless, he used invisibility to leave the hotel. After walking some distance, he hailed a taxi to the location Tang Beiwei had indicated. He used invisibility to avoid detection.

He needed to eliminate them before they could react. Ideally, he would take Tang Beiwei with him, but he feared his enemies were too powerful, and he didn't want her to witness the violence.

Wuliang Mountain, a sacred Buddhist site, housed the Xishuang Temple, larger than many renowned temples. Few knew of its existence, as it was inaccessible to tourists, hidden deep within the mountain's treacherous ranges.

The temple itself wasn't dangerous, but its location was. A vast canyon, featuring a bottomless cliff, presented a significant obstacle.

Currently, however, access was unimpeded. The hidden sects' major auction was imminent, and a massive metal chain bridge spanned the canyon. Its construction remained a mystery.

Dongfang Xi and two Yellow Level masters lay in wait within the canyon, anticipating Ye Mo's arrival. Meanwhile, Song Hai, several Song Family Yellow Level warriors, and Li Mingqiang positioned themselves on either side of the canyon, awaiting Tang Beiwei's return with Ye Mo. Failure to return meant death.

Except for Dongfang Xi and Li Mingqiang (a Black Level tertiary stage master unconcerned with Ye Mo), the others were tense. Dongfang Xi, confident in his plan, remained calm.

Song Hai checked his phone before addressing Dongfang Xi. "Mr. Dongfang, a car's approaching. It should be Ye Mo and Tang Beiwei. Oddly, my men at the hotel didn't see them leave. I don't understand how they got into the car."

Dongfang Xi's heart skipped a beat. He recalled Ye Mo's invisibility in Tu Town and felt a sudden apprehension, though his face remained impassive. "Song Hai, your personnel require better training."

Song Hai nodded. "I fear Ye Mo won't survive crossing the bridge. While we'd have revenge, it wouldn't be satisfying."

Dongfang Xi agreed. "Brother Song, don't worry. This will be satisfying. But you're right; the guards are strong. It wouldn't do for them to kill him. I'll speak to them inside. I ensured our presence here. I'll request they leave Ye Mo a breath; that should be sufficient."

Dongfang Xi instructed his men to follow Song Hai's orders before telling Song Hai, "I'll be quick. You command here."

Though Song Hai suspected Dongfang Xi's connections within the hidden sects, he hadn't expected such direct access. Impressed, he replied, "Thank you, Mr. Dongfang. Leave this to me."

Dongfang Xi departed toward the bridge, only to be halted by a sudden ambush.

He ran several hundred meters before concealing himself behind a rock and made a call.

"What's happening? No report after the target's departure?" Dongfang Xi's voice was laced with anxiety.

"Advisor, we've constantly monitored the hotel entrance with telescopes. We saw no sign of the target," his men reported.

Dongfang Xi knew things had gone wrong. His plan shouldn't have been compromised. How had Ye Mo known? Even Song Qiming was unaware; his knowledge of Tang Beiwei and Ye Mo was coincidental. But how did Ye Mo learn of the plan?

"Immediately send men to the target's room. If she's alone, take her; move Yu Yuan to the next location before contacting me." Dongfang Xi acted decisively. The lack of Ye Mo's sighting at the hotel indicated suspicion or prior knowledge of the plan, prompting his concealment.

Regardless of success or failure, he needed to escape. He would contact his men later. If both were gone, he'd make a new decision. If only Tang Beiwei remained, the plan had undoubtedly failed.

After Ye Mo's departure, Tang Beiwei casually placed the Fireball Charms on the table, then put on the necklace, reluctant to remove it. Though lacking jewelry, she’d seen celebrities' pieces on television and in malls, but none compared to her brother's gift. The pearls emitted a soft glow, radiating serenity. It was truly beautiful.

The day felt surreal. She had a kind brother, yet he’d been harsh and frightening before discovering their sibling relationship.

Was Ye Mo truly her brother? He held many secrets. She’d seen him produce items, yet his clothes were thin; where did he store them? He'd purchased many materials that day, but she didn't know where he'd put them.

A sharp banging on the door startled her. Ye Mo would call before entering. Who was knocking?

Remembering Ye Mo's instructions, she donned the necklace, picked up the charms, and anxiously watched the door.

The knocking ceased. Worry overwhelmed her; her brother wasn't there. Would the charms work?

Dongfang Xi, though initially dismissing his concerns, wouldn't risk even the slightest possibility. His past experiences taught him caution. He'd retreat decisively, regardless of whether Ye Mo had fallen for the trap. He had no reason to stay.

He answered his vibrating phone. His men's report shocked him. He'd merely guessed, but Tang Beiwei was still at the hotel.

Dongfang Xi broke into a cold sweat, immediately ordering his men to retrieve her and await his instructions. He switched off his phone and fled. He wouldn't risk meeting his men at the hotel; he didn't believe Ye Mo would leave Tang Beiwei there knowing his plan. He'd undoubtedly taken precautions.

His flight only increased his regret. He would never personally participate in such an operation again. While the satisfaction of revealing the truth to Ye Mo and witnessing his rage had been tempting, nothing surpassed the value of his life.