Chapter 242: Ambush

Translator: Tim Editor: Chrissy

“What’s your name?” The black-clothed woman abruptly ceased laughing, her gaze cold as she fixed on the nun and her disciple.

“Wanbei[1] Hui Yan,” the nun replied, despair evident in her beautiful eyes. “This is my disciple, Zu Xu.” She knew this woman likely wouldn’t let them go.

Suddenly, a deep, resonant chant echoed, “A mi tuo fo…”

The black-clothed woman’s expression shifted. A sneer curled her lips. “Since the old monk has intervened, I’ll let you go this time. But if word of this reaches others, your lives will be forfeit.” She turned and left.

The nun bowed in gratitude towards the source of the chant, then hastily dragged her disciple away.

…

Xi Shuang Temple.

Five people occupied the room Ye Mo had just vacated: the goateed man, Xi Wushan, the woman Ye Mo had interacted with during the auction, a man roughly Xi Wushan’s age, and a gray-clothed figure whose age was indiscernible, seated at the back.

“Shixiong Yu,” Xi Wushan addressed the man of similar age, “are we simply going to let him escape?”

The man, Shixiong Yu, smiled. “Escape? Where could he go? I don’t know how he left the room, but he likely used an illusion. Huang Wen lacks experience in ancient martial arts; being deceived was inevitable. However, he vastly underestimates the Space Association if he thinks he can leave so easily.”

The goateed man, feeling awkward about Ye Mo’s undetected escape, asked, “Brother Yu, you mean…?”

Shixiong Yu stated plainly, “Lone Wolf awaits him at the cliff. We’ll act after he’s been dealt with. He’ll be forced to cooperate then.”

The previously silent woman, frowning, interjected, “Shixiong Yu, while your plan is sound, Mo Ying killed Zheng Chengze and the Gu brothers. He’s not to be underestimated.”

Xi Wushan countered, “Lady Fang, don’t worry. I’ve witnessed his fighting style twice. He’s at most at the peak of Black Level. Compared to Lone Wolf, who’s Earth Level, he’s far inferior.”

Shixiong Yu nodded. “Shidi Wu Shan is correct. He’s no match for Lone Wolf. And even if he defeats Lone Wolf, there’s still Zhang Zhihui. We simply need to wait and claim the credit; we needn’t worry about subduing him.”

Lady Fang remained unconvinced. “In that case, why not capture him directly? That would save considerable trouble.”

Shixiong Yu shook his head. “It’s not that we’re unwilling, but sparing his life will encourage his cooperation. Besides, Wu Dao, the old monk, has intervened. Overly forceful measures would invite his interference.”

Their discussion was interrupted by a Buddhist chant, “A mi tuo fo…” Except for the figure at the back, the other four sprang to their feet in surprise.

…

An hour later, Ye Mo, surmising that his pursuers had left, rose. He wondered how the Xi Shuang Temple members would react to his untraceable departure.

He ventured onto the cliff path, making no attempt to conceal himself. At his current level, any release of chi would betray his invisibility.

However, halfway along, he halted. His spirit sense detected Lone Wolf nearby. The man’s persistence was undeniable. Turning back was out of the question; Xi Shuang Temple’s intentions were far too sinister.

“You hide well,” Lone Wolf sneered, “but you can’t hide from me. Hand over everything and sever an arm. I’ll let you live.” His arrogance was palpable.

Ye Mo sneered. He knew many were aware of the ambush, but he was certain no one was observing. The cliff path was narrow, with a sheer drop beyond.

Therefore, Ye Mo had no reservations. Lone Wolf was comparable to Bian Po, perhaps slightly stronger. Yet, Ye Mo was far more powerful than before. Although he recognized the chasm between Black and Earth Levels, he wasn’t afraid.

“You really want this?” Ye Mo advanced a few steps, his expression impassive.

Lone Wolf watched intently. Ye Mo was still several meters away. Any further movement, and the attack would commence. His only concern was preventing Ye Mo’s body from falling into the ravine. He noted the young man’s unarmed state, and apparent lack of overwhelming strength.

“Waste no more time,” Lone Wolf sneered, slowly raising his fist. Against someone like Ye Mo, a sword was unnecessary.

“Then die,” Ye Mo retorted, a long sword suddenly materializing in his hand. He lunged, the frosty wind generated by the sword seeming almost tangible, a few meters before it even reached Lone Wolf.

Lone Wolf was stunned, having no time to consider the sword's origin. He leaped from the path, simultaneously launching a fist.

Lone Wolf’s eyes were sharp. Thud! Ye Mo’s sword struck Lone Wolf’s fist. Ye Mo recoiled, a jarring blow causing internal bleeding. He admired Lone Wolf’s reflexes and eyesight; even with his rapid strike, Ye Mo sustained damage. On level ground, he’d hold no advantage.

However, the sudden attack inflicted a significant wound on Lone Wolf’s chest, though not truly debilitating.

Ye Mo’s primary success lay in forcing Lone Wolf off the path. As Lone Wolf attempted to regain his footing, Ye Mo knew he had to prevent it at all costs, otherwise, he’d lose his advantage; even being forced to jump himself. Having achieved his goal, he wouldn't let Lone Wolf return.

At that moment, Ye Mo realized the vast difference between himself and Earth Level fighters. Before reaching Stage 4, he couldn’t properly engage them.

“Damn you!” Lone Wolf roared, enraged at being ambushed by an insect he could easily kill. He flipped, attempting to land back on the path.

Ye Mo didn’t hesitate, unleashing a barrage of wind blades. It was as if Lone Wolf was returning for execution. Ye Mo had used this move against Bian Po to great effect against stronger martial arts practitioners.

As Lone Wolf neared the path, a frosty wind slammed into his face. The sudden reappearance of Ye Mo’s sword, and the evident power of the wind, startled him. He didn’t dare block, flipping to avoid it.

Two flips in midair, exhausting all his chi. A fall from that height would be fatal. He couldn’t believe a small lapse in judgment had led to this predicament at the hands of an ant. On level ground, he wouldn't have been the slightest bit intimidated.

Ye Mo’s plan worked perfectly. Without pause, he attacked again.

Lone Wolf drew a short, leaf-shaped sword, clashing with Ye Mo’s blade.

Clank! Sparks flew. Lone Wolf was sent sprawling several meters, clinging precariously to the cliff face. He dared not move.

Ye Mo gasped at the Earth Level’s chi reserve. The man still hadn’t fallen.

Lone Wolf, too, was reeling. He was at a complete disadvantage. How had the young man produced that invisible projectile? Where did the sword come from? And, that long sword resembled Bian Po's. Had he killed Bian Po?

The thought unnerved Lone Wolf. If he'd killed Bian Po, he could just as easily kill him. But would he even be spared knowing that?

For the first time, Lone Wolf felt sweat bead on his brow, facing what he considered an ant.

Seeing Lone Wolf clinging to the cliff wall like a bat, seven meters below, Ye Mo sneered, sheathing his sword. Though a casual movement for Ye Mo, Lone Wolf’s eyes widened in terror. He’d initially thought Ye Mo was adept at concealing his weapon, but now he’d clearly seen the sword vanish into thin air.

Lone Wolf, experienced in life-or-death situations, had initially underestimated Ye Mo and chosen a poor ambush point, but he now fully grasped the gravity of his situation.

“Friend,” Lone Wolf pleaded, “I beg your forgiveness. I’ll surrender everything and swear never to reveal this or trouble you again.”

Ye Mo sneered. “You’re too naive. Once I attack, I show no mercy.”

…

[1] TL note: Wanbei: the opposite of Qianbei; a term younger generations use to refer to themselves.