Chapter 294: Seen Through

Liang Pu city, once a small city, had developed rapidly over the past decade. It had become a medium-sized city and still had room for growth.

Although many ancient martial artists, even some from hidden sects, knew of the Jiang Nan Cha family, they weren't famous in Liang Pu. Their old houses were the only thing of note; the family's notoriety stemmed solely from them.

These houses held little value when the city was small, but when Liang Pu became a medium-sized city with rail links to Luo Cang, housing prices skyrocketed. The Cha family's houses were reportedly worth countless times more, their prime location in Liang Pu further increasing their value.

Liang Pu's rising land values and the Cha family's optimal location attracted many developers. Numerous companies desired the land, but only Hong Hua corporation possessed the means to acquire it—no land was beyond their reach. As Hong Hua corporation investigated the Cha family houses, many anticipated the family's relocation.

Unexpectedly, the plan was canceled within half a month, the corporation's authorities and most of their families disappearing overnight.

This caused a massive uproar. A government investigation revealed that Hong Hua corporation had engaged in tax evasion and corruption, prompting their hasty flight with their wealth. Regardless of the truth, no one dared to challenge the Cha family's possession of the houses again.

When Dong Qing and Ye Mo arrived at the Cha family, they received a superficially warm greeting from the family head, Cha Rulong.

Upon entering, Ye Mo sensed a strong yin chi, or perhaps earth yin fiend chi, which was more accurate. Living in a house with such aggressive chi was inadvisable. However, Ye Mo was more puzzled by the Cha family's small size; only a few emaciated and tawny servants were present, clearly affected by the fiend chi.

It seemed the Cha family didn't reside there; the houses served as a cultivation site, specifically a place to cultivate earth fiend chi. Their ancient martial arts cultivation was clearly connected to the fiend chi, suggesting they weren't benevolent.

The house's backyard was barricaded, off-limits to outsiders. However, Ye Mo's spirit sense detected only a few ancient martial arts cultivators.

"Mrs. Dong, you left last time without saying goodbye. I didn't know who you were. I apologize," Cha Rulong said with feigned guilt, quickly recovering his composure. Turning to Ye Mo, he added, "You must be Mr. Cheng Qing. Please, come in."

His smile became more hospitable. Cha Rulong, appearing to be in his fifties, had a beardless, white face. He was at the yellow level middle stage and seemed to have a solid foundation.

Ye Mo observed Cha Rulong's expression. Although he quickly returned to a hospitable smile, Ye Mo detected the shock upon seeing him. While the change was subtle, it wasn't insignificant. Ye Mo was certain Cha Rulong wouldn't be able to tell.

Since Cha Rulong couldn't tell he was disguised yet still showed shock, the only explanation was that Cha Rulong recognized him as someone other than Cheng Qing, either having seen Cheng Qing before or having his picture.

Ye Mo didn't expect the Earth Fiend to be so meticulous, having sent Cheng Qing's picture to Cha Rulong. This suggested either the killer was being abandoned by the organization or the client was closely connected to the hitman organization.

Apparently, Cheng Qing and Dong Qing's relationship was already known to their organization, unbeknownst to the couple.

"Indeed, I'm Cheng Qing," Ye Mo replied, deciding to play along.

Cha Rulong smiled, "I'm Cha Rulong. It's an honor you two are visiting our Cha family."

He led Ye Mo and Dong Qing to the guest quarters.

Immediately, Ye Mo scanned the area with his spirit sense. Two individuals stood at the door, and three were inside—Cha Rulong and two ordinary martial artists, whom Ye Mo recognized as non-killers.

However, an underground scan revealed the truth: the ground was hollow. Two individuals hid under each of the left and right guest chairs, Earth Rank killers.

Ye Mo's spirit sense also located another Earth Rank killer on the roof and another underground. This was far from a threatening situation for Ye Mo.

The Earth Fiend's deployment of so many killers underscored their lack of underestimation. Did they know he was impersonating Cheng Qing? Impossible. Even Cha Rulong only realized it upon seeing him. The only explanation was that they were certain he'd follow Dong Qing to obtain the blood coral, the hitmen attacking during his attempt.

Now that Cha Rulong knew he wasn't Cheng Qing, some thought would reveal Ye Mo's true identity. Despite his changed face, Ye Mo knew they likely had his picture.

If the Cha family discovered his true identity, they'd likely attack immediately. Ye Mo remained standing in the guest quarters. Sitting would trigger the hitmen's attack, preventing him from seeing the blood coral.

He couldn't fathom why the Earth Fiend would expend so much effort for killing him after he'd only killed two of their hitmen. If they believed a few assassins could kill him, they were greatly mistaken.

Dong Qing remained vigilant, staying beside Ye Mo.

"Please, have a seat," Cha Rulong invited again.

Ye Mo smiled, "Mr. Cha, we're here to help. The blood coral is crucial to the Cha family, and to us. Is it still here?"

He knew he shouldn't ask, but since his identity was known, concealment was pointless. Seeing the blood coral was paramount.

Dong Qing immediately understood. Ye Mo's question was designed to sow doubt; they lacked the authority to inquire about the blood coral. His cunning wouldn't allow such a blunder. He knew their identities were exposed.

Understanding his intent, Dong Qing stated, "That's right. Our superiors contacted us to protect the blood coral; we need to confirm its presence."

Ye Mo nodded. Dong Qing's quick understanding was helpful. This approach might enable them to see the blood coral.

"Very well, please sit. I'll have the blood coral brought for your examination," Cha Rulong said, instructing someone to retrieve it.

They showed no concern about being linked to the Qiao family massacre nor doubted Ye Mo.

"Please, have a seat," Cha Rulong repeated.

Ye Mo sat, his flying sword simultaneously piercing the ground beneath his chair.

Before the killer could react, Ye Mo's sword severed his head, preventing the Gu bug within from escaping.

He then killed the hitman under Dong Qing. Upon their sitting, these two killers were dead.

His flying sword continued its work, swiftly killing the hitman at the door and another on the roof.

Four killers fell in moments. Ye Mo sneered; absolute power rendered ambushes useless.

However, his face paled slightly; killing four consecutively was taxing on his chi control.