Chapter 46: Borderland—Flowing Snake Town
Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin
A young man, kicked by Ye Mo, flew backward, crashing into a trash can. His posture suggested he’d sat down deliberately, were it not for the blood streaming from his nose and mouth.
Ye Mo’s swift action immediately alerted everyone, including a man who’d just ended a phone call. Turning, the man saw a thief behind him. Unfazed, the thief stowed a knife hidden between his fingers and turned to join two accomplices who were now flanking Ye Mo.
Besides the youth sprawled against the trash can, there were four thieves in total.
“Punk, you’re asking for it! Get him!” another knife-wielding youth yelled, charging at Ye Mo. The other two followed suit, leaving the bleeding youth utterly terrified.
He understood perfectly: a single kick had sent him flying. The thought of a chest-kick, and the resulting flight, filled him with even greater terror. He recognized Ye Mo as someone to be avoided and wanted to call off his accomplices, but they were already engaged.
The middle-aged man surmised that Ye Mo had likely been targeted after the thieves attempted to steal his wallet. While wanting to help, he lacked martial arts skills. Just as he reached for his phone to call the police, an unbelievable scene unfolded.
Ye Mo kicked the knife-wielding thief again, sending him flying. The thief didn’t even realize his own knife had pierced his leg. Worse, he landed directly on the head of the youth in the trash can.
Next, Ye Mo executed a spinning kick, sending the remaining two youths—including the original wallet thief—flying. Two distinct “cracks” echoed. The source of the sound became clear when the thieves cried out in pain and collapsed onto the trash can. The four thieves formed a heap, crushing the can and sending it clattering to the ground.
The middle-aged man gasped. Had he not witnessed it firsthand, he would have assumed it was a computer-generated video. It was like watching an action movie.
“Scum,” Ye Mo muttered, leaving the scene. The onlookers finally recovered, staring at the prone thieves before erupting into applause.
Though barely able to move, the thieves, aware of the impending trouble with the police, struggled to their feet. Ignoring their injuries, they supported each other and limped away.
“Friend, wait! Thank you!” the middle-aged man called out gratefully, chasing after Ye Mo.
Ye Mo waved dismissively. “It’s nothing. They picked a fight with me,” he added before turning to leave again.
“My name is Zhuo Aiguo, and I’d like to treat you to dinner as a token of my appreciation. Would you accept, friend?” Impressed by Ye Mo's strength, Zhuo Aiguo had a proposition.
“Not interested,” Ye Mo replied. He was only in Xian Shan city for one night. While Zhuo Aiguo’s invitation was intriguing, cultivation in Gui Lin held greater importance. Seeing Ye Mo’s intention to leave, Zhuo Aiguo grew anxious. “It’s like this, I need you to accompany me to Gui Lin. Name your price.”
Zhuo Aiguo assumed Ye Mo's simple attire indicated a need for money. He didn't know that even a million wouldn't sway Ye Mo if he didn't want to go to Gui Lin—especially since Ye Mo already had 50,000 yuan.
Gui Lin? Ye Mo paused. It happened to be his destination. If it meant earning money along the way, he wouldn’t mind. However, he wouldn’t repeat a dangerous situation like the one with Wen Dong. Though fearless, he didn’t want to become someone's henchman. With his current identity, buying a plane ticket wasn't an issue.
“Fine, let’s talk.” Ye Mo decided he might as well hear the offer.
They found a quiet cafe. Zhuo Aiguo explained, “An urgent matter requires my presence in Gui Lin. I need to meet a gang leader in Flowing Snake Town to exchange something. Flowing Snake is beyond Gui Lin, a chaotic place.”
“I was waiting for someone to accompany me. But you’re far stronger. If you’ll come to Gui Lin, name your price. Flowing Snake is practically outside Gui Lin; it requires a several-hour car ride from Gui Lin airport.
“You can fly directly from Xian Shan to Gui Lin. But Flowing Snake is near several country borders, home to ethnic minorities. I said the public security is chaotic; in reality, there is none.”
Zhuo Aiguo looked at Ye Mo hopefully, omitting the fact that Flowing Snake was a haven for fugitives and mercenaries, where violence was commonplace.
Ye Mo frowned, knowing little about Gui Lin. He knew it was a border city, offering an escape route if the Song family discovered him. He'd never heard of Flowing Snake. The level of chaos held little concern.
After considering, Ye Mo said, “I planned to go to Gui Lin anyway, seeking opportunities. But it’s my first time. You mentioned Flowing Snake’s proximity to the border; perhaps that offers even better development prospects. Payment isn’t necessary. If you have connections in Flowing Snake, keep one in mind for me.”
Zhuo Aiguo quickly protested, “Don’t go to Flowing Snake! Stay in Gui Lin if you want business. I have contacts there, and an extra house I can give you. I only go to Flowing Snake because I have no choice. I'd never choose it.”
Ye Mo smiled faintly. “Where there’s danger, there’s opportunity! I'll go to Flowing Snake.”
Seeing Ye Mo’s resolve, Zhuo Aiguo stopped trying to dissuade him. “No problem. I should be able to find something in Flowing Snake.” Zhuo Aiguo understood: Though wicked, Flowing Snake was manageable with money.
Ye Mo nodded. “My business isillegal. The more remote, the better.”
Zhuo Aiguo hesitated. Years in business had taught him to recognize character, and Ye Mo didn't seem like a typical criminal, yet his words hinted at gang involvement.