Chapter 517: Switched Under Their Eyes
Translator: Tim Editor: GlobeGlotter
“Gang up on him? Will we attack him now, or his base first?” the young woman asked.
Elder Qu shook his head. “Now’s not the time. Ye Mo gave us the crystal, meaning he doesn’t know its worth and doesn’t want to fight. It’s not time to attack his base either.”
We’ve thoroughly investigated Ye Mo; he’s a mad dog. He almost annihilated He Liu Sect and Dian Cang. The Gourd Cave, a top hidden sect, is also suspiciously silent—likely fearing his retribution. He probably can’t annihilate them outright, but they fear his wrath. Therefore, now’s not the time for all-out war. We can’t afford to waste time and resources on him. Someone will deal with him eventually.”
Ye Mo wanted to incinerate Elder Qu, but he knew he couldn’t touch Northern Sand yet. Northern Sand felt threatened by him, and vice versa. He had others to consider. If he angered Northern Sand, how would he protect his people?
“Liang Shiguo, Chen Zhui, and Peter stay here; come back to HQ with me later. You return immediately, track Ye Mo, and report back. Do not abduct his family again without notice.” The old man’s face was serious.
“Yes, Elder Qu,” Liang Shiguo replied, not daring to object.
Elder Qu looked at the woman. “Let me check the stone. If it’s correct, package and send it with the other one.”
“Yes, Elder Qu.” The woman placed the crystal on the table and produced a gold case.
Ye Mo noticed it was identical to his. It seemed he’d be earning two crystals today.
Elder Qu examined the crystal, nodded, opened the case, and placed it with the other, covering them with a yellow cloth. Ye Mo swiftly swapped the crystals with ordinary stones, his invisibility concealing his actions.
He rejoiced Chen Zhui wasn’t there; he might have noticed. Taking the stones, Ye Mo left. Reaching the entrance, he heard a yell from the underground room.
Was it discovered so quickly? Ye Mo thought, scanning his spirit sense. The gold case was open; everyone’s face was pale.
Chen Zhui rushed past Ye Mo into the underground room.
Good opportunity! Ye Mo dashed from the gas station, mounted his flying sword, and headed for Luo Cang. To avoid Liang Shiguo’s suspicion, he needed to be there.
“What is it, Elder Qu?” Chen Zhui asked.
“The crystal’s been switched.” Sister Ling’s face was pale. The room was brightly lit; the gold case remained on the table. Everyone’s eyes were on it, yet the crystals were now useless stones.
Only Elder Qu touched the case. But he wouldn’t switch it; he was taking it. Even if he did, he wouldn’t do it there, nor would he check it again.
Yet, the crystals vanished right under their eyes. No one could take responsibility, not even Elder Qu.
“Immediately lock down the underground room. No one enters or exits.” Elder Qu, though pale, reacted first. The thief was still inside. Sealing the entrance would reveal them.
Chen Zhui, though unclear on what happened, understood from Sister Ling that the crystals were changed.
“Peter guarded the door; no one entered or exited—” Chen Zhui paused. He’d felt a subtle chi wave but wasn’t sure, moving so quickly.
“I’ll guard the door. Elder Qu, please check inside.” Chen Zhui thought it might have been the thief brushing past, but remained silent, avoiding responsibility. He stayed outside the passage.
Despite a thorough search, nothing was found after half an hour. Elder Qu had an idea. He looked at Liang Shiguo. “Liang Shiguo, are you sure no one followed you from Luo Cang to Hong Kong?”
Liang Shiguo was shaken. They took a spur-of-the-moment flight; how could they be followed? Knowing Elder Qu sought a scapegoat, he said, “Definitely not. With Mr. Chen and Peter, no one could follow. Coming to Hong Kong was impromptu. I planned to stay at a hotel, but changed plans fearing trouble.”
He casually implicated Chen Zhui and Peter. Chen Zhui knew, but helped, “Yes, Elder Qu, no one followed. The plane was full; we used special means to get seats. No one knew we were coming, and even if they did, they couldn’t board.”
Despite this, Chen Zhui feared they were followed, unsure how. He remembered the chi wave but remained silent.
Elder Qu sneered. Without the crystal, he’d be held responsible. He might blame Liang Shiguo, but he touched the case.
“Liang Shiguo, if someone followed you, would you know? Check Luo Cang now. Is Ye Mo there? If not, it was him. I warned you not to underestimate him; are you still?” Elder Qu’s voice was cold.
Liang Shiguo’s heart sank. He knew the old man used him as a scapegoat. Ye Mo was in Luo Cang because he summoned him. Why would he still be there?
If he called Luo Cang and didn't find Ye Mo within ten minutes, he'd be the scapegoat. If he didn't call, he'd be the scapegoat.
When Liang Shiguo called, the old man cursed and wanted to kill him. If not for Liang Shiguo’s intent to return the crystal, he wouldn’t be involved.
Sister Ling’s face was pale, grateful to be unharmed. Chen Zhui looked at Liang Shiguo with sympathy. Liang Shiguo’s face was pale as he called. Everyone anxiously watched his phone. A scapegoat was preferable to their deaths.