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墨書 Inktalez
I aimed my Muzzle at Tang Yumo almost simultaneously with Jack. Fatty quickly glanced in a certain direction.
The arrow beneath my feet was still vibrating violently, emitting a buzzing sound as its metal tip embedded itself nearly an inch into the stone. From the angle, it appeared that the arrow had come from a neighboring peak.
Fatty's face was flushed red, while I was breaking out in a cold sweat, my complexion pale as could be.
Tang Yumo looked at me coldly, showing no sign of fear in the face of my Muzzle. She seemed composed, as if she was prepared for death. Her calm demeanor conveyed two messages: first, she was ready to die; second, this arrow served as a warning to me. If I rejected her suggestion, she would not hesitate to bring about mutual destruction.
The wind on the mountaintop was strong; for an arrow to reach me from such a distance without being affected by the wind meant that the archer had the capability to pierce me with a single shot.
Fatty quickly turned back and shook his head slightly at me, indicating he hadn’t found the shooter.
The mountaintop we were on was barren and offered no cover, so there was no need for us to waste energy hiding. I believed that as long as we had Tang Yumo in our hands, the Hakka People would not act recklessly.
Tang Yumo stared at me while our four eyes fixed on her. Especially Fatty; the ferocity in his gaze convinced me that he would strike down our enemy at any moment. Fatty showed no mercy; in his eyes, there were only friends and foes.
I needed to break this deadlock quickly; I worried that Fatty might not be able to contain his anger. If we made a move, it would completely sever ties with the Hakka People. Although our weapons were more powerful, they were hidden in the shadows and familiar with the terrain here. Even if they couldn’t wipe us out quickly, all it would take is a little time for nightfall to turn us into targets for the Hakka People.
At present, we not only couldn’t move against Tang Yumo but also needed to find a way to ease the tense atmosphere. The key was to understand how determined the Hakka People were to keep us alive. If they weren’t willing to sacrifice Tang Yumo, then we held the initiative. Conversely, we would be at their mercy. Unless we wanted to die here, we had no choice but to accompany the Hakka People further into the Underground Cavern.
“I suggest you don’t provoke Fatty. Otherwise, regardless of how our situation turns out, you won’t witness it; he’s not a very patient person. And don’t think you can scare me with that.”
I kicked the arrow that was stuck under my foot.
"We've all seen the world, and some have even rolled around in piles of corpses. Anyone who dares to come here has long since come to terms with life and death."
"Me too." Xiao Ting quickly took over my words. "I won't allow you or any of you to harm my people. The seriousness of this matter exceeds your imagination. If you don't help us retrieve the specimens as punishment for the instigator, our Hakka warriors will make your blood spill across this hillside. Of course, I will accompany you to your graves here."
"And I won't give you too much time to think. You've concealed this matter for too long; we could be in big trouble if we go down now. Just a minute's delay could be catastrophic for our Hakka homeland."
I didn't expect Tang Yumo to be so tough. It was completely contrary to her soft girl image. I instantly decided to accompany them. There was no way the Hakka people wanted to delay, not even for a minute. However, as a condition for my cooperation, I needed to propose my own terms.
"I'll go down with you. But how can you guarantee the safety of the others?"
"No way!" Before Tang Yumo could respond, Fatty shouted loudly. "They just want to trick you back; you're being foolish. Doesn't the American Guy know where things went? Let him go back and assist the Hakka people instead; why does it have to be you?"
Jack, standing behind Tang Yumo, suddenly contorted his face, his brows knitting together as he glared at Fatty, clearly irritated by this suggestion. However, surprisingly, he didn't say anything. He didn't even move a muscle while pointing at Tang Yumo.
I waved my hand at Fatty. I didn't want any internal disagreements at this moment, especially in front of Tang Yumo. Besides, if the Hakka people's target was me, they might not agree to let anyone else go with them. Who knows what kind of trouble that could stir up? Not only would I get caught up in it, but dragging Jack into it would be a huge loss.
I am leaving. Among these people, the strongest fighter is Jack, and they are counting on him to protect them. As long as they can hold out until the Search and Rescue Team arrives in Hong Kong, they should be safe. Similarly, as long as Fatty and the others are safe, I don't believe the Hakka People would dare to lay a hand on me.
"Do you need me to guarantee it? Fine, I can assure you with my integrity that no one will lay a finger on them."
I shook my head. "What I need is not your guarantee, but you. I demand that you stay here as a trade for my descent into the Underground Cavern."
"That's impossible."
"I disagree."
The two negative voices rang out simultaneously, leaving me a bit overwhelmed.
I turned my face toward one of the sources of the voices—Fatty. I pressed my hand down forcefully, signaling him to be quiet and let me handle the negotiation.
Unexpectedly, Fatty was not buying it at all. "Don't give me that nonsense. I risked my life to save yours; you can't just hand them over to them. I'm counting on you to repay me in kind when you're old."
"Damn it, are you getting bold now? Don't act foolish here; this matter is mine to decide. Stop putting yourself on a pedestal as a benefactor; I really don't care about you."
"You're like a dog biting Lü Dongbin. Qiangzi, I never expected you to be this kind of person. Fine, be ruthless; just consider me having saved an ungrateful wolf."
"Are you done making a scene?!" Tang Yumo suddenly shouted. "I don't have time to argue with you. I won't stay here as your hostage; I need to go to the Underground Cavern. If I don't go down, your operation will be significantly affected. Wu Bo has already hinted at this, right?"
My face turned red with anger; I could feel the veins in my forehead throbbing. "So what you're saying is that aside from verbal assurances, you can't provide us with any guarantees? Why should I trust you? If burning bridges is our only option, then what are we even discussing here?"
"You have a second option. Besides those entering the Underground Cavern, the rest can temporarily return to our Village and wait there. Whatever choice you make, even if it means burning your boats, please decide quickly. The waiting period for death is torturous."
I did not see torment on Tang Yumo's face, only anxiety. Her only concern at that moment was to rush into the Underground Cavern and obtain the insect specimen.
I had no choice but to look at Fatty once more. "I have to make a trip to the Underground Cavern; I can't think of a better option."
Here, I pointed my pistol at the Satellite Phone in my other hand.
"My friend suggested the same thing. The question is, what will you do? Stay here and wait for rescue or return to Hakka Village?"
"I'll go with you," Fatty said without hesitation.
(To Be Continued)
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