When Ye Chenfeng had processed all the information, he remembered the two captives and turned to face them.
"Damn!"
Ye Chenfeng stared at the pair, their faces twisted in pain. Their mouths were cracked, saliva and snot dripped uncontrollably, and tears streamed down their cheeks like an open faucet. Their eyes overflowed with relentless tears.
One Piece style crying? Ye Chenfeng thought incredulously.
Is this real? He was astonished.
What talent!
"Do you two have anything else to say?" he asked.
The two exchanged bitter smiles.
"We know you don't trust us, but we still need to say this!"
"We are definitely not part of the Black Church!"
"Neither am I!"
Ye Chenfeng raised an eyebrow.
Why are they speaking in classical Chinese?
"In that case, I'll give you a chance," he said.
The two were stunned. A chance to live?
Their pretense dropped immediately. They had accepted their fate, acting composed like men who'd consumed poison and awaited death. But hope?
"Are you serious?"
"Really, you're not lying to us?"
Ye Chenfeng observed their incredulous faces and marveled at their sudden shift in demeanor.
"You heard what happened earlier. My companions and I are heading to eliminate the Black Church's stronghold, but—" Ye Chenfeng pointed at Jia Wenqing. "This guy can't die just yet. It seems the Black Church can sense when his soul dissipates. I don't know if that's true, but we can't take chances."
He untied their bindings, and once free, their faces lit up with joy. They stretched their limbs, moving like prisoners released after thirty years.
If anyone asked me for help, I'd beat them first! one thought.
"Hand over any communication tools you have," Ye Chenfeng demanded, extending his hand.
"Yes, Master Ye!"
"Master Ye, we'll do whatever you say!"
They rummaged through their belongings, handing over anything that could transmit messages. One of them, eager to please, even searched Jia Wenqing thoroughly.
Ye Chenfeng nodded approvingly, giving him a thumbs-up. At least I won't have to do it myself.
"I'll be taking your phones and locking the door. Your job is to ensure he doesn't die."
"Understood!"
"Leave it to us, Master Ye!"
Ye Chenfeng then called in Mo Fan, who had been standing guard outside. Mo Fan's eyes widened at the scene.
"What the hell, Old Ye?"
He stared at the bloodied man on the chair—his hands and feet devoid of nails, blood pooling beneath him. If it hadn't been Ye Chenfeng in front of him, Mo Fan might have reacted aggressively.
"He's tough. It took effort to get intel on the Black Church's personnel," Ye Chenfeng said, pointing at Jia Wenqing. "Don't worry, a healing mage can handle these injuries."
Mo Fan's expression shifted as he processed the implications.
"What about these two?" he asked, eyeing the freed captives.
The pair stiffened, anxiety creeping back. How could they explain helping Jia Wenqing?
Luckily, Ye Chenfeng spoke up.
"So, what's the plan?" Mo Fan asked, frowning as he considered their options. The idea of splitting up seemed reckless; his own abilities hadn't reached intermediate level 2. If he encountered a general-level cursed beast, he wouldn't stand a chance.
This isn't like facing a novice creature, he thought, frustration gnawing at him. Even ordinary believers commanded three to five black beast demons—a coordinated attack could be fatal.
Damn, I can't go alone! Mo Fan cursed inwardly, regretting he hadn't trained at the Three-Step Pagoda.
Ye Chenfeng observed Mo Fan's hesitation and felt a twinge of embarrassment.
So reckless! he thought.
"We investigate first," Ye Chenfeng said firmly.
"After all, we need to confirm if what he said is true."
"Exactly," Mo Fan nodded solemnly.
No, you're just itching for a fight, Ye Chenfeng thought.
After further discussion, they decided to investigate together for safety. Alone, Mo Fan might not survive if faced with several general-level cursed beasts.
They arrived at an old factory by the Xu River—a meat processing plant. It was late, perfect for the Shadow System's stealth.
They crept through the darkness, searching carefully. But as they entered, a scene of dense black beasts and robed figures worshipping before a mysterious pool made them retreat quickly.
"Damn, Old Ye, there must be at least thirty of them," Mo Fan whispered after moving a safe distance away.
"And general-level ones," Ye Chenfeng confirmed, pulling out his phone.
This doesn't match Mo Fan's original report—why more generals? Ye Chenfeng frowned.
"What are you doing?" Mo Fan asked as Ye Chenfeng dialed.
"Why fight alone when we can call for backup? Showboating is stupid," Ye Chenfeng said, giving Mo Fan a look.
The phone connected with a click.
"Hello?"
"It's Ye Chenfeng. We've found the Black Church's base. Dozens of black beasts, many cursed beasts, numerous believers, and gray priests. High-level wizards are needed. There are two locations," Ye Chenfeng said tersely, knowing Tang Yue would understand.
Tang Yue, half-asleep, snapped to attention at his words. Her eyes widened, and she didn't even notice her slipping straps as she urgently asked him to repeat.
"Ah~ Teacher Tang Yue, we're about to be discovered~"
The line went dead.
"Hello? Hello?!" Tang Yue stared at her phone, growing anxious.
Hold on, boys!
Mo Fan glanced at Ye Chenfeng, whose dramatic display of neck-pinching was clearly meant to mislead Tang Yue.
Damn, who are you trying to fool this time?!