The high-ranking player shook his head after hearing the report.
"No, it's just him."
Yun Li was still a bit doubtful, but one of the elite squad members spoke up.
"HIM must've released all the monsters around him."
"The guild leader just received word when we arrived—apparently, that diamond-armored zombie hanging around HIM has been sighted near the Eternal Guild."
Hearing this, Yun Li finally set aside his suspicions.
The elite squad member couldn't help but chuckle.
"Word is that the diamond-armored zombie took out a lot of Eternal Guild members and dropped a ton of their gear."
"But Tianheng doesn't dare to touch that zombie—they're afraid HIM might come for revenge."
"Supposedly, they even set up a self-service feeding squad. Every day, players offer tributes to that zombie, treating him like royalty~"
The players around burst into laughter after hearing that.
"Seriously?! Eternal Guild is supposed to be an offshoot of the number one guild, right? What a joke! Scared of HIM's underling like that?"
"Hahaha, can't keep a straight face! They're so spineless, treating HIM's lackey like a king!"
"Wait 'til they hear we're about to take on HIM. Wonder if they'll still brag about being number one then, huh? Hahaha!"
The upper echelon of Cloud Soar Guild could hardly contain their smugness.
Though Eternal Guild was an offshoot of the number one guild, they were undoubtedly stronger than Cloud Soar Guild.
And yet, here was Cloud Soar Guild, preparing for a clash with HIM, with a good chance of victory.
Meanwhile, Eternal Guild was groveling before one of HIM's lackeys.
This fact gave Yun Teng Guild a burst of pride and a surge of fighting spirit.
If they managed to bring HIM down, word would spread, and Eternal Guild's reputation would be in shambles.
"Brothers, we have to win this fight! It's about the honor of the guild!"
"Damn right! Let's show those Eternal Guild brats who's boss!"
"If we pull this off, Eternal's reign as number one might be over~"
———
Hidden nearby, Xu Yuan's clone heard every word Yun Teng's players said.
Listening to their chatter about the diamond-armored zombie made Xu Yuan feel a mix of relief and amusement.
Of course, he knew it was 007.
Ever since Xu Yuan released the monsters, he had worried about their safety.
Though he could tell if they were alive, he couldn't track their exact locations.
Now, hearing news of 007, Xu Yuan was slightly relieved.
It seemed the guy was living quite well, even enjoying a "buffet."
However, 007's comfort was still tied to Xu Yuan's influence.
Eternal Guild's hesitation to act was out of fear of HIM.
But if Xu Yuan faked his own death, Cloud Soar Guild would surely spread the news.
At that point, the Eternal Guild might take action against 007.
Thinking about it, Xu Yuan felt torn.
If he didn't go through with the fake death plan, all his efforts would've been for nothing.
But if he did, 007 might be in real danger.
After long contemplation, Xu Yuan made up his mind.
'007 needs to grow stronger. He can't always live under my protection...'
He decided to stick to the original plan.
Even if it meant putting 007 in a perilous position, there was no other way.
It wasn't about being selfish.
Xu Yuan did care about 007.
But he couldn't shield him forever; 007 needed to stand strong on his own, face dangers, and survive in this world.
It was a test—a chance for 007 to forge his own path and earn his own name.
Not just live under HIM's shadow as "HIM's underling."
Having made up his mind, Xu Yuan pushed his worries aside and focused on the task at hand.
———
After some joking, Yun Li and his group got serious and started working on their preparations.
"Clear out the uneven ground over there..."
"Then plant some crops, bring in a few animals. Make it look like a settlement."
Under Yun Li's direction, the players quickly got to work.
In less than half an hour, they had transformed the area.
Seeing this, Yun Li nodded in satisfaction and continued giving orders.
"You five, form a team and head into the forest."
"Remember! Act like you're out exploring—no slip-ups!"
"Don't worry; HIM won't harm you. He'll definitely follow."
"When that happens, just return."
Yun Li had studied HIM thoroughly and knew he had a penchant for playing the long game.
So, Yun Li decided to use the same strategy against HIM.
The irony? He didn't realize who the real prey was.
He'd already taken the bait without knowing it.
Following Yun Li's instructions, the guild members headed into the forest.
Meanwhile, Yun Li and nine elite members concealed themselves in a hidden spot.
For extra safety, they surrounded themselves with durable Netherite blocks.
The Wither was hidden in one of the makeshift structures they'd just built.
With everyone in position, Yun Li created a private voice chat for seamless communication.
"Scouts, report any movement!"
"The moment he arrives, we strike!"
———
Seeing Yun Li's meticulous planning, Xu Yuan decided to play along.
As Yun Teng Guild's high-ranking players entered the forest, they began aimlessly wandering around the spot where HIM had been sighted.
Xu Yuan deliberately made a slip.
He teleported into a spot just within one player's line of sight.
Standing with his back to the player, Xu Yuan ensured he was visible but kept a safe distance.
As soon as he appeared, the guild members spotted him.
"There he is!!"
"What do we do now?!"
"Shh... Act natural, then leave."
The high-ranking members immediately switched into acting mode.
They raised their voices while chopping at trees, pretending to chat casually.
"This place isn't bad—plenty of resources!"
"Yeah! And it's so close to our base~~~!"
"Oh, my inventory's full. How about you guys?"
"Same! Let's head back and make some room."
"Alright, back to the base!"
They exaggerated every mention of the guild base, hoping HIM would hear.
Xu Yuan couldn't help but facepalm.
This clumsy performance... only someone in on the script, like him, would fall for it.
Feigning interest, he turned his head toward the players.
He was surprised when the player who spotted him didn't immediately look away.
The two locked eyes.
Flustered, the player quickly averted his gaze.
Even Xu Yuan, who was a terrible actor himself, found it hard to watch.
But it didn't matter—so long as they achieved their goal.
The guild members exchanged a knowing look.
"He took the bait..."
"Let's go!"
The players immediately headed back to their outdoor lab.
The entire way, they kept Yun Li updated.
Ten minutes later, they reached their destination and hid inside the newly constructed shelters.
Before long, the scouts reported seeing HIM.
"He's here! He followed us!"
Hearing this, Yun Li and his elite team swallowed nervously.
Despite the tension, Yun Li maintained his composure and issued orders.
"Report his exact location!"
The scouts quickly responded.
"About 50 meters from Wither Unit 1!"
"40 meters!"
"30 meters!!"
"20 meters!!!"
"Ten meters!!!"
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