In Bai Yi's mind, a map of Dongwu City unfolded. The Scarlet Sect controlled the East City District, and the Apocalypse Legion would soon encircle it. Inside, the forces of the Will family and the elite troops of the Legion were already positioned, while the mysterious Night Roses lurked somewhere in the shadows. The extent of the Roses' presence remained unclear, though they were rumored to be dangerously formidable.
The dynamics were apparent—three factions against one. The Scarlet Sect faced a steep disadvantage. Yet, the possibility of fanaticism and divine intervention made the situation unpredictable. If the Sect succeeded in drawing upon divine power, everything could turn in their favor.
"Yes, Commander Mossen has been at the peak of the Silver Level for three years now, awaiting that push to ascend," Sabo muttered in a lowered voice. "But this doesn't alter our plan."
They arrived at the heart of the East City's outer section, close to where the battlefield would soon rage. Sabo led Bai Yi into a small two-story building, setting up a table and chair in the corner of the second floor. He even produced a tea set, pouring wine with an air of refinement. A faint magical array around them flickered, masking their presence. One of Bai Yi's worker bees buzzed back to his coat, erasing their trail in the snow outside.
The snowfall intensified, layering the streets and windows in a thick blanket. The harsh temperature, well below freezing, meant that few would survive the night without shelter. Bai Yi watched Sabo's theatrics with the wine before turning to the window, unlatching it slightly to let in the biting wind and fresh snow.
"You're in charge this time. What's the objective?" Bai Yi asked calmly.
More worker bees returned, and as Bai Yi put on his sunglasses, multiple views of the East City District appeared on the lenses, displaying scenes from various angles.
"We're just after the money," Sabo replied, smiling as he sipped his drink. "The Apocalypse Legion is investigating that mysterious group and learned of the Scarlet Sect's location just as the Will family did. With the Will family supporting the Legion, that organization doesn't stand a chance."
Sabo took another sip. "That unknown organization retaliated by robbing wealthy merchants in the inner city, grabbing items the Will family was seeking—along with the Scarlet Sect's treasures."
With a grin, Sabo asked, "What do you think of our 'script'?"
Bai Yi caught sight of soldiers appearing at the East City border through his sunglasses. Impressed, he chuckled, "Your setup seems… a bit undercooked. I doubt they'll all play along with your plans."
"That's why I spent 300,000 gold coins to hire you," Sabo replied, his tone sharpening. His hand drifted unconsciously toward his ankle—a telltale sign of his nervousness. "You'll ensure they succeed, won't you, my friend?"
"There are variables, but with everything in place, it shouldn't be an issue." Bai Yi nodded, running through each faction's position in his mind.
He released thirty worker bees, arranging them in neat rows. Taking out a light blue potion, he dripped it onto each bee, and they grew eerily silent, camouflaged within the blizzard as they flew into the night. Bai Yi then pulled out a soul essence, swallowing it to activate his [Soul Gourmet] specialty.
A familiar rush of mental clarity followed, accompanied by a panel notification:
**[You have consumed soul essence, mental strength slightly increased, spirit +1.]**
Over time, Bai Yi's mental strength had swelled to nearly three times his intelligence, reaching 232 points—exceptional for a Silver Level alchemist. However, soul essence, though potent, was becoming less effective as his power advanced. He watched as his worker bees, unseen, soared over the cityscape, their lenses capturing images that appeared in his sunglasses. As long as he avoided drawing the attention of anyone significantly stronger, he could observe with minimal risk.
Adjusting his gaze, Bai Yi scanned for his target. Soon, two familiar figures appeared. Though he barely glanced their way, his worker bees instinctively drew closer. Now, he only had to wait.
Meanwhile, Cami Will suddenly tensed, her sharp aura flashing briefly before fading. She scanned the area but saw nothing unusual.
"What's wrong, sister?" her brother Ernado asked, puzzled.
Behind them, elite warriors and assassins radiating intense energy spread out, forming a semi-circle as they advanced. Their force of five hundred was both stronger and more disciplined than the average Apocalypse Legion squad, displaying the Will family's formidable power.
"Someone is watching us," Cami replied coldly. The long sword on her back shivered slightly, and nearby snowflakes fractured as they approached her—a testament to her near-flawless swordsmanship.
"Well, that's not surprising. The Apocalypse Legion is supposedly here too. It could be them," Ernado remarked, serious. "Mossen of the Legion is powerful. Think he'll challenge us?"
Cami silenced him with a gesture, and they both turned back simultaneously. More troops emerged behind them, each holding an energy gun and radiating extraordinary strength.
A young man exuding an oppressive presence approached, carrying a giant sword nearly two meters long across his back. He rode a lion shrouded in black mist, pausing briefly to acknowledge Cami with a nod before heading deeper into the East City.
A quiet command spread through the ranks:
"Clear the area. Request support from the Wucheng Corps, and minimize civilian casualties."