Chapter Twenty-Eight: The Declaration

In this world, only a handful have achieved absolute development, but these individuals are not allies of Wenzhe; they are enemies, or at least potential threats. If Wenzhe were to make such a promise and then deliberately break it, refusing to honor his word even at the cost of his life, these people would surely find a way to eliminate him—to remove a future threat.

After all, the current peace between the sides demands a legitimate reason to kill Wenzhe. They do not have such a reason, yet Xiayan can provide them with one.

This situation is utterly absurd!

Wenzhe had once been so lofty, looking down on Xiayan like an insignificant ant, carrying himself as if he alone held the power over life and death. Now, if he refuses Xiayan’s terms and lacks the courage to stake his life, he will be scorned by the entire world.

A leader of the Free Zone—no more than that.

In truth, everyone believed Xiayan was doomed. A level-6 mutated being, with power equivalent to someone whose cerebral domain was developed over 60 percent—how could Xiayan possibly escape death? The threshold for outsiders entering the Free Zone was cerebral development below 50 percent; even if Xiayan was close to the limit, he was still a full tier below.

Wenzhe remained silent, unwilling to agree. To accept would mean wagering his life.

It was not a lack of courage, but a question of worth.

Xiayan was but a mere ant, a trivial creature that could be crushed at will. Now this insignificant being dared to challenge the heavens and stake his life against his.

Originally, Xiayan had no such qualifications, but in the eyes of the world, he did.

From the very beginning, this had been a negotiation.

Xiayan had wagered his life; so why should Wenzhe not do the same?

The atmosphere fell into silence.

“Wenzhe, are you afraid?” Xiayan stared at him. “Then just deny this negotiation. Kill me outright. Wouldn’t that be better, sparing yourself the shame?”

Wenzhe said nothing.

“Why must I, a weak human, face certain death, while you, Wenzhe, show no willingness to pay the price?” Xiayan spoke each word like a hammer striking Wenzhe’s heart.

Cowardice? Weakness? Incompetence?

For a kingly existence to lose even the first spark of courage!

And why engage in such a dull negotiation?

If you dare not even lose, what right do you have to speak of protection?

Everyone was watching—the entire Free Zone, the Earth Federation, the high-ranking officials of various factions, even some purebloods—all eyes fixed on Wenzhe’s face, on this man who might achieve absolute development.

A cold sweat appeared on Wenzhe’s brow—a feeling he hadn’t experienced in a long time—that primal fear of death. The reaper seemed to linger behind him, its black scythe ready to strike.

“I agree,” Wenzhe finally decided. He straightened his face as if making a declaration to the world. “I will personally stand guard outside the city. Should anyone from the Free Zone attempt to harm Xiayan, I will kill them before they act.”

“Anyone. Including my own subordinates.” The Free Zone leader spoke every word with grim determination. “I swear, if anyone still dares to attack Xiayan under these circumstances, I will not let them go easily. I will kill all their family and friends.”

Wenzhe’s expression turned terrifyingly fierce; the refined and gentle mask vanished, replaced by a savage countenance. His life was on the line.

It was like the ancient practice of collective punishment—anyone who defied him would see their entire clan exterminated, leaving none alive. The leader had made it clear: if you have the courage, try and see what consequences await.

His murderous aura sank deep into everyone’s hearts. None could have imagined this gentle-looking leader to be so fearsome. Even those with a flicker of defiance quickly snuffed out their rebellious flames.

“Xiayan, I will watch closely to see if you can survive the pursuit of a level-6 mutated beast,” Wenzhe snarled. “Before then, I hope all outsiders at this auction will try to kill you. We will offer a generous bounty—ten times, no, a hundred times the original amount!”

A hundredfold bounty—almost astronomical. This showed just how enraged and furious Wenzhe was. Usually mild-mannered, he now revealed such a ferocious face before the world, demonstrating how badly he wished to see Xiayan dead.

“The negotiation is over. I will leave the Free Zone within ten hours.” Xiayan had achieved his goal—there was no reason to waste more time.

“Over then. I look forward to seeing what miracles you will create, Xiayan.”

The negotiation ended with Wenzhe’s feral grin. Everyone felt a chill; they could sense the hatred radiating from him.

After the dialogue, Xiayan did not rush to leave the auction site but instead looked around at the gathered crowd.

“To all present—four from the Winged race, five humans, three angels, three werewolves, and your faction,” Xiayan’s gaze locked onto them all, as if scrutinizing each soul, “whoever dares stand in my way, I will kill.”

Such provocative words sparked fury among many, who cast cold glares at him.

“You may try—see if I have the strength to kill you all, and then take down that level-6 mutated beast.”

There were eighteen outsiders in total. Aside from Lan Xin and Tao Lu, sixteen remained. Any one of them who dared attack Xiayan would meet a single fate: death.

This was Xiayan’s declaration. Those unafraid of death could come and try. Only true death could awaken their understanding. Until then, all words were powerless against a bounty a hundred times over and the chains of purity.

Xiayan could feel the killing intent thick in the air.

Soon after, he left and headed to a common district. Now a celebrity, wherever he went he was pointed at and whispered about, most calling him reckless.

Xiayan had no intention of delaying for ten hours; he planned to leave immediately but needed to contact Emilia first.

The connection was soon established. Emilia appeared relaxed, as if on a leisurely journey. Her flowing hair danced in the wild wind; her eyes were especially bright today, captivating and clear.

This pureblood always appeared like this—aloof and godlike, regarding all beings as a delightful game...