Chapter 39

Yang Yi long was drenched in blood, staring at the severed corpse of He Jun lying before him; the fury on his face slowly faded, and the sharp sword in his right arm gradually dissolved, vanishing completely before the eyes of all Spirit Medium realm cultivators.

Yet faced with this sudden turn of events, everyone felt incredulous.

Did Yang Yi long really kill He Jun?

Remember, this was the Peace Zone—murder was illegal, especially killing a cultivator, which would draw the attention of the Investigation Bureau; if proven true, it would bring serious trouble.

But soon, others recovered their composure.

He Jun’s actions just now? Yang Yi long did well to kill him.

Someone who betrays teammates to save himself, twists the truth, and turns the blame around—if he isn’t dead, then heaven itself is unjust.

“Good! Killed well! That beast should’ve died long ago.” After a brief silence, someone immediately clapped and shouted.

“Director Yang, He Jun deserved to die. Don’t worry—I won’t reveal a single word about today. Let’s all agree to say publicly that He Jun died in the Danger Zone and his body was never found, so as not to bring you trouble.”

“Exactly. If no one talks about today, who would know?”

Soon, the others all grew indignant.

But facing these cultivators’ goodwill, Yang Yi long remained calm, took the towel offered by Supervisor Xu Ming, wiped the blood from his face, and said: “I will handle this matter myself with the Investigation Bureau. It has nothing to do with anyone else. I, Yang Yi long, am not so petty as to hide behind silence over the death of such a scoundrel.”

“Collect the body. Tomorrow morning, I will take it to the Investigation Bureau myself.”

He took full responsibility, sparing others from being implicated—truly a man of character.

“Li Yi, this is my fault—I failed to judge character properly, and it led to this disaster. I owe you an apology.” Yang Yi long tossed aside the bloodstained towel, then looked earnestly at Li Yi and bowed in apology.

Li Yi immediately replied: “Director Yang, you’re too kind. This has nothing to do with you. If you hadn’t intervened, I’d be dead now. I should be thanking you.”

“I’m glad you understand. But since it’s happened, I, Yang Yi long, will never shirk my responsibility. Every cultivator who participated in this mission and returned alive—I will compensate each of you one million. If injured, I will not only cover all medical costs free of charge, but also pay an additional one million in nutritional compensation.”

Upon hearing this, every cultivator in the infirmary instantly forgot their resentment toward Yang Yi long, marveling at his fairness and generosity; some even openly declared they’d rush to join his next mission without hesitation.

Yang Yi long continued: “Li Yi, this Biao was your kill. I’m willing to buy it at a high price. Xiao Xu, what’s the current market price for this beast from major buyers?”

Supervisor Xu Ming pulled out a tablet, checked the information, and said: “Tianhe Medical Company is offering the highest price—nine point eight million. Since the Biao is merely a variant of the tiger, not a supernatural creature or unknown species, the price isn’t high.”

Yang Yi long nodded: “Li Yi, as personal compensation for you, I’m willing to pay twenty million for this Biao. If you agree to sell, I’ll have Xu Ming draw up the purchase contract with you.”

Double the price?

The other cultivators were stunned—this doubling meant giving away over ten million for free.

That’s too extravagant.

When they looked at Li Yi again, their eyes couldn’t hide envy.

“Fine, I accept the price. Thank you, Director Yang.” Li Yi agreed immediately, expressing his gratitude.

After all, this was real, tangible benefit—pretending not to be grateful would be false. He was short on money everywhere; this sum could solve many problems.

Yang Yi long said: “No need to thank me—it’s what you deserve. Moreover, if anyone else kills a beast or supernatural creature in the future, sell it to me. I, Yang Yi long, guarantee my personal purchase prices will always exceed those of major corporations.”

“That’s all for today. Rest well here, don’t rush back. If you need anything, ask Xiao Xu. I have some personal matters to attend to, so I’ll leave now.”

With that, he greeted everyone and turned to leave.

As soon as Yang Yi long departed, murmurs erupted throughout the infirmary.

“Director Yang really is a good man. This disaster in the Danger Zone wasn’t his fault—everyone volunteered, no one forced us. We just had bad luck.”

“Exactly. Director Yang has done more than enough. He’s fair. He Jun, that beast, killed two cultivators and tried to frame Li Yi—he deserved to die.”

“It’s good to know someone like Director Yang. If he has another mission, I’ll be the first to sign up.”

Earlier, they’d complained bitterly; now, these injured cultivators were calling out “Director Yang” with warm familiarity.

As Li Yi listened, he secretly admired Yang Yi long’s skill.

He’d only wanted Xu Ming to bring Yang Yi long as a witness—but now, Yang Yi long had not only quelled the incident’s fallout, stabilized morale, built his authority, and intimidated other schemers by killing He Jun.

The high-price purchase of the Biao was also strategic: it won Li Yi’s loyalty while laying groundwork for future business.

Even if Yang Yi long hadn’t done any of this, he still owed compensation and medical fees—but then, the cultivators would’ve likely mobbed his doorstep demanding justice.

“But He Jun’s incident reminded me: even in the Peace Zone, under the law, a cornered cultivator will kill. If I hadn’t been cautious, I might’ve been dead just now.”

Li Yi silently memorized this moment.

He must remain highly alert toward hostile cultivators—never treat them as ordinary people would.

An ordinary person in this situation might say: “I did it. What are you going to do? Kill me? Dare you?”

Of course, ordinary people wouldn’t dare.

But cultivators don’t play by those rules—they truly will kill.

Yang Yi long had killed He Jun without a moment’s hesitation.

With these thoughts, Li Yi, weary in body and mind, left the infirmary alone and took the elevator back to his third-floor dormitory.

Back in his room, he did nothing—simply slept soundly.

He slept until the afternoon of the next day.

The events of last night spread rapidly; many now knew. They cursed He Jun while envying Li Yi for successfully hunting a Biao in the Danger Zone and earning twenty million, suddenly becoming wealthy—everyone talked about it.

Some even expressed interest in joining expeditions to the Danger Zone to scavenge.

In his room, Li Yi, now awake, felt his fatigue vanish; his entire body brimmed with energy.

The wounds on his back had scabbed over and were faintly itchy—clearly healing.

After a quick wash and grooming, Li Yi packed his things, preparing to return home today.

His parents still needed care—he couldn’t stay longer.

Looking at the mud-horse and the chilling human-skin mask he’d brought back from the Danger Zone, Li Yi thought of his master, whom he’d met only once. Without family, he’d never before felt such warmth and care as Zhao Ge had shown him.

Though they’d only spent one hour together, the memory remained vivid.

He stopped daydreaming, packed his things, washed up, and prepared to head to the cafeteria for one last meal before leaving.

Life must go on.

“Li Yi, awake? It’s me, Xu Ming.” A knock came at the door.

“Coming.” Li Yi replied, opening the door.

“How was your sleep last night?” Xu Ming smiled. They’d interacted often and were now familiar with each other.

Li Yi grinned: “Slept well. Now I realize how comfortable the Peace Zone is—the Danger Zone isn’t fit for humans.”

“Growth comes through hardship. Many powerful cultivators actively seek the Danger Zone to train. I believe you’ll do the same someday.” Xu Ming said: “Enough of that. Here’s the purchase contract—review it. If there’s no issue, sign. This is twenty million in cash, plus two million in compensation, and your mission wage of eighty thousand is included too. You can count it.”

“No need. I trust you.” Li Yi took the contract, scanned it, confirmed it was correct, and signed.

Xu Ming took the contract, signaled his assistant to bring the money into the room, then glanced at Li Yi and asked: “Already packing? Planning to leave? Don’t stay a few more days? Board and lodging are free here—good conditions. You could cultivate a while longer before returning. Your wounds aren’t fully healed yet.”

“I’d love to, but I have family matters—my parents need care. I can’t stay.” Li Yi said regretfully.

“I see. If you finish your family business and have time, come back. I’ll arrange your lodging. Don’t worry—I have that much authority.” Xu Ming whispered with a smile.

Li Yi was instantly tempted: “That doesn’t seem right.”

“No problem. Do you think Director Yang would care about such a small thing? Come anytime. If you need anything, find me.” Xu Ming assured him.

“If you say that, I won’t be polite—I’ll definitely come back to mooch meals and a bed once I’m free.” Li Yi said.

Xu Ming glanced around, stepped into the room, and whispered: “Li Yi, let me tell you something else—do you know why Director Yang paid such a high price for your Biao?”

“I… I’m not sure.” Li Yi guessed: “To invest in me?”

“That’s part of it, but not the whole truth. This is private information—I’ll deny it the moment you step out.” Xu Ming said: “Director Yang noticed the wounds on your Biao. Ordinary punches couldn’t leave marks like that.”

“He suspects you had a breakthrough in the Danger Zone—learned a technique, a fist art.”

Li Yi’s expression shifted slightly—he’d overlooked this.

Now he recalled: after killing the Biao, he’d indeed left unique fist impressions on its body.

Any cultivator paying attention would realize this fist technique was no ordinary skill.

“Director Yang guessed right. I stumbled into that Ghost Street and learned an art not of our world.” Li Yi no longer hid it—he openly admitted it, for since the words were spoken, denial would be hypocritical.

“Ghost Street? That’s truly perilous.” Xu Ming sighed. “By the way, never teach your fist art to anyone.”

“Why?” Li Yi asked casually.

Xu Ming immediately said: “Techniques are worth more than killing ten Biao. If you teach it to someone else, he could sell it and you’d lose everything. Keep it secret. If you ever truly need money and want to sell it, contact Director Yang.”

“He’s generous—he’ll offer you a satisfying price.”

“I’m not short on money now. I have no intention of selling my fist art.” Li Yi said seriously.

“Fine, I’m just warning you.” Xu Ming said.

Li Yi nodded: “Thank you. Now I understand.”

“Good. Nothing else. I’ll be off. You have my contact—find me if you need anything.” Xu Ming gave a few final reminders and left with his assistant.