Chapter 279

“Who are you?”

Ye Qingfeng’s eyes flickered with displeasure, quickly suppressed.

Without knowing the other’s identity, it was unwise to act rashly—accidentally entangling with someone he knew would be a loss.

First, find out who this uncouth man really is.

“Me? Do you know the Kaochi Financial Group?” The man spoke with condescension, chest puffed out. “I’m the head of Kaochi Group’s security team!”

“......”

So all this was just a security team captain?

“Listen carefully—I’m here representing the chairman of Kaochi Group. Every word I say is his word!”

“Four questions!

First, are you connected to the Chants Society?

Second, are you the cause of the Hollow’s expansion?

Third, did you cause the Hollow’s expansion to suddenly stop?

Fourth, did you kill a High-Class Withering to reduce Hollow activity?”

The questions, spoken by the man, sounded like interrogations.

Ye Qingfeng’s gaze turned icy. “Fine questions. But why should I answer you? Does Kaochi Group represent the Public Security Bureau or the city government? To directly interrogate a suspect?!”

“Don’t make things up!”

The man flinched for an instant, then calmed himself.

If he were here merely as an individual, Ye Qingfeng’s words might have sent him away empty-handed—but he represented the chairman of Kaochi Group.

In short, he was just a messenger.

“Heh, you really don’t know your place. Do you think Kaochi Group needs to bow to the Public Security Bureau or city government when we want someone?”

The man sauntered slowly to Ye Qingfeng’s bedside, his fingertip subtly pointing toward Xingjian Ya, lowering his voice: “You know who she is, right? One of the Seven Void Hunters, the future head of the Xingjian family, head of Hollow Division Six!”

“Look—does she dare say anything?”

“I have enough self-awareness. Even if she dislikes me, will she side with a stranger against our group? Or do you think anyone else would? Anyone could?”

“Would anyone dare oppose our group for you?”

“Heh, so stop being foolish. Even if you really are tied to the Chants Society, denying it won’t help. But if the other three are truly your doing, joining us means a lifetime of wealth and glory—ninety-eight percent of New Eliad will bow to you!”

The man sat on the bed, tilting his head to study Ye Qingfeng with amusement.

“Let me be clear—lying is pointless. We’ll run combat data tests anyway. The first few questions don’t matter much. You only need to answer me one:

Did you kill a High-Class Withering to reduce Hollow activity?”

Xingjian Ya cast him a curious glance—she was equally intrigued by the question.

“First, I have no connection to the Chants Society.

Second, the Hollow’s expansion caused by rising activity has nothing to do with me.

Third, the Hollow’s expansion stopping—I don’t know why.

Fourth, I slew a Level Four Withering and halted the Hollow’s expansion!”

Ye Qingfeng took a deep breath, gazing slowly toward the ward entrance.

“Excellent! If you truly have the strength to slay a Level Four Withering, Kaochi Group welcomes you!”

The man’s earlier arrogance vanished instantly. His tone turned sycophantic: “Ding Ni! Women! Power! You can have them all if you want!”

Xingjian Ya frowned slightly, her disdain unmistakable.

“Sorry, I don’t understand what you’re saying,” Ye Qingfeng said coolly. “I never said I wanted to join, did I?”

“What?! You’re messing with me?!” He jumped up in fury, then smirked inwardly, remembering his group’s methods. “Fine, if you won’t join now, I won’t force you. But in a little while...”

Heh! Rats are rats—ungrateful fools!

A lowly commoner refusing an invitation from above? How dare he!

When you’re alone and cornered, you either run—or join.

If you run, even better—we’ll arrest you under the pretext of ties to the Chants Society. Once the chairman gives the word, the law won’t protect a prisoner!

“Knock knock!”

Leikain held his phone in one hand and knocked on the ward door. Only after all eyes turned to him did he speak: “The mayor has something to say!”

“Qingfeng, Ya—long time no see!” The mayor greeted warmly, then his tone darkened slightly. “You’re certain you represent the Kaochi chairman?”

“No. Personal action.”

The boastful security captain instantly sobered. “I—I represent Kaochi Group in offering the highest respect to New Eliad’s hero!”

He openly pulled out a check, placed it gently beside Ye Qingfeng, smiled obsequiously, and hurried out of the ward.

“Kaochi Group sends greetings to the mayor!”

As he passed Leikain, he offered a fake smile and left without hesitation.

Once Kaochi’s people were fully gone, the mayor, prompted by Leikain, continued: “Qingfeng—were your answers just now true? All four questions he asked?”

To prevent Ye Qingfeng from overthinking, he added:

“Don’t worry. If you join the city government, I’ll guarantee your safety for life.”

Xingjian Ya’s expression finally shifted—surprise flashed in her eyes. Before Ye Qingfeng could answer, she spoke first:

“Mayor, my duties for Hollow Division Six are complete. I’ll take my subordinates and leave now.”

She understood the situation clearly—better to avoid trouble than invite it. She decisively proposed departure.

“Ya—don’t leave so soon. There’s something I need your opinion on.”

The mayor’s tone was calm, exuding quiet trustworthiness, the warmth of an elder.

“Understood.”

Xingjian Ya leaned against the wall, her fingers lightly tracing the scabbard of her blade, her eyes filled with affection for it—so much so that even after Ye Qingfeng woke up, she hadn’t returned it.

“Well, Qingfeng? What do you say?” the mayor asked. “If you need time to decide, rest for a few days. Give me your answer later.”

“I...”

Ye Qingfeng hesitated.

“Don’t worry. If you have secrets you wish to keep, we won’t pry. When registering, just list what you want the public to know. We won’t force you to do anything against your will.”

The mayor continued:

“You’re tired. Rest well. If you decide to join, just contact Leikain directly.”

“Wait.”

Leikain was about to hang up when Ye Qingfeng, his gaze resolute, stopped him. After a pause, he said:

“I’ll join.”

If he were alone, he might not have agreed—easier to dodge open threats than hidden daggers. Now he had too many people to protect.

Joining the city government might be the best solution after all.