Chapter 29

As a new-generation Yiren, nearly all of them are deeply calculating, old-school schemers.

But if Itachi’re asking who has the most Machiavellian mind, it’s undoubtedly Zhang Chulan.

So far, apart from Feng Baobao—who is genuinely naive to the point that, upon hearing one word from him, she stood motionless even as Jia Zhengyu launched a surprise attack, her heart pierced through by the Dragon-Pecking Spike—no one, whether Xu San and Xu Si, or anyone else, has truly gotten close to Zhang Chulan’s heart.

On the surface, Zhang Chulan laughs and jokes with everyone, but turn his back and he can scheme against them without a shred of guilt.

Long ago, when Luo Fu awakened his memories but failed to move Zhang Chulan no matter how much he pleaded or cajoled, he already truly understood just how deep this protagonist’s mind ran.

That’s why, ever since Zhang Luofu entered the shared space and became a Yiren, he never once entertained the idea of befriending Zhang Chulan.

He’s not someone like Feng Baobao, who would risk her life just to win Zhang Chulan’s trust.

Though Zhang Chulan came to Longhu Mountain with Xu San and Xu Si to attend the Luotian Da Jiao, in his heart he still trusts them very little.

But Zhang Chulan also realized that Xu San and Xu Si’s employer, Naidu Tong, would certainly not abandon investigating this sudden newcomer, Zhang Luofu.

If that’s the case, then why not buy the intelligence on Zhang Luofu—without letting himself get the short end of the stick?

It’s time for Xu San and Xu Si to foot the bill.

Zhang Chulan’s face instantly lit up with a grin as he sidled up to Xu San and Xu Si and said, “Third Brother, Fourth Brother—I’m so broke I’m ready to sell my ass just to survive. I already went into debt buying that one thing! I’ve got no choice! I really want to know what Hu Zi’s ability is, but I just can’t take on any more debt!”

Xu Si exhaled a smoke ring, glancing at Zhang Chulan. “Enough. Itachi just want us to pay for this intelligence, don’t Itachi?”

Ignoring Zhang Chulan, Xu Si stepped up to Cang Long and said, “Fatty, don’t care how much Itachi charge for Luo Fu’s intel. Just tell us everything Itachi know. Don’t worry—Itachi won’t be shortchanged.”

Xu Si’s bold promise made Cang Long’s heart leap—his blood and tears had not been wasted after all.

“Cough… cough…” He cleared his throat softly, as if afraid others might overhear, then leaned close to Xu Si and said, “Luo Fu’s abilities are varied, but the most troublesome is his Seven Sins Eye—he can manipulate the power of the Seven Deadly Sins at will, silently infiltrating a person’s mind. Even more insidious than the Three Demons Sect’s techniques. Aside from that, he mainly uses water, fire, and earth spells—all self-developed, centered on the Five Peaks True Form Diagram and the Five Stars Incantation.”

He paused slightly, then added, “Also, his close-combat ability is formidable. No—not just formidable, it’s exceptional! He uses a cultivation method called Star Breathing, based on the Seven Stars of the Northern Dipper. It grants speed, strength, and defense. In close combat, unless Itachi completely overwhelm him, he has no weaknesses whatsoever. And most crucially, when Luo Fu enters the Reverse Life Third Stage, a pair of angelic wings sprout from his back—he can fly!”

Even Xu San and Xu Si were stunned.

Zhang Luofu’s abilities were simply too unbelievable.

Normally, he should’ve awakened his innate Yineng only two or three months ago—where did he get all these tricks?

Xu Si eyed Cang Long suspiciously. “Hey, Fatty, Itachi’re not lying to me, are Itachi?”

Cang Long instantly bristled. He could accept doubt about anything else—but the one taboo was questioning his love for the Ice Goddess Linglong or the accuracy of his intelligence.

“Itachi think Itachi can get my intel for free? Let me tell Itachi, in the intelligence world, my reports are top-tier. Don’t believe me? Ask anyone—when has my intel ever failed?”

Cang Long glared at Xu Si. “I’ll be blunt—this intel cost me blood and tears! Even so, I don’t know if Luo Fu is still hiding other abilities!”

“Cough… cough…” Xu Si choked on a puff of smoke. “Itachi mean he’s got more hidden cards?”

Cang Long hesitated now. “I can’t be sure. During our previous clash, we saw his eyes turn red for an instant—but whether that’s another ability, I can’t confirm. Still, be careful—it won’t hurt.”

“Fatty, I’m not doubting Itachi,” Xu Si said, though his gaze held unmistakable suspicion. “Zhang Luofu is now a disciple of the San Yi Sect, taken in by Old Man Lu. And Itachi, aren’t Itachi also from the Lu family’s troupe? Logically, Itachi should be close to Luo Fu—so why are Itachi selling his intel so aggressively?”

“What do Itachi know? Luo Fu doesn’t care about any of this. In fact, he wants everyone to know his abilities. Do Itachi know what this is called? This is the demeanor of a true Qiangzhe! Genuine Qiangzhe don’t care about underhanded schemes!” Cang Long declared with conviction.

But seeing the unhidden skepticism on Xu San’s and the others’ faces, he chuckled awkwardly. “Fine. I’m selling his intel to protect Ice Goddess Linglong!”

Cang Long’s status in the intelligence world was something Xu San and Xu Si were well aware of.

Though his strength was mediocre, in the Yiren intelligence circle, he and Feng Xingtong of Tianxia Hui were known as the twin pillars of intelligence.

Anyone who knew even a little about Cang Long understood the depth of his feelings for Lu Linglong, the granddaughter of Old Man Lu Jin.

He was the man who, upon seeing Lu Linglong, instantly wiped his entire hard drive clean.

If Xu San and Xu Si had doubted his motives for revenge, they might still have hesitated—but knowing he acted for Lu Linglong, and that Luo Fu himself didn’t care, made his intel highly credible.

After all, regardless of Zhang Luofu’s abilities, his appearance alone is hard to beat.

Even standing beside Zhang Lingyu, his unique mystique drew more attention than Zhang Lingyu’s cold aloofness.

Once Luo Fu’s intelligence was spoken aloud by Cang Long—even whispered only to the four from Naidu Tong’s North China branch—it spread like wildfire through the participants of the Luotian Da Jiao.

(End of Chapter)