Chapter 617: Yan Liang

Chapter 617: Yan Liang

“I don’t.” Vermilion Bird glanced at the rearview mirror with a smile. “It’s just regretful that we have become enemies with our friend, and one who has saved us before.”

Bemused, Qilin turned to look out of the window. “I wouldn’t be taking this step if he hadn’t touched my bottom line.”

Vermilion Bird didn’t respond.

Qilin continued in an even tone, “I don’t need loyal subordinates, but comrades with the same goal, Vermillion Bird. You and Azure Dragon chose to follow me because you believed I was walking on the right path for humanity. If you no longer believe that, you’re welcome to leave. I won’t blame you, and I won’t hurt you.”

“Ha, you think I’m afraid of dying?” Vermilion Bird said openly. “I trust you, or I wouldn’t have followed you for so many years.”

Qilin said with determination, “I’m opening the Gates. Even if I’m left on my own, I will do it. No one will stop me.”

Vermilion Bird nodded and lifted her eyes slightly. “We’re here.”

“Okay.” Qilin put his glasses back on, opening the door to get out of the car. “Don’t wait for me. I’ll go back on my own.”

Vermilion Bird drove away. Holding his cane, Qilin looked up at the building before him. On the large blue signboard, the words “Anliang Bulk Market” were written in large fonts.

It was the largest wholesale market in Li City, where a great variety of everyday products could be found. Whatever one needed, one would find it in the market.

Qilin slowly walked through the front door. Ahead of him was a wide path. On both sides were storefronts selling similar products. Every eight storefronts made a unit, and each unit was separated by a path. The layout was neat, and the walkways numerous and well-planned. The edge of the market seemed beyond his sight, and the rows upon rows of storefronts seemed like the endless reflections of two mirrors facing each other. Walking inside, it was easy to get lost without looking at the number plaques and the direction signs.

Qilin walked three hundred meters ahead and took a left turn to an area selling small toys. There were almost no individual customers here, only those looking to buy products in large batches. Thus, the area saw few visitors.

Soon, Qilin found his way to a small storefront. The wooden shelves outside were hung with all sorts of painted masks of human faces. At first glance, the masks became a colorful blur, but upon closer inspection, one would realize that the designs, expressions, and facial features of the masks all differed, each having its individuality.

The interior of the store was covered in masks, too.

A thin old man sat on a short bamboo stool, dressed in black cotton pants and black cotton shoes, his back bent. Holding a mask in one hand and a fine writing brush in the other hand, he was coloring a mask.

His hands were bony and thin, the veins almost popping out of the skin. However, his hands remained strong and steady. When he outlined the mask, his strokes were precise like those put down by machines.

He was wearing a mask himself, the main colors being red and blue. While the colors gave off a righteous impression, the facial features on the mask were everything but.

The face was covered in scars, and the eyes and nose were lopsided, the mouth wide and aggressive. The mask seemed vicious and insidious. Looking at it for longer, though, it became a little amusing like the viciousness was but a front.

“Uncle Yan.” Qilin called out from the door in a friendly tone.

Qilin huffed out a laugh. “Alright, as long as you’re happy.”

He took out a smartphone and handed it to Yan Liang. “Do you know how to use it?”

“Who are you looking down at, you brat?” Yan Liang took the phone and turned it on.

Qilin took out his too to send a list to Yan Liang. “These are the dossiers on those who will become your subordinates, Elder Yan Liang. Please have a look.”

Yan Liang quickly browsed through the dossiers as he slowly walked, and he sighed while shaking his head. “The young ones are getting softer year by year.”

After a moment, Yang Liang asked, “I don’t remember the Protector named Zero Hatred. Is he new?”

“Yes, he’s just comprehended Elemental and got recruited by the Guild. He’s a strange one, though, and Azure Dragon is still feeling him out.”

“Desperate time calls for desperate measures. Since there’s a lack of manpower, I’ll take charge of the newbie.”

“Okay,” Qilin said. “I’ll entrust him to you.”

As they conversed, they made it out of the market, and Qilin raised a hand to hail a car by the road.

Yan Liang thought of something. “Ah, we have to make an official statement about Seven Shadow and the other traitors. We will claim the moral high ground.”

Qilin nodded. “Your plan is?”

“Take the initiative to smear him.”

Qilin didn’t immediately respond.

Yan Liang scoffed under the mask. “What you’re doing will determine the fate of all humans. This is a war between species, boy, not a friendly football match. There’s no place for morals and ethics in this.”

Qilin’s eyes turned cold. “I understand.”

Yan Liang nodded slightly. “Hesitation is a sign of weakness. I hope this is the last time you show your weak side.”

“It will be.” Qilin nodded, getting a car. “Let’s get in.”

1. Yan means fire/hot, and liang means cool/cold. The expression yan-liang is used to refer to the differing attitudes of people in the world. ☜