Wilderness Rules

This was Ning Ze's first time facing a situation like this. The prey his squad had chosen was also someone else's target!

He turned to look at Yang Chao, who slightly raised his chin toward Zuo Xingyuan, as though saying that it was up to the captain.

Xu Liang and Zhang Chen also looked at Zuo Xingyuan with unpleasant expressions.

Ma Yu kept his head lowered, seemingly lost in thought—or perhaps he would simply follow whatever decision they made.

In the end.

Zuo Xingyuan fixed his gaze on Ning Ze.

That look made Ning Ze feel as if he were carrying a special kind of pressure.

"Xiao Ze, you and Old Yang change positions and keep an eye on the battlefield. Everyone else, silently move in with me."

"We can't let our prey be snatched away for nothing. That's not how things work. If they want to cooperate, we can reluctantly agree. It's normal for martial artists to work together to kill monsters. But if they dare try to take it by force, then our Warfire Squad isn't to be trifled with!"

Zuo Xingyuan issued his orders one by one, his bearing exceedingly domineering.

"No objections!"

"Let's do it!"

"Alright!"

By now, how could Ning Ze not understand? When encountering another martial artist squad in the Wilderness Area—especially under these circumstances—the moment they met, they became enemies!

Even if you didn't regard others as enemies, they would regard you as one.

With profit on the line, a bloody clash could break out at any moment. You couldn't let your guard down just because someone else might harbor ill intentions!

How could he back down in a situation like this?

Ning Ze's face turned frosty as he said firmly, "I'm going too! There's no point in me staying by Uncle Yang's side."

The others fell silent. A fierce glint appeared in Zuo Xingyuan's eyes. After meeting Ning Ze's gaze for three seconds and seeing no retreat in him, a faint smile spread across his lips. "Good!"

"Your strength has improved quite a bit. If you want to go, then come with us! You'll have to face these things sooner or later anyway."

"The opponents appearing in this city shouldn't be too strong, but we still can't let our guard down."

"Begin the operation! Move out!"

At the command.

Yang Chao took the lead downstairs, tossing out a warning, "I'm heading southeast. Watch out for snipers on the other high ground!"

Zuo Xingyuan waved his hand and went downstairs from the other side. At the same time, he reminded them, "Once the fighting starts, Xiao Ze, remember to move unpredictably."

"You need to make two irregular dodges every second, shifting at least one body-width each time. As long as we keep moving, their chances of landing a shot will drop sharply."

"They only get one chance. Once they miss, the sniper's position will be exposed."

"This probably won't turn into a fight, but be ready for one!"

Ning Ze followed cautiously from behind, learning wilderness survival experience and earnestly familiarizing himself with the rules of the Wilderness Area.

Before long, they arrived near where the Black Tide Savage Bulls had died.

Countless Black Tide Savage Bulls thundered through the streets, making the ground seem to tremble. Their roars displayed the monsters' fury as they appeared to be searching for the enemy who had killed their leader.

Inside the second-floor shop where the Warfire Squad was hiding, dust drifted down in sheets. Zuo Xingyuan and Ma Yu watched the distant monster herd.

Ning Ze crouched behind the windowsill, his sharp eyes searching for enemies. His face and Combat Suit were covered in yellowish-white dust, blending him perfectly into the surroundings.

The atmosphere gradually became tense.

Meanwhile, on the second floor of another building across the street, a four-man squad lay in ambush.

"Boss, Xuan Zi hasn't found any sign of the enemy," said a burly man, looking toward the center of the room.

There stood a tall, thin middle-aged man, motionless. From time to time, he raised his hand to look at it, but there was no response from his communicator.

"This should be an experienced squad. Tell Xuan Zi to stay hidden and not act rashly."

"Anyone daring to hunt this herd of Black Tide Savage Bulls won't be weak. Looks like we'll have to give up half the profits this time."

"Yes, Boss. I'll tell them right away."

Just then, a vicious-looking man by the windowsill said unhappily, "Boss, we spent three days finding an Advanced Beast General-level monster, and it's even a high-value Black Tide Savage Bull. It would sell for at least eighty million Huaxia Coin. Are we really just giving it away?"

The tall, thin boss's eyes darkened. He raised his hand to check his Communication Watch again and said, "Let's first see what they're capable of. As long as we're careful, the sniper isn't a threat."

"But if they're too strong, we'll have to split it evenly with them. We can't let the brothers die here."

At those words, the room fell silent.

Making money was certainly good, but they had to stay alive to spend it.

If their strengths were roughly equal, both sides could only take a step back.

Murderous intent flashed through the vicious-looking man's eyes as he tried to stir things up. "Anyone coming here can't be that strong. As long as we're careful, I can hold off a Beginner Warlord myself. Maybe their squad only has one Warlord-level expert. Then, Boss, taking down an Advanced Warrior would be easy for you!"

The boss said nothing more. He merely nodded and looked out the window, observing the monster herd's movements while occasionally checking his Communication Watch.

Inside the second-floor shop on the other side.

Things were somewhat quiet.

After a while, Zuo Xingyuan spoke. "I'll go out first."

Ning Ze's pupils contracted. He said nothing and continued listening.

"The air trail of a bullet cutting through the air is obvious. I'm an Intermediate Warlord. As long as I'm careful, a sniper rifle poses no threat to me."

"After I go out, I'll adjust my position and activate the signal source. If they haven't left, they'll come out. If they show themselves, it means cooperation is possible, and you can come out one after another."

"If I appear for two minutes and they still don't react, I'll shut off the signal source, hide, and prepare for battle."

"Old Ma, after I leave, you'll be in command here."

"Alright!" Ma Yu nodded heavily.

Zuo Xingyuan gave Ning Ze a faint smile, then turned and strode outside with a carefree air. His back was wild and unrestrained, while the huge broadsword he carried radiated imposing dominance.

Ning Ze tightened his grip on the Light Swan Sword. His blood boiled, and his heart was filled with the desire to fight.

The room fell silent once more.

Outside, Zuo Xingyuan became a fighting machine, hacking wildly through the Black Tide Savage Bull herd. With the strength of an Intermediate Warlord, he was unstoppable among the monsters. Every slash easily took a monster's life.

Second by second, time passed. Ma Yu occasionally checked his Communication Watch.

When Zuo Xingyuan had activated the signal source for nearly two minutes, two red dots appeared in addition to the green dot representing Zuo Xingyuan's signal.

Ma Yu smiled faintly. "The captain sent a signal. Cooperation has been reached. We may be giving up half the profit, but at least there won't be any danger."

"Old Xu, Old Zhang, you two go out."

"Alright!"

Xu Liang and Zhang Chen answered and headed out to support Zuo Xingyuan.

Once the other side expressed a willingness to cooperate, the atmosphere immediately eased considerably.

Soon, two more red signal sources appeared on the Communication Watch.

Ma Yu said gravely, "Let's go out together. Their gunner probably won't show himself. Better safe than sorry—don't forget to dodge unpredictably. Even though there's a good chance they won't aim at you if they do snipe, stay alert just in case."

"Alright!"

Ning Ze answered and silently followed behind.

In that brief span of time, the two martial artist squads had engaged in a silent confrontation.

Upon reaching the battlefield, Ning Ze stayed beside Ma Yu, continuously killing the Black Tide Savage Bulls around them. Meanwhile, the captains of both squads had already begun dealing with the two Beast Warlord-level monsters.

One squad alone had dared to hunt this herd of Black Tide Savage Bulls. Now that two squads were attacking together, although they lacked the gunners' precise fire support, it was not particularly difficult.

Almost simultaneously, the two Beast Warlord-level monsters were slain. Without their leaders, the Black Tide Savage Bulls that had been charging around began fleeing wildly.

Watching a monster try to flee past him, Ning Ze's eyes flashed like lightning. He thrust his sword like a dragonfly touching water, driving it three inches in before instantly pulling it free. The Black Tide Savage Bull's limbs went limp, and it stumbled forward under its own momentum before crashing to the ground.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

Crisp applause rang out.

Ning Ze turned his head and saw a tall, thin martial artist looking at him with a smile at the corner of his mouth.

"Savage Blade, who's this kid? A new member you brought in?"

"Fei Ying, quit talking nonsense. You've got sharp eyes, alright—you snatched our prey! What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Ours? Bullshit! We've been watching for three days before this stupid bull finally went to sleep." The vicious-looking martial artist began cursing the moment he opened his mouth.

Zuo Xingyuan's face turned cold, and he snorted. "No manners. Who the hell are you? Is there even a place for you to speak here? What, does your Blood Eagle Squad want to test yourselves against us? Did you eat your mother's courage pills?"

The vicious-looking martial artist instantly flew into a rage. Just as he was about to say something, the tall, thin martial artist named Fei Ying raised one hand and stopped him.

With a gloomy look, Fei Ying said, "Savage Blade, watch your mouth!"

"Since you activated the signal and called everyone out, then we'll settle this according to the rules. We'll split this Advanced Beast General-level Black Tide Savage Bull equally. As for the rest, whoever killed it gets it."

Zuo Xingyuan muttered, "Damn it, giving away half for nothing. Lost face in front of the kid." Then he replied loudly, "Fine, we'll do it by the rules. If Old Yang hadn't had something to do and missed this trip, I'd definitely have settled who's stronger with you first. Giving you half is already letting you off easy."

Fei Ying narrowed his eyes slightly, letting his gaze linger on Ning Ze for a moment before raising an arm and waving toward those behind him.

"Process your own prey."

The other two began processing the prey. Only the vicious-looking martial artist remained standing nearby, cold light shifting in his eyes as though asking, We're just letting this go? He insulted me!

Fei Ying frowned and shot him a warning look. Only then did the vicious-looking martial artist give up, lowering his head to deal with the prey he had just killed.

Ma Yu also led Ning Ze over to process the monsters.

Only the two captains remained standing opposite each other at a safe distance. Neither spoke. They watched each other warily while remaining alert to their surroundings, guarding against a sniper's ambush.

Twenty minutes later, the martial artists had finally collected all the spoils.

Fei Ying spoke again. "The Advanced Beast General-level Black Tide Savage Bull is worth eighty million Huaxia Coin. I want the materials. How about I transfer forty million to you afterward?"

Zuo Xingyuan snorted heavily and said disdainfully, "You say eighty million, so it's eighty million? Material prices are basically transparent these days. The lowest quote is eighty million, and that's only for a monster that has just entered the Advanced Beast General level."

"This one clearly isn't newly advanced just from its size. Selling it to the Underground Alliance would fetch at least ninety million. Trying to play tricks with me? Put down forty-five million Huaxia Coin for me, and you can handle this monster's materials."

Both men were recording now. Martial artists cared about their reputations, and once matters like this were agreed upon, no one would renege and refuse to pay.

Fei Ying pondered briefly before agreeing. "Fine. Wait until we're done processing it before you leave!"

"I wouldn't stoop to a sneak attack. Do as you please." Zuo Xingyuan looked utterly disdainful.

Five more minutes passed before the materials were finally processed. The two squads silently withdrew toward their respective gunners.

Once the other side was out of sight, the martial artist who had been holding back his anger finally spoke.

"Boss, their gunner isn't with them. Why did we put up with them?"

Fei Ying sneered. "He was bluffing us. An Advanced Beast General-level Black Tide Savage Bull—besides Fire Rain Yang Chao, I don't believe anyone else in their squad can handle a firearm!"

"That guy's nickname is Savage Blade, but he's as crafty as that Golden Fire Bear. They're meticulous. They deliberately wanted to lure us into attacking."

"They have five people, while we have four. That Ma Yu's nickname is Ghost Blade. Though he took a Gene Potion, his Movement Technique has reached the Micro-level, and he's an old Warlord. His strength is only slightly inferior to Savage Blade's."

"Then there's that new member. At the very least, he's an Advanced Warrior-level fighter. Judging from how easily he fought, he's clearly capable too."

"Once we start fighting, even if it's just a simple contest, we'd still have to compensate them and apologize. That would be a huge loss."

"What rotten luck!" The vicious-looking martial artist was deeply frustrated. "A perfectly good prey split in half. Otherwise, this haul alone would have been half our total earnings!"

Fei Ying wore a sinister smile. "Who said the prey was split in half? Isn't the prey still in our hands?"

Hearing that, the burly martial artist in the squad couldn't help speaking up. "Boss, we can't go back on this. They definitely recorded it. If we disgrace the Thunderclap Martial Arts School, it won't be something a few tens of millions can settle."

"Who said I was going back on my word?" Fei Ying asked. Then he said darkly, "What if they don't make it back?"

The vicious-looking martial artist was delighted. Excitedly, he said, "Boss? Are we making a move?"

"Make a move? Da Zhuang, use your brain. Even if we can ambush Savage Blade, there's still Ghost Blade. We don't have much of an advantage."

Fei Ying sounded exasperated. This kind of teammate dared to fight, dared to charge, and obeyed orders, but he was too straightforward and hot-tempered.

Da Zhuang scratched his head awkwardly and asked, "Then what do we do?"

Fei Ying sneered. "Why do we need to act ourselves?" His eyes gleamed as he analyzed, "A typical martial artist squad has five members."

"According to martial artist rules, the ones who contribute the most take the largest share, sixty percent. The remaining members get forty percent, ten percent each. Unless it's a close-knit squad, this has always been the Rule, with few exceptions."

"Since such a Rule exists, there must be a reason. Whether it's maintaining psychological balance when dividing the money, assigning duties among team members, or receiving pay according to contribution, it's a reasonable standard."

"I'm certain Fire Rain Yang Chao is there! That means something unexpected happened in their squad, and they now have six people."

"Then this newcomer's identity must be that of a trusted acquaintance. Though his face was covered in dust and his age couldn't be seen clearly, his hairstyle suggests he's fairly young."

"Trusted and young. By coincidence, I received a message from the martial arts school two days ago saying that Golden Fire Bear's son defeated an S-level Contract genius martial artist in a duel at the school. Then this newcomer's identity is obvious. He definitely wasn't brought along as part of some school assignment to train newcomers. They wouldn't skip the old captain's son to bring someone else."

"We were angry when our prey was taken, but I believe that when some people hear Golden Fire Bear's son defeated an S-level Contract genius martial artist, they'll be too scared to sleep."

"As long as we spread that information, someone will naturally come deal with them. Then not only can we take back the prey, we might even earn a nice reward."

"Boss, I'll listen to you! As long as we can get revenge!" Da Zhuang grinned foolishly, but his eyes were filled with cruelty when he turned away.

Fei Ying turned to look at the other two.

The two exchanged a glance and hurriedly spoke.

"Boss, tell us what to do!"

"Boss, your call!"

Fei Ying lifted his chin and smiled smugly. "Find a quiet place to make a call, then wait for the money to come in. What do you all think?"