Volume 4: Hidden Battles – Chapter 276: Super Bait

These past few nights have not brought Chu Tianyu any sense of satisfaction due to the continuous operations. On the contrary, the repeated actions by the Zhan family and Lord Qin seem to have failed to deal them a decisive blow.
As for the Zhan family, those so-called Holy Blood disciples have been significantly reduced after his attacks. Apart from the three elders eliminated by Qin Nianran, there is hardly anyone left who can pose a real threat. Coupled with the continuous battles against Lord Qin’s forces over these days, which have consumed many of their men, if it weren’t for support from both the underworld and other sources, they might have already collapsed.
Chu Tianyu has other plans for Zhan Yupeng and Zhan Tian; he hasn’t acted on them yet because he has a strong premonition that the Zhan family might indeed be, as his master themad scholar said, not the true masters of the Kirin bloodline. There seems to be an invisible hand manipulating things behind the scenes. Otherwise, with just Zhan Yupeng’s and even his father Zhan Tian’s strength, it would be impossible for them to possess such great power.
For Chu Tianyu, taking their lives now would be effortless. But while settling scores brings satisfaction, it doesn’t resolve the underlying issues. Before figuring out exactly what the relationship is between the Zhan family and the Ao Xue sisters, as well as the grudges between them and Lord Qin’s forces, he doesn’t want to act rashly.
As for Lord Qin’s side, they give Chu Tianyu the impression of being invincible. Their so-called experts from the Netherworld keep appearing one after another, with more arriving in the capital constantly. This makes Chu Tianyu think that if he hadn’t intervened in time to disrupt the situation, Lord Qin’s forces might have become suspicious of the Zhan family, thinking they had hired some super expert. Without certainty, they wouldn’t have acted rashly. Otherwise, the Zhan family might have already been overwhelmed and defeated.
Thinking this, Chu Tianyu glanced at the message in his hand—a further piece of intelligence provided by the Xuanji Sect. It contained just a few words: “Yi Tian’s warehouse in Xitun Village—big deal!”
Chu Tianyu waved the note lightly, and a wisp of smoke rose. The note vanished like water droplets in an instant, leaving no trace at all.
At the same time, a slight smile appeared on Chu Tianyu’s lips as he shook his head slightly and muttered, “At this moment, could the Zhan family really have some big deal?”

Xitun Village is located west of Beijing and is actually a rather backward area. It is only because of its geographical position that it is barely included within the jurisdiction of the capital, considered part of its suburbs at best. However, with Beijing’s continuous expansion, Xitun Village has gradually become more important. Many large corporations have built factories and warehouses here, gradually forming a sizable logistics center and distribution hub for goods.

On a gloomy night, Chu Tianyu stood quietly on the roof of one of the warehouses at Yitian Warehouse. He slowly controlled his breath and, gazing at a brightly lit building across from him, let out a long howl. His figure then traced a graceful arc through the air like that of a roc before landing in front of the building’s door.

“Who is there? How dare you break into the warehouse? Ah Hu, call 110 right away…”
“Yes…”

Chu Tianyu coldly watched the clumsy attempts of these men. Though he found them laughable, he still had to admit their courage. Clearly, given the events of the past few days, his presence meant death. Yet these guys still dared to act in front of him, essentially serving as bait—brave, indeed.

“Come out, you all. No need for any more ambushes or tricks like ‘the mantis catches the cicada while the oriole waits in the trees.’ But don’t worry—today, I’ll show mercy. I’ll ruin your abilities but spare your lives!”

The men were still pretending to call the police when they heard Chu Tianyu’s clear and direct words. They were stunned. His words hit the mark, causing those who had once felt confident to feel a chill. Although Chu Tianyu didn’t move, his expression made it impossible to doubt his words at all.

Just then, loud laughter suddenly rang out outside the main entrance of the warehouse: “Hehe, good! Truly bold—I admire it!”

Though the laughter seemed to come right beside his ear, it took some time before a group of people appeared at the door. Leading them was Zhan Tian, with Zhan Yupeng following closely behind, accompanied by a large group of subordinates.

As the group approached, the “bang—bang” sounds of construction lights being turned on illuminated the entire warehouse yard, making it as bright as day. Chu Tianyu remained unmoved, merely turning slightly to look at Zhan Tian, his face calm.

The few “bait” figures across from him, once free from Chu Tianyu’s gaze, seemed to shed a tremendous burden, feeling instantly lighter. Two of those with weaker skills almost collapsed on the spot at that moment, showing just how much pressure they had been under.
“Clap~ clap~” Zhan Tian smiled broadly, clapping his hands as he walked forward. “Sir, you truly possess great skill and boldness. Knowing you were in a trap, yet you remained so calm, not showing the slightest panic. This has raised my admiration for you to outright respect!”
Though Zhan Tian spoke of respect, the confident smile on his face reminded one of a cat playing with a mouse before attacking…
Chu Tianyu didn’t seem bothered. His masked face merely curved into a slight smile as he said, “So you’re Zhan Tian?”
“That’s right. But aside from the trouble you’ve caused us, we’re really curious—who exactly are you? Can you at least face us openly?”
“Is that necessary?” Chu Tianyu sneered.
Zhan Tian’s expression immediately turned cold. “Having come this far, you still insist on being stubborn? I know your skills are extraordinary and you act ruthlessly, never leaving anyone alive. But young man, you must have heard the old saying: ‘If you walk by the river often, your shoes will get wet eventually’…”
At this point, Zhan Tian’s tone shifted. He suddenly raised his hand and shouted, “Bring him here!”
Before his words faded, a response came from behind him, “As you command!” Two strong men dragged a person forward.
It was more accurate to say they were hauling him along rather than escorting him. The man’s head hung limply, his body covered in blood, looking barely alive.
Zhan Tian’s eyes remained fixed on Chu Tianyu, undistracted by this development. But to his disappointment, he saw no trace of emotion on Chu Tianyu’s face—or in his eyes. Chu Tianyu still stood there quietly, showing no reaction beyond a brief glance at first.
“Is this what you call ‘wet shoes’?” Chu Tianyu said calmly.
“Oh, isn’t this your subordinate? Did you not receive information from him that led to this wonderful meeting? Could it be a coincidence? Have we got the wrong person?” Zhan Tianyu continued in his seemingly relaxed tone. Somehow, he always felt uneasy about this man, but he couldn’t quite pinpoint why or what worried him.

To be honest, he invested a great deal in this ambush plan. To lure Chu Tianyu into it, he specifically arranged for some death warriors to wait here as bait, while concentrating his main forces on the periphery. He guessed that since this person could so easily slaughter Holy Blood disciples with the Qilin bloodline, he must himself be a master possessing the power of heaven and earth. Ordinary ambushes would never be able to catch him. By placing the main force on the periphery, as soon as he took action, they would tighten the “net” to trap him like a turtle in a jar. With the forces and preparations he had made, even if the opponent was highly skilled, it would be like ants eating an elephant—preventing him from escaping!

Yet unexpectedly, such meticulous planning still revealed flaws to him, who then shouted loudly, ready for a direct confrontation, as if daring to charge through thousands of soldiers alone.

That’s why Zhan Tian said at first that he admired his “recklessness.” Of course, another reason was to find a topic to delay taking action, allowing the forces on the periphery to prepare better and form an even tighter encirclement.

“You’ve got the right person, but you’re wrong for torturing my men like this, and even worse for luring me here!” Chu Tianyu remained calm, but to Zhan Tian’s ears, his words carried a different meaning, making him feel as though it wasn’t him setting an ambush today, but rather standing exposed as someone else’s prey. Especially seeing Chu Tianyu’s composed gaze, he grew even more worried, though he still maintained a strong tone, saying, “Since you admit it’s your men, then admit it too—this mysterious person who’s been against us lately is you, right?”

Chu Tianyu smiled sarcastically and said, “Don’t ask such a question when you already know the answer. Whether I answer or not, I think the outcome won’t change. Ah, by the way, after talking for so long, have you arranged your forces on the periphery yet? If not, I can give you a few more minutes. Ask whatever questions you have while you still can—don’t end up unable to speak when the time comes!”

“Haha, truly reckless! I’ve truly seen something today!” A loud voice suddenly rang out from the northwest corner of the warehouse, accompanied by seven figures soaring across the roof and appearing in front of Chu Tianyu.

Upon seeing them, Chu Tianyu couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: “Even the ‘old friends’ have arrived. It seems my bait is quite effective. I wonder what kind of people else it will attract? Will Ao Xue’s master come?”