C218 A Meticulous Plan!
He was indeed very relieved.
Initially, upon witnessing Chu Yi's astonishing abilities, the Diamond of the Sole Truth had contemplated surrendering.
But then, a twist of fate occurred!
In the eleventh hour, Zhang Zhongqi managed to push Chu Yi to the brink of madness!
Of course, whether Zhang Zhongqi lost his mind was of no concern to him.
The Diamond's primary targets were the promising youths within the human race. While the adult figures were also marked for elimination, they paled in comparison to the value of the younger generation.
Thus, he had never given Zhang Zhongqi a second thought.
Even if Zhang Zhongqi had been driven to madness by Chu Yi, the Diamond had no intention of intervening.
The real issue arose when, in the final moments, Zhang Zhongqi unleashed a horrifying forbidden technique.
Truth be told, the Diamond was taken aback, even fearing for his own demise.
But who could have predicted that Chu Yi would employ some mysterious method to completely neutralize that forbidden technique?
The Diamond did feel a twinge of gratitude, but that certainly wasn't going to stop him from targeting Chu Yi.
Moreover, the opportunity that presented itself was too perfect to pass up.
After all, Chu Yi had been injured!
Despite Chu Yi's quick recovery and assurances of being unharmed, the Diamond was convinced that Chu Yi had sustained significant damage.
Only Chu Yi knew the extent of his remaining strength, but the Diamond was certain that Chu Yi was no longer at his peak.
To err on the side of caution, he ultimately abandoned his plan to kill Chu Yi.
Even though seeking assistance meant sharing the spoils, the concept of playing it safe was deeply ingrained in his very marrow.
Otherwise, how could he have remained undetected for decades while so many high-ranking humans and close associates who had joined the Truth were either exposed or revealed themselves shortly after?
No, in the eyes of the Diamond, this was not cowardice; it was prudence.
Chu Yi observed the Diamond before him, now settled and composed.
After some deliberation, the Diamond chose to reveal the truth.
After all, it was no big secret, and he had made his preparations.
"Fortunate for me, you're injured. You may hide it well and seem unchanged, but I know that even mustering seventy percent of your strength must be a struggle now!"
Chu Yi was somewhat taken aback.
He could only muster seventy percent of his strength now?
Why was this news to him?
Moreover...
After undergoing this transformation, Chu Yi could easily wield not just seventy percent, but a whopping one hundred and seventy percent of his power.
After all, he had reached the pinnacle of the Gold rank.
"There's no issue on my end," Chu Yi stated. He couldn't afford to be dishonorable; it was essential to let the other party gauge his true capabilities.
Regrettably, the sole Diamond present wouldn't take his word for it. "Don't bother bluffing. I saw right through you the instant I spoke!"
"Hehe, you can't conceal anything from the astute Adams!"
A slight twitch crossed Chu Yi's lips.
The astute Adams...
Well, he certainly lived up to the title.
"Of course, I'm aware that even at seventy percent, you're still immensely strong!"
"That's why I have a contingency plan!"
Chu Yi couldn't help but think the other was somewhat foolish.
You have a backup plan and you're revealing it now?
Does that even qualify as a backup?
Naturally, this was merely Chu Yi's gut reaction.
If the other party were truly incompetent, he wouldn't have lasted as the personal bodyguard to a high-ranking government official for decades without being exposed.
This only indicated that his adversary was thoroughly prepared.
Indeed, he spoke up the next moment.
"The sagacious Adams has already set everything in motion. Disclosing my ace in the hole to you poses no threat."
"In order to ensure victory against you in your current state, I've enlisted the aid of two additional White Gold rank members."
"Now, do you still believe you stand a chance?"
Chu Yi nodded.
White Gold members were among the elite within the ranks of the only truth.
White Gold was on par with Diamond.
Anyone who had achieved the status of a White Gold rank member possessed either the realm or the power of a Diamond Level.
Logically, three Diamond Level Great Generals taking action against him, now supposedly heavily injured and limited to seventy percent of his strength, should have an easy time.
Adams's caution was almost admirable!
Chu Yi knew that if the roles were reversed, he would never pass up such an opportune moment.
Relying solely on himself, despite the risks, the odds of success were high. And success would mean an embarrassment of riches.
However, the other party had actually reached out to two Diamond Level Great Generals despite knowing that he was down to only 70% of his strength.
It was a bold move.
"Now, here's the question: if I make a move now, can you still take me to the outskirts?"
Chu Yi didn't need to ask; the outskirts were clearly the intended battleground.
Sensing Chu Yi's half-amused gaze, Adams's voice rang out again, "Feel free to give it a shot."
"Oh, and I forgot to mention, this flying car has been rigged with seventeen ion bombs!"
"If you're planning to draw others in by making a move, I'm not opposed to going down with you."
Adams spoke with ease, but Chu Yi fell silent.
Upon scanning the flying car with his senses, Chu Yi confirmed the truth of Adams's claim.
There weren't seventeen, but there were indeed ten bombs!
Ion bombs...
Chu Yi was familiar with these devices; their destructive power was formidable. Just one could easily send a Diamond soaring to the afterlife.
And if ten were to detonate simultaneously...
Chu Yi wasn't sure he could survive, and Lee Zi definitely couldn't.
"So now, you have a choice to make."
"Do you want to fight to the death here and perish with me?"
"Or would you rather take your chances at the designated location?"
"Right now, death is certain, and even later, your chances of dying exceed ninety percent. But, there's still that slim hope of survival."
Indeed, if Chu Yi chose to confront Adams now, the detonation of the ion bombs might leave his own fate uncertain, but Lee Zi's death would be guaranteed.
Heading to the ambush site, as Adams had indicated, offered at least a glimmer of hope.
Thus, any rational person would make the same choice.
"Do you really think it's worth it to die alongside me?"
"After all your planning, to end up in a mutual destruction with me—does that sit well with you?"
Adams simply shrugged.
"Why should I be dissatisfied?"
"There's an old adage: 'Fortune favors the bold.' Without taking risks, why should I reap any rewards?"
Chu Yi had once thought Adams was a fool.
But now, it appeared he had been mistaken.
Adams was a madman, a madman with a chilling edge.
Moreover, the level of detail in his plans was truly impressive!
Had I not uncovered Adams's intentions, there would have been little to discuss upon reaching the outskirts.
But now, aware as I am...
Adams clearly believes the threat of an ion bomb will coerce me into walking straight into his trap!
Despite my injuries, he still felt the need to summon two other combatants of equal caliber, ensuring I'd only receive a third of the reward.
This cautiousness on Adams's part struck Chu Yi as excessive.
Yet, when Adams uttered 'mutual destruction' without a flicker of emotion, it was clear he was no coward.
This peculiar contradiction piqued Chu Yi's interest.
"Excuse me, esteemed Chu Yi, do you have any further questions?"
"I'll be happy to provide detailed answers..."
Adams appeared quite at ease, seemingly unafraid of a joint demise with Chu Yi.
He had indeed guessed right.
"So, who are the other two?"
Chu Yi was curious about their identities.
To be involved in Adams's scheme and deemed worthy of his recognition, these assassins couldn't be pushovers.
They had to be at least on par with Adams.
Meaning, the other two must be genuine High Order Diamond Level Great Generals, or possess equivalent strength.
Redmarsh City, with its population exceeding 200 million, could feel vast.
Yet, in another sense, it was quite small.
Among those millions, the number of individuals who could achieve Diamond Level, let alone High Order Diamond Level, was exceedingly rare.
However, Adams shook his head in response to Chu's inquiry, "It's not that I'm unwilling to tell you, but I myself don't know their identities."
Adams, acting as an informant, proceeded to explain the reason in detail, not allowing Chu Yi a chance to interject further questions.
The only method of communication was through a public platform, though private messaging was also an option.
But everyone's information was kept strictly confidential, and using these accounts didn't require any personal information.
While this could lead to an influx of spies, the only truth was that they didn't care.
After all, the public platform only displayed missions, such as the bounty for eliminating Chu Yi and what one might gain from it.
Chu Tianfeng was privy to Chu Yi's ranking for a reason. Yet, when it came to the details, they remained a mystery to everyone else, typically arranged through clandestine communications. Adams had recruited two Diamonds on the platform without disclosing the true objective. It wasn't until he was certain they weren't spies that he revealed his target and plans in a private conversation. Consequently, even Adams was unaware of their identities.
Chu Yi remained silent, sitting calmly on the flying car, while Lee Zi next to him was eerily quiet. Adams found their composure puzzling. Chu Yi's lack of nervousness was somewhat understandable; he was regarded as the foremost among his peers. If not the first, his strength was indisputably among the top three. In such a resplendent era, maintaining a top-three position and the future prospect of becoming a War God seemed almost effortless. Chu Yi's serenity stemmed from his confidence.
But Lee Zi was a different story. She, too, had a place on the rankings. At her peak, Lee Zi had reached the 178th spot. Following the destruction of her genetic power, she had withdrawn from the rankings. However, with the recent third-stage assessment, Lee Zi made a remarkable comeback, securing a spot and even climbing to the 97th position. Ninety-seventh might appear modest, but this was a global ranking. To be seen as the 97th among all the prodigies worldwide in the eyes of the ultimate arbiter was no small feat. Despite some discrepancies, the ranking was more or less accurate. Lee Zi was formidable, but she still had a considerable distance to go to catch up to Chu Yi.
Chu Yi's composure was understandable, but Lee Zi's was more enigmatic. Adams, now portraying the role of a sage, the master of all, kept his doubts to himself to maintain his stature. Thus, the group continued their silent journey, flying toward the outskirts.