Apocalypse Gachapon Chapter 1935: Iron blood and plunder

Cheng Liujin and White Robe lingered at the edge of the passage, observing Ye Zhongming's form vanish through the doorway, before exchanging a glance between them.

"In the end, it all hinges on the two Clan Leaders."

Cheng Liujin let out a sigh, aware that the discussion unfolding within could shape the destiny of the Star-Eye Clan.

Indeed, Cheng Liujin had already forged a pact with Ye Zhongming. Yet, as the central figures, it remained Ye Zhongming and the Star-Eye Clan's two Clan Leaders whose dialogue, along with their shared sentiments and perceptions, held the true weight.

"It ought to go smoothly." White Robe pivoted alongside Cheng Liujin, striding forward while remarking: "Ye Zhongming harbors an ambition we've long since abandoned. Over these years, our battles for mere survival have dulled that fierce, overflowing drive into nothing more than a desperate will to endure."

The pair moved together in rare accord, devoid of the customary clashes that once marked their encounters—one provoking, the other rebuffing.

"Maybe it's his nature from his home planet. That's a trait common among many Novices. Countless lives perish because of it, while survivors emerge as mighty forces."

A faint smile tugged at the corner of Cheng Liujin's mouth beneath his mask. "I base this on solid ground. Consider the demands he made; they scream of his intent to wage war. Only, I'm uncertain if we can shoulder the burden for him."

White Robe shrugged with indifference. "We'll bear it regardless, since there's no alternative."

The Gold Order Leader gave a nod. He understood that despite their apparent victory in claiming the top spot overall this round, easing the Star-Eye Clan's perilous state, a heavy price had been paid—they had slain far too many on the Novice battlefield and, in doing so, hindered Ye Zhongming's promising future.

Many races might overlook this, but others would not.

Potential remained an uncertain promise, yet Cheng Liujin and White Robe viewed it favorably, a hope echoed by numerous other races.

Presently, debates raged outside and even inside the Star-Eye Clan: with Furelai unbridled, Ye Zhongming's evolution seemed of limited value.

However, many viewed it differently: if he wielded such power at this stage, what staggering might would he unleash upon full maturity?

This unseen pressure resembled the unease of clutching a priceless artifact.

"Yes, we'll endure it."

After a few more paces, Cheng Liujin abruptly remarked, "Is this the greatest unity among the Gold, Silver, and Bronze teams since that fateful event? The closest bond between the three Order Leaders?"

……………………………………

Ye Zhongming felt a twinge of astonishment, for the Star Lord and Eye Lord before him appeared without masks.

From what he knew, these two Lords removed their masks only during particular moments, and even then, they typically faced away from the Star-Eye clansmen.

Rumors abounded that the Star-Eye Clan's two leaders possessed a thousand faces, excelling as the finest assassins and ambush experts.

Truthfully, only they knew the exact number of visages they held. But undeniably, what sustained the Star-Eye Clan at its core? The three elite teams? The assassination contracts? Or the wild White Robe?

None of that. Fundamentally, it was these two Clan Leaders who maintained a sliver of intimidation toward rival races.

As long as no certainty existed of eliminating both simultaneously, none dared strike at the Star-Eye Clan.

Great races scorned such action, while lesser ones trembled in fear.

They dreaded the escape of these two Clan Leaders, for that would invite relentless assassinations from the galaxy's deadliest killers at any moment, in any place.

Thus, from this mere gesture alone, Ye Zhongming grasped their utter faith in him.

The authentic countenances of the Clan Leaders might well be the Star-Eye Clan's profoundest mystery.

Realizing this, Ye Zhongming, in an uncharacteristic move, offered a respectful bow to the two Clan Leaders and took a seat at their inviting smiles.

"You stand as a great benefactor to the Star-Eye Clan."

The figure on the left was male; he must be the Eye Lord.

These opening words set the tone for their bond.

"What we offer pales in comparison to your valiant efforts on our behalf. It's simply that the Star-Eye Clan's resources are limited at present, so we can't provide more. We trust you'll understand."

The Star Lord addressed him; she seemed to be Aslan's mother.

Ye Zhongming offered a smile.

The Eye Lord rose, approached Ye Zhongming, and extended his hand, stating, "Hand me the mask; I'll activate it for you."

Ye Zhongming had long uncovered the enigma of the Bronze Order Leader mask. Its inner layer had fulfilled its role and rested silently in his storage space, so he held no fear of scrutiny.

Accepting the mask, the Eye Lord returned to his seat, set it upon the table, positioned one hand hovering roughly one centimeter above it, and then a radiance emanated from his palm.

This glow persisted for nearly a minute before fading as the Eye Lord pulled back his hand.

As Ye Zhongming reclaimed the mask, he sensed a distinct shift in the item.

"Each mask functions as equipment, with Order Leader masks being especially potent. In crafting such gear, the Star-Eye Clan's expertise rivals any, backed by an unbroken heritage. I can boldly claim that in this domain alone, we match or surpass even the Taros Red Dwarves."

The Star Lord regarded Ye Zhongming, her face beaming with pride.

"I recognize you as an exceptional artisan. Soon, I'll deliver a copy of this crafting legacy to you. Guard it well."

Ye Zhongming's surprise was evident. Such knowledge surely ranked as a vital secret of the Star-Eye Clan—yet they bestowed it upon him?

"We summoned you today, beyond revealing our true faces and granting this heritage, primarily to inquire about your future intentions. What prompted you, Cheng Liujin, and White Robe to voice those ideas? And do you have a particular aim in mind?"

The Eye Lord's query evidently targeted Ye Zhongming's declaration of seeking active confrontation with other races.

Ye Zhongming recognized this touched on the Star-Eye Clan's full commitment to him. He gathered his ideas and replied, "The clan's predicament is dire, and the broader cosmic races' circumstances are equally grim. During the return journey, I learned of numerous developments."

Events such as the Slave Race's nutrient surge were already familiar to Ye Zhongming, fresh from the Novice battlefield.

"Absent these upheavals, we could leverage the acquired spokesperson slots, access passes, and various prizes to advance steadily, incrementally improving the clan's status and building strength over time."

"Yet now, that's plainly impossible. Who can predict when catastrophe might strike? We need to grow powerful swiftly. Even if rising to a great race eludes us, we must at least evade the purge of the weakest."

The Star Lord and Eye Lord nodded in agreement. They fully grasped how their clan's reality mirrored this assessment.

"Hence, only radical measures can hoist the Star-Eye Clan upward." Ye Zhongming declared gravely: "I believe nothing accelerates or excels like the forge of iron, blood, and ruthless seizure."