Chapter 117: Clara's Ruthless Speech

Qingyan’s reaction only served to confirm the suspicions she had harbored.

In truth, she hadn't been entirely certain whether it was Lin Shuang who had been monitoring her, but there were only so many people in her immediate circle. Through her interactions over this period, Qingyan knew that Xi Yan was absolutely impossible, and Qu Ya, who seemed at times muddled and at others shrewd, was also unlikely. That left only Lin Shuang—her dear "sister."

Lin Shuang had crossed paths with Qingyan many times in the Main City. Because of her reclusive nature, Qingyan didn't have many friends, and Lin Shuang happened to be the one person who could count as a half-friend. Initially, Qingyan hadn't suspected her, but once all impossibilities were discarded, the remaining truth was the only conclusion. That was why she had just put Lin Shuang to the test.

"Alright, what are you still thinking about? I said I was treating you, so go get some food," Qingyan urged impatiently.

Lin Shuang bit her lower lip, sighed, and made her way toward the dessert section she favored. Since she had already been exposed, and judging by Qingyan’s demeanor, there seemed to be no immediate intention to pursue the matter, she decided to put it out of her mind.

Lin Shuang selected her preferred treats. Qingyan did the same, picking up a generous amount of food from the dessert area and stowing it away into her inventory. Just as she was about to pay with her points, Kela suddenly appeared out of thin air, telling the clerk at the counter, "It's on the house."

Qingyan turned her head, looking at Kela with displeasure. "Do you think I’m short on points?"

"No, no, that’s not what I meant at all. How could Miss Qingyan possibly be short on points? I truly just wanted to express my sincerity to you."

Kela’s demeanor now was entirely different from how he had spoken to the clerk moments ago. Although it felt as if Kela were trying to curry favor with her, there wasn't a hint of servility in his manner. Qingyan pouted and ignored him; since someone else was paying, she might as well save her own points.

Once everyone had finished selecting their food, Kela summoned them to the courtyard in the service area—the same spot where Qingyan and Kela had shared tea earlier. The courtyard remained lush with flowers and greenery, and at its center stood a small gazebo where Kela had ordered extra chairs to be placed.

As they sat, they began to chat. Each of them had a cup of tea in front of them, except for Qingyan, who had milk tea. Seeing Kela being so courteous and welcoming, Xi Yan couldn't shake the feeling that there was a trap lying in wait.

"Lord Nine, now that you have arrived here, it is time we properly refine our cooperation." Kela clasped his hands together, resting his chin on them as he looked at Xi Yan.

At the mention of "cooperation," an idea immediately struck Xi Yan. He remembered Lin Shuang telling him that the person with the ID "Doesn't Wear a Hat" was likely one of Kela’s subordinates. He could use this opportunity to find that person through Kela and extract the whereabouts of his sister.

"Hmm... That makes sense. Please go ahead, Mr. Kela. How shall we refine the terms of our cooperation?" Xi Yan mirrored Kela, clasping his hands and resting his chin upon them.

Kela chuckled, lowered his hands, leaned back, and crossed his legs. Smiling, he said, "The content of this might make Miss Qingyan unhappy, so would you mind wandering around the service area for a bit, Miss?"

"Do you think I want to be here? Hmph!" Qingyan left in a huff.

Watching her retreat, Xi Yan felt a sense of foreboding.

"Very well, now that she is gone, I will tell you the details." Kela’s expression turned solemn as his gaze flickered toward Lin Shuang. Feeling his eyes on her, Lin Shuang immediately sensed that more trouble was coming her way.

Kela withdrew his gaze and said to Xi Yan, "Kill the City Lord."

Four simple words, yet they left Xi Yan speechless. He had anticipated this outcome, but he had no idea how to handle it. Killing the City Lord was easier said than done. Setting aside whether the City Lord was good or evil, the fact that they held such a position meant their personal strength was certainly not to be trifled with. For someone of Xi Yan’s current level, Kela’s request was tantamount to throwing an egg against a rock.

Kela seemed to read Xi Yan’s thoughts and added, "Of course, I’m not asking you to go and assassinate him directly. We must use our brains for everything." He tapped his finger against his temple. "That is why I have been using this to plan the City Lord's demise."

Lin Shuang, standing to the side, now regretted not leaving with Qingyan. Although she wasn't exceptionally powerful, she was somewhat well-known among the elite. Everyone knew she belonged to the Main City, and while she had other identities, she was, fundamentally, a direct subordinate of the City Lord. For Kela to speak of killing the City Lord right in front of her was not only a trap for Xi Yan, but for her as well. Without realizing it, cold sweat began to trickle down her back.

Kela naturally noticed her reaction, which was exactly the result he wanted.

"Using our brains? May I ask, Mr. Kela, if you already have a plan in mind?" Xi Yan’s reaction was much steadier than Lin Shuang’s.

"I have. However, I need to explain it to you step by step, as the plan is quite complex."

"Please, go on, sir." Xi Yan appeared calm on the surface, but his palms were damp beneath the table. He was discussing a topic that could get him killed ten times over in the Survival Zone; if he could stay completely composed, it would be nothing but an act.

"First, you need to improve your capabilities. The first step is to level up," Kela answered.

At the mention of leveling up, Xi Yan felt a headache coming on. Because of his "Close Enough" ability, his path to progression was vastly different from everyone else's. Seeing Xi Yan’s troubled expression, Kela assumed he was worried about the lack of points and core crystals required for the upgrade.

"If you are worried about the core crystals, you need not be. I will provide them for you, free of charge."

This was a heavy promise. Even for others, the cost of core crystals required for leveling was substantial, yet Kela was offering them for free. Xi Yan felt that this cooperation was looking increasingly ominous. He had never been one to believe in free lunches falling from the sky.

"What is it? Are you afraid I can't afford to provide for you? The entire Eighth Survival Zone belongs to me; you need not worry about that," Kela said with an air of grandiosity.