Chapter 760: Setting a Trap

Chapter 754: A Slow Realization

Although Wang Zhang and his men were a bit suspicious, they had already entered and felt they had nothing to fear. The Five Elements Sect was just a tiger stranded on the plains—nothing to be afraid of. The force they had brought this time was far more than the Five Elements Sect could handle.

Soon, Shen Haoran led everyone into a mountain hollow where the members of the Five Elements Sect had set a trap. It was the absolute perfect spot for an ambush. Steep stone cliffs enclosed it on three sides, making escape impossible without a superior Body Technique. The only way through was a single narrow path, making the terrain easy to defend and difficult to assault.

Wang Zhang and the other two also noticed the surrounding terrain. He stepped forward and cautioned Shen Haoran, “Sir, be careful. This terrain is perfect for an ambush. The Five Elements Sect is a bunch of sinister and cunning lowlifes. They’ll most likely ambush us here!”

Hearing Wang Zhang’s words, Shen Haoran paused for a moment. He then turned to look at Wang Zhang, a strange smile playing on his lips that sent a chill down the man’s spine.

Shen Haoran merely shot Wang Zhang a cool glance before continuing forward, paying his words no mind whatsoever.

“You…” Staring at Shen Haoran’s back, Wang Zhang’s lips parted as if to say something, but in the end, no words came out.

“Brother Wang, what should we do? Do we keep going or wait?” Zhang Xiong and Niu Chong asked with frowned brows.

“Let’s go. The Five Elements Sect is no longer a threat. Even if they have an ambush, it won’t amount to much. Besides, we still have Elder Ning and his Maid. Those two alone are enough to annihilate the Five Elements Sect!” Wang Zhang said after a moment of contemplation, his eyes fixed on Shen Haoran’s back.

Hearing this, Zhang Xiong and Niu Chong nodded. They then led the Blood Evil Alliance’s Martial Artists behind them and continued forward. The large party moved on, soon entering the narrow passage.

Once everyone had entered the passage, they saw the Five Elements Sect’s Sect Leader, Chen Yu, standing at the other end with a dozen or so people. All of them stared into the passage with grave expressions, yet their eyes held a hint of anticipation.

“Sir, that’s the Sect Leader of the Five Elements Sect, Chen Yu! He’s the one hiding the Shen Clan Members within the Five Elements Sect. As long as we capture him, we can round up all the Shen Clan Members in one fell swoop!” Wang Zhang said excitedly to Shen Haoran, his face beaming as he looked at Chen Yu at the end of the passage.

Shen Haoran was also looking toward the end of the passage. His eyes narrowed slightly as a glint flashed through them, and an imperceptible smile touched the corners of his mouth.

Seeing that Shen Haoran remained silent, Wang Zhang stepped forward, pointed at Chen Yu’s group, and roared, “Chen Yu! Today, I, on behalf of the Blood Evil Alliance, will give you one last chance. Give up the Five Elements Sect and hand over your Sect Leader Token! If you do, we can spare the lives of your disciples. Otherwise, you can just wait for the Five Elements Sect to be bathed in blood!”

Wang Zhang’s words echoed endlessly in the narrow passage, reaching the ears of Chen Yu and his group. But at that moment, neither Chen Yu nor Shui Ruolan had any intention of paying attention to Wang Zhang. Their gazes were fixed on Shen Haoran, who stood behind him. Their faces were filled with joy, excitement, and even a trace of fervor.

Wang Zhang finally noticed their expressions and grew puzzled. The way Chen Yu’s group was acting didn’t seem like people facing imminent disaster at all. They looked as if they were welcoming a loved one home. Moreover, their gazes all seemed to be focused on Elder Ning!

“Elder Ning, this…” Wang Zhang turned to look at the impassive Shen Haoran, about to say something.

But before Wang Zhang could speak, Shen Haoran started walking forward on his own. He stopped in front of Chen Yu’s group, looked at them, raised his arm, and threw a punch.

BANG…

In mid-air, two fists collided heavily. Zi Mo stared at the familiar face before him and couldn’t help but cry out, “Boss, you’re finally back!” With that, he pulled Shen Haoran into a tight embrace.

A smile appeared on Shen Haoran’s face as he gently patted Zi Mo’s back, signaling for him not to get too worked up. Afterward, Shen Haoran also bumped fists with Long Zhen and Long Mo. ‘These companions, the first friends I made, they’ve all changed so much now.’

Finally, Shen Haoran came to stand before Shui Ruolan. As she gazed at his face, the ever-strong woman began to shed tears.

“Don’t worry, I’m back. Leave the rest to me,” Shen Haoran said softly to Shui Ruolan.

As Shen Haoran’s words fell, it was as if a fuse had been lit in Shui Ruolan’s heart. She could no longer hold back her tears and burst out crying, throwing her arms around him and refusing to let go.

Caught off guard by Shui Ruolan’s sudden embrace, Shen Haoran froze for a second. He glanced back at Xue Ling, who just let out a cold snort, her eyes filled with ice. Shen Haoran gave an awkward smile and finally placed his hands on Shui Ruolan’s back, patting it gently. ‘It really has been hard on Shui Ruolan all these years. She’s been managing the entire, massive Yao Sect by herself. As a Sect Leader, I’ve been far too irresponsible.’

While Shen Haoran was having a reunion with Chen Yu and the others, Wang Zhang’s side was in complete disarray, his face a mask of disbelief. ‘Isn’t this the Elder sent by Fallen Valley? Wasn’t he supposed to help us deal with the Five Elements Sect? Wasn’t he here to find the Shen Clan Members? Why is he hugging the Five Elements Sect members like they’re family? They look just like old friends reuniting!’

“Elder Ning, you…” Wang Zhang said in disbelief. But when he saw Shen Haoran’s handsome face, he sucked in a sharp breath. ‘So the Elder Ning from before was a fake!’

“Damn it, we’ve been tricked!” Wang Zhang cursed. Shen Haoran’s performance back at the Blood Evil Alliance camp had been virtually flawless; Wang Zhang and his men had been completely convinced he was an Elder from Fallen Valley.

“Who in the world are you?” Wang Zhang and his men demanded, their faces dark. He glanced at the surrounding terrain again, a dire premonition rising in his heart.

Hearing Wang Zhang’s question, Shen Haoran gently pushed Shui Ruolan away. He turned around, looked at Wang Zhang with a smile, and said, “Shen Haoran.”

“What? You’re Shen Haoran?” Upon hearing this name, the expressions on Wang Zhang and his two companions changed drastically. After coming into contact with Fallen Valley, all the Martial Artists of the Blood Evil Alliance knew the name Shen Haoran. This was the man who had single-handedly slain four of Fallen Valley’s Elders and severely wounded their Valley Master. Because of this, Shen Haoran had been placed on Fallen Valley’s red list, which meant he was to be killed no matter the cost!