Invincibility starts when I see the BOSS health bar.

Chapter 995 Meeting People at the Teahouse
The shadow monkey's brows furrowed instantly.

The Grave Sheep is solitary and melancholic, lacking basic reverence for life, and only filled with fanaticism for unknown knowledge and power.

His presence here is unusual in itself.

"Grave Sheep!" Shadow Monkey shouted in a low voice, which, though not loud, carried a penetrating power and echoed in the silent passage.

The sheep suddenly jolted, jumping back like a startled rabbit. When it turned around, a trace of panic and...excitement remained on its face that it couldn't hide in time.
He recognized the shadow monkey and quickly forced a stiff smile: "Shadow... Shadow monkey? You... How did you get out? Are your injuries better?"

The shadow monkey did not answer; its sharp gaze swept across the grave sheep's face as if it were a physical object, and then landed on the culture jar it had just been observing.

The lord slave in the jar was no different from the others, but the shadow monkey keenly noticed that the liquid flow rate in the tubes connecting this lord slave seemed to be slightly faster than in the other jars.

"What are you looking at?" Shadow Monkey's voice was cold and scrutinizing.

"N-nothing!" Mu Yang rubbed his hands, his eyes somewhat unfocused. "It's just... just a routine check on the progress of these Venerable Slaves' training. The Secret Rabbits are too busy, so I... I'm helping out."

"Help?" Shadow Monkey took a step closer. Despite his injuries, the oppressive aura of a top assassin still made Grave Sheep feel suffocated. "I remember Secret Rabbit said that the training of Venerable Slaves is entirely her responsibility, and no one else is allowed to interfere. Especially you, Grave Sheep, you'd better rein in those 'little hobbies.' Venerable One is about to embark on a grand plan, and the organization cannot tolerate any unforeseen complications!"

He deliberately emphasized the words "small hobby".

Everyone knows that Mu Yang secretly enjoys studying strange and even taboo things, and has always wanted to get involved in Zun Nu's affairs.

In the past, the organization would turn a blind eye to certain things, but these are extraordinary times.

Grave Sheep's facial muscles twitched, and a shadow of gloom flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly covered up by a fawning smile: "Shadow Monkey is right! I understand! I understand! It's just curiosity, pure curiosity! Absolutely no other meaning! I'm leaving now, I'm leaving now!"

As he spoke, he bowed and scraped, slipped past the shadow monkey, and hurriedly disappeared into the darkness at the other end of the passage.

The shadow monkey stood still, looking in the direction where the grave sheep had disappeared, its brows furrowed.

He sensed something was off about the grave sheep. The fanaticism in its eyes and the fleeting ruthlessness just now were definitely not just "curiosity".

The organization was not a monolithic entity; the twelve generals each had their own agendas and even some minor conflicts.

However, at this critical juncture when His Majesty is planning something big, any internal instability could have disastrous consequences.

He sighed, feeling utterly powerless.

He was not the leader and had no authority to force or restrain the other twelve members.

Unless His Majesty issues a personal order, all twelve generals are nominally equal.

He only hoped that Mu Yang would be sensible and not cause any trouble at this critical juncture.

With this lingering worry and an urgent need for the divine healer, Shadow Monkey didn't delay any longer. He took a deep breath and, like a ghost, his figure blended into the shadows of the passage, stealthily heading towards the exit of the stronghold.

He must find Fulong as soon as possible, or contact the divine healer by her side.

Leaving the dark and oppressive underground, returning to the surface.

It was afternoon, and the sunlight was a bit too bright.

He had changed into an inconspicuous gray cloth outfit and made simple disguises on his face, making him look like an ordinary person with a sallow complexion who had just recovered from a long illness.

He determined the direction and headed towards the Ouyang residence in the west of the city, where Zhuge Shi was currently hiding and waiting.

Instead of going through the main gate, the shadow monkey went around to a quiet corner in the back alley of the mansion.

Here, high walls stand tall, and weeds grow rampant at their base.

He looked around to make sure no one was following him, then took out a small bone flute from his pocket.

This bone flute has a unique shape; it is neither gold nor jade, and is entirely white.

He brought the bone flute to his lips, but made no sound. He simply blew it three times in a specific rhythm.

A moment later, an inconspicuous side gate in the backyard of the Ouyang residence opened silently a crack.

Zhuge Shi appeared, walking lightly to the corner where the shadow monkey was.

"What?" Zhuge Shi asked in a low voice, annoyed, while scanning her surroundings warily. She was clearly displeased with the Shadow Monkey's sudden summoning.

The shadow monkey ignored her complaints and went straight to the point: "Is there a miracle doctor over here?"

Zhuge Shi was slightly taken aback, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes: "Dr. Ding? She does exist. What do you want with her?"

She looked Shadow Monkey up and down. "You're injured? That's strange. Judging from your complexion, although you're not well, it doesn't seem like you need Dr. Ding's serious injury. Besides, doesn't the organization have Secret Rabbit?"

Shadow Monkey paused for a moment, then lowered his voice: "It wasn't me. It was the organization... Last night's operation resulted in heavy losses."

Zhuge Shi's impatience vanished instantly, replaced by solemnity: "The Seventh Prince's assassination attempt? It succeeded? But... the price was high?"

A flicker of pain crossed Shadow Monkey's eyes, and his voice was low: "The Seventh Prince is dead. His Majesty personally killed him. But we... Fire Dog and Pang Pig died on the spot, and the rest of us are seriously injured and on the verge of death. We are now being kept alive by Secret Rabbit. I almost died there too."

Zhuge Shi gasped. Although she had a so-so relationship with Huo Gou, Pang Zhu, and others, and even some minor frictions, she was still terrified to hear that nearly half of the twelve generals had been lost overnight.

The brutality of last night's operation far exceeded her expectations.

She quickly gathered her thoughts and asked the crucial question: "Your Majesty... what are your instructions? With the Seventh Prince's death, the court will inevitably be shaken, and all factions will take action. What is the organization's next plan? And..." She paused, a hint of barely perceptible concern in her eyes, "...How is Secret Rabbit? She didn't go to the front lines last night, did she? She has to treat so many seriously wounded soldiers and train new lords..."

Instead of answering her question directly, Shadow Monkey asked urgently, "Floating Dragon, now is not the time to talk about this! Can you find a way to invite the Divine Physician to the organization? Secret Rabbit's medical skills are high, but you also know that she can't be in two places at once. Besides, I've heard that the Divine Physician by your side is extraordinary in healing injuries and prolonging life..."

Zhuge Shi frowned, her doubts deepening: "What do you mean? The Secret Rabbit can't handle it? Is the injury that serious? Or..." She keenly caught the anxiety in Shadow Monkey's tone, "...how short-handed is the organization right now?"

Shadow Monkey sighed and stopped hiding his true intentions: "Besides Secret Rabbit, Grave Sheep, and me, who's half-crippled, there aren't many combat personnel left who can still move. His Majesty's order is to replenish manpower as soon as possible, but how easy is that? Either we recruit reliable newcomers, or..." He stared intently at Zhuge Shi, "...find a way to help our seriously injured brothers recover quickly! As long as Shou Ma and the others can recover half of their combat strength, the situation will be greatly alleviated! Therefore, your side is of paramount importance!"

After hearing this, Zhuge Shi's eyes darted around rapidly, a glint of shrewdness flashing in them.

She neither immediately agreed nor refused, but instead gave a thoughtful look.

“The shortage of manpower… is indeed a big problem.” She said slowly, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the hem of her clothes. “If the organization is really in dire need of manpower… I can recommend someone. This person is quite capable, his character… is also quite reliable, and his background is clean, so he should be able to pass the organization’s review.”

Shadow Monkey perked up: "Oh? Who is it?" He was now very interested in anyone who could supplement his fighting strength.

Zhuge Shi smiled knowingly. "This man is named Diao Deyi. If he is willing to join the organization and can pass the test, then asking the divine doctor to help the organization..." She deliberately dragged out her words, ""will naturally be much easier."

Shadow Monkey raised an eyebrow. He understood the unspoken meaning in Zhuge Shi's words—using Fang Yu's recommendation to join the organization as a condition for the divine doctor's intervention.

However, as long as the problem of the divine doctor can be solved, it wouldn't hurt to recommend someone to join, since the final decision rests with His Excellency.

"Diao Deyi?" Yinghou chewed on the name. "Where is he now?" Zhuge Shi shook her head slightly. Fang Yu had just left this morning, and she didn't know where he was. However, he would naturally return when night fell. With Ding Hui around, Fang Yu couldn't possibly escape.

"He's not at home right now, but he should be back later. I'll talk to him first..."

The shadow monkey nodded: "Understood. As for the divine doctor..."

“Once you’ve dealt with Diao Deyi, or at least demonstrated sufficient sincerity and met the organization’s needs,” Zhuge Shi smiled slyly, “I will naturally try to persuade Doctor Ding. After all, a strong organization benefits all of us, doesn’t it?”

"Alright... You can name your terms. You know the organization's situation; we don't lack resources."

Shadow Monkey gave Zhuge Shi a deep look, said nothing more, and with a flicker of its figure, disappeared into the shadows of the back alley.

"Wait! Shadow Monkey, is there any news from Bone Tiger?"

"...We found some trace of him, but most likely he's already gone."

"Is the body still there?"

"……what are you up to?"

"No need to ask further, I have my own clever use for it."

Zhuge Shi blinked, leaving the shadow monkey feeling puzzled.

……

Inside the teahouse.

The sounds of people talking, the clinking of teacups, and the loud shouts of waiters rose and fell.

"Needle Heart Tea House" has an elegant name, but it is actually very lively.

The two-story wooden building, with its carved beams and painted rafters, was almost full in the lobby at this hour, which was also afternoon tea time.

The storyteller recounted the secrets of the previous dynasty with great enthusiasm, while the tea drinkers listened intently, whispered among themselves, or engaged in lively discussions, creating a vibrant atmosphere reminiscent of everyday life.

Fang Yu was sitting by the window on the second floor of the teahouse, resting with his eyes closed, when he suddenly heard footsteps approaching from afar.

He looked up alertly at the person who had come.

The next instant, Fang Yu's pupils contracted slightly.

"Black Pride?"

He jumped up in surprise, his tense nerves relaxing slightly, and said with a hint of delight, "You're alright!"

On Hei Ao's ugly face, a forced smile appeared the moment he saw Fang Yu, but it quickly returned to its gloomy state.

"What exactly happened?" Fang Yu frowned, looking at Hei Ao's state, a sense of foreboding flashed through his mind, and he asked urgently, "Where's Zuo Lü? Isn't she with you?"

Upon hearing Zuo Lü's name, Hei Ao seemed to be pricked by a needle. He abruptly turned his face away, his fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and he squeezed out a voice through gritted teeth: "...It is precisely because Zuo Lü is being held captive by Lulu that I was able to be released like a commodity to deliver messages."

He whirled around, his eyes bloodshot, his voice hoarse with barely suppressed rage: "I joined the Absolute Clan with Zuo Lu... After everything we've been through, how could I possibly abandon her! Diao Deyi, she's using Zuo Lu as a hostage!"

The last trace of warmth vanished from Fang Yu's face, and his eyes suddenly darkened. He thought Lulu had genuinely come to reconcile. Turns out, she hadn't.

Lulu never trusted him, nor did she ever lower her guard. All of this was just part of a more elaborate scheme.

"Heh," Fang Yu let out a short, cold laugh, laced with deep sarcasm, "Not a shred of sincerity. What does she want?"

Hei Ao took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his turbulent emotions, and said in a hoarse voice, "She said... she wants to introduce you to someone."

"An introduction?" Fang Yu raised an eyebrow. "Her backer?"

Hei Ao nodded heavily.

"Who is it?" Fang Yu pressed.

"I don't know." Hei Ao shook his head, his face showing resentment at being fooled. "Lulu is very tight-lipped. She only said that the other party must meet with you in person before we can discuss the specific conditions."

"So mysterious?" Fang Yu's eyes narrowed, a cold glint in them. "Then why didn't she come to negotiate herself? Why did she send you as a messenger?"

Upon hearing this, Hei Ao's facial muscles twitched, revealing a cold smile that was more like a grimace: "Let me tell you personally, Zuo Lu and I have become her hostages. This is to ensure that when we meet next time, you won't just kill her without saying a word. She needs this 'guarantee'."

"You do have some self-awareness." Fang Yu's tone was calm, but his eyes were as cold as ice in the dead of winter, with killing intent quietly gathering within them. He looked at Hei Ao beside him, who was almost grinding his teeth to powder, and could clearly feel the anxiety and helplessness that was about to burst forth.

He reached out and patted Hei Ao's tense shoulder heavily.

This strike was powerful and steady, carrying an undeniable sense of reassurance and commitment.

"Don't worry," Fang Yu's voice was low but firm, "Leave everything to me."

Hei Ao and Zuo Lü, driven by revenge, betrayed everything and joined the dangerous and treacherous Jue Men organization, only to be ruthlessly betrayed, used, and even used as pawns to control each other. Fang Yu knew all too well the feeling of being used as a pawn and discarded.

Lulu... must pay the price for this. Fang Yu's killing intent was already made up.

He then asked, "Hei Ao, do you know where Elder Yan Jin is now?"

Hei Ao was taken aback, clearly not expecting Fang Yu to suddenly ask this, and subconsciously asked back, "What do you want with him?"

Fang Yu's gaze fell on the blurry outline of the Juemen Hall in the distance. His tone was calm, yet it carried a chilling decisiveness.

"Perhaps it's time to change the representative of the Juemen in the capital," he said calmly.

Upon hearing this, Hei Ao's eyes widened instantly.

He had heard that Fang Yu and Elder Yan Jin seemed to have a good relationship, but he never expected that Fang Yu would actually plan to do such a thing.

In that case, on the surface, Fang Yu and the Absolute Clan would inevitably break off their relationship, but in private, they would seem to be able to maintain a certain connection... Is this plan somewhat feasible?

only……

"The person behind Lulu is probably not simple. If we mess with Lulu..."

Hei Ao didn't continue, but Fang Yu had his own reasons.

(End of this chapter)