"This is not difficult. I'll take the lead, and you provide support!"
Badak made concessions at this moment; he couldn't hesitate.
Xuan Qi had already arrived, and it was believed that the Dark Association's reinforcements would come soon.
By then, killing Xuan Qi would be impossible, let alone taking Shangguan Yanran away.
Therefore, the most important thing now was to deal with Xuan Qi, and then compete for Shangguan Yanran's allegiance.
"Alright, it's a deal."
Xiao Feng gritted his teeth and agreed, then shifted his target, preparing to attack Ye Cangtian.
Of course, he didn't intend to actually attack Ye Cangtian. It was just a charade to play along, which would allow him the opportunity to ambush Badak at a critical moment.
"Heh heh, your reconciliation is faster than flipping a book. Truly admirable!"
"But are you sure you're not out of your minds? This is the Dark Association headquarters. Do you think I would ambush you alone?"
"So naive!"
Ye Cangtian said dismissively, his gaze glancing towards a corner behind him.
As he spoke, a figure slowly walked out.
Seeing the slightly reflective golden mask on Cheng Hai's face, Xiao Feng and Badak's eyes instantly turned solemn, as if their hearts had stopped beating.
That was a Earth-level expert!
No matter how high they thought of themselves, they were no match for an Earth-level expert.
Moreover, this was not just any Earth-level expert, but a veteran, holding the second highest position among the Dark Association's Earth-level experts.
It could be said that Cheng Hai alone was enough to kill both of them.
"Heh heh, scared?"
Seeing their silence, Ye Cangtian smiled slightly and then extended his hand, pointing at Badak.
"Hey, you, you're very lucky. You will be personally eliminated by Master Cheng Hai."
"Compared to the pain you'll feel before dying, you'll at least get to experience Master Cheng Hai's terrifying strength. It won't be a wasted life."
Listening to Ye Cangtian's teasing voice, Badak felt like cursing him to hell.
Was that considered lucky?
He might have had a sliver of hope against Xuan Qi, but facing Cheng Hai meant certain death.
At this moment, he wished he could tear Xiao Feng into a million pieces. If Xiao Feng hadn't come to stop him, he might have already left the ruins.
On the other side, Cheng Hai cast a look of appreciation at Ye Cangtian.
The man was not only exceptionally capable and powerful but also possessed an excellent skill in flattery, which he greatly admired.
"Ahem, to avoid disturbing Master Cheng Hai, you, the ant over there, come with me to the side for a duel!"
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, Xiao Feng immediately understood and, without a word, darted to the side.
It was obvious that Ye Cangtian was saving him. If he had stayed in front of Cheng Hai, he would have had no chance of escape.
Cheng Hai did not object. After all, Shangguan Yanran was right there, so everything could be discussed later. Moreover, he trusted Xuan Qi implicitly and had no doubts whatsoever.
Thus, Ye Cangtian and Xiao Feng separated from Cheng Hai's line of sight and entered the distant mountain forest.
It was only then that Xiao Feng breathed a sigh of relief and asked, "Little brother Ye, why did you bring Cheng Hai here?"
Hearing this, Ye Cangtian looked at Xiao Feng speechlessly. "It wasn't me who brought him here; he brought me. Man proposes, but heaven disposes!"
"What do we do now?"
Xiao Feng's brows furrowed. With Cheng Hai's arrival, it was impossible for them to take Shangguan Yanran away.
Would they have to return Shangguan Yanran, whom they had just rescued?
"Alas, at this point, we can only grit our teeth and go for it."
"Later, I will go out and join forces with Badak. You wait here for the outcome and do not appear no matter what."
"If I die, I'll entrust the matter of saving Shangguan Yanran to you. Also, please take care of Xin Wan for me..."
Ye Cangtian sighed, preparing for the worst.
He had to do his utmost to rescue Shangguan Yanran, otherwise, all his previous efforts would be in vain.
Most importantly, it would be almost impossible to rescue Shangguan Yanran later.
After this oversight by the Dark Association, Xing Yuan would surely strengthen their control over Shangguan Yanran.
Perhaps, soon Shangguan Yanran would be turned into a killing machine.
"I'll go with you. With my strength, I might be of some help."
Hearing Ye Cangtian's words, Xiao Feng quickly spoke up.
How could he let Ye Cangtian venture alone? Ye Cangtian was a key person being groomed by the Hidden Organization, destined to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the Hidden Organization and Huaxia in the future.
In his opinion, this was far more valuable than his own life. Even if he died, he couldn't let anything happen to Ye Cangtian.
"Don't argue at this moment."
"We can't both die here. One of us must survive, and that person must be you!"
Ye Cangtian interrupted Xiao Feng, speaking firmly.
The Dark Association already knew he was in the ruins, so they would not rest until he was eliminated.
If they failed to eliminate Cheng Hai today and the operation failed, then only his death would bring peace to the Dark Association. Otherwise, they would surely move heaven and earth to find him.
"Alright, be careful."
"Don't worry. As long as I'm alive, I will fulfill what you've asked."
Xiao Feng calmed down a bit after Ye Cangtian's words, patted his shoulder heavily, and then turned away.
He really didn't want to witness Ye Cangtian's heroic sacrifice.
Seeing this, Ye Cangtian showed a faint smile. "Don't be so tragic. My life isn't something anyone can take. Perhaps I can create a miracle!"
As he spoke, Ye Cangtian's figure flashed, and he quickly rushed towards Cheng Hai.
He couldn't delay any longer. If Badak was incapacitated, he would lose his only ally, and the situation would become even more dangerous.
Meanwhile, at the exit.
Badak was fiercely battling Cheng Hai.
To call it a fierce battle would be an understatement; it was more like a one-sided thrashing.
In front of Cheng Hai, Badak could only barely hold his ground despite all his efforts.
In just a few minutes, he was already covered in wounds.
On the other hand, Cheng Hai's eyes held a mocking smile, clearly not exerting his full strength.
But the next moment, a figure rapidly attacked, striking towards Cheng Hai.
Cheng Hai had no choice but to evade the blow, forcing him back several steps and creating some distance.
"Ye Cangtian, you're truly a good friend!"
"If I survive, I'll repay this favor in the future!"
Seeing Ye Cangtian appear, Badak was not only surprised but also filled with gratitude.
Facing the powerful Cheng Hai, Ye Cangtian still dared to intervene without hesitation, disregarding his own life. Just for this, Badak was full of admiration.
"Badak, don't flatter yourself. I'm saving you out of necessity!"
"Without you, I cannot defeat Cheng Hai alone. Only by joining forces without holding back might we have a chance to survive!"
Ye Cangtian glanced at Badak and said slowly.
"I understand, but I still thank you."
Badak nodded and continued, "Therefore, this time I'll make an exception and cooperate with you wholeheartedly, without any reservations."
"It's best if that's the case."
Upon hearing this, Ye Cangtian snorted and his gaze swept towards Cheng Hai on the other side.
Cheng Hai was not in a hurry to attack them. His gaze flickered towards the mountain forest from where Ye Cangtian had emerged.
That was the area where Xuan Qi and Xiao Feng were.
Whether Ye Cangtian had encountered them or if he and Xiao Feng had joined forces to eliminate Xuan Qi was constantly being speculated in his mind.
Sensing Ye Cangtian's gaze at this moment, Cheng Hai came back to his senses and asked, "Where is Xuan Qi?"
"He's fine for now, but whether he'll be fine later is hard to say," Ye Cangtian replied with a slight smile.