The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 712: Unqualified

Everyone turned to Wang Zikai, waiting for him to share his valuable insights.

In truth, Wang Zikai had simply remembered one thing: when two holes were burned into his pants, Chen Ying was there to see his butt. What if Chen Ying came and accidentally revealed the incident? How was Wang Zikai going to be the secret boss and spiritual leader of the 94, and wouldn’t his authority be undermined?

“Can Chen Ying keep a secret?” Wang Zikai turned to Gao Yang. “If not, she shouldn’t come. You have nothing to worry about with me here.”

That made others see Wang Zikai in a different light. He thought further than they had expected. He was worried that Chen Ying would be a security weakness who could drag the Nine Scions down.

Gao Yang was the only one who knew what trivial thing Wang Zikai was worried about.

He sighed inwardly. I really can’t rely on you in things that involve the brain.

He turned to Can. Can met his eyes and said hesitantly, “I believe we should welcome Chen Ying. There are risks, yes, but didn’t Captain take on risks when headhunting...recruiting us? And just like Uncle Bear has said, the Nine Scions can’t grow stronger if we shy away from any risk.”

“Well said!” Gray Bear approved. “I don’t have to tell you the value of Rune Circuits, everyone. Think about Chen Ying’s and Little Tian’s Talents, as well as the Talents of the other members of the third team.”

“Chestnut has Blacksmith, and Jiang Hao has Enchantment. With the two of them joining us, we’ll have a good armory, and that’ll also prevent the other organizations from getting equipment. Moreover, Empty Wood...”

“Empty Life,” Qing Ling corrected.

“Right. Empty Life has Divine Blessing. With her, we’ll be able to face Qilin head-on!”

“How naive,” Nine Frost retorted. “Divine Blessing only grants immunity to illusions and some degree of resistance to psychic damage. It’s nowhere near enough for Qilin...”

“It’s better than nothing!” Gray Bear snapped. “You’re a capable man, Old Frost, but you’ve got a serious we versus others mentality. You never consider those who don’t belong to your team. Look what happened back at the Eleventh High School. If not for the fifth team...”

“Gray Bear,” Gao Yang interjected.

Gray Bear held his tongue. He knew he had crossed a line. He scratched his head anxiously. “I don’t mean it that way, Old Frost. Don’t take it personally.”

“No, you were right about the Eleventh High. It was my responsibility,” Nine Frost said with a straight face. “But I hold onto my belief in this matter.”

“Ke Yo.” Gao Yang turned to Ke Yo. She had been quiet on the side.

“I don’t know Chen Ying,” she said simply. “I’ll listen to you.”

“Lithe Snake?” Gao Yang turned to Lithe Snake the last.

Lithe Snake leaned against the window, playing with the throwing knife in his hands with his head lowered. “I don’t care.”

Gao Yang was surprised but didn’t ask.

After a moment of bemusement, he came to a decision. “Let’s put it to a vote.”

The others nodded in agreement.

“Those in support of welcoming Chen Ying’s team into our fold, raise your hand,” Gao Yang said.

Gray Bear was the first to raise his hand. Then Can, Hong Xiaoxiao, and Nainai followed suit.

Wang Zikai raised his hand after some hesitation.

“Those who are against it, raise your hand.”

Nine Frost was the only one who did.

Gray Bear, Can, Hong Xiaoxiao, Nainai, and Wang Zikai were in support, and Nine Frost was in opposition.

Qing Ling, Ke Yo, and Lithe Snake didn’t vote.

“Then we take Chen Ying in,” said Gao Yang. “Nine Frost, contact Chen Ying tomorrow morning to decide on the details. Learn how the Nine Scions are going to help.”

“Okay.” Nine Frost nodded and accepted the order.

Gao Yang looked around at everyone, his gaze stopping on Lithe Snake. The man had been acting oddly tonight.

Lithe Snake was one of the more strategic members of the team, and he had been too disinterested tonight. This was an important decision, yet he acted like he didn’t care at all.

“Lithe Snake, I still want to hear your thoughts.” Gao Yang singled him out.

Lithe Snake scoffed. “Alright, but I’ll only tell you.”

Gao Yang stood up and approached Lithe Snake.

Lithe Snake leaned into his ear and opened his mouth.

[Warn...]

A dagger was suddenly in his hand, thrusting toward Gao Yang’s heart.

Gao Yang never laid down his guard fully when he was with Lithe Snake, and when he heard the warning from the system, he immediately detected the current coming from below.

He quickly dodged to the back. The dagger left a gash on his chest that wasn’t too deep. Blood quickly drenched his shirt.

The sudden turn of events left everyone stunned.

“Are you fucking mad, Lithe Snake?!” Gray Bear rushed up to him with a yell.

Qing Ling also rushed toward the man with two blades.

Wang Zikai reacted similarly. “You’re fucking asking for death...”

The others each sprang to action.

“Stay put!” Gao Yang ordered, and the others came to a halt, unable to decide what they should do.

Lithe Snake considered his bloodied dagger, disappointed. “What a shame. I was close.”

“Do you really want to kill me this much, Lithe Snake?” Gao Yang smiled bitterly.

“That depends on you.” Lithe Snake stared at him with fierce eyes. “Now, I do want to kill you.”

“Why?”

“The you at the present do not deserve to be my boss. You’ve...” Lithe Snake raised his chin and looked at him derisively, talking down at him, “Lost your right to lead.”

Gao Yang felt a pang in his heart. It felt like someone had punched him where he was most vulnerable.

“Lost his right my ass!” Gray Bear hurried out furiously. “You can’t find a better captain even with the brightest lantern!”

“That’s, that’s right!” Can was a little angry too. “Brother Lithe Snake, didn’t we choose Captain because he treats us as true companions? If he just makes orders and sees us as tools, how’s that different from the Qilin Guild...”

“You’re asking for a beating!” Wang Zikai clenched his fists. “I’m gonna skin you alive tonight...”

“Enough!” Gao Yang raised his voice.

“Bro...”

“Enough, Wang Zikai.” Gao Yang stopped him again.

Wang Zikai fumed, but no matter how pissed he was, he couldn’t say no to Gao Yang when he spoke like that.

Gao Yang turned to Lithe Snake. “I’d like to know why I’m unqualified.”

Lithe Snake said bluntly, “Only a useless leader puts a decision to vote.”

Gao Yang fell silent.

Lithe Snake continued, “You can hear everyone out, but you have to make the decision. You don’t even have to get our agreement before making the decision. You were doing well before. What changed?”

Gao Yang said calmly, “Things are different this time...”

“Excuses!” Lithe Snake snarled suddenly. Even Gray Bear, who had been thick as thieves with him for years, rarely saw him lose his composure like that, let alone Gao Yang.

“Gao Yang! Do you think I don’t know what you’re thinking?!”

Lithe Snake continued to shout. He had always been cautious, yet he didn’t seem concerned about attracting attention now.