Chapter 442: Ye Zhiqiu
Next, Yang Haoran spent some time meticulously explaining his plan to the two of them.
After listening to Yang Haoran's plan, the sloppy man furrowed his brows, hesitated for a moment, then still asked Yang Haoran, "Will this really work?"
Before Yang Haoran could answer, Bai Xue interjected.
"Why wouldn't it work? I think Brother Underworld Official's method is excellent! Besides, if we don't follow Brother Underworld Official's plan, can your wooden head come up with a better idea?"
The sloppy man, with his scruffy face, glared fiercely at Bai Xue, about to retort, but Yang Haoran gently patted his shoulder.
"Whether this method succeeds or not will depend on your acting skills. Bai Xue and I will assist you then. As long as your acting isn't too terrible, I don't think there'll be a big problem," Yang Haoran said with a smile.
The sloppy man nodded and said, "Rather than wasting more time here, we might as well give it a try. If it really doesn't work, we'll just have to resort to brute force!"
Having made their decision, the three of them left their spot and headed towards the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor as planned.
The entrance to the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor was exceptionally grand. The guards at the gate were not elderly security uncles idly sipping tea, but rather a uniform line of bodyguards.
Yang Haoran and the two others walked along the path leading to the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor's entrance. Even before they reached it, the bodyguards stationed there had already spotted their presence.
Although they had noticed the trio, the bodyguards made no overt moves. Each remained firmly at their post, yet subtly, their gazes drifted towards the three, betraying a high level of vigilance.
It wasn't until the trio drew close to the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor's entrance that one of the bodyguards stepped forward to greet them.
"Sirs, may I inquire if you have received an invitation from our boss?"
The trio's current positioning was quite deliberate: the sloppy man stood in the center, while Yang Haoran and Bai Xue flanked him. From this formation, it was clear that the sloppy man was the leader among them, the one with the highest status.
The bodyguard who spoke naturally recognized this. Thus, he first bowed slightly to all three, then directed his gaze and questions towards the sloppy man, who appeared to be of the highest standing.
Among all the bodyguards, the one before them possessed the strongest killing intent, yet his demeanor towards Yang Haoran and the others was exceptionally respectful.
He wasn't so deferential to every visitor. On normal days, the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor would receive people who were unaware of its true nature, seeking leisure and entertainment for a fee. While he wouldn't speak harshly to those uninvited guests, he certainly wouldn't bow respectfully to them.
The reason for his respectful attitude and bow towards Yang Haoran's trio was that he sensed something different about them.
Although merely an ordinary man, he had undergone special training, and due to the unique nature of his work, he frequently interacted with extraordinary individuals possessing various abilities. This had honed his exceptionally keen perception.
When he saw Yang Haoran and the others, he immediately recognized their unusualness.
Though the sloppy man was filthy from head to toe, looking like a beggar, his eyes were remarkably sharp.
As for Bai Xue, although she had donned her mask again, every movement she made as she walked exuded an indescribable allure to those of the opposite sex. In particular, the slight curve of her cherry-red lips beneath the mask intensified this charm considerably. Beyond her allure, with the mask on, she also constantly emanated an air of mystery.
As for Yang Haoran, though his appearance was unassuming, a unique aura emanated from him. His friendly and approachable smile, in particular, left the deepest impression.
Based on his experience, the bodyguard judged that Yang Haoran's trio were highly influential. Even if they weren't powerful individuals with special abilities, they were certainly figures of extraordinary status in the mundane world.
Hence, his attitude towards the three was exceptionally respectful.
However, respect was one thing, but the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor had its rules. To enter, one absolutely had to be invited. Uninvited guests were not permitted, and this rule applied even to powerful experts with special abilities.
Therefore, after bowing to Yang Haoran's trio, his first words were to inquire whether they had received an invitation.
"I haven't received an invitation. I've come to extend New Year's greetings to your boss," the sloppy man said in a deep voice, his gaze fixed on the bodyguard before him.
"I sincerely apologize, but without an invitation from our boss, entry to the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor is not permitted. These are the rules set by the boss," the bodyguard replied with an apologetic expression.
"What if I told you I *have* been invited by your boss? Would I then be allowed in? " the sloppy man asked, his voice low.
"No, that won't do. You must present an invitation letter, and only after verifying its authenticity will entry to the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor be granted," the bodyguard stated.
Hearing this, the sloppy man frowned, and a sliver of cold light flickered in his eyes as he looked at the bodyguard.
The bodyguard's body trembled slightly. The sloppy man's gaze was like two unsheathed sharp swords piercing into his very being, making him shiver with cold.
At this moment, he was even more certain of his inner conjecture: this seemingly filthy individual before him was absolutely no ordinary person.
He was a bodyguard meticulously selected after rigorous training, and since becoming a guard at the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor, he had completed numerous missions for his boss—missions invariably linked to blood and human lives. The killing intent that permeated his being was forged through countless baptisms of gore.
Yet, facing this beggar-like sloppy man before him, he felt his own formidable killing intent was nothing but a joke. A mere glance from the other party made him feel as if his life was under threat.
Although he felt extreme apprehension inwardly, this was, after all, the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor, so he showed not the slightest concession. Under the sloppy man's direct gaze, he gently shook his head and spoke with an apologetic expression.
"I apologize, but without an invitation letter, I cannot allow the three of you to enter. If you intend to force your way into Cloud Mist Mountain Manor, then I must regretfully say that we cannot permit it," the bodyguard said with a serious expression.
As his words left his mouth, the other bodyguards sensed that something was amiss. Their footsteps subtly shifted, slowly moving, discreetly forming a posture that hinted at encircling Yang Haoran's trio.
Furthermore, their hands simultaneously reached into their pockets. It was obvious that firearms were likely concealed within.
Seeing this, Yang Haoran quickly chuckled, "Brother, please don't misunderstand. We have no intention of forcing our way into your esteemed manor. We've simply come today to pay our respects and offer New Year's greetings to your boss. We are all friends, after all, and extending New Year's wishes to your boss is a good thing. If things become too strained, it will be awkward for everyone involved."
Yang Haoran's words somewhat eased the bodyguard's expression, but he remained highly vigilant. He wasn't fully convinced by Yang Haoran's few sentences and did not order the other bodyguards to stand down.
"Please wait a moment. I will report the situation to my superiors," the bodyguard stated.
"No need. I have a way to make your boss show himself,"
the sloppy man said, simultaneously undoing the seal on his own power. As the seal broke, a powerful surge of energy erupted from his body.
The bodyguard couldn't perceive the energy fluctuations, but he felt the air in the vicinity suddenly become oppressively heavy, making his breathing somewhat difficult.
Ignoring the sloppy man's words, he immediately reported the situation to his superiors.
Moments later, the bodyguard looked at the sloppy man and asked, "May I ask your name?"
"Demon Hunter, Ye Zhiqiu," the sloppy man responded in a deep voice.
The bodyguard relayed the sloppy man's answer. After about two or three breaths, he ended his call with the boss and looked back at the sloppy man.
"The Second Brother has stated that he invites the three of you to enter the Cloud Mist Mountain Manor. Please follow me."
The bodyguard made a welcoming gesture, then led the way.
With a grim expression, the sloppy man followed closely behind the bodyguard, while Yang Haoran and Bai Xue walked on his left and right, respectively.
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