Chapter 574 - BEHIND THE SCENES

Hu Lei listened to the tale with interest. She could relate to being captured and held against her will. It was one of the worst feelings in the world. But she was still curious about the one thing that Yuan Haoran did not explain.

"So, how did you get captured?" She turned to Jiang Yinuo. 

The beautiful lady pouted with frustration when she remembered that old occurrence. When she thought about it, she felt completely stupid. 

"I have a cousin called Nicole. She is considered a genius, just like me. But her talent only leans towards martial arts. She was chosen to be a Guardian at quite a young age. If I did not exist, she would have been a brighter gem in the clan." Yinuo sighed. 

"She was jealous of me, but she did not seem like a threat to me. I considered her attitude towards me a little childish, so I never thought that she would do anything harmful. Unfortunately, I underestimated her and fell for her trap." 

"I do not know if she was trying to pull a prank at the time or if her heart was truly malicious. But she told me that she was trapped somewhere in a dock and wanted me to go and rescue her. I did not think much of it." 

"Once I went to the strange dock, I was grabbed and tossed on the ship. She had just been identified as a Guardian and was learning the basics, so I think she heard about that ship from other people. She probably thought it was a good way to deal with me." 

Hu Lei felt a little sorry for her. 

"I do know how it feels to be tricked by a family member. My father once also sent me a distress signal, and I ended up captured." Hu Lei said with a light laugh. "But again, we all know the behind-the-scene villain in that story." 

The dining room became a little awkward. 

Yuan Haoran cleared his throat. "To be fair, I would never have found out about you if it were not for your father. But I apologise for my part in that." 

"Apologies are meaningless." Hu Lei waved a hand carelessly. "If you want to truly show your contriteness, show some sincerity." 

Yuan Haoran laughed. "Very well. When this matter is over, Nuonuo and I will express our apologies more clearly." 

"I have heard a lot of rumours about what happened to the Yuan clan after you returned. What really occurred?" Hu Lei could not help asking. 

"It is just as you heard. I dealt with each one of them personally. There was no need for a Yuan clan to exist anymore." Yuan Haoran said. 

"And Nicole?" Hu Lei turned to look at Yinuo. 

"She is still running around. She is Taiki Iekami's disciple, so you just might meet her, if you are lucky." Jiang Yinuo replied. 

Yuan Haoran face became sour. "I have told you that we should have dealt with her along with that Phoebe Lambert. If it were not for her changing your medicine, you would not have experienced the high surge in energy in your organs." 

"Everything will be handled tomorrow." Yinuo held Haoran's hand to comfort him. 

She never experienced deep bitterness for the things that happened to her. However, that did not mean that she would not eliminate the people who had harmed her. It would be a beautiful ending. At least, she wanted her enemies to accompany her to the underworld. 

"I would like to know about the people sent to that island to mine the rare material." Zhong Feng finally spoke. 

"It is as I said. The Triennial Championships might look like a simple battle for resources, especially the rare material. However, it is also a front for finding more miners. It is difficult to find strong miners who can withstand the harsh environment on that island." Yuan Haoran said. 

"If normal people were sent in, they would die within a year or a few months. However, people in the best health condition can withstand the environment for a little longer. So, the fighters who are sent to Martial Island are essentially being trained for a hard life as miners." 

"Usually, the strongest are absorbed into the clans they are representing. Those with strong backgrounds can return to their countries after the tournament. But those with a poor background are always tossed on that island." 

Zhong Feng's face did not betray anything, but there was underlying anger. He knew that Hu Lei would not end up on the island, but the thought that it could have happened to her made him unsettled. He felt afraid when he thought about losing her. 

"So, what do you plan to do?" Zhong Feng asked. 

"Of course, I plan to treat you to a good show." Yuan Haoran said with a cold smile. "Martial Island, as it exists right now, will cease to exist. And I will end it by targeting the things they hold dearest." 

Zhong Feng understood what he meant. He planned to destroy the island where the rare material came from, making it impossible for the islanders to get good health and long life. 

"Then, we will look forward to it." Zhong Feng said. 

After dinner, Hu Lei and Zhong Feng left the mansion. They had plans to meet up with Kaito, Akira and of course, Little Hikari. 

In the mansion, Jiang Yinuo leaned on Yuan Haoran. "Why did you need to tell them all that? We could just have proceeded with our plan." 

"Perhaps, I am looking for someone to remember our story. Maybe I would like for someone to know our side because we will be known as the greatest villains once everything ends." Yuan Haoran leaned in and kissed Yinuo's forehead. 

"I hope that is all you are looking for. I know you too well, so I will give you a warning. If you try to do anything without me, I will never forgive you." Jiang Yinuo threatened. 

"You are really scary." Haoran laughed. "Do not think too much. At the very least, I feel like I do owe those two an explanation." 

"Alright," Yinuo said. "But I will be watching you." 

"I would not have it any other way."