Chapter 10: Encounter

"So that's what's going on. If the people around Emperor Garden are really here because of this, then it's safe to say those sneaky foreigners are behind it," Grayson mused thoughtfully. If this were true, it might be better to strike first—let Wolf treasure track the targets, then capture them all at once.

"You're not planning to break your promise, are you?" Ouyang Shanshan asked, her voice laced with charm. Her big, expressive eyes locked on Grayson, practically pleading. Having witnessed his strength, she wasn't about to let go of such a powerful protector.

Grayson shook his head. "Not a chance. I mean, we're talking about a paycheck of over ten million here. Someone like me, who's used to living modestly, won't turn that down.

"But about that Ruox—is she ready to clean up any mess I make if I take out a few people?"

Ruox hesitated, then nodded in understanding. "Of course. But wouldn't that risk alerting them?"

Grayson snorted. "So what if we alert them? So what if we don't? They already know where we are. You think they're in the dark? Maybe focus on cleaning house internally—this old tradition of ours is such a pain. No matter the time, there's always someone ready to sell us out." He spat on the ground, disgusted. Few things infuriated him more than betrayal, especially the kind that sold out his country.

Grayson's grandfather had been a soldier in the war against foreigners. When recounting those turbulent times, the old man's most bitter anger was reserved for traitors who sold out their own country. That hatred had rubbed off on Grayson, shaping his deep loathing for those who betrayed their nation's interests.

Ruox's expression darkened. Her unit was an elite, highly classified special operations team. If this kind of intel had been leaked, it meant the enemy's reach was everywhere.

After parting ways, Grayson found a secluded spot and released Wolf treasure. "Wolf treasure, I've got an important task for you. If you spot anyone surveilling Emperor Garden, track them quietly. Once you find out who's behind it and where they are, don't let them notice you and report back immediately. Got it?"

"Awwooo!"

With a swift acknowledgment, Wolf treasure vanished like a shadow in the night.

Grayson stood still, his face betraying a rare hint of cold determination.

If his grandfather saw that expression, he'd start preparing eulogies for Grayson's targets. Back in the day, when Grayson first learned to channel his true strength, a similar coldness had appeared in his gaze. Not long after, three massive adult bears in the mountains were inexplicably torn apart after killing the loyal mutt that he had raised since childhood.

Wolf treasure, with its Level 2 tracking ability, proved to be an unparalleled tracker. By the time Grayson clocked out the following morning, Wolf treasure had already returned.

"You found them? Their hideout?" Grayson asked, impressed despite himself at Wolf treasure's speed.

"Awwooo!"

Wolf treasure looked aggrieved, insulted by its master's apparent doubt.

Grayson scratched the little guy's chin apologetically, just as a notification rang out in his mind: "Wolf treasure has completed an elite tracking mission.

 Gained 2 experience points. Previously stored experience has been returned.

 392 points required for next level."

Grayson was thrilled. He'd been skeptical about the system resetting monster levels post-fusion. But now he realized the system merely stored the accumulated experience and returned it after fusion.

Inspecting Wolf treasure, he noticed its aptitude had increased from 1.6 to 1.8 post-fusion. Its physical stats were now better than before.

Pleased, Grayson praised Wolf treasure before letting it lead him to the enemy's location.

The hideout was in a remote spot—a standalone villa on the outskirts of town.

"What's a villa doing out here?" Grayson muttered. The location was odd, to say the least.

Following Wolf treasure's lead, Grayson scaled the outer wall and entered the compound.

The villa's courtyard was heavily patrolled. Grayson heightened his senses, letting his awareness stretch like a web, detecting even the faintest movements.

Six patrol teams moved in five-minute intervals, covering every possible blind spot.

Grayson bided his time. As the sixth team moved past, he sprang into action, his body coiling like a bird of prey. In a swift motion, he cleared the first barrier and disappeared into the bushes.

"Hmm? Did something just move?" the youngest member of the sixth patrol group asked, frowning as he scanned the area behind them.

"No way. With security this tight, no one's getting in," scoffed the team leader, dismissing the concern.

Overconfidence allowed the intruder to slip past unnoticed.

Using similar tactics, Grayson navigated the barriers until he reached the villa's second floor. In one smooth leap, he landed on the balcony and peered inside.

A group of men was gathered in the spacious hall, deep in conversation. Grayson focused, straining to catch their words.

"Excellent, Mr. Tonol. As long as we recover the Emperor Soul Jade, the Severing Clan will reward you handsomely," said one man in heavily accented Mandarin.

The mention of the Severing Clan set Grayson's blood boiling. His grandfather had personally defeated over twenty of their martial artists during the war, including three innate-level masters. Grayson couldn't let their descendants off the hook.

As for the "Mr. Tonol" mentioned—if he was from the ancient Tonol clan, then Grayson's grandfather's warnings about killing them on sight rang in his ears.

Signaling Wolf treasure, Grayson launched his assault.

Wolf treasure darted through the window like a streaking arrow, heading straight for the Severing Clan's man.

"Ambush!" the Severing Clan's operative shouted. A blade flashed as he attempted to intercept Wolf treasure.

But before the blade could strike, a wave of energy erupted, deflecting it. At the same time, a crimson flash pierced the Severing Clan man's heart. Wolf treasure's claws followed through, tearing his throat in a single motion.