Surviving in the chaos of war begins in the wilderness.

Chapter 64 That's the Dead Ghost

When Zhou Ye saw that Stone Brother again, he was still completely confused.

Because the two had absolutely no connection, not even the kind of drinking buddy relationship that Big Dog had. The only thing they could be considered to have in common was the monthly payment of 200 coins.

Moreover, upon meeting him, Zhou Ye faintly smelled the scent of some kind of healing medicine. Stealing a glance, he noticed that Stone's complexion was also quite sallow. Undoubtedly, he was clearly injured.

Lowering his head, Zhou Ye feigned a humble demeanor and asked, "Brother Shi Tou, you were looking for me?"

"Hmm." Stone's expression was stern, but he casually said, "Ah Ye, right? Get ready, you'll be coming into the mountains with me in half a month."

"Huh?" Zhou Ye was taken aback. There was no reason for someone like him, a peripheral member, to be asked to do anything. He quickly explained, "Brother Stone, I have things to do. Otherwise, if I don't work, I won't eat. What will I eat in the future?"

Taking the opportunity, Zhou Ye also sensed the blood and qi of this Stone Brother. It was slightly better than Black Six, who claimed to have entered the realm of internal strength, but about the same as Big Dog back then, probably also belonging to the realm of internal strength martial artists. It was nowhere near as good as those three thieves, that is, the alpha wolf.

Zhou Ye chuckled inwardly. Where did he get the audacity to ask him to do things for him?

Unexpectedly, before Shi Tou could speak, the charcoal shop owner next to him spoke up.

"Ah Ye, working for Brother Stone is a great opportunity for you. It's much better than doing manual labor and burning charcoal. What are you hesitating for? Hurry up and thank Brother Stone!"

"Uh...it really won't work here!"

"Don't push your luck! With Master Stone around, what do you have to worry about? You'll even be able to work for Master Stone in the future—that's a chance many people would beg for!"

"But...where in the mountains are you going?"

"Stop talking nonsense! Don't you trust Master Wu? Anyway, it's you. He'll come and call you when the time comes."

Zhou Ye's heart sank. They most likely wanted to go to the deep mountains. Even he himself dared not go to that godforsaken place. Even if some of them were at the peak of their cultivation, wouldn't they still be going to their deaths?

However, deep down, Zhou Ye still didn't want any conflict. So, he finally explained, "Brother Shi Tou, and Manager Lin, you both know I'm a coward!"

"Cowardly? I think you're quite bold. You even dare to disobey Brother Stone."

Finally, Stone Bro spoke up: "How about this, Ah Ye? I heard you have a private kiln here. In a few days, I'll arrange for a few of my brothers to help you run it. Wouldn't that solve your worries?"

The shopkeeper, with a half-smile, said, "Did you hear that? How much Brother Stone cares about you! Let me tell you, we know your home. If you dare to run away, you'll be a defector from our Woodcutter's Gang. Our 100,000 brothers will wipe out your entire family! You'll never be able to show your face in the county town again."

"Yes, yes." Zhou Ye lowered his head again, concealing the slight chill in his eyes.

There's no need to listen to any more nonsense. These two bastards are definitely going to be killed. Not only do they want me to die, but they're also planning to steal my private coal mine?

And they even used my home address to threaten me? This is one of my biggest secrets, how could I possibly reveal it so easily?

However, from another perspective, if he kills them in time, no one will care about him anymore, and he will actually become safer.

Until the very end, Zhou Ye remained timid and hesitant. This continued until he left the charcoal shop…

Watching Zhou Ye leave, the charcoal shop owner immediately put on a fawning smile: "Brother Shi Tou, you're really something. We agreed that you'd trick him into giving you three taels of silver. Now, not only did you not need to, you even got your hands on a private kiln."

Stone chuckled smugly, "That's a dead guy, I'm too lazy to even bother lying to him. A few scares are enough."

"What if he's lucky and survives in the end?"

"Then let's see him off. We can't have another person knowing about those things, can we?"

"Yes, yes. Brother Stone, would you like to go to Little Peach Blossom's place tonight? I'll make the arrangements."

"Let's go to Widow Ning's place. The taste of a respectable woman is more wonderful." The two chuckled lewdly. "I heard that Widow Ning's ex-husband was a scholar, so I'd like to experience the fragrance of books."

"Did Widow Ning agree?"

"Does she dare refuse? The wealthy family she relied on has fallen from grace. By the way, bring plenty of money; give them a good start the first time. They'll take everything in the end anyway. I heard she has a pretty good sister too."

"Yes, yes. Hehehe."

"..."

More than an hour later, Stone and the charcoal shop owner left the charcoal shop. They then led their two henchmen, chatting and laughing, towards the outer city.

However, behind Shi Tou and his companions, a driver wearing a shawl had already started pulling a large cart. He followed at a distance.

These large flatbed carts were very common in the county town. They could be used to haul goods at the docks, or for transportation within and outside the city.

This was the large cart that Zhou Ye "borrowed." To make the cart and the driver's attire look good, Zhou Ye simply threw the driver, who had been knocked unconscious by a muscle relaxant, into the back alley of a small tavern. He even poured some strong liquor on him to disguise him as a drunkard.

However, he secretly slipped more than ten taels of loose silver into the coachman's shoe. Although it would definitely hurt his feet, he would feel it as soon as he woke up.

With Shi Tou and the others, Zhou Ye pulled the cart into the city gate. He found that the cart contained only common items such as straw ropes and burlap sacks, which the soldiers guarding the city gate didn't even bother to give it a second glance.

By this time, it was completely dark, and night was about to fall.

The streets were nearly deserted. Most people had already gone home for dinner.

Zhou Ye stealthily approached, pulling the cart along. He discovered that Shi Tou and the others had entered a deserted alley? A deserted alley? Huh?

I originally thought we'd have to wait until nightfall to act. So, the first step was to track them down. Now that they'd entered a deserted alley, wasn't this a golden opportunity?

He pulled the flatbed cart into the alley and parked it. Zhou Ye immediately unleashed his top speed.

In the blink of an eye, the two henchmen behind felt a chill on their necks as two bamboo syringes were inserted. Their eyes rolled back, and they collapsed to the ground.

Seemingly hearing some noise behind them, the charcoal shopkeeper was about to turn around when two wet towels were already tightly covered to their mouths and noses.

After struggling for a few breaths, both Stone and the charcoal shopkeeper collapsed to the ground.

Zhou Ye quickly brought over a large cart and stuffed the four of them into sacks, securing them tightly to make them look like cargo.

After a few turns, night had completely fallen. However, those who enjoyed the nightlife had absolutely no interest in some stinking laborer pulling a cart.

Fifteen minutes later, Zhou Ye arrived at his new home at the dock. The truck and its cargo were hauled into the yard. Zhou Ye finally let out a long sigh of relief…