Chapter 35: Infighting, the Partnership Breaks!

“How’s the situation now?” As expected, after a brief exchange, Huang Ba couldn’t wait any longer and asked eagerly.

Fu Yunsheng cursed inwardly, but replied, “Not too well. We still haven’t figured out that kid’s class.”

Huang Ba was surprised, “How come you haven’t found out yet? That’s not like you, Old Fu.”

Fu Yunsheng’s expression darkened. “There was a bit of an accident. That kid throws magic scrolls around as if they don’t cost him anything, and we’ve never seen him use any class skills.”

“Still, I suspect he might be a mage. He did use a staff earlier,” he added.

Huang Ba said, “No matter. Let’s go check it out ourselves. Me and—” He spotted the crew-cut man and pointed at him. “You. The two of us will take a look.” He turned to Fu Yunsheng, “He’s in that building up ahead, isn’t he?”

This scoundrel was indeed trying to worm his way in, doing trivial work so he’d have some say when it came time to split the loot.

Fu Yunsheng saw through him like glass! But the scavengers still needed Huang Ba to help them secure supplies, so they had to let him join in, even if it meant giving him a share.

So, he said, “Yes. If you’re going, be careful. That kid may have noticed us. He might’ve set traps.”

Huang Ba’s worry flickered in his eyes, but he said, “No problem. We’ll be cautious.” He pushed the crew-cut man ahead. “Let’s go.”

The two headed toward the temple, climbing the stone steps quietly, sneaking in along the walls.

Strangely, they came out again not long after.

Fu Yunsheng stepped forward, puzzled. “Did you get lucky? He used his class skill as soon as you went in?”

Huang Ba’s eyes danced with excitement. “No need for that. I know this kid!” His eyes gleamed. “Enemies always cross paths—he’s fallen right into my hands!”

He said to Fu Yunsheng, “When we’ve taken the loot, hand him over to me. I want to teach him a lesson!”

Fu Yunsheng, seeing Huang Ba’s state, pondered, “He’s got a grudge against you?”

“With just a life shaman like him, he’s not worthy of being my enemy. He’s just an annoying little punk!” Huang Ba dismissed it with a sneer. He had no intention of telling the others he’d been beaten by this kid.

At that, Fu Yunsheng’s triangular eyes widened, and he thought to himself, “This is bad.”

“What? He’s just a life shaman?” Suddenly, Bald Biao’s voice boomed like thunder.

Just as expected! Fu Yunsheng sighed inwardly.

“So we’ve gone through all this trouble for nothing? Skinny Monkey even lost his life!” Bald Biao glared at Fu Yunsheng.

Fu Yunsheng retorted coldly, “That’s not how it works. Who can foresee everything? Isn’t it basic preparation to figure out the opponent’s background before making a move?”

“Oh, so even now you’re stubborn. Looks like you, Fu Yunsheng, don’t feel the slightest guilt over Skinny Monkey’s death!” Bald Biao shouted.

That was what truly gnawed at Bald Biao.

The other scavengers, seeing the leader and his deputy arguing, gathered round to listen closely.

“Enough! What do you want, then? The dead are gone. Should I go kneel at Skinny Monkey’s corpse?” Fu Yunsheng said coldly.

“It’s your attitude! That indifference to your brothers’ lives and deaths! That’s what killed Skinny Monkey! If only someone else had gone with him, maybe—”

“Have you forgotten where you are? This is the Dark Plateau! We live with our lives hanging by a thread! Are we supposed to babysit each other?” Fu Yunsheng sneered.

Bald Biao looked at Fu Yunsheng’s face, still showing no remorse, and suddenly his anger faded. He realized fully that Fu Yunsheng was not his kind of person.

He said quietly, “There’s nothing more to say. Let’s split up.” With that, he stepped out of the group and stood aside.

“I’m leaving of my own accord. Anyone who wants to come with me, stand over here. I can’t promise you much, but as long as I, Old Biao, have a bite to eat, you won’t go hungry. If there’s danger, I’ll be the first to face it.”

The others were startled at first, not expecting Bald Biao to be so decisive. Then a sense of relief followed.

Bald Biao had always been a man who valued loyalty. This incident, and Fu Yunsheng’s stubborn attitude, had indeed chilled their hearts.

“Biao, I’ll go with you!” Suddenly, a scavenger stepped forward, casting a resentful glance at Fu Yunsheng. “I’ve never liked that Fu guy. He’s so harsh with us—if you take an extra biscuit, you get whipped.”

Hearing this, the others recalled Fu Yunsheng’s dictatorial ways. Those who’d hesitated now made their decision, joining Bald Biao.

The rest still wavered. They were the more docile ones, or perhaps timid, who didn’t dare cause trouble, so Fu Yunsheng’s punishments hadn’t often been visited upon them.

At that moment, Bald Biao addressed them: “Let me ask you one question—aren’t you afraid that next time, you’ll be sent out alone?”

The remaining scavengers murmured in alarm. Yes, if Fu Yunsheng kept being domineering and inconsiderate, what then? No, it was inevitable, given he showed no sign of remorse. Skinny Monkey’s fate today would be theirs tomorrow.

No one hesitated anymore. They all went to Bald Biao’s side.

Fu Yunsheng stood alone, his face dark and sullen.

It was less a split than an exile—the scavenger crew had banished him.

“Well, wonderful! All of you want to rebel? Suit yourselves!” Fu Yunsheng snapped. “Let’s see if Bald Biao can really keep things fair and lead this crew! I strictly controlled your supplies because we needed discipline! Without rules, this ragtag group would fall apart in two weeks!”

“To think, what I did was wrong!” He turned to Bald Biao. “Even probing the enemy’s background is wrong!”

“In the end, you all turned against me because of one man’s words. We haven’t even confirmed if that kid is a life shaman!” Fu Yunsheng pointed at Huang Ba, challenging the others.

He looked at the crew-cut man. “Are you sure you saw him use a life shaman’s skill?”

The crew-cut man shrank back, silent.

“So you’re not as noble as you claim. You’re only rebelling because Skinny Monkey died in vain. You’re just looking out for your own interests.” He laughed bitterly. “Fine, do as you please.”

Fu Yunsheng sat alone beneath a tree, looking desolate.

Huang Ba, watching from the sidelines, walked up to Bald Biao and laughed, “Old Biao, you’re in charge now. Let’s work well together!”