Chapter 270: Betrayals and Reckonings

Old Zheng…

The tone was laced with bitterness.

Ming Luo looked dejected and lost, glancing first at Yenir and then at Zheng Cheng.

His initial anger seemed to have vanished.

He wasn’t sure how to judge Zheng Cheng, nor did he know what to do next.

Reflecting on past events, he began to suspect that Zheng Cheng might have been telling the truth. In reality, Zheng Cheng was hardly a fit captain—merely thrown into the role—while his deputy truly held the team together.

In the end, Zheng Cheng had indeed done everything he could to minimize losses in the Huaxia Battle Zone.

But this time…

In a daze, Ming Luo clutched his head in pain, utterly at a loss for what to do.

No extra emotion showed on his face.

While the stunned team members were still reeling, Yenir simply fixed his cold gaze on Zheng Cheng.

“I admit, your previous methods might have seemed right to you,” he said.

“But does fewer casualties really mean people don’t die? What’s the difference between a slow death and truly dying?”

“Are you saying that if you can’t win, you shouldn’t fight?”

“Or that if you’re outmatched, you simply give up?”

“Have you ever considered that your compromises, by leaking intel, have only made things worse—leaving no chance for resistance?”

With a slight shake of his head, Yenir decided not to try persuading Zheng Cheng. Considering the past outcomes in the Huaxia Battle Zone, inflicting pain on the enemy might yet create an opening.

The alliance between the Japanese and Korean Battle Zones was indeed repulsive—but conflicts among allies were inevitable.

Pursuing a single battle zone, even at the cost of countless lives, would ultimately tear their alliance apart.

In some respects, Zheng Cheng’s actions were understandable—almost tragic.

But betrayal is betrayal, especially when he’d even shown a glimmer of victory in this campaign.

“Tell me, who else in the Military is a traitor?”

“We might win this time, but your ongoing betrayal suggests that deep down, you know victory is meaningless.”

“Otherwise, you’d have every reason to stop passing on intel.”

“Or do you think there’s no turning back for you?”

Yenir’s eyes flashed as his entire aura zeroed in on Zheng Cheng.

He had given Zheng Cheng ample time to speak in order to extract more information. Judging by Dong Fengye’s agonizing death at his own hands, Yenir deduced that the enemy’s silence before dying hid something far more serious.

Moreover, Dong Fengye’s final gaze hinted that a hidden secret of his could jeopardize Yenir.

It was a hatred that would drag them both down to hell.

In the silence, Zheng Cheng seemed to hesitate.

After a moment, he finally spoke in a low tone:

“You’re very smart, Yenir.”

“Really, you’re the second smartest Awakener I’ve ever met—especially at your age.”

“You’re incredibly strong with limitless potential. Normally, I shouldn’t betray you all.”

“Don’t doubt it—I couldn’t care less about this wretched life of mine. I live as if I’m already dead; there’s no turning back, which is why I continue to pass on intel.”

He let out a bitter laugh.

“In truth, I struggled and hesitated. I even considered killing Zhang Qiming, confessing everything to you, and embracing death without fear.”

“But…”

His eyes were vacant and pained.

Zheng Cheng’s expression turned serious, as though he no longer wished to hide anything:

“I truly don’t know who among our high-ups remains a traitor.”

“All I know is that there is at least one—and their power is immense!”

“Once you head back, problems are bound to arise!”

“So you believe that even if we win now, it means we’re doomed to failure in the long run, right?”

Yenir furrowed his brow, a sinking feeling weighing on him.

At this point, Zheng Cheng had no reason to lie—he had no one left to protect. If he said he didn’t know, then he truly meant it.

“That’s right.”

“It’s better to lose a little humiliated than win and alert a dozen nations that unite to cut off our resources.”

“A bit of disgrace is preferable to ending up with nothing at all.”

“But perhaps I’m wrong… maybe you can truly pull off a miracle…”

“Even if I betray by leaking intel, I still hope you survive.”

Yenir nodded subtly in response.

Every word from Zheng Cheng made sense. He had even wondered why the traitors’ intel omitted his key abilities—like the silent power of Sky Rift Radiance or his capacity to face mid-level opponents.

It now seemed that Zheng Cheng had deliberately withheld this information, clearly still hoping to escape.

Even the Japanese and Korean Battle Zones were unaware that he had set up ambushes and arranged nuclear missile strikes—another secret Zheng Cheng had concealed.

But damn it, some souls are destined to die.

Not finding that high-ranking official didn’t matter—Yenir was supremely confident that his growth would soon outstrip the entire world.

After all, what’s the point if everyone only knows he’s strong, without understanding his true strengths?

He refused to believe that, without knowing his real capabilities, they would have the heart to unleash waves of Third-Stage fighters—or even peak-level warriors—against him.

As long as he got a little time to grow, nothing would stand in his way!

“Once we’re out, I’ll kill you.”

“However, before we leave, I need you to deliver a message.”

After steadying his inner turmoil, Yenir spoke calmly.

Zheng Cheng must die, but before he does, he can help perfect his plan.

Once we’re out, neighboring countries will surely sense something’s wrong. Whether or not the hidden traitorous high-ups pass along intel, his next battle will undoubtedly be a nightmare.

Rather than letting others set the stage, he might as well choose the battleground himself!

Listening to Yenir’s cold words, Ming Luo and the others stared in shock.

Do we still have to kill Zheng Cheng…?

Though reluctant, they understood it was a necessary act.

Amid a series of conflicted sighs, Zheng Cheng nodded calmly.

“Thank you.”

“I’ll deliver any message you need, no matter what.”

“But Yenir, I might not have the right to say much to you, yet I want to say…”

“Hide…”

“You’re too brilliant, too captivating. Your potential ensures you’ll grow mighty; you don’t need to show off such overwhelming strength just yet…”

“Inside the Military, things are far more complicated than you think…”

“Sometimes, being too powerful isn’t a blessing…”

After speaking, Zheng Cheng looked at the youth before him with a complex expression, as though remembering someone.

So much so.

He bore an uncanny resemblance.

Alas, he was dead.