Chapter 156: Reverted to Original Form and Recruited Another Esper

"There's nothing to be afraid of."

Hu Sanhan was already impatient. Ever since he had acquired the ability to harness black holes, he felt that nothing could harm him, and thus he had grown quite arrogant. "Boss, honestly, trust me on this—I can win!"

Mary watched the boisterous man insisting on a duel with a cold, mocking gaze. She had seen plenty of people eager to court death, but never anyone quite this confident. As she drifted slowly toward Hu Sanhan, she clicked her tongue. "Fatty, before you fight me, let me spar with your leader first!"

"Don't even think about it!" Hu Sanhan stepped directly in front of Chen Yi, his eyes wide with fury. "You have some nerve trying to make a move on my boss!"

Repeatedly thwarted, the woman’s face turned livid, and she gritted her teeth in anger. "You are truly asking for death!"

She unsheathed her razor-sharp claws and launched a rapid assault, coming within inches of catching Hu Sanhan several times. Hu Sanhan blocked with his massive golden blade; initially, he found it easy enough, but as the woman’s speed increased, he began to panic. "Are you actually playing for keeps?"

Mary sneered. "Who’s playing? You jerk, you were so happy a moment ago—keep that attitude up! I want to see just how long you can hold out."

Seeing that Hu Sanhan was on the verge of collapse, Chen Yi swung his twin blades and charged at Mary. She dodged with lightning reflexes, but her eyes burned with intense hatred. "What is it with you people? Do you really love sneak attacks that much?"

Chen Yi remained indifferent. "There is no reasoning with the likes of you. You have no right to question me."

Hu Sanhan calmed down and thanked Chen Yi. "Boss, thanks. If you hadn't come just now, I really would have met my end."

Chen Yi patted Hu Sanhan on the shoulder. "Step aside. I'll handle this one."

Hu Sanhan didn't insist; after all, two-on-one was indeed a bit unseemly. Mary had expected Chen Yi to join in the fray, so this turn of events took her by surprise. It seemed this man was not one for cheap tricks.

Chen Yi raised his twin blades, his gaze icy. "Stop looking around. Your life is in my hands now."

Mary paused, then let out a scoff. "You’re truly despicable. I just finished a round with your subordinate, my energy is depleted, and now you step in. The outcome is a foregone conclusion!"

She was eloquent, but her schemes were just as plentiful. Chen Yi observed her closely, thinking that if she were a friend, she would be an ideal ally, but as an enemy, she was too dangerous to be left alive. Yet, in this perilous, decaying world, smart people were becoming increasingly rare—lose one, and there was one less.

With that in mind, Chen Yi offered a faint smile. "Let’s make a bet. I’ll fight you with one hand behind my back. If I win, you must leave your organization and join our New Life squad."

This caught Chu Yunxi and Chen Yaxi by surprise. "Wait, she’s our enemy, you..."

Chen Yi turned to look at them. "We are looking for partners now; this isn't the time to dwell on such things. I know you think my idea is overly simplistic, but this must be done."

Though unhappy, they knew Chen Yi’s decisions were immutable. Chu Yunxi said nothing more and simply watched the situation unfold with a calm, alert gaze.

Mary, meanwhile, was weighing her options. Since Chen Yi had made the offer, it meant he intended to spare her. If she left her organization without finding a suitable team, she would indeed be in danger. Tentatively, she looked back at Chen Yi. "I’m not necessarily against working with you, but Chen Yi, the X Organization provides me with so much."

The implication was clear: Mary was a woman driven by profit. Chen Yi did not mince words.

"You join me, and I ensure your survival. That is what I can offer."

Mary let out a sharp laugh, her eyes glinting with cunning. "That’s a boring thing to say. We’re both smart people; let’s not beat around the bush with useless talk."

Chen Yi understood her reaction. "I have plenty of energy reserves, but whether I give them to you depends on the circumstances. For now, I can only promise you this: if you join us, I will guarantee your life."

She hadn't expected Chen Yi to hold such a card. After hearing his terms, her eyes sharpened. "Chen Yi, you are truly formidable. It’s worth a lifetime just to have fought you. However, you won’t convince me that easily."

Chen Yi nodded. "I know you aren't easy to deal with. Let’s settle this with a fight!"

Before Mary could react, Chen Yi had already struck. Even before Chu Yunxi and the others could process the move, the two were already clashing with earth-shattering intensity, sending seawater spraying everywhere.

Although Mary, as a half-zombie, didn't suffer much from those initial blows, she could feel that Chen Yi hadn't even used his full strength. If a mere fraction of his raw power could achieve this, the consequences of him unleashing his full force were unimaginable.

With a loud *bang*, Mary was sent flying to the ground, her zombie form fading away. Looking at the approaching Chen Yi, she finally spoke. "I won't set conditions anymore. Let me go, and I guarantee I won't cause you any more trouble."

"I don't believe you." Chen Yi spoke again. "I only trust what I see with my own eyes and hear with my own ears. So, tell me one thing: are we working together or not?"

"Why must you force me?" Gritting her teeth, Mary’s eyes grew cold. "If I work with you, I’m as good as dead."

"But I said I would protect you. No matter how powerful the X Organization is, they cannot track my movements at all times." Chen Yi might have been uncertain about other things, but ensuring the safety of an ability user was a simple task for him.

Seeing Chen Yi’s persistent attitude, Mary let out a laugh. "I know I can't beat you. And since you’ve said all this, it proves that if I don't agree, I’ll die here. In that case, I’m willing to cooperate and join your New Life squad."

"Excellent." Chen Yi nodded. "I guarantee you won't be disappointed by the squad. It may not be large, but you must understand—victory in battle is not determined by numbers!"