Chapter 1604: Cooperation

From Cannibal Chain's perspective, these proposals might seem reasonable. But to Ye Zhongming, they felt utterly absurd.

What gave Cannibal Chain such confidence? How could they believe they could assist the current number one in China? What made them think they could achieve what even Ye Zhongming—the undisputed top evolved—wasn’t entirely sure he could accomplish?

The King of Cloud Peak never underestimated others, but he also didn’t belittle himself. He acknowledged Cannibal Chain’s hidden strengths, yet he refused to believe they could succeed where he himself lacked full certainty.

Hearing these terms, he couldn’t be bothered to argue. His status made such debates beneath him. He simply nodded and uttered three words:

"Noted."

Ruan Xiao glanced at Wu Xiu. This operation was her lead—he was only here because of his familiarity with Ye Zhongming. His rapport with Cloud Peak had brought him considerable benefits; a fifth of his achievements stemmed from their cooperation. He’d said what needed saying and wouldn’t overstep. Offending Ye Zhongming wasn’t in his interests.

Wu Xiu offered an elegant smile. "I know you doubt us, Leader Ye. No explanation will convince you. But facts will prove it."

With that, she led Ruan Xiao and their guards back to Cannibal Chain’s ranks.

On Cloud Peak’s side, Xiao Min and others curled their lips, all thinking Cannibal Chain was overestimating themselves.

Ye Zhongming pondered. Cannibal Chain must possess some intel or asset fueling their confidence. What exactly? Time would tell.

The second visitor was Alamos.

The old man had audacity, bringing only four escorts—no, four gene-spliced abominations. Though their movements were fluid, indicating high fusion compatibility, their aesthetics were… unbearable.

Alamos’s minimal escort spoke volumes about his confidence in their strength.

"Ye, we meet again."

Alamos moved for a hug, but Ye Zhongming didn’t budge, merely narrowing his eyes. The scientist awkwardly retracted his arms.

Since when were we this close?

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Ye Zhongming studied the old man, exasperated. I’m wary of you attacking me—aren’t you afraid I’ll strike first?

Then again, Alamos’s demeanor was likely deliberate.

"What’s there to discuss? Aren’t we rivals?"

Unfazed by Ye Zhongming’s bluntness, Alamos chuckled. "True, we’re rivals—even enemies. But not yet."

"Explain."

Ye Zhongming never quite adapted to foreigners’ roundabout phrasing.

Alamos pointed into the distance. "We’ll become enemies when competing for the Mountain King Crown—not now. Currently, we should cooperate."

Ye Zhongming waited silently.

"See the broken bridge? We could’ve crossed there before, but the gaps have widened. Now, we must traverse the ice—and beneath lies the ocean."

Alamos outlined the situation. Ye Zhongming finally understood: the factions weren’t gathering here by choice—they were stuck.

Previously, the Bering Strait Bridge’s fragments were close enough for evolved to cross with makeshift methods.

Now, unless one could fly, the only path was the frozen sea.

Logically, the Arctic temperatures should’ve solidified the ice enough for passage. But marine mutated lifeforms dwarfed their terrestrial counterparts in lethality. Every faction feared attacks from below—a plunge into those waters meant certain death, even for eight-star evolved.

In the days before Ye Zhongming’s arrival, scout teams had attempted the crossing. None returned.

Perhaps Gyanendra or Alamos could cross alone—but abandoning their forces wasn’t an option. The Mountain King Crown required manpower.

Even in the apocalypse, leaders preferred letting others test the waters first.

"So why approach me?"

Alamos grinned. "Cooperation. You, me, the Saint, Cannibal Chain, and the Crusaders—together, we can overcome this."

Ye Zhongming laughed outright.

Why should Cloud Peak cooperate?

Cloud Peak’s forces numbered under a thousand—the smallest group present. Without aerial transport, the others were ice-bound.

But Cloud Peak had Yangos, the Undead Dragonfish, Icebird—even Xia Bai and Yellow Ball could assist. Multiple trips would suffice.

So why share advantages? Ye Zhongming would rather watch them stranded here, eliminating future competition.

Reading his expression, Alamos laughed.

"I know you’ve got a dragon. It can ferry dozens at a time. But that won’t work."

Ye Zhongming frowned. Was the airspace compromised? He sensed no level nine presences.