Chapter 1726: You are most suitable

Though Ye Zhongming understood their intentions, hearing those words still left him feeling somewhat uncomfortable.

"Send him up to the skies"—that phrasing... sounded rather ominous.

However, perhaps because this decision was too important for these allies, they hadn't considered any alternative interpretations.

"Why should my Zhongming take on such a dangerous task?"

Xia Lei, sitting beside him, expressed clear dissatisfaction, leaning forward with a dangerous glint in her eyes as she stared at Wang Hanran.

Though Ye Zhongming was the King of Cloud Peak and the only one who could formally engage with someone of Wang Hanran's status, everyone knew Xia Lei's unique position in Cloud Peak. She wasn't just Ye Zhongming's woman—she was the de facto ruler of the villa. Faced with her displeasure and questioning, Wang Hanran nodded apologetically before continuing.

"There are many reasons, but the most important ones are these."

"You'd better convince me."

Xia Lei leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.

Wang Hanran smiled patiently. "First and foremost—strength. Everyone seated here is a true powerhouse of the Chinese region, a ruler of their own domain, commanding thousands and wielding the authority of the apocalypse."

Though this sounded somewhat arrogant, it was essentially the truth.

Just Cloud Peak Villa and the two major commercial organizations alone controlled half of the Chinese region's wealth. And in the apocalypse, wealth was synonymous with power.

"Yet we all must admit—you, Mr. Ye, are the strongest. No one denies this, correct?"

Wang Hanran glanced around the room.

Everyone nodded in agreement, including the two Five Ring Money deacons who weren’t particularly fond of Ye Zhongming.

Perhaps before today, they hadn’t fully grasped the extent of his strength. But after witnessing him solo three level-nine lifeforms, they were convinced.

This was absolute power.

Not convinced? Could they fight three level nines themselves? Even one at a time?

No. Unless absolutely forced, they wouldn’t even dare face a single level nine alone.

So, calling Ye Zhongming the strongest? That was an indisputable fact.

"This matter is indeed dangerous. We don’t know what awaits us in the skies. But we have no choice—if any of us went, the chances of success would be even lower." RÅNՕВĚꞩ

"You still haven’t answered my earlier question. Does being strong mean you deserve to die?" Xia Lei tapped the armrest lightly.

"Please allow me to continue." Wang Hanran pressed on. "Our ultimate goal is to uncover what’s truly happening—even the truth behind the apocalypse. Naturally, we must pursue the method with the highest chance of success. And without question, Mr. Ye is the highest chance."

"Additionally!"

Wang Hanran raised a finger. "Comprehensive ability."

"Your overall capabilities are unmatched. You’re not just an elite warrior—you’re also a master craftsman, possess plant-controlling abilities, and... an exceptional merchant."

In the apocalypse, merchants were never just merchants. In this regard, Ye Zhongming had undoubtedly found the perfect balance.

"But most importantly, you possess an intangible quality that draws others to you."

Here, Wang Hanran sighed, his expression complex.

There was no denying that Ye Zhongming’s current status was heavily tied to his craftsmanship profession and his ownership of two top-tier laboratories.

Most people had gathered around him for benefits.

Profit above all—this was true in any era.

But let’s not forget—why had Ye Zhongming reached the pinnacle of craftsmanship? Why had the heads of those two labs pledged their loyalty to him?

Luck? Yes, that was certainly part of it. But ultimately, it was a reflection of personal charisma.

This, too, was a talent—one that Wang Hanran firmly believed in.

"I truly can’t think of anyone more suited than you to be the first to ascend."

He glanced at Xia Lei, as if to say this was only part of the answer, then continued:

"Next—resources."

"To ascend, one must first become a nine-star evolved. And who currently holds the most level nine magic crystals? That would be you. Wu Xiu told me—your gains within the Mountain King Wheel were substantial."

Inside the Mountain King Wheel, Ye Zhongming had obtained six level-nine magic crystals. Combined with previous acquisitions and recent Cloud Peak hunts, he now had enough to spin a level nine wheel once.

The others? Did they have enough? Clearly not!

Ascension required reaching nine stars—but if they couldn’t even spin a level nine wheel, it was all meaningless. Ye Zhongming was the only one among them who could do so now, making him the optimal candidate.

"There’s one more point—the Resistance Zone has already spun a level nine wheel once."

The Cloud Peak members froze, unsure how this was relevant.

Ye Zhongming was equally puzzled. He studied the Cannibal Chain leader, thinking that while Wang Hanran was a friend, he wasn’t like Li Daqian or Commander Mu—those were staunch allies, enemies of his enemies. The Resistance Zone, naturally, was his enemy.

But Cannibal Chain and Five Rings Money were different. They were commercial organizations, adhering to merchant principles—maintaining ties with all factions, treating everyone as "friends."

Their closeness to Cloud Peak was simply because Cloud Peak brought them greater profits. But Ye Zhongming didn’t believe they would abandon or oppose the Resistance Zone over it.

Wang Hanran sighed again.

"The Resistance Zone... is a very unique organization. Or rather, the Five Key Alliance is extraordinary. I believe Mr. Guang Yao and Commander Mu understand this."

Guang Yao and Commander Mu nodded in agreement.

"Under normal circumstances, everything would remain as it was—the Resistance Zone would stay a trading partner. But now, things have changed. They’ve spun a level nine wheel. Though they didn’t obtain a nine-star evolution potion, they did acquire a powerful weapon."

"Before this, we’d never heard they’d stockpiled enough level nine magic crystals. This in itself is suspicious. Considering they’ve always been the apocalypse’s ‘prophets’... could they have advantages we don’t in reaching nine stars or ascending?"

The room fell silent, acknowledging the possibility.

"The Resistance Zone has never been benevolent. Their silence was only because you suppressed them, Mr. Ye. But now? If they produce the first nine-star evolved, their first move will be to unify the Chinese region! Countless will die—including everyone here."

Wang Hanran’s expression hardened, his tone resolute.

"We all wish to maintain the status quo, preserve our authority, and continue living well in this apocalypse! So even without the matter of ascension, we cannot allow the Resistance Zone to grow stronger."

"Thus, Mr. Ye—you are our hope."

"To help you reach nine stars as soon as possible... we’ve brought you a gift."

With that, Wang Hanran placed a small box before Ye Zhongming.