28: Chapter 28 Tracking 1

The trace of impatience on Yuwen Jinyuan's face vanished in an instant, his expression turning cold and icy once more as he ordered, word by word.

"From today on, you two, keep watching him closely for me."

"Do not let any of his actions, words, or the slightest movement escape your notice."

"Especially when he comes out and which direction he heads."

"Yes!"

"Yes, Brother Yuan!"

Pockmark hurriedly nodded and bowed, the densely packed Pockmarks on his face bunching together in a fawning and respectful smile.

He turned his head and cast a quick glance at the reticent Toad beside him; their eyes met briefly, and they understood each other perfectly.

The next moment, the two turned around simultaneously and exited the Grass Hut.

On the other side, Yun Song had spent half a month deep within the Mine Cave.

During these half a month, he had not only mastered the Eight Styles of the Mining Hoe to an increasingly proficient level, but every strike of his mining hoe was precise and ruthless.

On this day, after counting the Spirit Stones in his cloth bag—exactly two hundred in total—he finally walked out of the Mine Cave.

When he reached the entrance of the cave, his gaze paused, and his footsteps slowed subconsciously.

At the entrance stood the very people he had taught a lesson half a month ago.

He swept his gaze over them; all seven were present, only the leader, Yuwen Jinyuan, was missing.

Seeing Yun Song appear, the seven at the entrance exchanged glances, their expressions becoming extremely complex.

The arrogant and overbearing attitude they used to have when demanding protection money had vanished. Recalling the fierce force of that mining hoe strike from that day, they simply froze in place, not daring to even breathe loudly.

Yun Song seemed entirely indifferent to their gazes; this peace, brought about by his own strength, made his footsteps increasingly steady.

Not until Yun Song's figure had gradually walked far away and completely disappeared from their line of sight did Pockmark let out a sharp breath of relief, his back already drenched in a layer of cold sweat.

His eyes darted around, and he immediately signaled to Toad beside him, whispering, "Your chance to earn merit has arrived. Hurry back and report to Brother Yuan that the kid has come out. I'll follow him quietly first and keep an eye on where he's going!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Pockmark hunched his back and crept after him with light footsteps.

Having received his orders, Toad did not dare to delay. He immediately opened up his legs and ran frantically toward the Grass Hut where Yuwen Jinyuan was located.

The remaining five stood dumbly in place, remembering Yuwen Jinyuan's instructions to guard the entrance of the Mine Cave without moving an inch.

Toad ran all the way, panting, his heart filled with both urgency and excitement—as long as he kept a close watch on that kid, Brother Yuan would surely reward him.

When he rushed to the front of the Grass Hut, he couldn't stop his momentum and slammed his entire body hard against the wooden door.

"Clatter!" With a loud bang, the wooden door was forced open, and the entire Grass Hut shook violently.

Dust from the roof beams fell in showers, nearly knocking over the bottle of Jade Spirit Ointment on the table.

Yuwen Jinyuan had originally been sitting cross-legged, closing his eyes to rest, while mentally calculating how to make Yun Song disappear.

This sudden loud noise startled him into opening his eyes abruptly, his gaze filled with malevolence.

Before him was Toad, gasping for breath with a face flushed bright red.

Toad practically roared, his voice urgent and shrill: "Brother Yuan! He's out! That kid has finally come out of the Mine Cave!"

Yuwen Jinyuan was completely enraged by this unruly disturbance, his temper flaring up instantly.

He glared with wide, angry eyes, his face so gloomy it seemed ready to drip water.

He stomped his foot hard on the ground and lunged forward in a single stride, appearing right in front of Toad.

Before the other could react, he raised his arm high and brought it down quickly and ruthlessly.

"Slap! Slap!" Two crisp, loud smacks landed solidly on Toad's face.

Toad's head was knocked sharply to the side, his cheek instantly red and swollen, five distinct finger marks clearly visible, with blood even seeping from the corner of his mouth.

Yuwen Jinyuan's eyes were bloodshot, staring intensely at him as he cursed through gritted teeth: "Damn it! It's just that he came out, is it worth you making such a racket?"

"Have you forgotten how you were beaten down by him last time? Look at this pathetic, spineless behavior of yours—it's truly disgraceful!"

Toad clutched his burning cheek, wincing in pain, but dared not show the slightest dissatisfaction. He could only mumble an explanation: "Brother... Brother Yuan, wasn't I just too excited... Once he comes out, the plan you entrusted can continue to proceed."

Yuwen Jinyuan's expression softened slightly, though he remained angry, pacing back and forth inside the room.

His eyes flickered, his thoughts racing, and he said in a deep voice: "Go contact Pockmark immediately. Tell him to keep a close watch on him for me and see where he goes next."

"As long as that kid makes any unusual moves, report back immediately!"

"Yes!" Toad hurriedly nodded in agreement, clutching his half-swollen face, and turned to sneak out of the Grass Hut.