"Hurry up, hurry up! If we're too late, it'll be troublesome!"

In Lianjiang International Airport, a young man dressed in sportswear disembarked from the plane, hunching over and hurrying along. At this time, the night sky was dark and lightless – not a sign of a significant event unfolding, simply a cold front passing through Lianjiang.

"What's the rush? If we miss today, there's always tomorrow. Besides, there's still plenty of time; we may not have missed it," Nan Xi said, walking behind him, casually adding, "The Disaster Messenger today is clearly dealing with the 'Night Parade of One Hundred Demons' – that has got to take a few hours, right?"

"It's hard to say. What if the Queen wields her Divine Skills, causing the demons to have diarrhea, harm themselves, commit suicide, or fight each other… or she could just make the continent sink or meteorites fall from the sky – that would all be over in minutes," the young man replied while walking.

Nan Xi snorted coldly. "If the Disaster Messenger really were that powerful, wouldn't you be just delivering yourself to her on a platter? Do you want to die abroad, in front of everyone, as disgracefully as a dog?"

The young man's steps faltered. He slowly turned his head and glanced at her.

Nan Xi stopped in her tracks.

Soon after, the young man let out a slight huff, turned his head back, and continued walking forward, his tone full of confidence and pride.

"Are you concerned about me, my Beloved Consort? Don't worry, I definitely won't die as disgracefully as a dog…"

Angered by his response, Nan Xi's chest heaved up and down, and she couldn't bother to speak to him any longer. However, she felt a fine layer of cold sweat forming on her back from the look he had given her just now – a mix of self-reproach and doubt filled her heart. She needed to urgently improve her Cultivation lest she be unable to even withstand the intimidating gaze of Fourth Stage Experts!

But why had he reacted so intensely to her comment just now?

Nan Xi turned to look at the monk wearing a Singer Bodhisattva Kasaya and headphones, who was making a zipping motion with his finger and thumb across his mouth – as if he were zipping his lips shut, modernizing the gesture for 'unspeakable.'

Having advanced to a Fourth Stage Expert from nothing within a little over a year since the revival of Spiritual Energy, each member of the Great Wall surely had their own extraordinary experiences.

Apart from that chauvinistic Emperor, Nan Xi was curious about the monk in the Singer Bodhisattva Kasaya and Mr. Chuan, wrapped in bandages and fond of eating ants. Still, as a member of the secret department's investigation team, she knew she had to maintain her professional integrity by neither prying nor leaking information.

"Oh right, Baldy, why don't we ask that person for help?" the young man suddenly said. "Spatial Spells, he must know them, too."

Nan Xi was taken aback – another Spatial Ability User? But according to the information provided by the top brass, Mysterious Country only had one person capable of long-distance teleportation.

The bald monk replied in his melodic voice, "His place of residence is inconvenient and shouldn't be exposed."

"Ah, that makes sense. Hmph, I certainly couldn't stand it. Not even to take a dump. I bet he has hemorrhoids, probably sitting in a pool of blood..."

Mr. Chuan made a rumbling sound like rock, and the young man fell silent.

Nan Xi blinked, suppressing her curiosity, but still fixed a steady gaze on the bald monk.

He once again mimed zipping his lips and shook his head.

The Tactical Bureau had already sent someone to pick them up outside the airport, but they didn't head towards the city. Instead, they drove to a suburban area not far from the airport.

Their destination was a barren wilderness, an undeveloped wasteland flanked by desolate hills dotted with a few sparse trees. As they alighted from the vehicle, Nan Xi and the others saw no buildings in any direction – only more than a dozen Armed Jeeps and a makeshift trench camp.

When they saw the car approaching, Yu Kuangtu and the others had already come out to greet them. Nan Xi and Mr. Chuan had met them briefly before, but Mr. Chuan was not the type to be good with words. Having served as a nanny for the Great Wall for a few days, Nan Xi had no choice but to come forward and greet, "Deputy Director Yu, the situation is urgent. There are only a dozen or so minutes left until 6 o'clock. Has everyone arrived?"

"They have," Yu Kuangtu didn't waste words. He glanced at Mr. Chuan, the young man, and the monk, lingering a few seconds longer on the monk's Kasaya, before turning and leading them into the camp.

Within the camp, many Warriors wearing vests were digging trenches and preparing their gear. As someone familiar with the codes and characteristics of various military units in the country, Nan Xi immediately recognized them as the Yangtze Troops.

The Yellow River Troops were responsible for the north, and the Yangtze Troops were responsible for the south. Furthermore, due to the recent 'Academy Attack Incident' and the 'Federal Undertakers Incident', a portion of the Yangtze Troops had already been stationed in Lianjiang, so their deployment this time was a matter of course.

The camp extended to a temporary, modular room. The wall components were clearly not the ordinary metal sandwich panels used in construction site housing. The wall color, reminiscent of Slime, immediately reminded Nan Xi of the green clay from the Liaoyuan Game Company's VR gaming components. This was a specialty magical material produced by the National Research Institute, known for its transformability, malleability, toughness, and electronic controllability.

A few people were waiting inside the room, but before Yu Kuangtu could introduce them, the young man in sportswear took one look and said, "Not even a single Fourth-Stage Cultivator? ... Well, that figures, or else they would have joined us a long time ago. With you included, there are five Third-turn Cultivators, which is passable."

Nan Xi quickly said, "Deputy Director Yu, won't you introduce us?"

Yu Kuangtu had already mentally prepared himself for these guests; after all, it was quite normal for High-Tier Cultivators to be a bit arrogant. And if one's Cultivation strength wasn't as good, it simply wasn't. Could poor students forbid top achievers from showing off in front of them? Recognizing the gap with the country's highest-level Cultivators and using it as motivation to strive forward was the proper way.

"This is our new Deputy Director of the Tactical Bureau, Qiao Muyi," Yu Kuangtu pointed at the several people bathed in the room's lighting, and introduced them in order from left to right: "This is Commander Li of the Yangtze Troops, and these two are teachers from the Heavenly Lotus Academy, Bai Ji and Dong Chengling."

"And myself, Deputy Director Yu Kuangtu of the Tactical Bureau. The five of us are Third-turn Cultivators with substantial combat experience in the Lianjiang District."

Yu Kuangtu added, "Actually, if we wanted to gather Third-turn Cultivators to assist in battle, we could have called for reinforcements from other cities..."

"No need," Nan Xi said. "Gathering you all here is just a precaution, and the aim isn't even for you to fight. What Mr. Chuan hopes is for you to see, in the potential battles that may occur, experiences that could help you take a step further in your Cultivation."

Nan Xi turned to Dong Chengling. "Miss Dong Chengling, according to confidentiality regulations, you should have only been made aware of your real mission upon arriving here. Are you willing to accept it? Are you ready?"

"I am ready," Dong Chengling said confidently. "If my Ability can contribute to the country, it is my unshirkable duty."

Nan Xi turned back to Mr. Chuan, who gave a slight nod. Then, from behind him, a voice rang out, "All five have combat experience? Then let me test them."

Suddenly, an invisible wave of Force burst out in the room, and Nan Xi felt as if she had plunged into an ice cave, her whole body trembling. A streak of white light flashed before her eyes, followed by several successive explosive sounds.

Yu Kuangtu crossed his arms, a Fiery Flame erupting from his forearms; Commander Li raised his right hand, causing an explosion out of nowhere; Qiao Muyi's body emanated a six-pointed star protective shield, her expression somewhat strained; Dong Chengling held her hand in front of her neck, the air before her palm appearing somewhat mystical; Bai Ji's body was covered in a layer of frost armor, with ice at his neck healing.

"Quick responses, not bad at all. You're certainly not one of those dullards who only know how to cultivate," the voice said.

The streak of white light returned to the young man's mouth, and he glanced at the crowd, saying, "Next time, don't let the killing intent intimidate your spirits. This is not a Spell; even Fourth-Stage Cultivators can emit a similar surge of aura."

"The Disaster Messenger's strength is not less than mine, and her enemies are likely to have Cultivation above the Fourth Transformation. If something really goes wrong on our side and a powerful one that slips through comes here, I don't expect you to stop them, but at least try not to be killed instantly."

The faces of everyone present turned somewhat unsightly. Frankly, the speed of that white light just now was not so fast that they couldn't react to it. Moreover, the white light attacked one after another, which should have given those behind sufficient preparation time.

However, due to the killing intent unleashed by the young man, everyone froze momentarily like a computer crash, only regaining their senses when the white light neared, and hastily defending themselves.

This mere glimpse of the Fourth-Stage Cultivator's power, just the tip of the iceberg, made them acutely aware of the absolute difference in strength!

Qiao Muyi blinked her eyes and asked like a little fan, "Wow, you're so amazing. What was that just now, and why did it go back into your mouth?"

"Hmph, you have good taste." The young man straightened his back a little more and boasted proudly, "That's my Sacred Light Evil-Repelling Flying Sword, a powerful Flying Sword Spell created by combining the advantages of Holy Light Magic and Taoist Magic. It not only has strong Attack effects like Armor Break, piercing, and bleeding but also inflicts double Critical Hits on Demons and Ghosts. It's usually nurtured inside the body, so it needs to be retracted back through the mouth..."

"So, that means you're a smart-ass?"

"That's right, this is my smart-ass... No, I mean mouth sword!" The young man felt that something was still off and corrected himself, "It should be heart sword!"

"Oh, does that mean you're a jerk at heart?"

Everyone else struggled to hold back their laughter; Commander Li's mouth almost turned into a wavy line. Dong Chengling didn't change her expression, but her crescent-moon eyes and curved brows showed that she laughed both covertly and obviously.

The young man's face suddenly looked as if he had eaten shit, but since Qiao Muyi had such big, pure, and beautiful eyes, he swallowed back the retort that had reached his throat and managed to steer the conversation elsewhere. "How odd, there's quite a high proportion of female Third-turn Cultivators here in Lianjiang."

Nan Xi was suddenly on alert. Qiao Muyi was spirited and adorable, while Dong Chengling was dignified and gracious; if the young man's foul mouth provoked them, Nan Xi might not be able to smooth things over. Not to mention, Dong Chengling was the key person this time; if she got angry and went on strike, no one could replace her.

However, the young man seemed to have some sense and tact; after a brief mention, he stopped talking and introduced himself, "They're all mute. That one who looks like a mummy is Mr. Chuan, that bald guy in Le Zhengling's Kasaya is Dharma Name Endless, and that one with the big chest is my Beloved Consort Nan Xi, and I am...!"

"His name is You Jiu; he just got out of Qing Shan Mental Hospital." Nan Xi didn't give him a chance to spout nonsense; the first time they met, had she not cleverly gone back to check information, she would have almost believed he was some 'Xuanyuan Aotian', cutting him off directly and saying, "The time is almost up. Let's confirm the action plan for later."

When it came to serious matters, everyone became alert. Nan Xi said, "According to the plan, once the live broadcast starts, the Endless Zen Master will help you, Miss Dong, to open the Space Gate to the Disaster Messenger's location. Then, You Jiu and Mr. Chuan will go in, and depending on the situation, they'll throw one or two 'Ghosts' over.

"We don't know for sure if there will be 'Ghosts', but based on yesterday's live broadcast situation, the Disaster Messenger should fight the Ghosts today. Moreover, these Ghosts might be different from the Demons and Ghosts we know, having great capture value.

"Apart from Miss Dong, the other four Third-turn Cultivators will act as the first line of Defense, responsible for subduing the 'Ghosts' that come through the Space Gate. If they find the power to be too strong, they should immediately retreat and let the Yangtze Troops handle the eradication and execution.

"If the situation becomes too dangerous and harsh, Miss Dong, you must immediately close the Space Gate. Then the other four Third-turn Cultivators should make sure to protect Miss Dong and the Endless Mage during retreat. The overall command of the battle will be entrusted to the experienced Commander Li; that's basically it. Does everyone understand?"

"Understood!" The crowd nodded their heads in unison.

With the plan confirmed, everyone went to their positions, confirmed the communications channels, and Dong Chengling and Bai Ji put on the highest quality defensive vests—borrowed ones, which they would need to return later.

Everyone was quite nervous, except for the trio from the Great Wall, who treated the situation as if they were going on a casual outing. Endless Zen Master continued to listen to music, Mr. Chuan was squatting on the ground watching ants, and You Jiu shamelessly came over to bother Nan Xi again. Nan Xi was annoyed just looking at him, but she glanced at Qiao Muyi and Dong Chengling and asked curiously, "I'm surprised you weren't completely stupid and knew your limits."

"What limits? My dictionary doesn't have the word 'limits'!" You Jiu said arrogantly. If Spiritual Energy had not revived, Nan Xi would have definitely taken her shoe off and whacked the hell out of him.

"I thought you were nonchalantly hitting on those two beauties just now," Nan Xi said. "They're not like me; I have to put up with you for the investigation regarding Ren Naiser and the Fairy Palace. They belong to different tactical and educational systems; if they want to hit you, they will."

"Hit me? Can they even do that?" You Jiu scoffed again, but he continued, "I am not a pervert; why would I hit on them?"

"Then why do you hit on me?" Nan Xi was furious. "What, do you think just because my Cultivation is only at the Second Turn, that I'm easy to bully?"

Sensing that Nan Xi was genuinely angry, You Jiu hemmed and hawed before explaining, "I don't have such low interests, to flirt with a married woman."

"Married woman?" Nan Xi was somewhat surprised. "They're unmarried... oh, you can tell they're in love with someone? But I'm in love with someone too!"

"You fools, today you like this idol and tomorrow that star; you have so many to fawn over," You Jiu picked his nose and flicked away a big booger before adding, "It means having a heart that belongs, having a place to rest their souls."

Fourth-Stage Cultivators have such insight?

Nan Xi was somewhat shocked, but then she quickly retorted, "I also have someone I belong to, so scram! The line of people wanting to chase after me stretches from Xizhimen to Dongzhimen, scram, scram, scram!"

"But you've never loved anyone."

"So what if I haven't loved? I'm living just fine!"

"Of course, you can live just fine," You Jiu straightened up slightly, speaking in a somewhat complex tone. "It's just that sometimes, when you cry and get tired, reality becomes the enemy, and the situation can no longer be salvaged. When sorrow builds up in your heart and you can't relieve it, you don't want to worry your family. Friends may not understand your pain either. You want to find a crutch to lean on and keep moving forward, but you might only grasp a noose that could hang you.

"A so-called partner is someone who accompanies you through these hardships."

Nan Xi was taken aback; she had not expected this chauvinistic Emperor to say something like that.

"Therefore, Beloved Consort, please feel free to rely on me. Although I still prefer the Disaster Messenger, as my consort, you rank second only to her, and Above All Beings. I will never neglect you..."

"Scram!"

Elsewhere, Bai Ji looked at the temporary medical tent beside the trenches and said, "Ren Suo hasn't arrived yet."

"Deputy Director Yu asked him, but because of the confidentiality regulations he didn't give details, so he didn't come," Dong Chengling said with a smile. "He really likes Ren Naiser and the Fairy Palace. He's been getting up early these days to watch the live streams. If we tell him about this, he'll definitely be envious."

"Right... By the way, Cheng Ling, you can transport Ren Suo here, right?"

"I can... What's up?"

"If there are casualties, we might as well transport him here," Bai Ji suggested. "It won't be a secret after it starts, right? Plus, he's from the Tactical Bureau. The Healing Power here might not be enough, and we can also let him come and see the situation..."

Dong Chengling hesitated for a moment and then said, "Let's ask Deputy Director Yu at that time. If Deputy Director Yu agrees and he is willing, we'll just transport him here directly."

"Yeah, that would be best." Bai Ji pondered whether he should deliberately get injured later, preferably in some sensitive areas.

For example...

While everyone harbored their own anticipations, the sky slowly grew brighter, and as time slipped by, it unknowingly reached 6 a.m.!

「————————」

Ren Suo opened his eyes, eyes as deep as the universe with myriad emotions surfacing, all of which condensed into one sentence:

"Crap, I forgot to set an alarm!"

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