Lu Luo was somewhat astonished; he had not expected Bai Yuetong's name to have such a convoluted origin.

"And what happened after that? How did Bai Qingshuang fare?"

"After her rise, although Luo Xuemin had already become a council member, he dared not rebut Bai Qingshuang at that time. Thus, the name Bai Yuetong was firmly established. From then on, she stopped being called Luo Tiantian and took the name Bai Yuetong. The past between Luo Xuemin and Bai Qingshuang was no longer mentioned by anyone. After rectifying her name, Bai Qingshuang's methods became increasingly bloody, and under her control, the Tribunal became an ironclad faction. They even began to gradually erode the power of the Apocalypse Riders."

"The original Church was a tripartite, with a separation of powers. The Pope was in charge of church affairs, the Judgment Chief handled judgments, and the Apocalypse Riders controlled the armed forces. With Bai Qingshuang's encroachment, the four Knights Groups became mere vassals of the Tribunal. Since then, the Church had gradually begun to change for the worse."

Han Shiyu's tone was somewhat regretful; it seemed that the Church's transformation had a significant impact on her.

However, Lu Luo was somewhat puzzled. Did their faction just watch Bai Qingshuang rise without doing anything? Didn't they know to resist?

"Han Shiyu, doesn't your faction, the Pope's lineage, have any experts? Are you letting a woman shit on your heads?"

Han Shiyu's complexion darkened instantly. Lu Luo realized that his tone might have been a bit off and quickly corrected himself.

"No, no, that's not what I meant. I mean, are you letting a woman ride your faces while she unloads damage?"

What's the difference between having your face ridden and being shat on? Han Shiyu's complexion was still unsightly.

"You don't know how formidable this woman is."

"How formidable? She's only been cultivating for a few years. Is there really no one in your entire faction who can deal with her?"

"Although I'm reluctant to admit it, she is indeed too strong. Her individual strength has reached a nearly invincible level. Her base strength was already strong, with virtually no weaknesses in battle. On top of that, her Sequence talent is so suited for combat, which has led to Bai Qingshuang's invincible stature. From the Pope's lineage, unless His Holiness Pope Fan Zhen himself personally intervenes, risking everything to fight her, there might be a chance for a draw. Otherwise, if anyone else faced her, hardly anyone could withstand her for thirty seconds, not even ten seconds."

Lu Luo was shocked as he listened. A faction with over a hundred years of heritage, no match for a woman who has risen in just four years? He certainly didn't believe there was nothing fishy about this woman.

"Is she really that fierce? On what basis?"

Han Shiyu's expression became serious.

"Firstly, it's her Sequences; Bai Qingshuang has many strong ones. The first is the extremely rare Grade S Sequence, S-09, the Judge. Its effect is to pass judgment, rapidly weakening foes to the utmost degree—a super-strong Sequence perfect for combat. Besides that, she has undergone Awakening for many, many other Sequences, all of which incline towards combat. How should I put it? In the eyes of most Church members, Bai Qingshuang is a born combat machine. It's because of her presence that the Church has completely overwhelmed the Council in both power and strength. If it weren't for the fact that the Pope and the Council Speaker are much older than Bai Qingshuang, then she would be, without a doubt, the number one powerhouse of the Alliance."

"The number one powerhouse of the Alliance!"

Han Shiyu's assessment of Bai Qingshuang left Lu Luo both astonished and surprised. Han Shiyu was a rather proud woman, and this was the first time Lu Luo had seen her feel genuine awe towards another woman.

However, what alarmed Lu Luo even more was the hint provided by the Observer next.

The Judge is a Grade S Sequence as renowned as the Observer; indeed, it's one of the few most suitable for combat in the Grade S category. And its prowess is not just limited to passing judgment. Sequence S-09, the Judge, highest recorded level: LV5. Effect 1 - Conviction: For every sin the enemy carries, they will weaken by ten percent in front of the Judge. Effect 2 - Trial: Each time you judge a sin, the Judge will make you a bit stronger than before. Other effects unknown.

Lu Luo glanced at the Observer's prompt. Setting other things aside, the Observer's Sequence information was indeed very comprehensive. This kind of energy likely originates from the Doomsday Disc's Sequence records. The attributes of a LV5 Judge are pretty outrageous. The strongest aspect of a Judge is not weakening others, but enhancing oneself after each sentencing. This is already very similar to my Devourer; I just don't know if there will be any limitations. What if I encounter such a powerhouse in the future? Will I be able to contend with them?

My most powerful combat Sequence chain is B-00, the Unbeliever. The Unbeliever can comprehensively enhance basic capabilities and defensive power, which is the foundation of my combat ability. Then there are my four Grade S Sequences. Among these, the Fusioner and Observer are more functionally oriented. Grade S-07 Summoner is a relatively pure combat Sequence. However, the Summoner hasn't matured yet; the current LV1 Summoner isn't noteworthy. Lastly, there's the LV3 Devourer. The Devourer is very strong. Its developmental Devouring attribute enhances talent effects, not to mention its other strengths. In terms of combat, the three effects brought by the Exotic Species—deadly poison, Netherflame, and thunder—are all exceptionally practical.

To sum it up, if I can raise the level of my Sequences, I still have a fighting chance.

Wake up, wake up, don't dream. You're Third Tier. A punch from her could... never mind, if you die, I cease to exist too. Also, why do you always think about fighting? Clearly, there are better methods!

Hm? Better methods? Lu Luo was slightly surprised.

Think about it. When Bai Qingshuang changed Bai Yuetong's name, doesn't it mean she cares a lot about her daughter?

It seems so!

So if you sleep with her daughter... oh no, become her daughter's boyfriend, wouldn't you then be her son-in-law? A mother-in-law wouldn't hit her son-in-law, right? So, why fight? Isn't it better to follow your mother-in-law and become someone superior?

Holy shit, my Sequence has become a master of logic? And what it says seems to make a lot of sense. The feasibility of this plan…

Han Shiyu, noticing Lu Luo had been silent for a while, interrupted his thoughts with some confusion.

"Lu Luo? Were you frightened?"

"Uh, no, no. Go on with what you were saying."

Han Shiyu nodded dubiously.

"So, the Church is now under Bai Qingshuang's control, and she has completely seized the Dawn Disc. I didn't want to remain in that vortex of power, so I came to the Fourth Ring to cultivate and, incidentally, get in touch with Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals' genetic engineering. But I had just joined when I met you. As a Believer of Light, when I discovered your uniqueness, hope was rekindled within me. I brought my junior martial sister Qi Xinzhu. This is the common pursuit of the Believers of Light for the Dawn. Once you have grown, you will be the new hope. Thus, even if some sacrifices are necessary, we will protect you, conceal you."

Lu Luo had actually heard this spiel from Qi Xinhu already, but he didn't like it.

"Han Shiyu, you really don't need to do this. I am not the Dawn Disc you seek. I can't bring you hope either, so let's not talk about sacrifices. I will definitely rescue Qi Xinzhu."

Lu Luo's words made Han Shiyu lower her head, and she fell silent for a moment. Then she slowly stood up, went behind Lu Luo, and began to do something that surprised him—for instance, she started massaging his temples, very comfortably.

"Actually, when you fought Wu En and displayed the Disc, I already knew you weren't the Dawn Disc. The Dawn Disc wouldn't be purple-black either. Both Qi Xinzhu and I are aware of this. But what of it? People always need to believe in something, don't you think? Relax, Lu Luo. I know Qi Xinzhu is very important to you, but you shouldn't become reckless at this time. Maintaining calmness is the best state of readiness for battle."

Han Shiyu pressed down on Lu Luo, who was trying to get up. She then placed his head on her chest, doing her best to help his constantly tense nerves relax. However, her actions not only failed to relax Lu Luo but made him even more tense instead. Because once the chair tilted back, certain stiff areas could no longer be hidden by just sitting, making them quite conspicuous.

Han Shiyu naturally noticed this and smiled slyly. She then let Lu Luo sit up properly, making his "little brother" appear quite prominent.

Your brother is quite prominent!

Lu Luo didn't show any embarrassment because he believed that as long as he wasn't embarrassed, the embarrassment was on someone else.

"This disobedient thing. I'll break it off later."

Han Shiyu smiled and continued to massage Lu Luo.

"Are you really willing to break it off?"

"Fake! All right, tell me more about the Dawn Disc! Since the Dawn Disc is a holy relic of the Church, why would it release the Doomsday Factor?"

Han Shiyu shook her head. "If I told you that I don't even know what the Doomsday Factor is, would you believe me?"

She truly didn't know, and Lu Luo simply nodded, not pressing the question.

"I believe."

But the clues about the Dawn Disc seem to lead nowhere!

"Hah! I'm not sure if you really believe me or not. What do you plan to do about Qi Xinzhu?"

Lu Luo squinted and checked his remaining energy value of about 40,000.

"I'll probably find a place to properly cultivate for a while!"

"Cultivating at this time? Isn't that a bit like last-minute cramming?"

"You don't understand. The speed of my 'cramming' is a bit different from what you imagine."

Han Shiyu looked at Lu Luo with skepticism but, in the end, could only nod.

"All right then. You need to be careful in the coming days! You've been growing fast, but you're not strong enough yet. Always remember, your life is more important than anything else."

"I know."

Lu Luo lay down comfortably, quietly enjoying Han Shiyu's massage. However, this enjoyment did not last long before his somewhat heavy breathing was heard. Lu Luo had been too exhausted these past few days, so much so that he even missed such a golden opportunity to take advantage.

But Han Shiyu didn't let Lu Luo go; instead, she held his head and leaned back on the bed. Holy Radiance continuously flowed from Han Shiyu's hands, soothing Lu Luo's muscles and pain.

Han Shiyu touched Lu Luo's lips and smiled. "This is for encouragement! Bring back little Xinzhu, and make sure you come back too."

「The next morning.」

When Lu Luo awoke, Han Shiyu had already left. He moved his body a bit and felt that the previous fatigue had been swept away, feeling fully rejuvenated.

Alright, fully revived!

He was ready to go to the Safety Bureau to report in. But just as he stepped out of the school gate, Lu Luo received a call from an unknown number.

"Hello, who is this?"

"Lu Luo? This is Yang Liya!"

"Captain Yang, what's the matter?"

"Ludie is missing."

Lu Luo had a somewhat strange expression. He wasn't shocked that Ludie was missing; the shock came from the fact that Ludie was standing right in front of him.

The person at the entrance of the restaurant ahead reading the newspaper is Ludie himself; he's in disguise.

After the Observer's tip-off, Ludie even raised his cup to Lu Luo, signaling him to come over. But the voice on the phone interrupted Lu Luo's shock.

"Lu Luo, are you listening to me?"

"Uh, I am listening. I just came out of school and am about to make a trip to the hospital to check on my companion. But Captain Yang, why are you looking for me about Ludie's disappearance? With my meager abilities, I wouldn't be able to hide Ludie, right?"

"Alright, I get it. Ludie is now the Alliance's most wanted fugitive, so if he contacts you, make sure to tell me. If you hide a criminal's whereabouts, you could be sentenced to up to fifteen years in prison."

Yang Liya's tone was a bit strange. How to put it—if she really wanted to capture Ludie, she probably wouldn't be tipping him off like this.

These two have an unusual relationship!

"Got it, Captain Yang. I'm the most law-abiding person; they should give me a good citizen medal. Plus, I'm a coward. I would never dare to commit a crime, rest assured."

"Then that's settled. After you've finished your business, remember to come to the Safety Bureau to report."

"Sure, sure, I will definitely report when the time comes."

Having hung up Yang Liya's call, Lu Luo had already walked up to Ludie and sat down opposite him.

"How did you get put on the wanted list?"

"They told me to stay put in the Fourth Ring. I didn't want to, so now I'm wanted, that's all. You've gotten so pale! Paler than a woman!"

Ludie wore a mocking expression, but Lu Luo didn't engage with this topic at all, just repeating his question.

"Say that again, and I'll call the police to arrest you right now."

"If they really wanted to catch me, I wouldn't be walking around so easily."

Ludie was very calm, lighting a cigarette for himself and then taking a sip of tea. He didn't seem very worried about being wanted.

At this point, Lu Luo couldn't guess what Ludie was thinking.

"You've been loafing around here for so many years. Why run off all of a sudden? Is it because of the Nightmare Demon and the Bride incident?"

Ludie smiled while taking a drag from his cigarette, pulling out a red envelope from his pocket, the same as Lu Luo's.

"Take a look for yourself first!"

Lu Luo opened Ludie's envelope and briefly looked through it. It was an invitation to Ludie, dated December 19th, just like Lu Luo's letter, and also mentioned the Nightmare Demon but lacked a specific location.

After looking it over, Lu Luo took out his own letter.

"I have one of these letters too."

"You too? Hahaha, okay, it looks like I won't be lonely anymore!"

Ludie laughed a bit exaggeratedly, but Lu Luo's face was without a smile.

"You still haven't told me why you decided to leave this time. You've been in the Fourth Ring for over seven years; there shouldn't be anything capable of moving you by now, could it? Is the Safety Bureau forcing you?"

"No, leaving this time was really my own decision."

"Why? December 19th is still a while away. You wouldn't be planning to look for the Nightmare Demon in advance, are you?"

Ludie shook his head, denying Lu Luo's speculation.

"You're overthinking it. I'm not that stupid. I'm just going out to handle some of my own affairs; don't worry too much. Besides, even if I wanted to find them, I don't know where they are right now."

Hearing Ludie say this, Lu Luo felt somewhat relieved. And with Ludie here, it was the perfect time for Lu Luo to ask about the doubt in his heart.

"Ludie, I have a question for you."

"Ask away. Why would you need to hold anything back from me?"

"The Fourth Ring is supposed to be the first high wall directly facing the Exotic Species. It should be the most dangerous place within the Wasteland Alliance. If an Eighth Order calamity launches an attack, the Fourth Ring would be the first to bear the brunt, just like now. But if the Fourth Ring is the most dangerous, why are there no Seventh Tier masters? If you say it's because of the cultivation speed in the Inner Ring, Seventh Tier is already the pinnacle for humans. Having none at all can't be justified, right?"

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