...

Spring in the East Ring was no longer particularly cold. Lu Luo and his companions munched on midnight barbecue while contemplating their future.

By now, Lu Luo had also determined his own ideals, such as marrying a few wives and having over twenty children.

Of course, achieving this ideal was quite difficult because his prospective wives had very special identities.

He had to get past the Church, the Council, the Judgment Chief, and finally, the rules of the entire Wasteland Alliance.

Unless one day he truly became so powerful that nothing could stand in his way.

Otherwise, realizing this simple ideal was still very challenging.

Compared to Lu Luo, Gu Fangyi's mind was much purer.

He wanted to get stronger and cultivate quickly.

The significant enhancement of his attributes gave him greater ambition.

The gap between him and the Transcendents of the Inner Ring, especially those from the Church, had been completely bridged this time, if not surpassed.

Now, he could help Lu Luo; he could protect the Circular!

Zhou Kai's approach was even simpler. If in the past the Circular might have considered comprehensive development, the current strategy was more direct: Dark Spirit Stones! Rare metals! Corrosive Items.

All resources of the Circular were to be directed towards these three areas, especially Dark Spirit Stones, as there was a huge deficit right now.

Because 100 poisonous candies required nearly four to five kilograms of Dark Spirit Stones.

They needed more money to develop and grow stronger.

However, this growth was worthwhile, as they would soon possess a very powerful team.

Qi Xinzhu and Bai Yuetong had similar thoughts.

They were both worried that when Lu Luo went to the Inner Ring in over twenty days, he might face obstacles.

Would their families like Lu Luo?

This was a very important matter.

Although they were already adults and could control their own lives, their identities were different. They were too special.

Qi Xinzhu was also worried that her loss of virginity might cause trouble for Lu Luo.

Although the Church was a place that worshipped the light, there were quite a few lunatics in it.

If the matter of her being with Lu Luo spread within the Church, some of the younger and crazier Believers might take turns challenging Lu Luo.

Qi Xinzhu knew Lu Luo's temper.

He might seem all smiles and laughs, but he was a person who didn't like to be at a disadvantage.

Ah! I hope everything goes smoothly.

As Qi Xinzhu was entangled with worry, Bai Yuetong had similar concerns.

The pressure from the Luo Family was actually manageable. Although she didn't take her father Luo Xuemin's surname, he loved her very much.

Whatever she wanted, whatever she wanted to do, Luo Xuemin would do his utmost to accommodate.

So, with her father there, Bai Yuetong wasn't particularly worried about the pressure from the Council.

But her mother was different; Bai Qingshuang was just too domineering.

Her identity, status, and strength gave people a suffocating feeling.

This was evident from the fact that her name had been changed to Bai Yuetong, even though she had always lived with Luo Xuemin.

Bai Qingshuang was a person with a very strong desire for control.

She wouldn't allow anyone to defy her, not even her own daughter.

This was precisely why Bai Yuetong was a bit anxious; she wanted to reach the final step with Lu Luo as soon as possible.

Bai Yuetong felt that only after something definitive happened between them would her mother accept Lu Luo.

The five young people, each with their own thoughts, ate the roasted meat on the table piece after piece.

The sky was still gloomy, but they were all full of hope!

「The next day」

Lu Luo packed his luggage and climbed out of his bed.

Although he also wanted to take things further with Bai Yuetong, he surely couldn't do it in front of Qi Xinzhu.

That would be too much, so he had to return to sleep in his own bed!

Today was probably the day Lu Xiaotian had mentioned, and Lu Luo decided to wait near the Safety Bureau on his own.

He had never seen what was special about a Seventh Tier master. If he could witness the prowess of a Seventh Tier master this time, it would be of great practical help for his future strength development.

"I'm off!"

"Be careful." Dumb Hair and Qi Xinzhu came out together to see him off.

They had both heard yesterday about Lu Luo going out today and knew the reason behind it. At this time, they were naturally very obedient and didn't want to cause any trouble for Lu Luo.

"Yeah, I'll be fine."

And Lu Luo was pleased to see the two women getting along well; it was a reassuring sight.

However, Qi Xinzhu clearly didn't just want to stay at the base. She was a Transcendent too, and she had her own pursuits.

"Lu Luo, let me go with you! I also want to witness a battle at the Seventh Tier."

Such battles were not easily seen even in the Inner Ring. Because of the particularity of the Seventh Tier, masters of that level often wouldn't take action. Now that there was an opportunity, she naturally wanted to see it for herself.

"Brother Luo, I want to go too."

After Qi Xinzhu spoke up, Gu Fangyi also stepped forward.

However, he had the responsibility to guard the base, and if Lu Luo didn't let him go, he wouldn't have anything to say about it.

But this time, to everyone's surprise, Lu Luo was quite amenable.

"Alright, let's go together."

Because he knew that for Transcendents, a battle at the Seventh Tier was truly not to be missed.

Not many people knew about this, so it should be no problem for the three of them, the main force, to leave. Even if a problem did arise, White Snake and the others were still there, which should be enough to defend the base.

"Yes!"

Seeing that Lu Luo had agreed, both Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi were excited. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and they had to watch it closely.

「By dawn」

The three of them, equipped with Jet Belts, had arrived atop a tall building in the northern part of the Safety Bureau. The location was high enough, being the tallest building in the area. From here, they could observe their surroundings and have a clear view of the entire battle process.

Lu Luo had the Observer, and Gu Fangyi had Hawk Eye, so neither of them needed to bring any auxiliary equipment. Only Qi Xinzhu brought a telescope. Since she didn't have a scouting-type Sequence, she had no choice but to rely on equipment in such circumstances.

The moment they set foot on the high-rise, Lu Luo felt something was amiss.

There were other people here!

"Who's there? Come out!"

Gu Fangyi and Qi Xinzhu immediately drew their weapons, ready for battle.

The people who appeared from behind the rooftop structure were not entirely unexpected by Lu Luo: Tong Meng, Tong Yan, Tong Yuan, and Qin Wanyu.

The Nightmare Demon's four servants.

Lu Luo had encountered these four several times. Indeed, they were ideal members for Lu Xiaotian's retinue. Perhaps their strength was not the most formidable in the Nightmare Demon's camp. Not to mention others, even the old lizardman Kuding was probably a notch above these few. But the four of them also had their own special advantages: they were, among the Nightmare Demon's camp, the Exotic Species most closely resembling humans.

Qin Wanyu, needless to say, was originally human. Tong Yuan, Tong Meng, and Tong Yan, the three women, also possessed complete human appearances and physiques. Among them, aside from Tong Yuan who still exhibited some feline demonic traits, Tong Yan and Tong Meng were indistinguishable from normal women. If Lu Luo hadn't known they were Exotic Species and hadn't used the Observer, he wouldn't have been able to tell their identities at all. This was why the Nightmare Demon always kept them close.

Qin Wanyu and Lu Luo exchanged glances but said nothing. However, the White Fox, Tong Yan, spoke first.

"What a small world, Mr. Lu Luo."

As for Lu Xiaotian's servants, Lu Luo was currently uncertain about his attitude and relationship with them. It wasn't quite appropriate to call them enemies, given his current relationship with Lu Xiaotian. If Lu Xiaotian won the upcoming battle, there was a good chance she would start by dealing with Yang Liya and take over the Hunters. By that time, Lu Xiaotian's camp would be the true barrier of the East Fourth Ring. Lu Luo needed to quietly develop his own forces under Lu Xiaotian's protection.

But if they were to be called friends, the two sides had a history of various favors and grudges. This included matters like Qi Xinzhu's abduction and Qin Wanyu's earlier guardianship over him. It was all very complicated, and Lu Luo did not consider them friends.

So when the two groups met, the atmosphere was rather tense.

"Your master sent me. If you don't want a fight to erupt and cause unexpected complications that jeopardize your master's plan, you'd best shut up, fox."

White Fox Tong Yan was the one Lu Luo disliked the most. The reason he disliked Tong Yan was simple: although Tong Yuan was the one who had acted outside the Red and White Castle, the information from the Observer told him that Chen Mo had gained his power from Tong Yan. Furthermore, the action to save Chen Mo had also been orchestrated by Tong Yan. Since Tong Yan spoke first this time, Lu Luo was certainly not going to be pleasant to her.

At Lu Luo's threat, Tong Yan's expression turned ugly. Lu Luo was right; to avoid unexpected complications, they could not possibly fight here at this time. If their battle attracted the attention of Inner Ring experts, thereby causing Lu Xiaotian's plan to fail, then given Lu Xiaotian's character, she would definitely kill them all. Don't be deceived by Lu Xiaotian's usual cheerful demeanor; when it came down to action, she certainly wouldn't pull her punches. Because the Nightmare Demon itself is a source of pain and resentment; the power of an Eighth Order disaster is no joke.

"It seems Mr. Lu Luo really dislikes us, huh, Qin Wanyu! Since he doesn't like us, there's no point in us staying here. Let's go, find another place. Staying here will only add to the awkwardness."

After Tong Yan finished speaking, she stroked her long white tail and then turned to leave.

But after she left, the other three women did not.

Lu Luo narrowed his eyes but didn't speak, just staring at Tong Yuan, Tong Meng, and Qin Wanyu across from him.

Tong Yuan looked at Lu Luo and subconsciously started licking her palm. This action naturally caught Lu Luo's attention. After more than two months, such a habit still hadn't been broken.

"Miss Black Cat, this behavior of yours doesn't seem very human-like. The environment you're currently in, the identity you need to adapt to—neither should allow you to do this, right?"

Lu Luo's hint made Tong Yuan somewhat dissatisfied, and she said fiercely, "What I do is none of your damn business!"

"Tong Yuan!" Qin Wanyu, at her side, also reminded the Black Cat, who then put her hand down.

Qin Wanyu had reminded Tong Yuan about this issue many times before. If she couldn't change her Exotic Species habits, Tong Yuan was doomed to be abandoned by Lu Xiaotian. It was inevitable. This was also why Qin Wanyu had always acted together with Tong Yuan. With her around, she could, to some extent, curb Tong Yuan's behavior.

"Qin Wanyu, you always side with him."

"I do not!"

Their relationship was very good. Qin Wanyu nodded slightly to Lu Luo. At this moment, Qin Wanyu no longer had her previous dominance; facing Lu Luo, she seemed very calm.

"Sorry, we will leave now."

Lu Luo glanced at Qi Xinzhu. He saw that she didn't speak, nor did she show any particular hostility; instead, she even nodded at him. Understanding Qi Xinzhu's meaning, he then called out to Qin Wanyu and the Black Cat.

"Qin Wanyu, although you've helped me, we can't be considered friends. I will still remember the grudge for my fallen comrades in the Circular. Regarding your Exotic Species mannerisms, I think you'd better take this seriously. After today's battle, if the Nightmare Demon wins, she will likely take over the Hunters. As her Exotic Species subordinates and confidantes, you will very likely have to operate fully within human society. By then, Lu Xiaotian might even have to deal with Inner Ring humans. Once your Exotic Species identities are discovered, not only will you be in great danger, but Lu Xiaotian herself will also face trouble. So, whether it's for your own sake or for your master's, it's best not to expose your Exotic Species forms anymore. Because after today, the Nightmare Demon definitely won't allow any exposure of Exotic Species identities. If it happens again, especially with you, Miss Black Cat, you will definitely be abandoned by the Nightmare Demon, or even killed. You can treat my words as preaching or consolation, it's up to you. I've said all I need to say."

This time, Lu Luo did not show any hostility, and Black Cat Tong Yuan gradually retracted the claws she had extended. She looked at Qin Wanyu, asking uncertainly, "Qin Wanyu, is what he said true? If I continue like this, will Master abandon me?"

The affection between the Black Cat and the Nightmare Demon was very special. Not just her; the relationship between all three of the San Tong and the Nightmare Demon was very special. They themselves were born from the combination of ordinary animal species and the Nightmare Demon's three childhood attachments: childhood resentment, childhood dreams, and childhood adoration. It was precisely because of this special bond that Tong Yuan was somewhat unrestrained. In fact, she too had sensed the Nightmare Demon's increasing distance since they came inside the walls; she just hadn't been willing to admit it.

Qin Wanyu looked into Tong Yuan's eyes and finally nodded.

"What he said... is true."

As soon as Qin Wanyu said this, the fur on Tong Yuan's body immediately bristled. But after a moment, she relaxed again, stopped talking, and left the place somewhat sadly. It seemed she had taken his words to heart.

"Lu Luo, thanks."

Qin Wanyu thanked Lu Luo, but he merely nodded slightly.

After all three women had left, the last one, Tong Meng, tilted her head slightly, looking at Gu Fangyi with her narrow green eyes.

"Gu Fangyi, if you're still a man, come with me."

Lu Luo was about to say something, but this time it was Qi Xinzhu who stopped him.

"Brother Gu has unfinished business with her. You'd best not stop him right now."

Qi Xinzhu's reminder had some effect. After thinking for a moment, Lu Luo nodded.

"Let it be. Let him make his own choice."

Lu Luo looked toward Gu Fangyi, who at that moment was also looking back at Lu Luo.

"Brother Luo..."

"Brother Gu, I know you have history. If you have history, go settle it. I trust you, and so does everyone else."

Gu Fangyi nodded vigorously, moved by the consideration of his good brother, Lu Luo.

But then, Lu Luo landed a verbal jab at an incredibly inappropriate time.

"Brother Gu, when you're chatting with the lady, make sure you forget about New Hope, forget about that bowl of noodles! New Hope is gone now, and so is that bowl of noodles!"

"Scram! Get lost!!!"

Amidst Lu Luo's barking laughter, Gu Fangyi left with Tong Meng.

Qi Xinzhu was puzzled as to why Lu Luo would say such a thing to provoke Gu Fangyi.

"Lu Luo, why did you provoke him like that?"

"I just want Brother Gu to let go. He's a devoted person. He still can't let go of that bowl of noodles!"

Qi Xinzhu looked at Lu Luo's serious expression, somewhat moved by the depth of Gu Fangyi's feelings. To hold onto the memory of a bowl of noodles for so long, he truly is an extraordinary man, trustworthy.

However, the Observer had already provided a different answer.

Poor Brother Gu, always so unlucky, constantly being bullied by you!

"Heh heh..."

Lu Luo's laughter abruptly stopped, and he turned to look in the direction of the Inner Ring!

"They're here."

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