Chapter 129: Chapter 129: Crisis Strikes (Please Subscribe for Monthly Tickets)
Han Shiyu just quietly watched Lu Luo for a full minute.
"Colluding with the depraved? From the way you speak, it seems like you harbor a lot of resentment towards Qiao Xing! What has he done to you? Abused you?"
"Professor Han, what are you talking about? How could Lord Qiao Xing ever abuse me! He has been so kind to me, teaching me swordsmanship, arranging great training routines, and always speaks so nicely; I like Lord Qiao Xing the most."
Actually, what Lu Luo said wasn’t wrong; aside from speaking pleasantly, Qiao Xing pretty much fulfilled the other aspects. He couldn’t exactly complain that he was conned out of 200 bucks.
Looking at Lu Luo’s "sincere" smile, Han Shiyu raised an eyebrow.
"Forget it. Qiao Xing’s personality is indeed a bit peculiar. If you can’t get along with him, just endure it a bit longer. The reason I sent you to him was to learn the Church’s swordsmanship. Even if you haven’t formed a good relationship with Qiao Xing, it doesn’t matter. His abilities are beyond doubt; you can be assured of that."
Lu Luo looked at Han Shiyu. Compared to Qiao Xing, Han Shiyu gives me a more peaceful and approachable feeling. However, I also feel that Qiao Xing sees further. He seems to have his own understanding and approach to the Church’s current situation. Qiao Xing created the Sword Heart techniques, but no one knows about them, and he even told me not to spread the word. During our private conversations, he also mentioned some intriguing ways of dealing with people within the Church. From these two points alone, it’s clear that Qiao Xing has reservations about the present Church. But he doesn’t show it as obviously as Han Shiyu, who directly distances herself from the center of power. Qiao Xing’s approach is probably more about non-socializing. Not sociable, no friends, just a routine between home and work—that’s his way of dealing with things. The bribes he’s received over the past ten years were probably just my 200 bucks. How infuriating!
"Sure, I will get along well with Lord Qiao Xing. Don’t worry, Professor Han. If this truly concerns the Fruit of Life, we might still need your help to resolve it when the time comes. After all, an old Believer of Light who has been to the Inner Ring for a pilgrimage and has developed a Holy Radiance deviation is probably not something we can handle."
"Priest Wu En is already a Third Tier Believer of Light. His strength isn’t very formidable. You won’t die fighting him, even if you don’t win."
"What if he’s not Third Tier?"
Lu Luo didn’t sell himself short. Although he didn’t know Wu En’s exact Tier, he still had some judgment. The other party had forced a powerful Second Tier Exotic Species to mutate from an ordinary pregnant student, apparently without much Dark Energy. This made me suspect the man was likely stronger than just Third Tier. I’m confident about defeating a Third Tier Exotic Species alone, but what if the other party is Fourth Tier? Then Han Shiyu would need to step in. Moreover, a Holy Radiance deviation retains Holy Radiance and some sanity, a completely superior state, one not to be taken lightly.
"If it really is Wu En, Qiao Xing will take action. It won’t even come to me."
Lu Luo immediately put on a pitiful expression.
Seeing Lu Luo’s pleading look, Han Shiyu softened again.
"Alright, stop playing the victim. If Qiao Xing doesn’t take action, I will. Satisfied?"
"Ha, with your assurance, Professor Han, I can rest easy."
After Han Shiyu agreed, she folded her arms and leaned against the table.
"Why haven’t you thought about contacting a Hunter to capture Wu En, and instead come to me for help?"
"Professor Han, don’t joke. Priest Wu En is a revered elder of the Church and a Believer of Light with high status. Without concrete evidence and powerful connections, how could we capture someone like that? And even if we had evidence, this matter could only be handled internally by the Church. If Hunters were to act rashly, it would only lead to a conflict between Wasteland armed groups. There’s no other possibility."
Han Shiyu nodded, appreciating Lu Luo’s clear thinking.
"Good, your thinking is very clear. When it comes to class and power, clear thinking can keep you safe. Still, I’m curious. Even if you don’t report it to the officials, you could use your personal connections."
"Ah! Well... my relationship with you, Professor Han, is also very close, and you’re nearer, so I asked for your help."
Lu Luo’s reaction was quick, and his excuse still pleased Han Shiyu.
"There you go again, saying one thing and meaning another, always so glib. You talk nicely now, but I bet you’ll head straight for the entertainment district the moment you turn around. You must be quite familiar with Ludie, right? He used to be very well-known. Wouldn’t it be good to let him handle this?"
Ludie is still formidable now, Lu Luo thought. But I can’t possibly ask him to handle this. Ludie has emphasized many times that someone is always watching him, and he needs to avoid suspicion. Regarding the Fruit of Life and the bride, he absolutely must not be involved, especially since it’s connected to the Church.
"I’m not that close to Ludie, honestly, just card buddies. Last time I won 200 bucks from him, he was particularly unhappy, so I didn’t ask him."
This lying attitude is problematic; she clearly doesn’t believe it.
Does she need to believe it? No need.
"Even though I know you’re lying! But since you don’t want to find Ludie, you must have your reasons. Let’s wait for Qiao Xing and the others; it shouldn’t be long now."
Lu Luo glanced at the time. It was already 5:00 a.m. In a few hours, Qiao Xing would represent the Church to give a lecture at the university. Because of the daily routine in the Wasteland, breakfast vendors were already out at 5:00 a.m.
Qi Xinzhu, having learned from last time, proactively bought breakfast for Lu Luo and the others, including You Xiaoqi and Ding Peng, with whom she sometimes clashed.
"Thanks."
"Thanks."
Everyone’s breakfast was fine, and You Xiaoqi and Ding Peng were sincere in their thanks to Qi Xinzhu.
Only Lu Luo, looking at the small rolled pancake in his hand, fell into deep thought.
How should I remind her that one rolled pancake isn’t enough for me? Sigh, it’s so hard being a man, even harder being a big man.
After eating, Lu Luo had Fang Gan from the Academic Affairs Office arrange food for the over 200 asymptomatic girls. These girls were different from the dozen or so pregnant ones. This incident had been very trying for these asymptomatic girls. They hadn’t experienced nightmares or strange disturbances, yet they were still brought back. Sudden mutations, close-distance headshots, and slaughter could all potentially cause psychological trauma for these ordinary girls. Their freedom had already been restricted, so their material conditions couldn’t be limited further; they definitely needed to be well taken care of.
After making arrangements for the over 200 students in the dormitory, Lu Luo returned to the dozen girls haunted by nightmares. The girls’ gazes toward Lu Luo no longer held trust, only wariness, and even resentment and hatred.
If they survive, my bad reputation is likely to spread. The human heart, sigh! Lu Luo lamented.
For the next three hours, the quarantine zone was very quiet. The girls had cried most of their tears out last night. The Director of Academic Affairs, Fang Gan, had already informed them that once Qiao Xing’s lecture concluded today, they would be released from quarantine after an investigation by the Security Bureau.
Having not slept all night, after seeing the light return, the girls huddled together in twos and threes and drifted off to sleep. Lu Luo and the other Transcendents, with their extraordinary constitutions, had no issues even if they went without sleep for a night. They waited quietly. According to the schedule, Qiao Xing should arrive at East Ring University soon.
At this time, Fang Gan found Lu Luo and quietly asked, "Lu Luo, the lecture is about to start. Are there any leads on this matter? What’s our next move? Do we keep them quarantined here indefinitely?"
"Hmm, I roughly know the cause and effect of this matter, and a plan to handle it is already prepared."
Hearing this, You Xiaoqi and Ding Peng looked surprised. A plan is already in place?
Han Shiyu just closed her eyes, indifferent.
Gu Fangyi and Zhou Kai looked excited. If Lu Luo could handle it, the 100,000 bucks would be theirs—a significant sum.
Only Qi Xinzhu looked conflicted, unsure whether to be happy or sad. This matter was very likely related to the Church again. She could be glad that Lu Luo had clues to solve the case, but also upset that the Church was involved in another incident.
"Go on then, Lu Luo, tell us your findings," Fang Gan said, eager to know the details after a sleepless night.
However, Lu Luo had no intention of telling them.
"Director Fang Gan, although this matter is greatly related to the school, it involves significant risks. Your status and position are good, but they won’t hold up in this situation. So, if you want to keep your current job, you’d better not get any more involved. Just wait for us to handle it."
Fang Gan raised his hand, initially somewhat reluctant, but after pondering, he could only nod in agreement. It’s true that Congressman Luo has been advocating for equality and mutual aid between Transcendents and ordinary people, granting them the same rights. But the only people who truly accept this notion are probably those from the lower strata living in the Fourth Ring. Ordinary people with even a bit of status wouldn’t dream of equality and mutual aid with Transcendents, because the two are simply not equal. The power of Transcendents is just too overwhelming for ordinary people.
"Alright then, since you say so, Lu Luo, I won’t impose. I’ve been up all night. Maybe I should go get some sleep?"
"Go ahead, Director Fang."
"Okay, sorry to trouble you!"
Fang Gan was clearly cowed. In any case, it wouldn’t be long now; he just had to wait quietly for Qiao Xing to arrive and for the lecture to conclude successfully. With Lu Luo and the others here, even if some of these girls mutated, they should be able to deal with it swiftly. This matter is under control.
Waiting is always a bit agonizing. As more time passed, Lu Luo used his Observer ability to check the time.
It’s been over fifteen minutes now, without any commotion. What’s going on?
At that very moment, Fang Gan suddenly received a phone call. Waking abruptly, his complexion turned a ghastly, dark hue as he listened.
Seeing Fang Gan’s face, Lu Luo sensed something was wrong and quickly approached him. "What’s happened?"
"Okay, I understand. I’ll handle it properly." Fang Gan put away his phone and looked at Lu Luo with a complicated expression.
"Three Lord-level Exotic Species appeared at the East Wall of the Explorers’ Barrier. One of the large Exotic Species has already launched an attack on the wall. As the East Ring’s Church Archbishop, Lord Qiao Xing rushed to the wall immediately. Accompanying him are the reserves of the Church’s four major Knights Groups and several Hunter teams. It’s believed they can resolve this incident. However, his lecture at the university will probably have to be postponed."
Upon hearing this news, Lu Luo’s eyes immediately narrowed, a dangerous glint within them.
Three Lord-level Exotic Species appearing at the East Wall, with one large Exotic Species already attacking it? This timing... isn’t it too much of a coincidence? Is it really just a coincidence? If it’s not a coincidence, could Wu En possibly have the capability to command three Lord-level Exotic Species? Lord-level is Fifth Tier, so what level is Wu En? Based on Han Shiyu’s previous assessment of Wu En, this was impossible.
But the coincidence was too striking, and it made Lu Luo slightly uneasy.
Frowning, Lu Luo decided that for safety’s sake, it was better to have those without combat abilities leave first. He turned to Gu Fangyi.
"Brother Gu, find a high rooftop and stay on alert. Prioritize your safety and don’t act rashly. Brother Kane, take the others back to Circular. The situation here is probably beyond your ability to handle. You Xiaoqi, Ding Peng, both of you prepare for combat."
Qi Xinzhu, seeing Lu Luo assign tasks to everyone but her, felt puzzled. "What about me?"
"Just stick with me."
Qi Xinzhu is the future financial backbone of Circular Studio; naturally, she needs to be by my side for me to feel at ease.
"Lu Luo, what’s going on?" You Xiaoqi and Ding Peng weren’t sure why Lu Luo had suddenly become so tense, but they still followed his request, took out their equipment, and prepared for battle.
"Three Lord-level Exotic Species have appeared outside the wall. Lord Qiao Xing has already gone, and Ludie will probably go too. Given the current situation, Lord Qiao Xing won’t be coming to the school for the lecture."
"Three Lord-level? Is this the beginning of a Black Tide?"
"A Black Tide, huh! Who knows."
A Black Tide referred to a full-scale war launched by Exotic Species against humans. They would rush forth as if drawn by something, some force, hurling themselves desperately at the walls, ring after ring, with no regard for their own lives. When the Wasteland Alliance was first established, every Black Tide was a major crisis for humanity because an Eighth Order Exotic Species—like Noah, the Stone Mother, or the Golden Toad—would appear each time. Over time, "Black Tide" became synonymous with despair.
However, as humanity developed and grew stronger, the power of the Inner Ring rapidly increased. After humanity took control of the Fourth Ring, abundant resources provided them with plenty of equipment. This, combined with advancements in cultivation systems and technological innovations, meant the Black Tide could no longer breach the Inner Ring. Especially during the last great Black Tide, Grol Giant, an Eighth Order Exotic Species, was slain in the North Ring of the Fourth Ring by powerful members of the Church. This event firmly established humanity’s golden age. After nearly one hundred years without an Eighth Order Black Tide, the people of the Inner Ring had grown complacent to such an extent.
Soon, Zhou Kai led his people away.
After they left, a gray fog suddenly emerged, growing denser and gradually obscuring visibility. Logically speaking, it was already past 9:00 a.m., and within the walls, so how could such dense fog possibly appear?
The fog is of an anomalous nature, containing a high concentration of Dark Energy.
Lu Luo sent two guards and two academic administrators to check the situation outside the quarantine area, within the school grounds. But they didn’t return.
Gu Fangyi, who had already climbed to a rooftop, suddenly called out to Lu Luo, "Brother Luo, visibility outside the quarantine area is zero, but there’s no fog inside it!"
At this point, not only Lu Luo but also the others sensed something was terribly wrong. It wasn’t just the unnatural fog; something was wrong with the school itself.
Why, after all this time, hadn’t a single person come from outside the quarantine zone to report? Normally, shouldn’t the school have sent some sort of notification about an incident like this?
Lu Luo looked at Fang Gan, who was frantically mashing buttons on his phone with a desperate expression. This made Lu Luo even more uneasy.
He turned directly to Qi Xinzhu behind him. "Qi Xinzhu, call the police! Contact the Security Bureau, get Hunters over here immediately! Say an important Church figure is in danger."
"What? Now?"
"Right now."
Why was Lu Luo, who had previously decided against calling the police, now insisting on it? Even if they called the Hunters, they might not come, right? And with Han Shiyu here, with her strength, couldn’t she handle it? Qi Xinzhu wondered.
Just as she was about to dial the Security Bureau’s number, Lu Luo interrupted her again.
"Don’t call the Hunters. Call Ludie. The number is 414-XXXXXXX."
"Okay, I got it."
Although puzzled by Lu Luo’s sudden change of mind, she chose to obey his command. But after dialing, all she heard was a dead tone.
"Lu Luo, the call won’t go through."
"I know," Lu Luo said, his face expressionless.