ASER - Chapter 129
Chapter 129: Crushed!
The commotion was so great that everyone in Sea-Sky One Hue was alarmed. Since they were all cultivators, there was no such thing as being dead asleep.
Besides, with so many soldiers deployed here, had no one truly noticed?
In truth, very few knew. This contingent was elite and formidable, their methods secretive. To prevent their operation from being exposed, they had utilized certain high-grade Forbidden Items from the Military Department designed to conceal troop movements, thus remaining undetected, unless by a Glimmer rank expert.
For example... on the tenth-floor balcony, Han Zhuo had long known that Sea-Sky One Hue was surrounded, because experts from his clan had arrived and alerted him.
"It's the Black Iron Army."
"Why are they here? It can't be related to me, can it?"
"I don't know. Young Marquis, please rest assured. Our Han Clan has no conflict with the Xiao Clan of Qingzhou..."
After exchanging a few words, they waited a short while and then witnessed this scene.
When Han Zhuo saw Zhao Ritian, who had been acting all high and mighty, challenging everyone during the day, now surrounded as if cornered, he almost burst out laughing.
Hahaha!
"Young Marquis, the situation is still unclear. If this person is truly from the Zhao Clan, unless there's irrefutable evidence and a major crime of principle, he will likely emerge unscathed in the end. So... please restrain yourself."
Alright, Han Zhuo, usually aloof and icily charming, tried hard to suppress his inner elation. But he suddenly paused, staring thoughtfully at a certain girl on a balcony, a hint of excitement flickering within him, yet he dared not believe it.
From Han Zhuo +233333!
From Han Zhuo +244444!
From...
From Song Erhu, from Dongguo...
A torrent of Mental Power surged.
A'Diao suddenly realized she could also win by doing nothing... As long as she suffered, she could rake in so much Mental Power? That must be thanks to her previous "whipping" of these people.
It seemed she would have to continue her efforts in the future.
A'Diao, surrounded outside the entrance of Sea-Sky One Hue, was inwardly annoyed but feigned confusion. She frowned at the Black Iron Army officers surrounding her, "Who are you?! Are you here to assassinate me? Were you sent by the Baili family?!"
A'Diao subtly tried to frame the Baili family, but the Black Iron Army men paused, not understanding her meaning. However, military discipline was strict; they didn't speak, merely waiting for their superior's orders.
However, before their superior could speak, many officers from the patrol army and garrison arrived, along with the residents of Sea-Sky One Hue. Seeing that A'Diao was the one in trouble, they couldn't sit still. Many flew down to inquire about the situation. They weren't ordinary cultivators; they were either Forbidden Masters or contributors who had reached the rank of Commander of a Thousand. The Black Iron Army couldn't easily treat them with hostility and could only remain silent.
Of course, many of the people staying at Sea-Sky One Hue were academy students, and this sudden turn of events left them quite stunned.
Li Zhaowu frowned. She had already formulated several plans to "correct" Big Brother Zhao's immoral love for his sister-in-law, and now this suddenly happened?
Could there be some unforeseen development behind this?
"Let's wait and see," Li Yuankai from next door said in a low voice.
Naturally, they could only wait and see. Did they expect them to step forward and help Young Master Zhao? That was impossible!
However, many cultivators who felt indebted to him thought there might be some misunderstanding and whispered among themselves.
Tuoba and the others were naturally alarmed as well and hurriedly came out to see what was happening.
But the ones with the most authority to speak were still the military officers. Their sincerity was demonstrated by... them inviting someone over.
"Greetings, Lord Governor-General."
"We greet Lord Governor-General!"
Sima Yu, the Governor-General of Qingzhou, was over forty, a man considered gentle yet extremely capable. He had served Xiao Mieluo's father's generation loyally for many years. Later, when Xiao Mieluo rose to power, he recognized Sima Yu's considerable abilities and promoted him all the way to the high position of Qingzhou Governor-General.
Qingzhou, the mighty eagle leading the five prefectures, was inherently a level above the other four. Thus, the authority of the Qingzhou Governor-General was no less than that of the Grand Governors of the other four prefectures. For such a figure to arrive in haste showed the importance he placed on this matter.
Surveying the scene, Sima Yu solemnly asked the man before him, "General Bao Chong, what is the meaning of this? This Young Master Zhao was specially approved by me, and he is a Lieutenant Colonel promoted by my Governor-General's Mansion according to Military Department regulations based on his points and contributions. He has accumulated significant merit in the coastal battles. How can the Black Iron Army surround him?"
The Black Iron Army's superior officer, nicknamed Bao Chong, wore black, cold armor. Tall and imposing, he had a somber demeanor. He stared at A'Diao and said flatly, "The Grand Governor's Mansion has issued an order. According to the Intelligence Bureau's investigation, the previous capture of wilderness righteous individuals by the Bandit Alliance was due to a transaction with certain forces. They used a secret teleportation art to trade and transfer these righteous individuals one by one, committing nefarious and evil deeds. The Intelligence Bureau investigated thoroughly for many days and finally found evidence today. The evidence points directly to this person!"
These words startled countless people. Then, Bao Chong saw their expressions turn speechless, as if they had heard some unbelievable fairy tale.
"No way!"
"How is that possible?!"
"Big Brother Zhao capturing people to sell for money? No, he just spent over two billion today... Engaging in human trafficking and then throwing money around for charity? Isn't that perverted?"
"Exactly, would a young master from a wealthy clan who casually uses Level 5 energy talismans like burning joss paper engage in human trafficking?"
"There must be a misunderstanding, or he was framed."
"I heard he wiped out twenty bandit lairs. Could it be that he's being targeted out of resentment?"
This group seemed to be whispering, but their voices weren't low. The Black Iron Army men heard them all. Having held authority in the five prefectures for many years, being questioned like this naturally displeased them. Bao Chong's expression remained indifferent as he said, "This is an order from the Grand Governor's Mansion. Who dares to protest? Besides, the irrefutable evidence is here. How can you overturn it? Zhao Ritian, if you refuse to accept this, you can resist. I hear you boast of being able to kill Level 7 demonic spirits. I wouldn't mind learning a thing or two."
Perhaps in his eyes, this thirty-year-old man in shorts was merely a newly advanced Forbidden Master with Spirit Origin cultivation. Capable of killing a Level 7 demonic spirit that even Glimmer rank experts would struggle with? One should know that even two peak Transcendent cultivators would have to flee upon encountering a Level 7 demonic spirit!
He truly didn't believe it.
Many people, in fact, didn't believe it either. However, hadn't A'Diao previously said she killed it together with the Young Marquis of the Han Clan? Many attributed it to the Young Marquis's profound family background and some special means.
Seeing Bao Chong trying to force A'Diao to resist, the atmosphere grew a little restless.
Toilet: "This guy seems a bit fishy. Is he deliberately trying to provoke you into action? Once you resist arrest, he might be able to kill you on the spot. Could he be A?"
Perhaps others felt Bao Chong had ill intentions. Many military officers' expressions changed, and Governor-General Sima Yu frowned even more. "Bao Chong, Little Brother Zhao Ritian killed the Level 7 demonic spirit through intelligence, not brute force. Don't be unreasonable."
Bao Chong sneered, "Is Lord Governor-General implying that I, this General, am stupid?"
Sima Yu was speechless. "So you intend to be unreasonable with me? This matter still needs further investigation..."
Bao Chong swiftly produced a military order jointly signed by the Intelligence Bureau and the Grand Governor's Mansion.
"Does Lord Sima think he's second to none in Qingzhou, that with the Grand Governor absent, you can decide everything?"
These words were quite venomous, but they also instantly brought Qingzhou's internal problems out into the open.
Hang Xiujin stood on the balcony. After seeing this scene, she heard the low-voiced discussion of the guests in the next room.
Cheng Zhang: "I heard that Qingzhou's Governor-General Sima Yu started as a mere stableman for the Xiao Clan. Because of his loyalty, he was employed by the previous clan head and heavily utilized by Grand Governor Xiao's generation. However, in the eyes of others in the Military Department, Sima Yu is insufferably hypocritical, and they are somewhat dissatisfied with him. Unfortunately, Sima Yu's achievements and administrative abilities are undeniable, so they can only oppose him, gradually forming two factions. But overall, Sima Yu belongs to the staunch loyalist faction of the Grand Governor's Mansion. I just didn't expect Bao Chong, as the Commander of the Black Iron Army, to be at odds with him."
Zhongchuan Mingxiu: "Whether they get along or not isn't important. As long as they are directly loyal to the one at the very top, it's better for subordinates to bicker and target each other than for them to form close-knit cliques."
This was the true essence of managing subordinates. So, for the Grand Governor's Mansion, this situation wasn't a major problem, but for A'Diao, it was a huge hassle.
There were quite a few voices discussing such matters. Presumably, both the Governor-General's Mansion and the Black Iron Army heard them, but it didn't matter; it was an open secret in Qingzhou anyway.
But those who saw things so clearly were few. Hang Xiujin suddenly felt that Danzhou Academy was extraordinary.
Just as the two sides were about to clash, Young Master Zhao suddenly spoke up, "Um, I have a question, I don't know if I should ask it."
Bao Chong turned his head and sneered, "If you shouldn't ask, would you then not ask? How absurd!"
He's dissing me, he actually dares to diss me!!
I am a dignified direct son of the Zhao Clan!
In a fit of anger, A'Diao... Whoosh! She activated her armor.
Holy crap! They're going to fight! Han Zhuo immediately perked up.
And Bao Chong also immediately gripped the long saber he was about to draw, just as he was about to make a move...
A'Diao: "What's wrong? It's too cold, and you guys aren't going inside to talk. Can't I activate my armor to keep warm? Even if I'm not cold, look at those kids upstairs, aren't they cold? They're all wearing sexy pajamas."
Everyone: "..."
From Bao Chong +348888!
From Han Zhuo +288888!
From...
At that moment, the originally tense atmosphere changed instantly. Everyone subconsciously sized each other up.
Who's wearing sexy pajamas? Who?!
Yuan Shu suddenly realized his leopard-print pajamas were a bit conspicuous and wanted to retreat into his room, but with a few clicks, he found that Cheng Zhang and the other scoundrels had already taken pictures.
Damn!
Li Zhaowu cursed inwardly. She was about to flick her wine-red wavy hair and look down on the others, but found that they weren't looking at her at all. She turned her head and her expression immediately soured.
On a nearby balcony, a tall girl in silver-gray silk pajamas was leaning against the railing, looking down, apparently pondering something. Her slender fingers were toying with the thin sash around her waist, winding it in circles.
Initially, she wasn't aware of the others' gazes. She had merely come out after hearing the commotion to observe the scene. Looking at that Zhao Ritian, she felt there was something... peculiar about him.
She had always been the type to notice anomalies and think long-term. Due to her innate acuity, she felt a little uneasy, worried that they had walked into a huge trap tonight.
Perhaps the target wasn't even this Zhao Ritian.
So she pondered deeply, only later realizing that many people were looking at her.
Her figure was elegant and jade-like, her aura cool and detached. Though her features leaned towards coldness, beneath the extreme indifference was a slowly simmering heat. This intermingling and impactful charm made her stand out at a glance from the countless brilliant heroes gathered here.
Though young, one could already glimpse the burgeoning elegance that was about to break free like a jade chick from its shell.
This girl seemed to be...
Noticing everyone's gaze, Song Ling's movements paused. Just as she was about to return to her room, she heard Dongguo Yaoyun ask with a smile, "Are you that person from the Song family of Danzhou..."
Before he could finish, a cascade of ice awls rained down on his balcony like a waterfall.
"Who!!"
Dongguo Yaoyun was greatly alarmed, and the others were also surprised. An enemy attack?
A'Diao also paused. Someone had made a big move before she even started anything?
No, why was it Han Zhuo?
Song Ling looked up and saw a man on a balcony upstairs looking at her, asking, "Did you study at Hanzhou Third Elementary School?"
Song Ling: "..."
Han Zhuo couldn't hold back and revealed his true appearance. He leaned over the railing, trying hard to show her himself, "Me, I'm Han Zhuo, your deskmate! Sister Lingling, it's me!"
The ordinary-looking man suddenly transformed into a peerless prodigy whose looks surpassed everyone present, male or female. Even the rough-looking men from the Military Department were stunned.
A woman disguised as a man? But it really seemed to be the Young Marquis of the Han Clan from Hanzhou.
Dongguo Yaoyun's expression changed slightly upon seeing him, a hint of unwillingness in his eyes. The Dongguo Clan was stronger than the Han Clan, but the Dongguo family had many descendants, and it was still undecided who would inherit the marquisate. Even his older brother hadn't received this privilege yet. Among the five prefectures, only Xiao Mieluo, who had taken power early, and the youngest, Han Zhuo, were exceptions.
One would, at best, become a clan elder in the future, while the other was firmly set to be a future Grand Governor of a prefecture. The difference between them was worlds apart. So, Dongguo Yaoyun felt unwilling, yet dared not resist, because he was also greatly shocked inwardly: How old was this Han Zhuo, to already be a Forbidden Master!
At this moment, Song Erhu and a few others from Qingzhou Academy exchanged glances. Han Zhuo was actually a Forbidden Master!
He was extremely young. According to the principle that the younger one is, the higher their development ceiling, this person's aptitude was probably comparable to the three prodigies of their own academy.
Song Ling saw his face and seemed to recall something, but she didn't speak immediately.
Before the resurgence of spiritual energy, because her parents taught in various places and had students all over the world, she often followed them around... She had studied in many schools, and indeed, one of them was Hanzhou Third Elementary School.
It wasn't that she had forgotten; after all, she had high intelligence and a good memory. It was just that... considering his current status, she was momentarily unsure whether to acknowledge him.
Also, she wasn't entirely sure if her deskmate from back then was really this person before her.
She had always had such a lukewarm and indifferent personality, but in Han Zhuo's eyes, this looked like she either didn't recognize him or didn't want to acknowledge him.
Han Zhuo himself had an even colder personality and a strong killing intent, but perhaps everyone had exceptions in how they treated others.
Song Ling was an exception for Han Zhuo.
His Sister Lingling, whom he had remembered for over a decade.
"It's really me! I even stayed at your mom's place, I mean, Teacher's house, before. You even gave me White Rabbit candy."
"Look, this one!"
In his urgency, Han Zhuo took out the candy...
In others' eyes, he hadn't eaten the candy for ten years? What kind of sentiment was this?
But Song Ling paused, momentarily embarrassed. Her instinctive thought was—ten years, and the candy hadn't melted?
However, the embarrassment quickly shifted to Han Zhuo.
"Younger Brother Zhuo? Is that you? Is it really you!? It's me, your Brother Ritian."
Someone downstairs wailed as if in mourning. Han Zhuo's face stiffened. He looked down and saw that man in shorts, whom he detested most in his life, looking at him excitedly, shouting, "It's really me! I even fought a big whale with you before. When we parted, you even gave me a pair of pants."
"Look, these ones!"
Everyone: "!!!"
Did I give those to you? You snatched them!
But Han Zhuo really couldn't tell the truth. His face turned green, even more agitated than when he found Song Ling. He suppressed his voice and scolded, "Don't talk nonsense!"
Big Brother Zhao paused, seemingly heartbroken. He hugged the pants, his eyes red, as if he had suffered a huge blow. "Younger Brother Zhuo, I've never had the affection of siblings since I was young. I finally met you and treated you with sincerity. Why do you treat me like this? Is it just because this little girl surnamed Song is better looking than me?"
"Song Ling, is it? Tell me, what will it take for you to give Younger Brother Zhuo back to me?! I'll give you anything you want!"
Song Ling, who suddenly seemed to have become the third party being begged for mercy by the original partner in a Qiong Yao drama: "..."
From Song Ling +244444!
From Han Zhuo +322222!
From...
Tuoba and the others: "???"
Damn Zhao Ritian, ruining my reputation! Han Zhuo gritted his teeth, wishing he could jump down and fight A'Diao to the death. If not for the Glimmer rank expert behind him holding him back, he really would have jumped.
But others didn't know the truth. They looked at Song Ling, then at Han Zhuo, and then thought of a certain legendary sister-in-law.
Everyone was suddenly: "..."
Big Brother Zhao has such a story. Truly a peerless, profound man.
Li Zhaowu felt like she had fallen out of love again. Besides the sister-in-law, there was now a Younger Brother Zhuo as a love rival.
Was the gate of the Zhao Clan so hard to enter?
The atmosphere was strange for three seconds.
Song Ling pressed her brow and said softly, "Weren't we supposed to go inside?"
Then she really went inside, ignoring both Han Zhuo and Zhao Ritian.
Bao Chong was genuinely annoyed, but Sima Yu preempted him and had people enter Sea-Sky One Hue, as the general manager of Sea-Sky One Hue had already opened the main doors.
Ah, it was still warmer inside the hotel. A'Diao was escorted in by a group of fierce-looking Black Iron Army soldiers. As soon as she entered, she had the general manager arrange for the kitchen to make her a late-night snack.
Bao Chong was furious: "You still want to eat a late-night snack?!!!"
A'Diao: "Then should I accompany you to see the irrefutable evidence first and then eat? Or should I eat first and then go see it?"
From Bao Chong +333333!
Damn!
Bao Chong was certain he extremely disliked this young master—a smooth-talking, pretentious show-off, ptooey!
"Since the Intelligence Bureau has made a discovery, there is naturally evidence. Come over!"
"All of you, come! Let me show you what kind of person this Young Master Zhao you trust really is!"
Bao Chong was forceful and insisted they go see. In fact, everyone really wanted to see what the situation was, so even Han Zhuo, who felt it hurt his eyes just to glance at A'Diao, followed along.
However, what comforted Han Zhuo was that Song Ling had changed her clothes and also came.
Sister Lingling must have come because she still remembered me.
Han Zhuo was secretly delighted.
Previously, fearing they would alert the enemy and leave traces, allowing Zhao Ritian to detect them and escape, they hadn't entered her room, nor even Sea-Sky One Hue. They had only measured the position of the teleportation array and confirmed it was in Zhao Ritian's room.
So...
Bao Chong naturally had specialized equipment on hand. After leading his men upstairs, the equipment pointed directly towards A'Diao's room.
As expected, the teleportation array was indeed in her room. The door was pushed open, and Bao Chong used a Daoist art to reveal it. Buzz!!!
"Everyone, please look!"
An aura of a teleportation frequency emerged.
But everyone soon became... a little embarrassed.
For a moment, everyone didn't react, looking at the ground, then at Bao Chong.
Bao Chong stared at the ground, his face changing. Sima Yu also paused, "This is..."
A'Diao looked melancholic: "The so-called measurement of the teleportation frequency's position only refers to the planar dimension, right? Not the vertical dimension?"
"It seems to me that this teleportation array is in the room downstairs, my dear Brother Bao."
Bao Chong was incredulous. He turned to look at the technician, who, trembling, repeatedly confirmed the location and length of the teleportation frequency piercing the floor. "Commander, it really seems to be downstairs, not this Young Master Zhao."
From Bao Chong +333333!
From...
Many people sent a wave of Mental Power. A'Diao glanced over; Wang Zhi, Lin Xijun, and others were among them.
But there was not a single one from
None from A.
From beginning to end, there was none. Was this bastard's mental state so formidable? Even harder to provoke than Qu Jiangnan, whose mental body aptitude exceeded 300?
While A'Diao was lost in thought, Bao Chong had already instantly teleported into the room downstairs. Seeing him being so impolite, the others followed suit.
As a result, upon reaching the room downstairs, they saw the teleportation array, as well as a shadowy figure panicking and fleeing out the window after the array was revealed.
"Where do you think you're going!"
Bao Chong grabbed the person and dragged them into the room. Everyone looked.
Li Zhaowu and the other Li family members' faces changed the fastest.
"Lin Xijun, why is it you!"
Lin Xijun's face was ashen. A glint flashed in his eyes, and he suddenly shouted to Li Yuankai, "Young Master, save me!"
Bastard! Which family framed my Li Clan? Damn!
It must be the Dongguo Clan, or one of the families backing Yunzhou!
Li Yuankai's face turned pale. He hurriedly tried to explain to Sima Yu and Bao Chong, but Li Zhaowu was very decisive, directly disassociating themselves, stating that this person was merely a retainer of the Li Clan and must be slandering their family...
Amidst the commotion.
Crack!
A crisp sound was heard, as if someone's head had been split open with a knife. Everyone turned to look in unison, only to see Zhao Ritian, who had just been cleared of suspicion, opening Lin Xijun's refrigerator, taking out his watermelon, and slicing it.
Such a large watermelon, she cut four huge slices, casually handed one each to Song Ling and Hang Xiujin beside her, and then took a bite out of the remaining two slices.
This way, no one else could eat them.
From Lin Xijun +155555!
The two girls, Song Ling and Hang Xiujin: "..."
This Big Brother was truly... incredibly audacious.
Under everyone's burning gazes, A'Diao thought the watermelon was really sweet, but...
"It's also really interesting. Mr. Lin, didn't you ever consider that perhaps I snuck back in advance and moved the teleportation array to your room? You were so quick to expose the Li Clan; that wasn't the optimal choice."
Lin Xijun's expression faltered slightly. "I wasn't aware of Mr. Zhao's affairs, and certainly didn't mean to involve you. But I am indeed innocent and naturally wanted the Li Clan to clear my name."
"Only now do I realize this matter is related to Mr. Zhao."
Some momentary flaws are hard to fix, because his earlier escape attempt was so clumsy, even a pig wouldn't believe he was unrelated to this matter.
Therefore, some people's brains are destined to be unable to handle overly sophisticated plans, especially when the plan goes awry, and he is merely a link in the chain, not the real A.
If it were A, the mastermind of this plan, they would surely be able to react and cover up the mistake on the fly.
Unfortunately...
A'Diao, while sitting on a high stool at the open kitchen counter munching on watermelon, said unhurriedly, "Of course, it's related to me."
"After all, it's a pretty big pot to carry, isn't it?"
She finished a large piece of watermelon, tossed the rind into the trash can with a thwack, then wiped her hands and clapped her palm into the air.
A magical projection appeared.
From the furtive actions of Wang Zhi and others to Lin Xijun's meeting and conversation with the Masked Man.
Everything was laid bare.
"My apologies, I happen to be skilled in the art of photography."
"To secretly film and save it without your permission, I'm truly sorry."
From Lin Xijun +...
From...
Bao Chong reacted, "So this Masked Man is the human traitor who was in contact with the demonic spirits in the fog layer earlier! Damn!"
He grabbed Lin Xijun by the neck, "Quick, tell me, who is this person!!!"
Lin Xijun tried to resist, but Bao Chong was a Glimmer rank expert. How could he possibly win? Before he could even make a move, his Spiritual Core was sealed. He looked to Li Yuankai for help, making the latter's head feel like it was about to explode.
"Lin Xijun, what grudge does my Li Clan have with you that you insist on implicating us!"
The scene was chaotic for a moment, but the Li family members were also surrounded by the Governor-General's Mansion's patrol army and the Black Iron Army. The people from Yunzhou Academy were helpless upon seeing this, unsure how to handle the situation.
They were just students.
Duan Fei actually didn't think it was the Li siblings; after all, those two didn't have such capabilities. But behind the Li siblings was the Li Clan. What if the Li Clan was behind it?
The probability didn't seem low.
Seeing the Li Clan facing imminent disaster—after all, this was the grave crime of betraying humanity, punishable by the extermination of nine generations by the Imperial Court.
Amidst this uproar, some were thinking, some were trying to avoid suspicion, and some felt something was amiss.
Song Ling glanced at Lin Xijun. With her eyes lowered, her pupils faintly transformed into double pupils as she sensed his state of mind.
He was afraid, but only initially. Now, he had calmed down and was very composed.
So calm... it was as if he still thought he could turn the tables.
He definitely had a backup plan, and he was stalling for time.
Something was wrong!
Song Ling was considering whether to warn the two high officials, Sima Yu and Bao Chong.
A'Diao suddenly said, "This person is a high-ranking official in the Military Department, with a position at least equal to yours, Lord Bao Chong, and is privy to most of the five prefectures' military deployments and even the core secret orders of the Grand Governor's Mansion."
Everyone subconsciously looked at one person.
Bao Chong narrowed his eyes, a dangerous glint within them. "You suspect me?"
Sima Yu looked at Bao Chong and gestured to his subordinates. Everyone gradually became vigilant.
Bao Chong was extremely annoyed but restrained himself.
A'Diao looked at him and continued, "It's not exactly suspicion. Without evidence, how could I speak nonsense... I've always been curious how the Intelligence Bureau could never investigate you, or even detect your connection with the demonic spirits. That's because you've awakened two talents: one is spatial, and the other is a talent for affinity with demonic spirits."
"Spatial ability allows you to master teleportation arrays, enabling you to handle the Intelligence Bureau's suspicions and investigations regarding alibis. The talent for affinity with demonic spirits allows you to gain their trust, making them choose to cooperate with you. This level of trust even reached the point where they could arrange for a Level 7 demonic spirit, a reef whale, to assassinate me!"
"But you still panicked because you fear Xiao Jin. You were afraid Xiao Jin would uncover your conspiracy before it succeeded, so you wanted to use me as a scapegoat... For this, you specifically went to my room to set up a teleportation array, intending for me to become you, so Xiao Jin would end the investigation."
"But you miscalculated. Not only did I track Lin Xijun, but I also moved your teleportation array in advance. Aren't you surprised?"
"However, you're probably not panicking now either, because Lin Xijun has been caught. He's just a small fry and has never truly seen you, so you're still safe. But, coincidentally, I had a breakthrough a few days ago. A bird delivered itself to me from a thousand li away. After I slaughtered it, I found a mobile phone in its storage space."
"Speaking of which, there should be connection records to your satellite signal channel in here. As long as I hand it over to the Intelligence Bureau, then..."
A'Diao looked at Bao Chong and smiled faintly, "You're dead meat."
Bao Chong met A'Diao's gaze, his eyes dark. But suddenly, from this Zhao Ritian's eyes... he understood something. His expression turned fierce, and his spiritual energy suddenly erupted...
And behind him, Sima Yu roared in a low voice, "Men, seize..."
The Governor-General's Mansion's patrol army immediately surrounded Bao Chong. Group binding Daoist arts were cast, but Bao Chong resisted them.
The men from the Black Iron Army were momentarily stunned, not knowing how to react. But in the next second, they were all shocked by a sudden development.
Because Sima Yu, who had attacked Bao Chong, was instantly pierced through his Spiritual Core by a bolt of lightning as thin as a little finger.
Sima Yu knelt on one knee, spitting blood, looking at A'Diao in disbelief.
The people from the Governor-General's Mansion were shocked and furious. As for the others, they couldn't react at all. Even Bao Chong hadn't expected A'Diao to be so formidable and ruthless, crippling Sima Yu in an instant.
And what was even more terrifying was that the energy fluctuations she had just displayed were clearly at the Glimmer rank.
That's why she could instantly defeat Sima Yu, who was at the peak Transcendent rank.
A'Diao held her elemental staff, lightning coiling around her. She looked at him coldly, her teeth snow-white, but her tone was exceptionally arrogant and chilling.
"I was talking about you all along, Lord Governor-General."
"There was no mobile phone at all; that thing was lost by that big bird long ago. Do you know how you were exposed?"
"That warning Forbidden Item you gave the Masked Man, the one sealing the tree hollow, wasn't low-grade. You took it back, didn't you? Being too stingy will get you struck by lightning."
A'Diao went over and forcefully broke Sima Yu's fingers, crack, crack.
Sima Yu was in so much pain that he was covered in cold sweat, on the verge of death.
Everyone watched, their scalps tingling, but no one dared to stop her because the truth was about to be revealed. Even if the people from the Governor-General's Mansion wanted to protect him, they were deterred by Bao Chong's sharp gaze.
The authority of the Grand Governor's Mansion was paramount. They were first and foremost Qingzhou's patrol army, and only then Sima Yu's subordinates. If the Grand Governor found out they were indiscriminately protecting Sima Yu, they would be considered rebels and would also be crippled.
But did Sima Yu really have a problem?
A'Diao took the storage ring from his broken finger. Because his Spiritual Core was crippled, the storage ring had lost its binding. She took out a Forbidden Item from it. With another snap of her fingers, this Forbidden Item emitted the runic glow of the small seal, matching the one on her fingertip.
The whole truth came to light.
Irrefutable evidence!
At that time, when she suddenly lost track of Lin Xijun, her assumption was that he had entered a mysterious space or teleported far away. But later, she became more cautious. Knowing Lin Xijun's identity, she directly sent the large moth to investigate his residence. Good heavens, this bastard had clearly already returned and was in the normal Sea-Sky One Hue hotel.
Then why did the small seal disappear?
That left only one last possibility.
Because it had been retrieved by someone and placed in a storage space. Since it was in another dimension, she couldn't sense it.
Then the question arose, how did she identify Sima Yu in advance?
First, identity screening. In the two hours before returning to the hotel, she had noted down all the high-ranking military officials currently on the southern coastline. Using the previously mentioned clues and a process of elimination, five people remained. Among them, Bao Chong was the most suspicious, and Sima Yu the least.
Second, when framing her, A would definitely be present personally. For no other reason than that the persona she had created was too good, backed by the Zhao Clan. A mere teleportation array wasn't enough to sentence her to death. She could completely argue that it was a teleportation array diagram given by her family for convenience. Any problem with that? It was sophistry, but with Zhao Ritian ostensibly relying on the Zhao Clan's capital, the high-ranking military officials of the five prefectures would most likely smooth things over.
And once Zhao Ritian wasn't killed but instead taken away by Xiao Jin for interrogation, with Xiao Jin and the Intelligence Bureau's capabilities, they would surely quickly determine her innocence. Then, he would be in even greater danger. So, why was he present? To fan the flames.
To provoke the impulsive Bao Chong into pressuring Zhao Ritian. And if the well-backed Zhao Ritian resisted arrest, and the two sides fought... there would be no surviving witnesses! This was A's entire plan.
And when A'Diao saw Sima Yu repeatedly speaking up for her, she already had some suspicions about him. As a veteran "green tea" (scheming person) and someone who also had a scumbag Governor-General father, she didn't believe that this Qingzhou Governor-General, who had risen from grassroots, wouldn't know that the best solution was to directly contact Xiao Jin or Xiao Mieluo.
If this person wasn't A and was innocent, truly considering the Xiao Clan's interests, he would only make the utmost effort—after all, offending the Zhao Clan offered no benefit to the Xiao Clan.
But Sima Yu didn't do that.
There was also one most important flaw.
Toilet: "He never, yes, you never managed to get any Mental Power from him, not even a bit. Even Bao Chong surged several times, but this person remained completely unfazed. His cultivation is only peak Transcendent, yet he consistently possesses such a terrifying mental state. Regardless of what trump cards or reasons he has, it's impossible for two such individuals to exist in this area simultaneously. This can only mean they are the same person."
Thus, A'Diao locked onto Sima Yu, and finally, repeatedly provoked him verbally... for example, by deliberately speaking to Bao Chong, or by deliberately mentioning the big bird.
Sima Yu still showed no reaction, but his expression and his eagerness to take down Bao Chong further corroborated A'Diao's suspicions.
So... after giving Bao Chong a warning look, she then decisively crippled Sima Yu in an instant!
Finally, she produced the Forbidden Item as irrefutable evidence. Otherwise, without absolute proof, her suspicions couldn't serve as justification for the grave crime of crippling a dignified Governor-General.
Fortunately, the Forbidden Item was really on this person. Thanks to his stinginess—no wonder he would scheme against a stupid bird, truly a cheapskate.
A'Diao stood tall, her foot on Sima Yu's head, hands on her hips, sneering, "Thinking you're clever, courting death. Tricking a bunch of idiots might work, but you want to offend me, Young Master Zhao? Have you ever seen me panic because of clowns like you?"
The bunch of idiots: "..."
From Bao Chong +444444!
From...
Toilet: No idea who it was that was previously calculating all the pros and cons, almost ready to pack up the train station and flee back to Danzhou.
But A'Diao was already in character, and no one could stop her. So she continued with her hands on her hips, saying indifferently, "Dare to be my enemy, and I have a hundred ways to make you unable to live. And you can do nothing about it."
Look at that, so arrogant. So arrogant that it made people want to take the watermelon rind she had just finished eating and thrown away, and slap it on her face.
But perhaps this act was a bit too much.
Suddenly, with a loud rumble.
The hotel trembled.
An earthquake?
Everyone looked at A'Diao. Did your act cause an earthquake and make things collapse? Holy crap!
Before they could react, the crippled Sima Yu on the ground gave a strange, cold laugh, "You're all dead."
The timing was triggered prematurely.
Boom!!!
The entire garrison area along the southern coastline collapsed crazily at a terrifying speed, and the entire Sea-Sky One Hue hotel also completely sank.
After sinking, sand and stones flew, finally revealing a massive, eerie, mysterious vortex underneath.
The super-large underground cave had finally erupted ahead of schedule!
But in that instant, A'Diao stomped Sima Yu's head to a pulp, not allowing his cold sneer to last even three seconds. While she appeared panicked and hateful on the surface, inwardly she was incomparably calm: An enemy whose last bit of value had been squeezed out—why keep him around for New Year's if not to kill him?
Comments
Post a Comment