Chapter 78: Leaving Shennongjia—A Threefold Alliance, Targeting Shanghai!

“Yes, Master!” The Golden-Winged Roc grew excited upon hearing those words.

Previously, it had spent most of its time in the wild, rarely coming into contact with the human world. First, it had considered its own strength insufficient, making the human world a dangerous place. Second, there was a certain mutual hostility between the two races, and it had no wish to invite trouble.

But now things were different. Its bloodline had been purified, it had evolved once more, and with the formidable power of its master, it had nothing left to fear. Naturally, it was curious about the current state of the human world.

Lu Yuan smiled slightly and leapt onto the Roc’s back. With a beat of its wings, the great bird soared into the sky.

Soon, at the Roc’s incredible speed, the Eight Trigram Lake receded into the distance, growing ever smaller. It wasn’t long before Lu Yuan had left the borders of the Shennongjia region.

He took out his phone, but after such a long time without use, it was dead. Of course, this was hardly a problem for him. Channeling the Celestial Thunder technique, arcs of lightning danced across his palm. Indeed, he had been using this method to keep his phone charged for some time. It required delicate control—otherwise, the phone would be ruined outright. Even so, this method greatly shortened the battery’s lifespan. But that was a minor concern; he could always get another one. For him, that posed no difficulty. After all, using the phone was the best way to quickly catch up on the outside world.

Soon, the phone’s screen lit up, and a signal appeared.

Ring ring~

Just as Lu Yuan was about to browse the news and forums, the phone rang. It was the Ice Fairy.

He glanced at the caller ID, his eyes flickering with interest. Since exchanging contact information, this was the first time she had called him proactively. It was curious. For her to call the moment he turned on his phone—something must have happened, and it was likely no simple matter. Could it be… because of the previous incident?

Lu Yuan pondered briefly, then answered the call.

“Hello? Is this Mr. Lu? I finally managed to reach you.” The voice on the other end was gentle, tinged with urgency. As expected, the Ice Fairy had been trying to contact him throughout this period. Now, at last, she’d gotten through, and she let out a quiet sigh of relief. For much had changed in the time that had passed.

“Yes? What is it?” Lu Yuan replied. Though he had his suspicions, he needed to confirm them.

“Do you remember the Western cultists you eliminated?” the Ice Fairy began, then recounted everything about Celestial Technology and recent events, including the company’s alliance with the Eleven Apostles and their plan to judge Asura outside Shanghai. She also warned him that this was likely a trap, with Lu Yuan as the true target. The day of judgment was only a few days away.

Her tone was succinct: “Also, we’ve discovered that Immortal Gene has been closely collaborating with Celestial Technology recently. In short, this time you’re facing three extremely powerful, well-prepared factions.”

The Ice Fairy had never doubted Lu Yuan’s strength—if anything, she overestimated it. But this time was different. The Western Church, Celestial Technology, and Immortal Gene were all involved. Even the senior leadership of Beidou Biotech and Zhendan Academy found the situation troublesome. After all, an all-out conflict at this moment would only plunge things into greater chaos. Hard-won stability was at stake; even if the situation could eventually be resolved, there was no guarantee unforeseen incidents wouldn’t erupt in the meantime.

So, the Ice Fairy’s message was simple: Lu Yuan should avoid appearing if possible, or at least wait for developments, as the higher-ups were already formulating a response. Both Immortal Gene and Celestial Technology had provoked the wrath of the authorities, and a decision had been made to put an end to them—otherwise, things would only grow more complicated.

Of course, only she knew the full details; it was a top-secret operation. The leadership had done much to ensure the plan didn’t leak. Aside from a handful of core figures, few knew the truth. Both Immortal Gene and Celestial Technology wielded great power, so secrecy was paramount.

Therefore, the Ice Fairy chose not to tell Lu Yuan everything, merely warning him of the trap.

“I see,” Lu Yuan replied, a glint in his eyes. “Thank you for letting me know.”

Whatever the case, the Ice Fairy had said all this out of consideration for him. A word of thanks was only proper.

She didn’t say much more, only repeating her warning: the situation was thorny, and he should exercise patience, not rashness.

Lu Yuan’s answer was simple: “I don’t like seeing others pay the price for my sake.”

After a few words, he hung up.

Celestial Technology, the Western Church, and now Immortal Gene—all were targeting him. But so what? Lu Yuan was unconcerned. Since they had gone out of their way to provoke him, they shouldn’t expect mercy. Moreover, from the Ice Fairy’s words, he learned that Asura hadn’t revealed the truth of that day, choosing to protect him but suffering punishment as a result, and ultimately being abandoned.

Again, Lu Yuan didn’t wish to see others bear the consequences of his actions.

“Let’s go to Shanghai,” he said calmly. “It’s time to settle everything.”

He didn’t like trouble, but since trouble had come knocking, he would deal with it all at once.

“Yes, Master,” the Golden-Winged Roc replied, bowing its head, then shot off at speed toward Shanghai.

Meanwhile, on an airplane—

“Rou Rou, how did it go? What did Mr. Lu say?” Ji Yuzhen inquired with curiosity, having been present during the call.

“I think there’s a high chance Mr. Lu will head to Shanghai,” the Ice Fairy replied after some thought. She’d called to dissuade him, but it seemed to have had the opposite effect. Then again, with the internet abuzz over the incident, he would have found out regardless.

“These young people certainly have courage,” Ji Yuzhen sighed. “If we can’t stop him, then so be it. Prepare yourself, Rou Rou—we’ll be arriving soon.”

“The leadership has already decided: whatever happens, Celestial Technology and Immortal Gene must be suppressed completely. And Lu Yuan is important—if he goes to Shanghai and a conflict breaks out, the top brass have instructed that he must be protected at all costs!”

Her gaze sharpened. After days of planning, everything was ready. Moreover, Immortal Gene and Celestial Technology remained oblivious, which meant the plan was proceeding smoothly.

“What about Deep City afterward? The sea beasts have been restless lately,” the Ice Fairy said with concern. Beidou Biotech had relocated its headquarters there, not only to counter Immortal Gene, but also to monitor the marine beasts outside the city and protect the populace. Recent surveys had indicated the sea beasts were not only numerous but also extremely powerful—more dangerous than those in the Qinling Mountains. If trouble erupted, it would be catastrophic.

This matter had drawn them away from Deep City, and the Ice Fairy was worried that if the sea beasts emerged in their absence, the situation would become uncontrollable.

“So long as we don’t provoke them, the sea beasts won’t pose a threat to Deep City for now,” Ji Yuzhen considered. “And if we can thoroughly suppress Immortal Gene, things will be much easier afterward.”

The Ice Fairy, quick-witted, immediately understood and nodded. With Beidou Biotech holding all authority, there would be only one voice, making the city’s protection much simpler.

She said no more, simply nodding in agreement.

As the day set by Celestial Technology drew near, online debate intensified. The question of whether Lu Yuan would appear became ever more heated.

“Only a few days left—will Lu Yuan actually show up?”

“No idea. There’s been no word since Mount Sword in Ancient Shu.”

“He’s a lone wolf, not affiliated with any faction. His strength is extraordinary, but facing three great powers? That’s a tall order.”

“Are we just going to stand by and watch a group of Westerners attack one of our own?”

“What can you do? March up there and confront Celestial Technology? Are you ready to offend them?”

“Let’s go to Shanghai and see for ourselves—something unexpected might happen.”

Many joined the discussion, aware that Immortal Gene was now involved. Everyone knew the enmity between Lu Yuan and them since he’d slain the Southern Sovereign. None had expected Immortal Gene to ally with Celestial Technology and support the Apostles, attacking one of their own for the sake of old grudges.

Many were furious but powerless, so in the end, the suggestion was made to go to Shanghai together.

Some, however, found it odd that Wuzhou Group had been silent throughout, despite past grievances with Lu Yuan. And what of Winged Celestial?

No news had emerged recently, though only a few paid them much mind.

Shanghai.

Within the headquarters of Celestial Technology, a grand conference room.

Liu Changyuan sat at the head of the table. On his left was the First Apostle, Wade, and beside him ten others—six men and three women—all with Western features, fair-haired and blue-eyed. More importantly, each held a cruciform scepter. Clearly, apart from Jennifer, all eleven Apostles were present.

On the right sat five robust elders, their gazes sharp and their presences imposing, all at the Awakened level. The leader, clad in white robes, exuded an unfathomable aura. These were the patriarchs of the Wang family, the true powers of Immortal Gene.

“Good. Since everyone is here, this will be our final discussion,” Liu Changyuan began. “On that day, I trust you will all act?”

“Our goal is simple—Lu Yuan. If he appears, he will not leave alive,” declared the Wang clan’s chief. “He killed a scion of our family; this blood feud cannot be forgiven.”

The other elders nodded in agreement. Immortal Gene’s Wang family had chosen to cooperate with Celestial Technology because the plan targeted Lu Yuan and included the twelve Western Apostles. They believed that, combined, their forces would leave Lu Yuan nowhere to run. Even if things went awry, they risked little.

Wade soon spoke as well: Lu Yuan had blasphemed against the divine and must be judged. Should this plan fail, the eleven Apostles would remain behind to hunt him down relentlessly. Yet, deep down, he had another purpose—to use this event to showcase their strength to the world.

“Excellent. Celestial Technology will field seven Awakened, and with all of you, there will be more than twenty. Even a beast king would fall; once Lu Yuan appears, he’ll be struck with overwhelming force,” Liu Changyuan declared.

Just as the Ice Fairy had suspected, they had set a trap, waiting for Lu Yuan to leap in. Success or failure would cost them nothing; in fact, there were potential gains. The alliance of three great powers was not to be underestimated.

None of the Wang elders, nor the Apostles, objected. All had a single target: Lu Yuan.

“Then let us drink to our impending success,” Liu Changyuan said with a smile, having unified their aims. He ordered champagne for everyone, certain there could be no problems. After all, Lu Yuan was only one man. No matter how strong, could he defeat them all? Over twenty Awakened—unless the human king himself arrived.

Seeing this, the Wang elders and the eleven Apostles smiled, raising their glasses in a toast. All that remained was to wait for the appointed day.

Time slipped by, and more and more people flocked to Shanghai, eager to witness what would unfold. Would Lu Yuan come? And if he did, how would he contend with Celestial Technology and the Western Church? Everyone waited with bated breath.

Meanwhile—

Shennongjia, Shennong Altar.

A few days after Lu Yuan’s departure, two figures appeared—a young woman and an elderly man. The girl wore ancient attire, her beauty ethereal, her bearing like that of a fairy. Behind her stood an old man in dark red robes, dressed in a style utterly unlike modern times.

The young woman was the one who had previously sought out Chen Song to obtain the small cauldron.

They stood at the edge of the altar, gazing at the scene before them.

At that moment, the girl extended her slender, snow-white hand to the side of the altar. Strangely, the mysterious formation did not resist or react. She closed her eyes, searching deeply for something, and after a long time withdrew her hand, her brows furrowing.

“The ancestor’s blood essence has already been taken. Once again, we are too late.”

(End of chapter)