Chapter 79: On the Day of Judgment, Someone Arrives Riding the Golden Roc!

The young girl gazed at the altar before her, a note of regret in her voice. It had been this way before, and now it was the same again—truly a disheartening feeling.

“What did you say?” An elderly man behind her, upon hearing this, looked rather grim. “Saintess, that was the only drop of ancestral blood left to us by our progenitor of the Jiang clan. Not even the Ancestral Star possesses such a thing. We must retrieve it at all costs.”

Shennong, one of the three Human Sovereigns, also known as the Flame Emperor, of the Jiang lineage.

“And why should we take it back?” the girl questioned directly. “The ancestral blood is meant for those fated to receive it, for the worthy alone. Since that person could obtain it, it means they are destined for this fortune—it cannot be forced.”

She finished speaking with a trace of disappointment in her eyes and couldn't help but say, “What a pity, though. The breathing technique from the Lishan Imperial Tomb is gone, the ancestral blood is gone—every single time, I arrive just a step too late. Am I doomed never to be fated with them?”

“Saintess, you should have secured that small cauldron, or else you wouldn’t always be a step behind,” the old man sighed, continuing, “I suspect both the breathing technique and our ancestor’s blood have fallen into the same hands.”

“Yes, I truly wish I could know who this person is,” the girl said, shaking her head in helplessness. There was no anger in her eyes, only intense curiosity. After all, the items had already been taken, perhaps even assimilated by someone. At this point, there was no use in lamenting or speculating.

The old man shook his head and then said, “By the way, Saintess, there is still a branch of the Ji clan’s bloodline remaining in this world. The Holy Lord sent us here to investigate, and I’ve already found a clue. Also, word has come from the Ancestral Star—many great clans from various star domains have set out, and soon, they will descend upon this place.”

“We must act quickly and find a way to secure our position here, or else the Ji clan will seize the advantage once again.”

Their two most important objectives had already been intercepted by others. There was nothing to be done but move on to the next step.

“Ah?” The girl pursed her lips and protested, “There are so many fascinating things in this world I haven’t seen yet. Can’t we stay a little longer? I’d like to witness more interesting people and events. Please?”

“In any case, the restrictions over this star domain haven’t been fully lifted yet. There’s no rush.”

Clearly, after arriving here, she found everything novel and strange. Some things simply didn’t exist on the Ancestral Star. For now, her curiosity had gotten the better of her.

“Very well,” the old man agreed with a nod. “I’ve heard there’s been quite a commotion in Hu City lately. If you wish to go, this is your opportunity—but only this once.”

As the Saintess had made her request, he could hardly refuse.

“No problem!” The girl’s face lit up at his words, a radiant smile blooming and revealing her signature dimples. The two exchanged no further words and gradually faded from the altar, leaving the place as silent and untouched as before, as if no one had ever been there.

“Master, we should arrive in Hu City in about a day,” came a voice from the clouds. A golden-winged roc cut through the sky like a bolt of lightning. On its back, Lu Yuan sat cross-legged, scrolling through his phone, and nodded. “Perfect. Tomorrow is the final day.”

After his call with the Ice Fairy, he had set out for Hu City at full speed. Yet now the territory had expanded, and even the golden-winged roc needed time to traverse it. During the journey, Lu Yuan kept abreast of the latest news online.

As expected, as he had surmised, Celestial Technology and the Western Church had set a trap for him, waiting for him to walk right in. Longevity Genetics was involved as well, though information about them was scarce—if not for the Ice Fairy’s tip, he wouldn’t have known they had thrown their lot in too.

The combined might of these three forces—their resources, their elite operatives—was formidable indeed. Under ordinary circumstances, even an early-stage Awakened at the Shackle Realm would hesitate to face them.

Undoubtedly, this was a deadly scheme aimed squarely at him—a net cast wide enough to ensnare all threats. Yet to Lu Yuan, it was hardly worth worrying about. What others called a perilous trap seemed to him more like a gathering of his enemies, all conveniently assembled in one place. And truth be told, these enemies weren’t particularly formidable—especially Longevity Genetics, who had provoked him repeatedly and now conspired with Celestial Technology. Lu Yuan had resolved to wipe them out once and for all, eliminating future trouble at the root.

This so-called trap, in reality, would be the doom of Celestial Technology, the Eleven Apostles, and Longevity Genetics.

Closing his phone, Lu Yuan shut his eyes, his mind perfectly at ease. Where killing could not end the cycle of violence, he would now bury all his foes for good.

The golden-winged roc, sensing its master’s mood, beat its wings furiously, whipping the clouds into a storm and breaking the sound barrier as it hurtled on.

That day, beyond the outskirts of Hu City, a vast crowd had gathered—so dense it stretched to the horizon. Every one of them was an Awakened, standing just outside a broad, empty plain.

Dean Zheng of Shendan Academy, the Northern Emperor, Zhu Qingyu, Dean Liu of Hu City Academy, and several students were all present. Ji Yuzhen of Beidou Biotech, the Ice Fairy, and others of their stature also stood there, each commanding their own space by virtue of their positions.

At that moment, all eyes were fixed on a single spot. In the very center of the clearing stood a crucifix; beneath it knelt the captive Asura.

Perhaps to conceal evidence of unauthorized torture, Celestial Technology had draped him in a cloak to hide his battered body. Yet everyone present could sense how feeble he was—nothing like the formidable figure once counted among the five great Awakened.

Behind the cross, rows of seats were arranged for the Eleven Apostles, led by Wade, with Liu Changyuan seated beside him, their eyes fixed ahead. Among them stood lines of people clad in mechanical exoskeletons—Celestial Technology’s latest research, operated by Awakened individuals. Normally, such displays would be prohibited by Awakened statutes, but here, outside Hu City’s jurisdiction, there were no such restrictions. The authorities had made their plans and allowed this, waiting to intervene at the last moment.

“It’s outrageous. Are they really going to sentence Asura in the name of their so-called god?”

“It seems they truly mean it, not just putting on a show.”

“They’ve set the time for noon—only two hours left.”

“Are we just supposed to stand by and watch? It’s infuriating.”

“I thought the presence of Shendan Academy would restrain Celestial Technology, but things have only gotten worse.”

The crowd murmured, seething with indignation but powerless to act. This was a new era, with rules quite unlike before. Though people were adapting, moments like this still filled them with helpless anger. Especially when their gaze fell upon the Eleven Apostles seated not far away—their rage only grew. If it were only Celestial Technology, it would be one thing, but the involvement of Westerners stoked their resentment further.

Yet Longevity Genetics had not appeared, which struck some as odd. Had they perhaps developed a conscience at this critical moment?

“Aunt, Longevity Genetics’ people are nowhere to be seen.” The Ice Fairy scanned the crowd, her gaze sharp. “They must be hiding in the shadows, waiting to act at the crucial moment.”

“Don’t worry—our people are already in place,” Ji Yuzhen replied calmly. During their time in Hu City, everything had been meticulously arranged. In short, today was the day the higher-ups would strike against Celestial Technology and Longevity Genetics.

Elsewhere, “We have orders from above: once they act against Asura, we move,” Dean Zheng whispered to Dean Liu of Hu City Academy. The situation described by the Ice Fairy was well known to them. They understood Asura’s innocence, and as he was one of their own, there was no way they would allow a Western cult to judge him.

“Very well, we’ll wait for the final moment,” Dean Liu nodded. She had previously tried to reason with the leaders of Celestial Technology, hoping to keep things under control, but they refused to listen. Since that was the case, there was no need for further politeness. This incident would serve as a warning to any ill-intentioned forces at home. To erase Celestial Technology outright was the best and most effective measure.

“Senior, do you think Mr. Lu will come?” Not far away, Zhu Qingyu spoke, gazing into the distance. She sincerely hoped he would not appear. The Northern Emperor beside her only shook his head, unsure. One thing was certain, though: with Celestial Technology and the Eleven Apostles working together, a formidable trap had been set. Nearly all involved were Awakened, bolstered by heavy weaponry. Even he, the Northern Emperor, might not survive if caught.

Lu Yuan was strong, but even he would be walking into grave danger. However, until the final moment, no one could say for certain what would happen.

Now, everyone waited as the minutes crawled by. To them, two hours seemed to stretch endlessly.

At the center, Wade and Liu Changyuan sat side by side, exchanging a glance but saying nothing.

“Less than half an hour left. It seems that man doesn’t dare to show himself,” remarked one Apostle—a woman who resembled Jennifer, her sister. There was a hint of hatred in her eyes, mixed with disappointment at Lu Yuan’s absence.

“So much for his supposed courage,” Wade shook his head, face clouded with disappointment. If they failed to draw Lu Yuan out, they would have to keep searching—a tedious prospect.

“Mr. Wade, with our two sides allied and Longevity Genetics working in secret, even if Lu Yuan is reckless, he’ll have to back down,” Liu Changyuan said, glancing at the Eleven Apostles and the armored troops arrayed behind him, a smile curling his lips. He had helicopters on standby, enough to wage a small war. He knew the authorities would be displeased, but since they had chosen to cooperate, he cared little. It was the new era; old rules meant nothing. His backers were powerful enough, so there was no need to worry. Worst case, they would simply break ties after this.

“How dull,” Wade muttered, rising to his feet. “Enough waiting. Let’s begin.”

As soon as he spoke, the ten other Apostles also rose, each holding a cross-shaped staff. They strode toward the center, forming a circle around the crucifix.

The onlookers tensed, knowing the moment had arrived.

Wade and the others stood beside the cross. As the First Apostle, he looked at Asura and spoke in a clear voice, “For killing the servants of God and blaspheming the divine, by the doctrine of our Church, you shall be burned at the stake. With your life, atone for your sins and receive God’s forgiveness.”

His words, though justifying murder, sounded righteous and grand.

Many of the Awakened present could barely restrain themselves, clenching their fists in barely suppressed fury, ready to act.

Yet Wade was not finished. He turned to address the crowd, his voice ringing out once more:

“Furthermore, since the true culprit has not arrived, I declare, in the name of God and the great, holy angels, that henceforth, the Eleven Apostles under my command will hunt down the one called Lu Yuan without rest—until he pays for his crimes with his life.”

His voice was not loud, but it carried a haughty, imperious weight.

Beside him, the other Apostles slammed their cross-shaped relics into the ground.

A resonant hum filled the air as layers of pure white light descended upon them, powerful auras surging forth and shaking the earth. Each Apostle was bathed in holy radiance, the beams merging and converging in the sky, focused on Asura—clearly, the so-called judgment was about to begin.

Seeing this, Dean Zheng, Dean Liu, and Ji Yuzhen all leaned forward, faces grave. They, too, were preparing to act.

But just then—a piercing cry of a raptor rang out, echoing in every ear. Instantly, all eyes turned skyward.

High above, a great bird cloaked in golden feathers hovered, exuding a mighty pressure that sent a chill through the weaker Awakened below. Before anyone could process what manner of creature this was, a figure leapt from its back, accompanied by a youthful voice.

“No need to waste time.”

The figure plummeted to the ground like a god descending to earth, landing with a thunderous crash that sent dust billowing.

Lu Yuan stepped out from within, tall and upright, his face calm and indifferent as he appeared before them all. He stood there, looking at Wade and the Eleven Apostles, as well as Liu Changming, the leader of Celestial Technology, and spoke softly, “I am here.”

He had come! He was really here!

A gasp rippled through the crowd, eyes widening in shock. The Ice Fairy, the Northern Emperor, Zhu Qingyu—all were transfixed. Some had guessed Lu Yuan might appear, but none expected him to arrive at the pivotal moment, riding a mighty raptor and making his presence known to all.

Wait—a raptor?

Perhaps others were merely surprised, but Dean Zheng, upon seeing the golden-winged roc above, froze. He seemed to remember it from somewhere…

“Hahaha, excellent!” Liu Changyuan’s voice cut through the commotion, drawing all eyes. His gaze was sharp. “Gentlemen, if not now, then when?”

With a wave of his hand, the armored Awakened in the distance stepped forward, their black gun barrels all trained on Lu Yuan. The Apostles advanced as well, their cross-shaped staffs glowing with white light. More importantly, five figures rapidly approached across the plain—five elders of the Wang family from Longevity Genetics, each an Awakened. They converged, surrounding Lu Yuan, every face filled with murderous intent.

“Very impressive. Such courage.”

Wade spoke, advancing with holy light blazing ever brighter. “You killed an Apostle, defied the divine. Today, you will descend into hell, atone before God, and meet your end!”

No!

Seeing this, Dean Zheng and the others prepared to act.

“Nonsense!” Lu Yuan suddenly declared, stepping forward. Rings of pale golden energy rose from his body as he gazed at his foes and spoke in a steady voice, “Today, I will send you all to meet your so-called god.”

(End of this chapter)