Chapter 26

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Chapter 26: Title

The World Tree, shrouded in holy light and concealed within an alternate space, remains invisible to those below tier seventeen according to Ye Linlang’s solidified rules.

This serves both to preserve its mystique and safeguard its existence—while severe damage wouldn’t immediately destroy the World Tree, it would inflict catastrophic harm.

When worlds collide, their consciousnesses cannot initiate invasions directly; only after intelligent beings from both realms determine a victor may dominance shift.

As for entities matching a world consciousness in power? Should they dare approach, Ye Linlang stands ready to intervene.

Nations with satellite capabilities have likely received the World Tree’s inaugural photograph, marking its flawless debut.

Three varieties of "fruits" adorn the World Tree. The first—"planet" fruits—currently features only Blue Star, destined to remain the eternal cornerstone of Ye Linlang’s designs as the core of worldly origins.

The second type manifests as translucent diamond "Spiritual Energy" fruits, crystallized essence formed through the alchemy of void energy conversion. These will descend upon Blue Star at appointed times, initially flooding the world with power before settling into gradual accumulation. Only through sustained gathering can they catalyze transformative growth in Spiritual Energy density.

These diamond fruits also nourish the third variety—luminescent glass spheres dubbed "special realm" fruits. Though seemingly illusory, each contains an intricate illusionary world crafted by Ye Linlang, indistinguishable from reality to their inhabitants and Blue Star’s humans alike.

Her grand ambition requires amassing sufficient Fantasy Points to transmute these realms into tangible existence—divine kingdoms for deities, blessed paradises for Practitioners, underworlds for departed souls, and celestial courts for immortals. Suspended like dewdrops amidst foliage, these pocket dimensions sway gently as self-contained universes operating under her foundational laws, complete with life cycles she permits to unfold organically.

Ye Linlang deliberately avoids micromanaging, finding both the responsibility burdensome and the ethical implications distasteful. She establishes initial parameters, then grants her creations free will—much like her storytelling method, where she sets trajectories but lets narratives bloom spontaneously.

The beings within these glass spheres, synthesized from system data yet vibrantly alive, perceive their existence as utterly genuine—no less real than Blue Star’s humanity. Existing in quantum limbo between fabrication and substance, they await the critical mass of Fantasy Points that will anchor their realms to physical reality through "the turning of false into true."

Until that metamorphosis, none may fully escape their small worlds.

After archiving ten thousand fresh words in her draft repository, Ye Linlang materialized within a special realm suffused with gentle radiance. Upon the fruit’s shell glowed Heavenly Dao script legible only to her, proclaiming: "Divine Realm of Heaven: Nine Sacred Mountains."

This biblical paradise—serene beyond worldly tumult—transcends literal geography. Its nine layered heavens unfold thus:

1. Moon Heaven: Gabriel’s domain where stars and weather are governed. Haven for wavering faiths.

2. Mercury Heaven: Raphael’s territory containing penitential halls for errant angels. Reward for virtuous believers.

3. Venus Heaven: Sariel’s twilight realm of passionate souls.

4. Solar Heaven: Michael’s dominion housing the Tree of Life in its Garden of Righteousness, sanctuary for sages.

5. Mars Heaven: Remiel’s crimson bastion guarding martyrs’ spirits.

6. Jupiter Heaven: Uriel’s scholarly haven where angels study and wise rulers dwell.

7. Saturn Heaven: Celestial throne room ablaze with angelic glory.

8. Stellar Heaven: Saint Peter’s station for vetting believers, featuring the baptismal Sacred Pool.

The ninth layer is known as Crystal Heaven, dwelling of the deity and source of divine power, guarded externally by angelic legions.

As the divine had slumbered for millennia, celestial affairs were entrusted to Michael, Archangel and chief among twelve-winged Seraphim. Beneath him lay the hierarchies of Cherubim and Thrones.

These formed the Upper Triad.

The Middle Triad comprised Dominions, Virtues, and Powers, while the Lower Triad included Principalities, Archangels, and the common untitled angels.

Through tens of millennia of divine dormancy, Michael governed the celestial realm, strictly obeying the pre-somnolence decree forbidding communication with believers in the source world.

Yet on this day, the Nine Sacred Mountains trembled violently before projecting visions from the source world through divine radiance. The kneeling pontiff and congregation recited holy verses in awe, their uplifted faces reflecting astonishment as their Lord’s followers gazed upon them.

The Sacred Mountains had manifested.

Recalling the primordial prophecy, Michael required no prompting from fellow Seraphim. Within moments of the quaking’s cessation, he approached the Grand Sanctuary of Crystal Heaven seeking audience.

Crystal Heaven remained inviolate – even Seraphim dared not trespass unbidden. Across eons, only one angel had ever received divine privilege: the former Heavenly Vice-Regent named "Dawn", later cast into hell’s abyss by divine will.

Uncertain of reception after millennia of silence, Michael knelt reverently beyond the sanctum when a voice both imperious and comforting resonated:

"Enter."

The deity had awakened. Michael nearly wept with joy as the Grand Sanctuary’s gates parted before him.

Rising, he straightened his white archangel vestments and advanced with deference.

Enthroned in soothing radiance, the deity remained veiled in holy light. Michael discerned only the hem of a white robe beneath the glow.

Luminous power saturated the sanctuary, its translucent floor tiles coalesced from belief-energy, golden streams flowing beneath. The vast chamber held only the elevated Divine Throne in solitary splendor.

"Michael pays homage to Our God." Crossing arms over his breastplate, he knelt in supreme obeisance.

"Rise."

"Your purpose is known to Us."

Within the holy luminescence sat a casually poised deity of peerless beauty, silver tresses cascading to ankle-length, the Tome of Creation in hand. Golden eyes regarded Michael with benign detachment.

Ye Linlang · Masculine Aspect · Yahweh.

First manifestation.

"Eons past, We joined the Eastern Celestial Sovereign in severing source power from the material plane, insulating creation from abyssal and extraterrestrial ravages."

"With the source world’s self-restoration complete, today’s tremors signal reconnection between realms – not solely affecting Heaven."

Understanding dawned upon Michael, easing his apprehension.

"Journey to the source world. Reforge the Ten Commandments with its pontiff. The Awakening will stir hell’s abyss, reigniting the war against external domains."

"By Your will." Michael bowed, masking surprise at this commandment.

Yahweh gestured, light striking Michael’s pectoral cross. "The holy seal shall constrain your power in the fragile source world. Trespass not against this containment."

"Thus shall it be."

"Breach the seal only at utmost peril. Withdraw now – Our weariness returns."

The archangel retreated with measured steps.

As sanctuary doors sealed, only the enthroned deity remained.

Ye Linlang dispersed her radiant veil, summoning a mirror. Admiring the exquisitely crafted masculine visage, she smiled – eternity’s labor had borne divine fruit.

In this world, she was divinity incarnate—omniscient, omnipotent, requiring no system’s aid.

With a soft sigh, she closed her eyes as holy light enveloped her once more. The phantom of Nine Sacred Mountains manifested, sending newly emerged faith energy spiraling chaotically like disoriented insects.

Since the Awakening of Spiritual Energy, these currents of belief had been codified into existence by cosmic laws.

Michael’s impending mission to Blue Star to renew the Ten Commandments would inevitably stir global tides of faith. Ye Linlang’s scalp prickled at the thought—could her system withstand such colossal conversion?

Twenty-three billion devotees. The staggering number of Yahweh’s followers on Blue Star glared from her search history.

She dissolved into the ether, reappearing at the Sacred Pool.

Upon the Divine Throne bathed in radiance rested Yahweh’s crafted vessel. All faith energy from Nine Sacred Mountains’ manifestations flowed through her purification, becoming divine essence for the Creator.

Like Amaterasu’s sun-chariot or Avalokiteshvara’s compassion, Yahweh’s mantle could be donned at will. The World Tree channeled this power through its roots, distributing it to belief-linked realms.

Stellar Heaven’s Sacred Pool brimmed with liquid conviction—birthplace of angels, baptismal font for saints. Its shimmering depths held purified devotion from every Yahweh-worshiper, celestial or mortal.

Golden currents rippled across the unguarded pool’s surface. Normally deserted, it now required reinforcement against impending floods. Ye Linlang strengthened conversion protocols with a gesture. The World Tree needed no adjustment—it naturally channeled energies heavenward at her mental command.

Cloaked in divine avatars, she’d shattered stars and reshaped atmospheres. Yet this self-forged realm amplified such godlike certainty to vertiginous heights.

【Master, your raid party assembles.】

"Already? On my way." She blinked from sacred waters to cozy gaming den.

Her monitor displayed rotating pink avatars and crowded voice channels. "Monitor the networks—only alert me for catastrophes," she ordered, fingers dancing across peripherals. A Tier One Practitioner gaming against ordinary people? Brutal overkill.

Her reflexes outmatched elite players. While the system obediently activated [Silent Surveillance Mode], Ye Linlang’s avatar materialized in-game.

*

Special Bureau Headquarters

Yan Hua’s polished shoes echoed through corridors as he rushed to debrief the Commander post-meeting.

"Deliver a comprehensive-yet-concise report within the hour," the holographic leader commanded. "We’re convening global powers regarding dawn’s events."

The operative masked his surprise with a curt nod. "Understood."

"Post-summit, we’ll finalize disclosure protocols for the Awakening." The Commander’s image flickered. "This transcends Zhongxia’s borders."

Bear Country and the United States had initiated the emergency conference. Attendees included France, England, Japan, Vatican City—nations possessing both infrastructure and stability to matter.

Zhongxia’s dual status as population colossus and economic powerhouse guaranteed its seat. Global internet proliferation ensured all players knew fragments of the truth—collating complete pictures required cooperation.

(Let war-torn wastelands and fractured regimes protest their exclusion. The Five Permanent Powers would decide humanity’s course, as ever.)

Moreover, the situation has barely begun to unfold. According to intelligence agencies monitoring global networks, various "anomalous phenomena" have emerged worldwide. With most nations still struggling to contain developments within their own territories, summoning a conference now would only exacerbate the chaos!

On the fifteenth floor of the Special Bureau’s Comprehensive Section 5 office:

"Team One will escort Scientific Research Division 6 experts to collect biological samples from forests exhibiting abnormal mutations."

"Acknowledged."

"Team Two will utilize Crimson Fruit growth data from Team One to identify potential harvesting sites. Secure specimens using proper preservation protocols before retrieval."

"Confirmed."

"Team Three is to proceed to verified anomalous video locations and extend invitations to featured ‘extraordinary individuals’ for Bureau collaboration."

"Understood."

"Team Four will investigate critical incident zones: the Huashan Ancient Stone Tablet site, Kunlun Xiaguang luminous phenomenon area…"

During the morning briefing, the term ‘extraordinary individuals’ had been formally adopted to differentiate ability-wielders from ordinary people in surveillance footage.

…

Twelfth floor, Special Operations Section headquarters.

"Welcome back, Chief!" Multiple voices greeted Cui Ming as elevator doors parted, office occupants craning necks to examine his companions.

"These are Bai Ye and Miss Ghost in Red."

The scarlet-clad spirit’s entrance brought a palpable chill, her restrained ghostly energy merely frosting the air rather than plunging temperatures. While staff knew their chief had recruited both a supernatural talent and millennium-old specter, none anticipated the latter’s ethereal beauty – several agents gaped momentarily before regaining composure.

Attention shifted to Bai Ye prompted confused murmurs. His cradling posture suggested an invisible burden, though observers saw only empty arms.

"To my office," Cui Ming directed, mercifully interrupting the scrutiny.

"Right!" Bai Ye hurried after, feeling self-conscious under the curious stares of onlookers puzzled by his seemingly empty embrace. The timid ghost child clinging to him clearly preferred his company over Ghost in Red’s daunting presence despite his visible unease around her.

Deputy Jiang Fei barely took half a step toward the trio before colleagues intercepted him.

"Hold on, Deputy Section Chief! At least brief us before…"

Within Cui Ming’s seldom-used office – the chief having spent more time field-operating since the Bureau’s inception, including recent weeks in Hanzhou City – leather chairs creaked as occupants settled.

"Let’s establish next steps," Cui Ming began, watching Bai Ye instinctively offer Ghost in Red the solitary armchair before perching nervously on a couch with his spectral charge.

"Bai Ye, you’ll undergo full diagnostics at Division 6 after this."

"Y-yes, Chief." The youth swallowed hard.

"Miss Ghost in Red, Information Section 2 requests your consultation. Additionally, Analyst Lin Jing from Section 3 wishes to meet."

"Agreed." The spirit inclined her head, crimson sleeves pooling like bloodstained silk.

"Gratitude." Cui Ming’s shoulders relaxed marginally.

"Chief Cui?" Bai Ye gestured to his phantom companion. "What becomes of Ming Ming?"

Cui Ming gazed at the empty air and contemplated for a moment. "Perhaps we should let him accompany Miss Ghost in Red temporarily. You can’t bring him during the medical examination since only you can see him. It might cause complications when visiting Division 6 later."

Ming Ming had already been apprehensive, but upon hearing this, his spectral form stiffened completely. The little boy stared fearfully at the poised Ghost in Red sitting opposite him.

"Acceptable," Ghost in Red responded calmly.

"Don’t worry, senior’s kind-hearted. She won’t harm you," Bai Ye reassured, tousling Ming Ming’s hair affectionately.

Ming Ming fixed him with deadpan eyes. Kind-hearted? She’s literally a ghost! Brother Bai Ye, have your eyes been veiled by shadows? Or perhaps bewitched by this scarlet-clad beauty’s charm?

Though young Dai Ming Yi had always believed his mother to be the fairest, even through his terror he couldn’t deny this crimson-clad specter surpassed maternal beauty – no, she existed in an entirely different realm of ethereal loveliness.

At the elevator bank:

"Scientific Research Division 6 occupies the sixteenth floor. I’ll escort you to the fifteenth first," Cui Ming informed Ghost in Red as they stepped into the lift.

Bai Ye stood beside them, clasping Ming Ming’s small hand.

"Hold senior’s hand properly. Getting lost would inconvenience her," Bai Ye advised with a gentle shoulder pat. Despite his rebellious tendencies of skipping classes, livestreaming obsessions, and nocturnal wanderings, the young heir lacked typical rich-boy arrogance, having been raised to conscientiously care for others.

Compared to peers racing sports cars or chasing skirts, Bai Ye’s mild mischief spared his parents countless headaches.

Ghost in Red observed the trembling child with slight consternation. Comforting juveniles wasn’t her forte. "Do I frighten you?" she inquired.

The elevator ascended from twelfth to fifteenth floor in mere seconds. Before their brief exchange concluded, the doors reopened.

"N-no," Ming Ming stammered with forced bravery.

"Then keep pace." The scarlet apparition glided forward.

Releasing Bai Ye’s hand, Ming Ming scurried after her on stubby legs. Normally drawn to attractive women, the child remained traumatized – this crimson wraith had materialized during his air-conditioner perch hideout, plucking him up like a kitten with glacial indifference. He’d nearly believed himself destined for spectral digestion.

Information Section 2’s entire floor resembled a clandestine research lab. A metallic barrier rose three meters beyond the elevator bank, flanked by a 1.6-meter access point monitored by receptionists.

Cui Ming’s presence granted unimpeded passage. Beyond lay a corridor flanked by semi-open glass offices resembling typical workspaces opposite armored metallic walls punctuated by secure doorways.

Trailing Ghost in Red like an anxious puppy fearing abandonment, Ming Ming’s antics nearly drew laughter from Bai Ye.

Approaching Liang An’s office, Cui Ming rapped his knuckles against the door.

"Unlocked. Enter."

Pushing inward, Cui Ming quipped, "Such grandeur, Chief Liang. Must we humble visitors announce ourselves?"

Liang An glanced up, face brightening. "Cui Ming! These must be your recruits – Bai Ye and Miss Ghost in Red?"

"Ghost in Red pays respects to Chief Liang," the scarlet specter intoned formally.

"Greetings, Chief Liang," Bai Ye offered politely.

"I’ve brought Miss Ghost in Red. No unreasonable demands, please."

"What excess could I request? Worry more if Division 6 might harass your precious intern," Liang An retorted, rising from his desk with an eye-roll.

"Miss Ghost in Red, permit my introduction – Liang An, Chief of Information Section 2."

"Thank you for your assistance," Liang An said, instinctively reaching toward Ghost in Red before swiftly withdrawing his hand to adjust his glasses, having momentarily forgotten the historical era this entity originated from.

"No formalities required. I too dwell within this nation’s borders," Ghost in Red responded with a subtle curve of her lips. "Though dynasties rise and fall, the essence of those inhabiting this land persists unchanged."

At her words, Cui Ming and Liang An exchanged weighted glances, their thoughts churning behind composed expressions.

"If you would accompany me, Miss Ghost in Red," Liang An gestured courteously.

"I shall depart first with Bai Ye," Cui Ming announced.

"Senior, do watch over Ming Ming for me," Bai Ye requested with a playful grin.

"Understood."

Liang An blinked in confusion. What need was there to monitor Ming Ming? Were there unseen presences among them?

The Chief of Information Section 2 prided himself on fearing nothing – except spectral entities. This phobia manifested in his steadfast refusal to use elevators passing the Fourteenth Floor Paranormal Section 4, avoiding any chance encounter with wandering spirits.

He’d anticipated terror facing Ghost in Red, yet discovered his dread applied only to unsightly apparitions. This elegant Southern Song Dynasty lady ghost inspired curiosity rather than fear.

Lin Jing’s accusation of him being shallow about appearances suddenly rang true.

As Liang An escorted Ghost in Red from the office, Ming Ming timidly grasped the fluttering hem of her crimson gown, trailing them into Information Group 1’s domain.

The section buzzed with instrumentation – multiple monitors crowding each workstation, entire walls transformed into LCD displays showing disparate video feeds. Ninety percent of Liang An’s team consisted of unmarried programmers who momentarily forgot their code at the sight of their leader’s companion. Recognition dawned as they recalled the viral footage – this was the eight-century-old spirit from their archival videos, the legendary Ghost in Red herself.

"May I present Miss Ghost in Red," Liang An announced. "Either address her as such, or show respect with ‘Red-clad Senior’."

The ancient spirit inclined her head in acknowledgment.

"What assistance do you require?" Her gaze settled on Liang An.

"We seek your discernment regarding these video authentications." He navigated to a folder containing hundreds of files. "These survived technical vetting."

Ghost in Red settled before the workstation, her slender fingers hesitating over the mouse before accessing footage of Huashan’s Ancient Stone Tablet.

"We’ve compiled multi-angle edits of this phenomenon," Liang An explained, unsurprised by her technological unfamiliarity. A thirteenth-century spirit couldn’t be expected to master modern interfaces.

"The youth in this recording…" Her breath caught as enhanced footage revealed a daoist-robed figure moving with preternatural speed. Unlike the grainy public versions, Information Section 2’s processed videos rivaled cinematic effects.

"Your observations?" Liang An signaled technicians to document her analysis.

Ghost in Red reversed the Progress Bar, swiveling to face him. "Visual evidence alone risks misinterpretation, yet this subject’s transformation suggests…"

"He’s attained remarkable empowerment."

"But extraordinary speed differs little from pyrokinetic displays we’ve documented," Liang An countered, referencing the fruit-enhanced fire-wielder. Internal consensus suggested the daoist’s abilities stemmed from epiphanies gained at the Ancient Stone Tablet.

Because of this, they categorized the young man among the extraordinary individuals, determining his mutation to be speed-related.

"I’ve reviewed the footage too. The consumed item appears to be a Hundred-Year Crimson Fruit, catalyzed under exceptionally dense Spiritual Energy conditions. Its size suggests approximately a century of medicinal potency." Ghost in Red’s analysis elicited winces from everyone present.

A century-aged Crimson Fruit – such a precious resource casually devoured.

"What exactly are these ‘extraordinary individuals’ you mentioned?"

"We classify all those physically altered by the Awakening of Spiritual Energy as extraordinary individuals," Liang An responded promptly. "To date, we’ve identified no other Practitioners besides yourself."

"You’re aware of the Practitioner ranking system, I presume?" Ghost in Red reversed the video to display the youth descending mountainsides with ten-meter strides. "His capabilities undoubtedly meet or exceed the Innate Realm of Rank Ten."

"My further speculation suggests that Ancient Stone Tablet might be a primordial treasure. His immobile stance likely indicates profound enlightenment…" Her cultivation knowledge stemmed from mental imprints left by that Taoist during their brief encounter.

"Thus marking this as a serendipitous encounter," Liang An concluded firmly.

"Plausible. The Awakening of Spiritual Energy inevitably blesses fortunate souls with such windfalls, much like your literary tropes," Ghost in Red remarked with detached amusement.

"We’d value your expertise here. This is Wu Ming – he’ll document your observations." Liang An’s palm landed decisively on the shoulder of a bespectacled staffer.

Wu Ming adjusted his black-framed glasses, outdated hairstyle swaying as he glanced about. The jibe "Four-Eyes" hung unspoken in the air.

The Special Bureau’s dress code demanded full professional attire, transforming Information Section 2’s legion of programmers into necktied elites. Office wags claimed this sartorial policy served dual purposes – maintaining decorum and boosting Matchmaking success rates through cultivated appearances.

"Understood."

"Wu Ming, assist Senior Ghost in Red with comprehensive documentation. Ensure Analysis Department receives flawless transcripts."

"Chief."

The notorious friction between Chief Liang and Chief Lin needed no explanation – inevitable collateral from interdepartmental demands.

"Analysis Department…" Ghost in Red’s fingers stilled on the keyboard. "This Lin Jing Cui Ming mentioned – when might I review his files?"

Her mellifluous tone belied the question’s sharpness, propelling Liang An’s instant response: "I’ll address Lin Jing personally. Please remain until midday – lunch consultations included."

The Chief’s abrupt exit left Information Group 1 in his wake. Ghost in Red arched one sculpted eyebrow.

"Your commander possesses… notable vigor."

Suppressed smiles rippled through the staff. The scarlet-clad enigma’s presence paradoxically energized the room – if external consultants showed such dedication, regulars couldn’t slacken.

Wu Ming’s fingers danced across keys, transcribing her observations with frantic precision.

"Breathe, chronicler. Repetition’s permissible." Amusement tinged her voice as she observed his flustered movements. The young archivist’s proximity to feminine beauty manifested in crimson ears and averted eyes.

"Tedium prevails," Ghost in Red finally pronounced, gaze lingering on the frozen screen.

“Nothing…” Wu Ming instinctively replied, then realized the red-clad senior was gazing elsewhere, seemingly addressing empty air.

“No, no!” Ming Ming hastily shook his head.

“They can’t perceive you. Inconvenient.” The Ghost in Red surveyed the crowd, noting numerous puzzled stares drawn by her one-sided conversation.

“Is there child-friendly space here?” She tilted her head toward Wu Ming.

“The corner lounge area should suffice.” Wu Ming hesitated before adding, “Is there…someone else present?”

“A child.” She traced miniature spiritual patterns resembling Bai Ye’s wrist markings across Ming Ming’s forehead.

Onlookers gasped as her air-drawn symbols materialized a six-year-old boy in navy suit. The child crouched in panic, attempting to vanish behind crimson silk skirts.

“Gh-ghost…” Wu Ming stammered at the apparition.

“Who’s available to escort this spirit to the lounge?” The senior frowned, hoisting the boy by his collar as he clung to her hem.

The spiritual pattern granted temporary corporeality – grounding flight and phasing abilities for hours.

Staff members exchanged glances, collectively ignoring the spectral elephant in the room to preserve the beauty’s dignity.

“Allow me, Senior.” Xie Xing stepped forward, cradling the spirit like any mortal child.

“His name’s Dai Ming Yi.” The Ghost in Red nodded approval. “Ming Ming suffices.”

The boy blinked fear-diminished eyes. “Pretty jiejie, you know me?”

Xie Xing nearly choked – such audacity from a fledgling ghost! Truly, the tiger-fearing calf proverb lived.

“Senior suffices. I predate you by eight centuries.” Her glance referenced Cui Ming’s earlier briefing.

“But Daddy said beauties are jiejies!” Ming Ming’s terror dissolved into sunbeam smiles. “Ancient jiejie!”

“Remove him.” The senior resumed her seat, sorting through video-laden folders.

Xie Xing hastened away the chatterbox spirit, marveling at children’s universal knack for provocation.

Special Bureau personnel knew Ghost in Red’s legend – the inaugural supernatural case. Pre-meeting forum speculation painted her as some wizened crone, not this living poetry between moonlight and snowdrift. Her frost-kissed grace and formidable power spawned Information Section debates: did cultivation enhance beauty, or was aesthetics prerequisite for practitioning?

*

In his office, Lin Jing awaited Cui Ming’s escort of their spectral consultant. Instead entered Liang An, triumphantly declaring: “Senior prioritizes Information Section’s requests.”

“I engaged Cui Ming first,” Lin Jing countered, brows knitting.

“Yet she assists my team.” Liang An crossed arms. “Analysis Department stalls without our data, no?”

Recognizing residual meeting-grudge tension, Lin Jing conceded. “Proceed then.” His gaze sharpened. “Why linger?”

Liang An departed, vengeance-thwarted. The Analysis chief turned to foreign deity reports, headaches compounding. If verified, these documents would dwarf Spiritual Energy’s Awakening in significance.

His eyes flicked to the wall calendar. October 26th. Regardless of report validity, history would remember this date. The thought drew wry amusement – mankind’s benchmarks often looked trivial through immortality’s lens.