Chapter 1 Thunder

Thunder roared, and the land undulated.

Standing atop the high walls of Sector S12, one could see countless bolts of lightning descending from the sky, weaving into a net, with wave after wave of beast spirits crashing and dying upon it...

On the other side, however, was a scene of utter darkness and hellish gloom.

Bai Xiu and Mu Wanqiu were engaged in a wholesale slaughter of the beast tide!

It was a rare sight to behold, two fourth-tier S-rank powerhouses going all out. Sadly, the [Deep Sea] signal had been rendered useless by the ash from Mount Grey, otherwise the entire world would have witnessed this magnificent and intense scene.

In the sky above and on the ground below, there was a humanoid "god" presiding over each domain.

The [Thunder Realm Walker], who controlled the thunder of the heavens, and the [Judge], who wielded the power of life and death, were each unleashing their own form of carnage.

Both the [Thunder Realm Walker] and the [Judge] were rated as S-rank in terms of ability.

But their strengths were different.

Bai Xiu’s attack range was greater and wider than that of the [Judge]—

While Mu Wanqiu's instant kill rate was higher than that of the [Thunder Realm Walker]. Wherever the [Judge]'s scythe passed, low-level transcendent beings would instantly be deprived of their lives; it was a power of law that took effect immediately!

Low-level transcendents simply couldn't withstand the [Judge].

From the perspective of pure "slaughter," Mu Wanqiu was stronger than Bai Xiu.

Each to their own.

However, Little Xiu’s realm was much higher than hers. Under the barrage of heavenly thunder, the [Judge], who was only holding back a corner of the battlefield on the flank, appeared somewhat pale and lackluster, not as dazzling.

"So scary..."

Little Iron Man stood on the city wall, his expression strange, muttering softly.

Mu Wanqiu’s explosive power was also terrifying!

These two people were monsters among monsters!

He pressed his hands on the city wall, preparing to jump down, when a voice stopped him.

"Chen Li."

The one who came was Chen Mei, along with Mr. Zhuang Su and Jiang Du. Jiang Du was carrying a basket on his back, which contained a sealed life-support device for the God Infant.

"You don't need to participate in the battle."

Although Chen Mei hadn't been on the tower just now, everything that happened on the high walls was within his mental surveillance range... After all, he was a top-tier fourth-tier, and although he was a close-combat type specializing in brute force, it was no problem for his mental power to cover the city walls.

Mu Wanqiu’s participation in the battle was somewhat unexpected for Chen Mei.

He had originally thought that this North Continent reinforcements that Gu Shen had called would only be responsible for "receiving" friendly forces.

He never expected that this most talented S-rank from the North Continent would actually risk herself in person.

It could only be said that... Chen Li’s previous words had made a great contribution.

Chen Mei really wanted to say to Little Iron Man, "If you know how to talk, say more."

"I'm not participating in the battle?"

Chen Li scratched his head. He had originally been eager to give it a try. Although his strength couldn't compare with Bai Xiu and Mu Wanqiu, he had at least broken through to the fourth-tier and awakened an even higher level of ability usage.

He had gained a lot from this mission south!

On the one hand, he had shattered the walls in his heart and subdued the awakened consciousness of the [Iron Disciple].

On the other hand, he had successfully broken through his realm and condensed his own domain!

Someday in the future…

Maybe he could become as remarkable as the "Embroidered Bone General"!

And now, he just wanted to happily jump into the beast tide, expand his domain, and kill as many beast spirits as possible... This was a good time to test the results of his cultivation!

"This is Mr. Gu's intention..."

Jiang Du unloaded the basket from his back. The basket was very light, but also very heavy.

"Mr. Gu hopes that you will personally keep 'him' safe."

Inside, the God Infant was immersed in nutrient solution, seemingly asleep but not, slowly opening his eyes in the turbulence, looking out at the world... His eyes were as calm as ever, even a little indifferent.

Chen Li was stunned for a moment.

He subconsciously took the basket and made eye contact with the infant who was also looking up…

That calm gaze made him feel a moment of trance.

"Since you have to keep the God Infant safe, the battle below is not for you."

Chen Mei said, "With two S-ranks participating in the battle with all their strength, it shouldn't be a big problem for Sector S12 to hold out until the North Continent airship arrives… I will lead the members of the Chengxin Society to continue killing the beast tide as we escape."

"Then... what do I need to do?"

Chen Li held the basket, feeling somewhat at a loss for a moment.

He had suddenly become a very idle person.

And this was not his original intention; he also wanted to fight.

However, the weight in the basket was more important than the battle below... At the moment when he met the God Infant's eyes, he vaguely felt something summoning him.

Was this… the guidance of fate?

A power in the dark made him hold this basket and protect this infant.

"You don't need to do anything, you just need to watch him."

Jiang Du said sincerely, "Mr. Gu hopes that you will safely bring the God Infant to Nagano..."

"Wait, what kind of talk is that?"

Little Iron Man realized something was wrong, "I can understand letting me keep the God Infant safe, but why would Gu Shen say such words that sound like entrusting his family to me? Where is he? Isn't he planning to come back?"

"..."

Jiang Du opened his mouth, speechless.

He could only remain silent, because those were exactly Gu Shen's original words when they parted at the city gate.

Looking back now, it really did have some meaning of entrusting his family to him.

It was just that Jiang Du had been assigned many tasks during the turmoil in the Southern Abyss, and he simply didn't have time to think about it.

"Gu Shen... where is he now?"

Chen Mei frowned and asked a very important question.

During that time, he had been too busy to care about the trivial matters within the city, which had led him to overlook the most important guy in the city.

"Mr. Gu... accompanied Adam to the core area of [Tanya]."

"Did he say when he would be back?"

"He didn't say..."

Jiang Du was at a loss, and said, "But calculating the time, it should be time to come back."

"Damn, what kind of god is this…"

Chen Li’s forehead bulged with veins, and he subconsciously opened his mouth, but when he said the first word "god" he realized it was inappropriate, and immediately changed his words, "The situation is urgent! I'll go find him first!"

He was about to step forward holding the God Infant when Chen Mei reached out and grabbed him.

"Do you want to help him?"

Chen Mei's eyes were calm, without any hint of jest, and he asked seriously, "Can you help him? If there is trouble that Gu Shen can't solve, will it get better if you go?"

Chen Li was immediately silent. He stood on the city wall, not knowing what to do, whether to stand or leave.

"Look after the God Infant. Sometimes, not taking action can also make a great contribution."

Chen Mei said softly, "This mission is entrusted to you because Gu Shen trusts you the most."

"..."

Chen Li said in a hoarse voice, "Understood, I will take good care of the God Infant."

After realizing that he had lost contact with Gu Shen, he immediately tried to use the "Netherfire" in his mind to link the Apostle to the God Seat, but this link ended in failure.

So he informed Mu Wanqiu, who was unleashing carnage in the [Judge] domain, of the situation.

The response he received was the same.

The power of the Underworld had failed!

Little Iron Man stood on the city wall, watching Chen Mei and the members of the Chengxin Society throw themselves into the battlefield, watching the flames of gunfire explode in the beast tide...

He clenched his fists silently.

This seemed to be the first time in his life.

He hated his powerlessness so much.

At this critical moment, he really wanted to do something, but it seemed like he couldn't do anything.

……

……

The false firmament of the Mulberry Continent Abyss had shattered.

But the real sky was no better than the false firmament...

Hurricanes from the Ice Sea moved north, forming violent turbulence. Ordinary airborne vehicles could not operate in such harsh weather, but the Source Energy Boat was an exception. The high-logic material covering the entire shell, and the extremely stable energy supply, were enough for the Source Energy Boat to directly confront the Ice Sea hurricane.

At this moment, a large fleet composed of twenty-five medium-sized Source Energy Boats was moving against the wind.

The main boat deployed an energy shield to break through the wind steadily.

The subsequent twenty-four airships spread out in a wing formation.

"Fisher, Wei Cheng, you will be responsible for controlling your respective fleets."

For this mission to rescue the Southern Abyss, this fleet was temporarily built, and the Eye of the Third Legion, Osmond, was responsible for overall command, sitting in the main boat. In fact, the overall commander was not responsible for the detailed rescue tasks, but only to facilitate coordination and dispatch.

Fisher and Wei Cheng were the real people in charge of this mission. One was responsible for accepting the Southern Abyss transcendents, and the other was responsible for connecting with the Northern Abyss base camp.

Wei Cheng was an important member of the Second Legion's Silver Fox. His position in the legion was equivalent to Fisher of the Third Legion and Zhong Yuan of the Investigation Legion. He was a top-notch fourth-tier transcendent, deeply loved by the General, and highly likely to become the future successor.

"Live Fish, I'll go ahead."

Entering the airspace of the Mulberry Continent Abyss, the communication system was immediately interfered with.

Wei Cheng, with black hair and black eyes, was not flustered at all. His mission was relatively easy. He would be the first to arrive in the south at the Northern Abyss, and then Captain Yequan and Lu Zhe would be responsible for receiving him.

He only needed to proceed step by step, complete the landing, and take the people away.

He opened his mouth in the channel, "I wish you a smooth mission, see you in Central City."

Fisher's response was simple, "Thanks, see you in Central City."

Compared to Wei Cheng's ease.

The situation that Live Fish was facing now was much more serious. He needed to spend several times or even dozens of times more energy than Wei Cheng.

"All members, the [Deep Sea] communication may be interrupted at any time. From now on, all commands will be conducted through mental links."

Fisher spoke in his mind, while expanding his domain!

Although it was in the air.

But his ability was related to water.

At the moment, the Ice Sea hurricane was attacking, and the humidity in this area was very high.

"Swish——"

Countless black water vapor condensed, turning into water droplets, linking the ten Source Energy Boats under his command.

Fisher's domain was successfully expanded.

Everyone could hear a blurred, thick voice that seemed to be transmitted through the water, "I will guide you in the direction next."

The vision of the Source Energy Boat was interfered with, and the density of the mountain ash in the Mulberry Continent Abyss was too great.

Under such circumstances.

Most of the drivers lost their direction.

Only the strongest Fisher could barely see a glimmer of light. He led the way with his "domain." The characteristics of the Undying couldn’t be used in this occasion.

In fact, if the fleet lost its direction, it wouldn't have particularly serious consequences...

But the transcendents in the Southern Abyss were still waiting.

They were facing an attack by beast spirits... Every minute wasted would add a point of risk!

"The temporary Yinyuan fleet, report your number."

The ten Source Energy Boats moved forward in sync under Fisher's mental link. At the same time, "mental communication" within the fleet was also in progress.

These ten Source Energy Boats were a free gift from Gubu Fortress.

As for the legion soldiers participating in the rescue mission, they were also temporarily drawn from various fortresses.

Everything was done as quickly and conveniently as possible!

Each Source Energy Boat could accommodate two hundred people and was equipped with fifteen legion soldiers. Their strength was not considered strong. Most of them were only at the early stage. Those who had advanced to the middle stage could serve as squad leaders and platoon leaders within the transportation structure of the fortress...

At the moment, the branch captain in charge of the airship in the third Source Energy Boat was inspecting the list.

One by one, the temporarily transferred transcendents of the legion were reporting their numbers:

"Thirteen, Zhang Qiu!"

"Fourteen, Mo Yu!"

"Fifteen... Zhao Qi."

The Source Energy Boat was shaking in the storm.

As the last voice fell, the list check was completed. The branch captain nodded, ignoring the insignificant man who reported his name last, whose voice was a little weak. This time, the rescue mission to the south was tight on time and heavy on tasks. The list of this temporary rescue team was relatively mixed. Most of the rescuers were of average strength and uneven quality, so there was nothing to be picky about.

What was on the branch captain's mind was how to proceed with the action next, and how to quickly connect with the Southern Abyss after landing.

After the number report was completed.

The fifteen members of the temporary mission team in the Source Energy Boat had no more communication.

The atmosphere had been tense since they boarded the Source Energy Boat.

"You brothers are all strangers..."

Zhang Qiu spoke first, giving a simple self-introduction to the few people around him, "I used to work in personnel management at the Deep Scale Fortress, and I came into contact with the enlistment list. I know the northwest border relatively well... Looking at you, it seems that you were all conscripted from different fortresses."

"I'm from Dongning, a small fortress."

A strong man next to Zhang Qiu interjected, "Deep Scale is considered a large fortress... You're in charge of personnel management, so you should be a clerical worker. How did you end up on this mission?"

"Cough cough, that was before..."

Zhang Qiu smiled helplessly, a little embarrassed, "At that time, my second uncle was a civil official in the Deep Scale Fortress, and he helped me arrange the position."

"Tsk, a big shot."

The strong man smiled and teased, "In theory, you shouldn't be here."

Zhang Qiu said embarrassedly, "A few years ago, Grand Duke Zhuxue mobilized the Privy Council to investigate corruption... My second uncle went in."

The few people were silent.

"So... you were all forcibly conscripted?"

Zhang Qiu smiled bitterly. After seeing the subtle expressions of the people around him, he immediately understood.

It turned out that they were all conscripted.

He lowered his voice and asked, "I really can't figure it out. Although we have a shortage of manpower on the border these days, it's not like we can't find a hundred people to carry out this kind of mission, right? Why do we have to draw scattered legion members from the four border areas... And I was just a civil official before, can a civil official do this kind of mission well?"

"Since we're here, let's do what we're supposed to do."

A hoarse voice sounded in the corner.

"Have you not understood the basic discipline after being on the border for so many years... Don't ask what you shouldn't ask."

Several gazes fell on the person who spoke.

The one who spoke was Mo Yu, who had just reported the number fourteen.

He crossed his arms, rested his head, and slowly raised his head at this moment, saying calmly, "How to arrange personnel and carry out tasks is a matter for the superiors... Think carefully about your past. Isn't it a good thing that the superiors can think of conscripting and arranging you to contribute at the time of the mission?"

Zhang Qiu was silent.

Most of the temporarily conscripted members had stains on their records.

"What's more, there are volunteers who are not 'conscripted' here."

Mo Yu paused here.

His eyes unconsciously glanced to his right, at the man who had not spoken from beginning to end.

He came from Luoyin City Fortress. Because he had committed a mistake that violated military discipline, he should have been punished... But the garrison commander asked him to wait for news, and soon after, he was sent to this Source Energy Boat.

He never expected.

That there was one person in Luoyin City Fortress, who accompanied him.

He would not be surprised by anyone.

But it was this man named "Zhao Qi"... Every warrior who enlisted in the same period as Luoyin City was stronger than this Zhao guy.

But no one took the initiative to request to go out on this mission.

Because it was very simple. Due to the special conscription mechanism, everyone already knew that this was a redemption left for "stained people." Most North Continent warriors valued their reputation, and they did not want to participate in this "redemption" mission.

"..."

The whispering voices in the Source Energy Boat became quiet.

Everyone looked at the guy in the corner with different expressions. Only now, after talking, did they realize that... there was also No. 15 here.

Because he was too silent, too out of place.

So he had been ignored all along.

"What was his name again?"

"It seems his surname is Zhao..."

The branch captain cast a cold and patrolling gaze. The few people stopped talking and began to transmit messages mentally, but for a while, no one remembered the name of this inconspicuous guy.

Called Zhao Qi.