Xia Changsheng led the Dragon King's family to a research institute in the western suburbs of Xiaping City.
Surprisingly, the research institute was located within a public park in the western suburbs.
The park occupied a considerable area, and it was the school summer vacation, with many parents bringing their children to play and frolic.
Although the research institute was within the park, there was a very discreet, exclusive driveway that led directly to its main gate.
Furthermore, the entire perimeter was enclosed by barbed wire, making it inaccessible to the public. Lush trees surrounded the area, completely shielding it from the noisy sounds of the outside world, creating a sense of tranquility amidst the bustle.
Of course, while this place appeared unguarded, it was in fact under the strictest security. Surveillance was everywhere, with fixed sentry posts and constantly patrolling personnel. The corners were equipped with several uniquely designed weapons.
Even Xia Changsheng, as one of the twelve presidents of the Ninth Department and holding significant authority, underwent a thorough inspection before entering.
First, his identity was verified through his appearance, fingerprints, pupils, divine patterns, bio-magnetic field, and identification documents.
Next, he presented the personal directive signed by the Grand President, followed by an online confirmation of the authenticity of the issued credentials.
The myriad layers of checks left the Dragon King utterly astonished.
"What is this place? The security is so stringent."
"This is one of the highest-level research institutes in our Great Xia, primarily engaged in the development of specialized weaponry," Xia Changsheng explained.
Since he had brought them to visit, there was no need for concealment.
"Specialized weaponry?" The old Dragon King reacted instantly.
He surmised it was weaponry designed to counter all cultivators. This was not surprising. The old Dragon King had witnessed countless dynastic changes, and no dynasty had ever wished to control cultivators. Ultimately, the outcome was invariably the establishment of forces to restrain them.
Indeed, the Ninth Department operated on the same principle: to manage cultivators, restore order, and ensure societal stability and harmony.
Therefore, it was not strange for the Ninth Department to research weapons designed to combat cultivators.
However, once inside the laboratories, the weapons Xia Changsheng introduced truly shocked them. Had technology advanced to such a degree?
Sonic weaponry.
Optical weaponry.
Radiation weaponry.
Nanoweapons.
Electromagnetic weaponry.
Stasis weaponry.
Neuron attack weaponry.
...
The array of weapons was dazzling. While they could grasp the initial introductions, the further they progressed, the less they understood.
What exactly was stasis weaponry? It was only after Xia Changsheng's explanation that they understood. They had discovered a gas that could reduce the activity of magical power, making it difficult to activate within the body.
Neuron weaponry was even easier to comprehend. Cultivators' neurons were exceptionally powerful and sensitive, which was both a blessing and a curse. This weaponry targeted the opponent's neurons; the stronger the individual, the greater the damage.
There were also rapid-freezing weapons, developed in conjunction with cultivation methods, capable of instantly freezing creatures within a several-hundred-meter radius.
Devouring spores possessed not only extreme toxicity but also the ability to continuously devour and reproduce instantaneously. Magical power served as the best catalyst, making them immensely dangerous. Currently, the only known effective counter was sonic weaponry.
In addition, there were genetic weapons, laser weapons, bio-magnetic resonance weapons, and so forth.
Upon seeing them, the old Dragon King exclaimed that he had lived in vain.
"So, you needn't worry too much. These are just some of the weapons developed by our Great Xia. I imagine other countries must also be conducting similar research."
"Correspondingly, these weapons should be able to inflict some damage upon desolates," Xia Changsheng said with a smile.
His words barely hinted at the truth. These weapons were clearly designed specifically for cultivators. Although desolates were not cultivators, they were creatures that relied on spiritual energy from heaven and earth for survival. Therefore, these weapons would undoubtedly harm them as well.
Even with the old Dragon King's formidable strength, these weapons still made him feel a sense of danger. Individually, they might not cause significant harm if he was careful. However, if mass-produced and directed at him in the tens of thousands, or if their power was amplified, he truly doubted he could escape with his life.
Moreover, he was certain that more powerful weapons, yet to be revealed, existed, making the situation almost unimaginable.
A hint of worry flickered across the old Dragon King's face. He was not worried about himself, but about the Ninth Department's perceived lack of urgency in this matter.
The Grand President had been unable to attend, stating he had to take the Dragon King to tour the institute, ostensibly to reassure him, but also implicitly as a warning.
It seemed the higher-ups were displeased with his recent actions.
Yet, only someone who had experienced the desolation tide knew the terrifying nature of desolates. Powerful desolates could instantly destroy a city, capable of annihilating heaven and earth without exaggeration.
The world had not always been like this; the entire landmass had been shattered, forming vast oceans.
Therefore, while these weapons appeared powerful, when encountering truly formidable desolates that could shift the earth with a breath, shatter stars, these weapons would seem utterly laughable.
"It appears my knowledge is shallow. I never imagined Great Xia possessed so many weapons. If that is the case, then I am at ease."
After leaving the research institute, the old Dragon King resumed his cheerful demeanor, showing no trace of his earlier concern.
"Therefore, old Dragon King, rest assured. On another note, would you be willing to part with that desolate corpse? It is excellent research material," Xia Changsheng inquired with a smile.
The old Dragon King readily agreed, then added, "Since that is the case, I have no further worries. Shen City still has some minor matters to attend to..."
"Very well, then I shall not detain you further," Xia Changsheng said.
"We shall meet again next time. Farewell." The old Dragon King cupped his hands in a salute, then waved his arm. Enveloping his two children, he vanished into the sky as a beam of light.
Xia Changsheng watched the spot where the old Dragon King had disappeared for a long time, then sighed lightly before turning back into the laboratory.
Meanwhile, the old Dragon King, leading Ao Haiping and Ao Jiangyue, returned to Shen City in a short time.
"Father, why did you return so soon?" Ao Haichao was somewhat surprised to see Ao Xingyun back so quickly.
"Mm." Ao Xingyun frowned and sat on the sofa, remaining silent.
"What's wrong?"
Ao Haichao looked at Ao Haiping and Ao Jiangyue in confusion.
They too shook their heads, somewhat puzzled. Had they been demoralized by those weapons?
Upon reflection, it seemed unlikely. While those weapons were indeed formidable, they shouldn't have caused Ao Xingyun to display such an expression. He had lived for so many years and had weathered countless storms.
Just then, the old Dragon King spoke.
"Haichao, hand over all your current responsibilities. For the time being, we will all retreat to the East Sea," the old Dragon King stated gravely.
"Father, is it that serious?" Ao Haiping asked, confused.
Had he truly been frightened by those weapons?
"You do not understand the terror of desolates," the old Dragon King sighed.
"Desolates?" Ao Haiping and Ao Jiangyue finally understood that their father was concerned about the matter of desolates.
"I didn't see them as particularly powerful. Little Yue even easily killed one. And those weapons we saw at the institute today should be quite potent," Ao Haiping argued.
"You don't understand. Just do as I say. You go attend to your own matters," Ao Xingyun waved his hand, not wanting to explain further.
Ao Haiping shrugged helplessly and turned to leave. If they were truly returning to the East Sea, he had some matters to attend to.
Ao Haichao was in the same situation. The Haiwang Group had a multitude of affairs; although there were professional managers, many matters still required his personal attention.
Only Ao Jiangyue had nothing specific to do, but she also turned to leave, intending to find her sister-in-law, Lu Caiwei. However, she was called back by the old Dragon King.