Chapter 693: Chapter 672: Luring Out

Zhang Xinglie was silent for a long time before asking, “When they finish capturing this round and start the next, will I be able to protect my girlfriend, my children, or my children’s children?”

Yang Mingyuan couldn’t answer.

“How do you think I can prevent my family and descendants from being turned into Magic Bag Beans, White Lake Lotus Fruits, or Corpse Thrones?”

Yang Mingyuan couldn’t answer.

“Have you heard of anti-fraud?”

Yang Mingyuan’s eyes moved, and he nodded slightly.

Zhang Xinglie said, “You’ve been with us in the Ancient River Ruins and know Zhou Leng pretty well. Do you think Zhou Leng can ascend to sainthood?”

Yang Mingyuan thought for a long time and sighed, “If there were ten more years of peace, or if humanity could hold out for ten years in the Ten Realms War, not only could he, but he definitely would, and he might even become the next Zhao Dongjun, leading us to win the final battle. But… he doesn’t have that much time, and neither do we.”

Zhang Xinglie said, “Yes, I always thought he could become a saint, even when he was a child.”

The two looked together in the direction of Xiong City’s main city.

Zhang Xinglie smiled and said, “If one person could buy him one more minute, 1,440 people would be needed in a day, about half a million in a year, and about five million in ten years. If it were an Innate, a Grandmaster, the time would be even more.”

Yang Mingyuan remained silent.

“In a few days, I’ll return to Yunhua, go to Innate Mountain, and advance to Grandmaster.”

“I knew you could do it!” Yang Mingyuan laughed happily.

“I certainly can. Because I want to fight for a few more minutes for Zhou Leng to ascend.”

Zhang Xinglie laughed, and the extinguished belief reignited in his heart.

He stood like a blazing lion in the night.

Old Capital Demon City Base.

After getting paid, Hu Yi enjoyed a few days in the base, feeling completely drained.

He held his cracked old phone, participating in a group chat called “Mining Anti-Fraud Group,” sharing insights.

His group name was “Anti-Fraud Impact King,” happily exchanging driving techniques with a user named “J35 Pilot-in-Training.”

After the exchange, he contentedly put away his phone and boarded the bus to the mining site.

Sitting by the window, he looked outside, recalling the words of the deputy captain.

“Back then, when the Eagle Alliance was in decline, people on the network from the lower levels of the Eagle Alliance cried miserably. Over here, we often mocked them. I remember the harshest thing said was, ’You Eagle Alliance people can hold guns but don’t know how to use them.’ It’s always stuck with me…”

“Later, I realized it would be a pity not to use my excellent driving skills…”

“By the way, I’ve heard that demonization technology has further advanced. Without any accident, nine out of ten drivers at our mining site will be dismissed…”

“When the Ten Realms War comes, who knows if this mining site will still be here…”

“We’re different from those above us; we’ve had no choice since birth.”

The gentle light outside shone into the bus.

Hu Yi sat in his seat, closed his eyes, his left hand raised mid-air as if turning a steering wheel, his right foot tapping intermittently, his right hand holding the air, shifting gears, simulating the driving experience.

The light shone on his face and on the faint smile at the corner of his mouth.

Guhe Research Institute.

Li Yuanhe sat dazedly.

He received a report from a Martial Guard; two days ago, his father Li Linhan and several comrades were captured by the Demon Worship Sect and went missing.

He repeatedly confirmed the news and asked Martial Guard friends for help.

After arranging everything, he walked out, deep in thought.

He ultimately chose to keep this secret.

He had long known that Zhou Leng was at a critical time, even receiving guidance from several Martial Saints.

As long as he safely navigated the upcoming period, his sainthood was almost guaranteed.

Moreover, the chance of reversal was minimal, and if this were revealed now, it would inevitably upset Zhou Leng.

Furthermore, the incident occurred two days ago; the outcome was almost certain.

He calmly issued orders, then went out alone with Martial Guard friends to search.

Under the Mother Tree.

With their bodies covered in wounds, Li Shenkong and Zhao Cong dragged their exhausted bodies toward the residence area under the tree for reinforcements.

They weren’t qualified to be on the tree but could rest beneath it.

Because they were willing to support the Mother Tree, they gained extensive opportunities for cultivation.

Recently, Tree-men issued a call for help to the Ten Realms, offering accommodation under the Mother Tree to those willing to join the fight, granting them its power.

Numerous Martial Artists, Dwarves, Demon Spirit Masters, Giants, and even Giant Dragons, especially those at a bottleneck, came to support the Tree-men.

A few years ago, humans, Demon Spirit Masters, and Dwarves had hoped to open the Mother Tree for cultivation, but the Tree-men had refused.

Now, they were forced to open it.

Zhao Cong glanced at the sword box on Li Shenkong’s back and smiled, “Why don’t you use the Divine Sword to kill the enemy?”

Li Shenkong patted the Half-Divine Artifact longsword at his waist and said, “Dealing with them, a Half-Divine Artifact is enough.”

“I heard your Divine Sword is different from before?”

“Yeah, I got a minor opportunity in the True King Land.”

“I’ve heard Zhou Leng’s opportunity in the True King Land was significant too. He seems to have a high status among Giants and Giant Dragons, but the details are not widely shared.”

Li Shenkong smiled and said, “He did gain some opportunity, but nothing as miraculous as rumored—better than an ordinary Giant or Giant Dragon, but limited.”

Zhao Cong quietly sighed in relief and said, “I thought so too. But I’ve also heard he’s here cultivating in the tree, somehow charming the Tree-men, while we haven’t seen him in battle.”

Li Shenkong continued, “Indeed, while we’re fighting tooth and nail, he’s enjoying the benefits. It’s quite frustrating. Oh, Brother Cong, thank you. If not for you taking a hit for me today, I would have been seriously injured.”

Li Shenkong looked gratefully at Zhao Cong, whose right shoulder was nearly severed.

“Oh, we’re like family. No need for formalities. I trust you’d save me if I was in danger too.”

“Of course.”

The two chatted for a long time, then parted to recuperate and cultivate on their own.

Li Shenkong sat on the ground cultivating.

After one hour, his injuries had mostly healed.

After three hours, his energy, spirit, and vitality were fully restored.

The effects of cultivating with the Mother Tree are unimaginable.

He opened the sword box and placed the Star-slaying Sword across his knees, gently stroking it.

Ever since acquiring that beam of white light, the Star-slaying Sword seemed to have gained a soul.

Not only did its power increase, but it also gained abilities it didn’t have before.

For example, identifying enemies and giving warnings in secret.

In the battles these past few days, relying on the Star-slaying Sword’s warnings, he avoided ambushes from many giant insects and demons, even dodged the unintended or intentional shock waves of attacks from demon demigods.

But there was no trace of joy on Li Shenkong’s face.

The Star-slaying Sword sensed Zhao Cong’s malicious intent.

Malice towards him, malice towards the sword.

Moreover, in recent days, Zhao Cong constantly questioned information about the Star-slaying Sword, occasionally asking about it inadvertently.

Previously, Zhao Cong only asked about it during childhood.

After they grew familiar, Zhao Cong even played with the Star-slaying Sword.

Upon reaching adulthood, Zhao Cong never asked about any information regarding the Star-slaying Sword.

Li Shenkong left his room, ate, and met Zhao Cong again.

Zhao Cong’s gaze swept over the Star-slaying Sword.

As they chatted, Zhao Cong unexpectedly brought up the Star-slaying Sword again.

Li Shenkong found an opportunity and sighed, saying, “It’s a pity that the Star-slaying Sword has changed now; I can’t casually lend it out. Otherwise, in times of danger, I’d definitely let you borrow it.”

“Oh? Is this true?” Zhao Cong asked.

“It is true. If you don’t believe me, go ahead and try.” Li Shenkong directly opened the sword box, placing it in front of Zhao Cong.

Zhao Cong was half-believing and reached out to grasp the sword hilt.

Clang…

The Divine Sword lightly sounded, and a thread of sword Qi swept past.

Zhao Cong hurriedly withdrew his hand, a thin wound appeared on the surface of his fingers, bleeding profusely.

“This damn thing!” Li Shenkong angrily threw the sword box to the ground, with a clang, the Divine Sword fell out.

Instead of being angry, Zhao Cong joyfully said, “Congratulations Shenkong, your Divine Sword has improved further.”

“Thank you, Brother Cong, for not minding this troublesome sword. You should hurry and tend to your wounds; I have always been unable to control this sword, it was like this since childhood.” Li Shenkong said.

“The sword’s power is indeed formidable. I’ll go back and heal.” Zhao Cong hurriedly returned to his room.

Li Shenkong watched Zhao Cong’s back, bent down to pick up the Star-slaying Sword and the sword box.

Li Shenkong had lied.

In Zhou Leng’s hands, in his sister’s hands, in many people’s hands, the Star-slaying Sword never harmed anyone.

He even tested with ordinary beastman, demon, and sea siren captives, and the Star-slaying Sword never emitted sword Qi to harm anyone.

The Star-slaying Sword only harms those with extreme malice.

Night fell.

Zhao Cong left, masked.

A shadow followed from afar.

At dawn, Zhao Cong returned.

Much later, that shadow also returned.

A day passed, Li Shenkong sought out Zhao Cong, but Zhao Cong said his injuries hadn’t healed, making him unable to join the battle.

Li Shenkong had to leave alone.

Once Li Shenkong began fighting, Zhao Cong left, masked, heading outside the range of the Mother Tree’s power, entering a cave and revealing a token.

“Greetings, special envoy of the sect hierarch.”

Led by Rao Mingxian, numerous members of the Demon Worship Sect bowed their heads and bent over.

“How is the preparation for the Throne of Corpses?”

“Recently, all members have been intensifying their actions. All the men’s bodies have been sent to the Celestial Calamity Army camp, waiting for the crucial time to build a mountain of corpses, establishing the throne.” Rao Mingxian replied.

“Great, very good. This time, His Majesty the Heavenly Calamity Envoy will not break his promise, right?”

“Mrs. Xiyang has said that this time both he and the Light of Redemption have repeatedly confirmed that His Majesty the Heavenly Calamity Envoy promised the first throne will surely be yours. Moreover, His Majesty the Heavenly Calamity Envoy doesn’t seem particularly interested in the Throne of Corpses, he is only interested in the Mother Tree.”

Zhao Cong smiled and said, “Of course, His Majesty is so great, he certainly wouldn’t care about such worldly things like the Throne of Corpses. Only the Mother Tree catches his eye. By the way, I heard His Majesty lost a treasure, now encountering the Mother Tree, can…”

The crowd did not dare to answer.

Zhao Cong laughed, saying, “You all continue. Rao Mingxian, let’s chat.”

The two walked to an empty cave, Zhao Cong activated the eavesdropping-blocking Demon Spirit Artifact.

“Does the Heavenly Calamity Envoy have a new method for targeting the Mother Tree?”

Rao Mingxian looked around and whispered, “According to our information, His Majesty originally could solve the Mother Tree through a treasure, but that treasure was lost, and it suffered… You know about that incident.”

Zhao Cong nodded.

“Now, His Majesty plans to extract the power of the mother worm to kill the Mother Tree.”

Zhao Cong expressed admiration, saying, “Worthy of His Majesty the Heavenly Calamity Envoy, only he, so bold as to utilize the mother worm to destroy the Mother Tree. The Zhao Family will always stand on the right side.”

“You’re absolutely right.” Rao Mingxian affirmed.

Suddenly, Zhao Cong smiled and said, “I mentioned to you before about luring Zhou Leng out, demonizing him, and bringing him into our Demon Worship Sect—have you considered it?”

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep