…
After he walked out of the training ground and was on the way to the a.s.sembly point, Li Tianlan finally knew about the top-secret operation that had been operating in secrecy for a month.
It was a plot to overturn a country with the power of a nation.
Within a month, the Snowdance Corps was established, and it included all the elite inst.i.tutions in the entire Zhongzhou State.
The journey to the east, west, and North America.
They were only the first batch of elites of the Snowdance Corps.
It was unclear as to how many people would join the operation.
But if the goal costing the nation’s efforts couldn’t be achieved, Zhongzhou State was certainly unwilling to give up.
How many elites, Thunder-shocking Realm experts, and Invincible Realm experts would be involved in this operation to the end?
Zhongzhou State, East Island, North America, and Western Europe.
The surges of the four battlefields were about to engulf the entire Dark World.
For the first time, Li Tianlan felt the power of the surges. Some were building up the momentum secretly, while some was fermenting something in the dark. When the tide was about to rise, both Ice-condensing Realm elites and Invincible Realm experts were part of the rumbling and moving trend. They had no retreat and could only move forward.
Li Tianlan breathed deeply.
His battlefield was in East Island, which was arguably the most critical part of the operation.
Gu Qianchuan was responsible for attacking the forces of the Fantasy World in Western Europe.
Situ Cangyue was in charge of attacking the forces of the Knights Templars in North America.
Instead of attacking their headquarters, they were going to attack their key divisions. In the end, such moves might stimulate the Fantasy World and the Knights Templars to join hands, but at least in the beginning, the two super forces would tacitly approve of the behavior of Gu Qianchuan and Situ Cangyue helping them exclude those who held different views. By the time the two powers joined forces, it may be the end of the operation.
But East Island was different.
Gu Qianchuan’s move was aimed at the dark forces of North America in Western Europe, and Situ Cangyue struck at the power of Western Europe in North America, so the room for maneuver was great.
And on the trip to East Island, they were, at the very beginning, under the high pressure of East Island.
To be the enemies of the entire East Island!
“What are the odds of succeeding?”
Li Tianlan pondered for a long time, then asked calmly.
“70 percent.”
Although Horsewoman no longer called Li Tianlan young master, before walking, she instinctively lagged behind half a step, and her tone was also somewhat respectful.
Li Tianlan raised his eyebrows and asked calmly, “How many people do we have in East Island? One thousand? Two thousand? Even if we finally have 100,000 people, I am afraid our country is not a well-matched rival of East Island. How far do we have to go to win?”
“That’s not the way it works.”
Horsewoman said softly, smiling, “This is not a ma.s.sive open war. The war of the Dark World lies in infiltration and concealment. We are acting against the entire East Island, but that’s not necessarily the case.”
She paused for a while, as if she had to think carefully before continuing. “Take Samsara for example. If Samsara plans to sail to the east and put the muzzles toward Kunlun City, Zhongzhou State can only support it in the dark, even if it decides to lend a helping hand. Everyone in the Dark World knows that Kunlun City and Sigh City belong to Zhongzhou State, but Zhongzhou State denies that publicly. The higher-ups in Zhongzhou State only recognize Gu Xingyun as the G.o.d of War of Zhongzhou State. On the surface, Kunlun City doesn’t have much to do with Zhongzhou State. This is the concealment of the Special Warfare System.”
“So?”
Li Tianlan lit a cigarette and his lips lifted slightly.
“So since Zhongzhou State cannot openly acknowledge the belonging of Kunlun City, then when Samsara put the muzzles toward Kunlun City, it cannot voice for Kunlun City publicly. It can send experts to attack Samsara, but the experts should do everything according to the rules of the Dark World. Once they cross the line, the real war will be triggered. Several thousand of us are no match for East Island, but with the current national strength of Zhongzhou State, it won’t even take a month to destroy East Island. East Island cannot take the risk.”
Li Tianlan nodded. He understood what Horsewoman meant. There were few rules in the Dark World, but once the rules were established, anyone who broke the rules would bear countless serious consequences.
Kunlun City belonged to Zhongzhou State, but the latter didn’t acknowledge the former publicly.
Zhongzhou State did so for some reasons. The Dark World was a collective name for all sorts of shady people and forces. Kunlun City had done countless things for Zhongzhou State in recent years, and only G.o.d knew how many countries gnashed their teeth for that. But on the surface, Zhongzhou State and Kunlun City had nothing to do with each other. These countries could cause trouble for Kunlun City, but they could not make Zhongzhou State their target. This was the conflict in the Dark World.
But once Zhongzhou State helped Kunlun City with its official power, the relationship between the two would be confirmed. Perhaps many people would come to Zhongzhou State with old scores and ask for an explanation by that time. The so-called real war would probably be triggered because of this.
That was true for the Special Warfare System of East Island.
Night Spirit was a force that East Island had let loose many years ago. Now the Snowdance Corps was going to take the foundation of Night Spirit in East Island, even if East Island did not agree, it could do nothing on the surface.
That was because it was the business between the Snowdance Corps and Night Spirit. East Island would secretly send its masters to battle with the Snowdance Corps, but it could only pretend to know nothing on the surface. Once East Island had something to do with Night Spirit, the Snowdance Corps would also be relative to Zhongzhou State. East Island could not bear such consequences.
So their opponents were countless experts from the Special Warfare System of East Island, instead of the country itself, on their trip to East Island.
The two may sound the same, but in fact, the difference between them was huge.
“Samsara Palace, Kunlun City, Sigh City, Snowdance Corps, Knights Templars, Fantasy World… This is just the beginning. It is not known how many forces will be involved in the future as the situation changes. Horsewoman, am I going to graduate from the Sky Academy when I get back?”
“I’ve only been in school for a few days.” Li Tianlan sighed softly in a self-deprecating way.
“No, you won’t.”
Horsewoman spoke with a smile, “This time, we go there just in order to open up a new prospect. When the time is right, someone will show up.”
These words sounded ambiguous, but Li Tianlan did not ask more.
As one of the 12 Super Masters of Samsara Palace, Horsewoman may or may not know much.
Li Tianlan was not clear about anything at the moment, but there were some questions that he didn’t need to get clear answers.
This was the battle of the superpowers in the Dark World.
But for him, it was also a contest for the young generation in Zhongzhou State.
His job was not to engage in the machinations and trickery of the game concerning the general trend.
Under the general trend, he should be willing to draw in his claws and go against the current.
“I would like to be a chess piece, aiming for moving forward instead of jumping out of the chessboard.”
On the way to the a.s.sembly point, Li Tianlan squinted and murmured.
Horsewoman smiled and said nothing.
…
When the two arrived at the meeting place, the 50 elite members of the Sky Academy who had undergone the special training had formed a neat queue. In front of the queue was a high platform, under which stood a shelf with dozens of wine bowls. The high platform under the spotlights was empty, and none of the higher-ups had appeared for the time being.
“That’s my place.”
Horsewoman pointed at the high platform and spoke in Chinese with some difficulty, “I’m going.”
Li Tianlan nodded his head slightly.
“Tianlan, here, come here.”
At the rear of the queue, Li Baitian appeared in Li Tianlan’s line of sight, like a tall and thin bamboo pole. He waved his hands vigorously, with a big smile and a satisfied look on his face.
Li Tianlan turned and saw Li Baitian, Ning Qiancheng, Ye Huayu, and Yu Qingyan. He also saw Xu Chu, who stood behind these people but got more attention than anyone else.
He had not seen them for more than a month. Each of them seemed to have changed little, but their auras had grown much stronger. He felt a little warm inwardly and walked quickly toward them. Originally, he planned to bypa.s.s the crowd, but seeing him coming, the two students at the front of the queue hesitated and took the initiative to make way for him.
Li Tianlan was slightly stunned.
In the next second, the queue was completely split, and all the people made way for him.
He walked through the crowd, looking at Li Baitian in astonishment and saying, “What’s the matter?”
Maybe he was somewhat of a celebrity among freshmen right now, but he couldn’t make everyone afraid of him, could he?
“They were all beaten hard by First Senior Brother.”
Li Baitian grinned, went over and put his arm around Xu Chu’s shoulder.
Xu Chu was big, while Li Baitian was thin. When the two stood together, they looked funny.
“Young master.”
As Xu Chu saw Li Tianlan’s gaze sweep over, he greeted him with a pair of dull eyes.
“I’ve discussed it with Baitian. First Senior Brother can join the East Emperor Palace, but at the moment, our organization is small. He shall follow you to keep you safe, and that’s his intention.”
Ning Qiancheng took a look at Li Tianlan and explained.
Li Tianlan nodded slightly. Although he still didn’t know Xu Chu very well, at least it was currently not a bad thing if this valiant general joined the East Emperor Palace. He offered his hand and smiled. “Welcome. Since you are one of us, don’t call me young master anymore, just call me by my name.”
Xu Chu shook his head and did not shake hands with him. He bowed again and said in a deep voice, “You are my young master.”
Li Tianlan couldn’t say more for a moment to this single-minded person. He just nodded casually and stood among his partners without saying more.
“Hey, Tianlan, you don’t know how powerful First Senior Brother was in the past month. No matter freshmen or seniors, basically no one could block his punch. When he struck with his fist, even Fan Haoyu could not take his blow. He is a powerful expert at the Peak of the Fire-flaming Realm and is arguably the No.1 master in the East Emperor Palace.”
Li Baitian stood at the side of Li Tianlan and grinned. Vaguely, he seemed to be someone who intimidated others using powerful connections.
“How about you guys? What have you gained in the past month?”
Li Tianlan asked with a chuckle as he stared at the high platform in front of him.
“We’re okay, but Qingyan suffered a lot. Over the past month, Director Qin tortured her greatly. Qiancheng loved her dearly, so he suffered a great deal of heartache. Haha, he said that we’ll celebrate something when we arrive at East Island.”
Li Baitian smiled in a weird way.
“Celebrate?”
Li Tianlan was puzzled, so he took a second look at Yu Qingyan. As expected, he discovered that this weak and simple-minded girl was different from a month ago. Her eyes were still clear, but the innocence in her eyes had been replaced by firmness.
Li Tianlan looked along her hand. In his line of sight, Ning Qiancheng and Yu Qingyan were holding each other’s palm tightly and their fingers were intertwined.
Li Tianlan suddenly realized something. He said with a smile, “We should congratulate him. We should get drunk.”
He looked at Ning Qiancheng’s unnatural look and bantered with him, “You’re really a man of action. It’s just a month.”
Yu Qingyan blushed and lowered her head, without saying a word. However, she did not let go of Ning Qiancheng’s hand.
Ning Qiancheng gave a dry cough and solemnly changed the subject. “Tianlan, how have you been this month? Do you have any breakthrough?”
“I have reached the Ice-condensing Realm and gained a lot.”
Li Tianlan smiled and nodded. Nevertheless, before Ning Qiancheng could say “congratulations” to him, beside him, Li Baitian began to show off his strength in an ostentatious manner immediately. “Tianlan, your realm is kind of low. I thought you could enter the Fire-flaming Realm. It seems that a genius like me is really rare. Come on, let me show you this.”
He held out his hand directly as he said so.
A flame sprang from his palm. The flame surged and eventually condensed into an unusually solid, delicate sword in his hand.
Hot sword intent emitted, empty and sharp.
Turning the flame into a weapon!
This was already a sign of the stabilization phase of the Fire-flaming Realm.
Li Tianlan’s eyes lit up slightly.
Li Baitian continued, “So, I should be the No.2 master of the East Emperor Palace now.”
The corners of Li Tianlan’s mouth twitched, and he casually reached out to cover the palm of Li Baitian.
The fire sword in Li Baitian’s palm was still there, but all the sword intent was frozen in an instant.
The light of water suffused Li Tianlan’s palm, however, the light of flame around Li Baitian’s palm had completely disappeared.
“You might as well come in third.”
Li Tianlan gave a chuckle. Looking at the dumbfounded Li Baitian, he said, “Here come the leaders, cut the c.r.a.p.”
In his line of sight, a row of figures went up to the high platform in proper order.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
In front of him, a man with a plain face and a pair of bright piercing eyes was foremost among the leaders. At the man’s side, a young figure walked shoulder to shoulder with him, looking indescribably beautiful and striking.
At this moment, she seemed to be the only one on the platform. She was cold yet dazzling. For a moment, everyone was dazzled and they even subconsciously ignored the other figures on the platform. Even Horsewoman, the exotic woman, did not cause much discussion or a stir.
Only Li Tianlan’s eyes were still calm.
He took a deep look at the middle-aged man at the front, keeping a straight face.
Ye Dongsheng!
It was the second time he had seen the G.o.d of Army of Zhongzhou State, except at the border.
Higher-ups such as Zhuang Huayang, Qin Ke, Gu Yunxia, Tribulation, and Thunder G.o.d showed up one after another. Li Tianlan even saw w.a.n.g Xiaoyao, who was at the bottom of the line.
He slowly turned, and finally, his gaze fell on Qin Weibai, who walked side by side with Ye Dongsheng. His eyes were gentle.
The whole line was silent.
“My sister-in-law is really too pretty. Tianlan, you’re a tragedy.”
Li Baitian shook his head and sighed as he glanced at Qin Weibai. He said bitterly, “What kind of woman will you take an interest in in the future? Your starting point is too high.”
Li Tianlan didn’t bother to talk to him. He just attentively looked at Qin Weibai, who seemed to be a fairy descending to the world, on the high platform. He was calmer than ever.
Qin Weibai also looked at him with a soft smile. It seemed that they were the whole world to each other the moment they looked at each other.
Above and below the platform.
Higher-ups and students saluted each other.
Ye Dongsheng, who was foremost among the leaders, looked around. Finally, his gaze fell on Li Tianlan for a while and his solemn look seemed to be softened.
Zhongzhou State and Samsara joined hands to seek East Island.
Samsara asked for so little that all the higher-ups had some doubts in mind, and a part of radical higher-ups even thought that this was the conspiracy of Samsara.
However, Li Tianlan was also on the list to go to East Island, prompting some to swallow their doubts.
For Li Tianlan, the Master of Samsara Palace intruded into Mount Dibing and was even willing to die with the w.a.n.g family of Beihai. Her defense of Li Tianlan was evident. With Li Tianlan on the list, even the higher-ups of Zhongzhou State still harbored doubts in their minds, they finally decided to launch the operation. But in the following days, Li Tianlan was sure to be the focus of their attention.
His gaze swept over Li Tianlan and he coughed softly. “Attention, everyone.”
All the people withdrew their gazes from Qin Weibai and looked at Ye Dongsheng.
Bathed in countless jealous or burning gazes, Qin Weibai seemed to be aware of something. She took a step back calmly and prevented the others from looking at her.
The soft, warm voice of Ye Dongsheng continued to sound on the platform and it floated into everyone’s ears. “Everybody, this action matters the overall situation and even the destiny of Zhongzhou State. Three miles behind me, the planes are ready at the airport. In 40 minutes, you will set out for East Island with your mission.”
“I don’t know what you’re going to see and hear, but I can tell you for sure that this trip is a test for each of you. You will bleed, sacrifice, and even be buried on an alien land and you may encounter all kinds of desperate and dangerous situations. In East Island, you guys represent Zhongzhou State. Likewise, in East Island, you are the enemies of the entire East Island.”
He paused for a moment and then continued, “Our comrades in the Border Control Corps and the Eastern Theater of Operations has set out secretly a week before. You will be the last group of the first batch. Before you go, may I ask, does anyone want to quit?”
Silent.
Everyone was silent.
Ye Dongsheng waited quietly for more than a minute before continuing, “No one seems to be giving up on this mission. You all know what your choices mean, so I won’t go into that. Let me give you some advice; when you arrive at East Island, you are the best elite soldiers in Zhongzhou State! East Island is the frontline, the battlefield, and no deserters can appear on the battlefield. You can now withdraw from this operation, the Sky Academy, and even the Special Warfare System, but your withdrawal from the battlefield is tantamount to treason, do you understand?”
“Yes!”
The fifty students under the platform spoke in unison. That voice was not very loud, but very firm and unshakable.
Ye Dongsheng breathed deeply and suddenly waved his hand.
On the shelf under the platform, all the wine bowls were lifted up, accurately floating in front of every higher-up on the platform and every student.
Ye Dongsheng picked up the wine bowl and said with a smile, “We should sing while drinking. I am waiting for you in Zhongzhou State to make a triumphant return. By that time, I will sing a song for you to celebrate your success.”
He took the wine bowl and emptied it.
All the other people emptied the bowl in front of them as he did so.
“You are on the mission for our country this time, and I wish you an indomitable will and a worthy death.”
Ye Dongsheng put down the wine bowl, facing the audience. Then with a solemn face, he raised his hand and saluted.
Everyone, be it on or under the platform, raised their hands.
The atmosphere was solemn.
“Set off.”
Ye Dongsheng put down his arm and said bluntly.
Without the brave words to enhance the morale, the rally that was held to pledge resolution before their departure looked more like a farewell.
They were sent to seek their doom.
They would move forward with an indomitable will for a worthy death.
This was the cruel and b.l.o.o.d.y Dark World.
Elites were meant to die.
Soldiers were meant to die!
The queue under the platform walked toward the airport in silence.
The higher-ups on the platform also stepped down one by one.
Tribulation, Thunder G.o.d, Qin Ke, Gu Yunxia, Horsewoman…
They were Thunder-shocking Realm experts who were going to East Island.
Qin Weibai also followed these experts down the steps.
Higher-ups who stayed on the platform all looked at Qin Weibai in surprise, but they did not say much.
Under the watchful eyes of the public, Qin Weibai stepped down gently.
The procession pa.s.sed by the platform in silence.
As Qin Weibai descended the final step, Li Tianlan and the rest members of the East Emperor Palace were about to pa.s.s by the platform.
Li Tianlan stopped and looked at the peerless beauty who didn’t seem to belong to the secular world in front of him. He then chuckled and asked, “When did you get back?”
“I’ve just arrived.”
Qin Weibai replied in a soft voice, and her eyes were deep and affectionate. “You are much taller.”
Li Tianlan nodded and mumbled, “The medicine is very good.”
“But you’re not as handsome as before.”
Qin Weibai added.
Li Tianlan did not understand what she meant, but he did not think much.
Qin Weibai took one step forward, straightened his collar, and said softly, “Be careful. Horsewoman and Flaming Fire will always be there to protect you. If you are in a pickle, you might as well abandon them. You have to live no matter what.”
Horsewoman was standing beside Qin Weibai, but her expression remained unchanged after hearing that.
Li Tianlan nodded slightly. He stretched out his hands actively to hold Qin Weibai’s small, cold hands. Then he said, “It’s okay. I’ve received your medicine. Set your heart at rest.”
Qin Weibai gave a chuckle. Suddenly, she took one step forward again, putting her arms around Li Tianlan’s neck, and pressing her little rosy mouth directly on his.
She was delicate, yet strong and domineering.
What did the opinions of others have to do with her?
Li Tianlan had always been the only person in her world.
That was true for the past and also the future.
Everyone present was dumbfounded.
Li Baitian whistled and exclaimed, looking excited.
Ning Qiancheng and his partners clapped their hands hard and looked very happy.
Li Tianlan instinctively slipped his arm around Qin Weibai’s slender waist and kissed her carefully.
On the platform, only w.a.n.g Xiaoyao looked bitter. That was not embarra.s.sment or anger, but the extreme loss and loneliness.
He really liked and even loved the woman who was held and kissed by another man under the platform.
In the atmosphere of toughness between heaven and earth, there was suddenly a trace of tenderness.
.
.
After quite a long time, the unselfconscious kiss finally ended.
Qin Weibai wrapped her arms around Li Tianlan’s neck and panted secretly. “I’ll wait for you to come back, and then there will be a reward.”
“Hmm.” Li Tianlan replied as he patted Qin Weibai’s back.
The procession of students finally pa.s.sed by the platform completely.
Qin Weibai stood where she was and looked at Li Tianlan’s back, which had disappeared, keeping the same posture for a long time.
“Go.”
Under the high platform, Qin Weibai suddenly opened her mouth.
“Hmm,” answered Horsewoman, who had been standing beside Qin Weibai. And she was about to leave.
“Remember.”
Qin Weibai’s cold voice sounded again. “You can die, but nothing bad is allowed to happen to my man.”
Horsewoman stopped slightly. She then turned and bowed deeply to Qin Weibai, saying, “I will not shrink from any sacrifice.”