Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

“Are you sure that there's a problem with your higher-ups?” Lu Ming asked.

 “Yes.”

 Zhang Wei did not hesitate at all.

 The a.s.sa.s.sination was just the prelude!

He had not thought of this initially. It was only when he began to suspect his own colleagues after the a.s.sa.s.sination that everything then fell into place.

 Lu Ming was speechless.

 “Alright.”

 Old Zhang firmly believed that he had enough evidence. He did not think that he needed to explain any more…

 He would let it be a misunderstanding then.

 Although the reason was quite different, it did not seem to affect the outcome.

 Well, it certainly did not.

 Before he left, Lu Ming suddenly asked, “How do they keep a watch on us?”

 “Have you heard of impact factor?” Zhang Wei asked him instead.

 “Policemen like you have to publish a thesis before you can be promoted?”

 Lu Ming was taken aback.

 “What thesis?”

 Zhang Wei cast a ridiculous look at him. “For Scouts, the so-called impact factor is the parameter that has the greatest influence on the objective of the moment.

 “Deduction needs to be based on data.

 “For example…

 “On people like you…

 “As policemen, they have all your data, including all that of all the inhabitants of Qing Ming City, those second generation rich kids and their families…

 “That's the most frightening part.

 “The data needed for their deduction… They can simply retrieve it from the organization secretly!

 “Think about it.”

 Zhang Wei gave himself a headache.

 An ordinary Scout had to rely on their ability alone to do their deductions. On the other hand, the starting point of the policemen's deductions was the stolen data from the police department.

This was too despicable.

 The impact factor was one of the parameters of their deduction outcome!

 Supported by data and their abilities, they could eventually deduce the person who had the highest probability of affecting their plan!

 “Uh…”

 Lu Ming thought about it for a moment. “It seems to be more complicated than I thought.”

 “Yes.”

 Zhang Wei's expression was grave. “If I'm not mistaken, I must have been at the top of their list of impact factors. Most likely you and your sister are also on the list.”

 “Understood.”

 Lu Ming sighed.

 This is why Zhang Wei told him not to act rashly?

 “It's not that easy to be a bad guy.”

 Zhang Wei sneered. “I'm sure that one of these days, they will definitely eye every data cautiously and become more anxious than we are. They are deeply fearful of any slight hiccups…

 “Don't worry.

 “I will contact a senior officer.”

 Zhang Wei consoled Lu Ming, “No one is aware that I know that senior. Therefore, he is definitely not within the scope of their considerations…

 “Humph!

 “When he appears…”

 There was a cold glint in Zhang Wei's eyes. “These people may still be waiting for the array to be activated.”

 “Understood.”

 Lu Ming understood.

 However…

 Just as he was prepared to leave…

 Suddenly…

 Zhang Wei's wristband communication device vibrated. A streak of red lights flashed across it. It was as if a blood-colored lotus had bloomed, dyeing the screen red. It was bewitching and poignant.

Zhang Wei's body trembled.

 “What's the matter?”

 Lu Ming felt that something was not quite right.

 “The person that I sent to look for that senior… is dead.”

 Zhang Wei's eyes were dazed.

 Dead.

 How is that possible?!

 Clearly, no one knew about this apart from the two of us…

 Why did he die?!

 d.a.m.n it!

 These people are more powerful than I imagined!

 Well, since he was able to guess their working style, how could they possibly not be able to guess his?

Hahaha, I thought that I was smarter than them…

 They thought of everything…

 “Old Zhang?”

 Lu Ming looked at Zhang Wei, whose face was filled with despair.

 “I'm done for.”

 Zhang Wei suddenly looked at Lu Ming. “Run… Although you may be chased and killed even if you do, I believe that you can definitely escape from here…

 “Even if Qing Ming City disappears, you have to expose them!

 “Run!”

 This was Zhang Wei's last request.

 In Qing Ming City, Lu Ming was the only one who could escape with what he knew!

 “Are they that arrogant?”

 Lu Ming was between laughter and tears.

 “Believe me. You should leave.”

 Zhang Wei said anxiously, “Those policemen have more information than I imagined. They are smarter than I believed them to be. You'll only be waiting for death if you stay here!

 “If you escape on your own…

 “There is still hope!

 “They won't dare to act rashly.

 “When the Restart Array will be activated, that will be your chance! When that time comes, they will be occupied with the Restart Array and not many people will run after you!

 “You should escape then!

 “This is our only chance for the truth to be exposed!

 “Please, Lu Ming.”

 After a long time…

 Lu Ming departed from Zhang Wei's place.

 Since the guy he had sent died, Old Zhang seemed to have suffered a complete emotional breakdown. He only hoped that Lu Ming could survive and expose the truth…

 However…

 What was the point of this?

 All the people in Qing Ming City would be dead then…

 “Six-star…”

 Lu Ming suddenly realized that he really had no way of dealing with these people.

 If there was only one six-star, he might be able to go all out to fight them. However, when facing a group of six-stars and a Restart Array, he could only call it a day!

 To put it bluntly…

 Given Lu Ming's current ability, this situation was completely beyond his control!

 This was not something that he could manage!

 Perhaps the right thing to do was listen to Old Zhang and leave with Xiaobai?

 “I'm still too weak.”

 Lu Ming rubbed his head.

 In the group of ancient tombs, although his enemy had been very powerful, he could still fight them on. However, now it was true that he would not even have the chance to strike!

 According to Zhang Wei, amongst this group of policemen, it was likely that there were at least ten six-stars and there might even be a peak six-star.

Such an opponent… could possibly blast Lu Ming to death with just one fart!

 What could he use to fight them?

 Back at the shop.

 Xiaobai had already prepared a meal.

 “Master! It's time to eat!” Xiaobai said.

 “Okay.”

 Lu Ming's mind was filled with thoughts. Suddenly, he asked, “Xiaobai, if you encounter a problem you can't solve, what do you do?”

 “A problem I can't solve?”

 Xiaobai blinked her big eyes. After pondering for a moment, she said happily, “If I can't solve it, I ask Master for help.”

 “This girl…”

 Lu Ming could not stifle his laughter. “Aren't you afraid that I won't be able to solve it either?”

 “I trust Master.”

 “Hmm…”

 “Even if you find one at the moment, Master always has a solution!” Xiaobai said seriously.

 “Really?”

 Lu Ming felt gratified.

 That was right.

 Usually, even if he couldn't solve a problem, he would find ways to resolve the situation…

 However, on this occasion, if he could not beat his opponents, there were not many solutions left… The Restart Array was a liability as they could execute a blood sacrifice at any point in time… .

 Lu Ming closed his eyes and suddenly came to his senses.

 Since Xiaobai trusted him that much…

 Why wouldn't he try? Since the circ.u.mstances were already bad, there was no other way. If things were really like what Zhang Wei had said, he would escape later!

 Should I try?

 There was a sparkle in Lu Ming's eyes.

 “Xiao-Xiaojian?”

 Lu Ming called his Original Card. “There's something that I may need you to do.”

 “I don't feel like going out.”

 With the pink and green bangs on its head, Xiao-Xiaojian felt a little demotivated. Especially when it channeled energy, the green and pink lights would flash everywhere. It looked even more horrible…

It was super ugly!

 “Be good.”

 Lu Ming consoled it, “As everyone knows, RGB can significantly increase your performance…”

 “Haha.”

 Xiao-Xiaojian sneered.

 I'll be d.a.m.ned if I were to believe you!

 However…

 The situation this time was unique and it could not retort. In the end, after a round of friendly negotiations with Lu Ming, Xiao-Xiaojian volunteered to take up this responsibility.

 That night.

 A streak of faint light flashed.

Xiao-Xiaojian left without a sound.

 In the days to come, peace suddenly seemed to have resumed.

 Lu Ming was creating cards quietly.

 Xiaobai was also learning diligently.

 The cultivators waiting for the fortuitous encounter were also cultivating diligently.

 The policemen were also very low key.

 Hence…

 After a long period of chaos, Qing Ming City finally welcomed the most peaceful and quiet period of time in its history.

 “Things seem to be more peaceful.”

 “Yes, yes. Those cultivators are not stirring up trouble anymore.”

 “The gloomy clouds shrouding Qing Ming City are also gone!”

 Everyone was elated.

 “Old Zhang, it's been tough for you guys!”

 Some pa.s.sersby said to Zhang Wei.

 “Not at all! Not at all!”

 Zhang Wei smiled faintly. His smile was filled with bitterness.

 Occasionally, when he pa.s.sed through the downtown area, he would glance in the direction of Lu Ming's shop. He only had one thought in his mind: “Lu Ming, you have to escape from this place!”

 “It's almost time.”

 Lu Ming looked at the small tool on the table that was beginning to vibrate gently.

 Tsk.

 It was already eighty percent done?

 There was not much time left…

 Lu Ming was filled with emotions.

 It was very late at night.

 A streak of faint light flashed. Xiao-Xiaojian returned quietly. Lu Ming walked towards it excitedly and received only one line of response —

 Nurture the sinister aura and activate the array!

 “Activate the array?”

 Lu Ming was taken aback.

 T-this… seemed to be quite different from what he had imagined?!

 “Yes.”

 Xiao-Xiaojian was very certain.

 This was the only response that it had received.

 Lu Ming was silent.

 Why did this information sound so unreliable?!

 The Restart Array was already on the verge of activation and he had to bring forward the activation time?!

 Lu Ming still could not understand.

 “Is there no other way?”

 Lu Ming kept having a feeling that it had missed out on something.

 “Well, there is something.”

 Xiao-Xiaojian pondered for a moment. “However, it's quite unimportant. I've already filtered it out…”

 “Tell me!”

 Lu Ming said unhappily, “Who told you to filter things? Tell me every word that she said. Don't cut corners!”

“Alright.”

 Xiao-Xiaojian felt very helpless. “I'll tell you then… She originally said:

 ‘This child… finally trusts me now.'

 Another voice responded: ‘Weren't you very close in the past?'

 ‘Yes, but since he left for Qing Ming City, inexplicably, I feel very distanced from him… Perhaps I've overcorrected him… After all, it's normal for a child in his teens to like his elder sister?'

 ‘Yes, yes. If I had a sister like you, most probably I would have been a lesbian!'

 ‘Li Tiantian!'

 ‘Alright, alright. I won't talk about it anymore…'

 ‘He has grown more independent in Qing Ming City. I also saw him become more mature during the Lunar Shadow legacy… However, there are still some feelings of estrangement…”

 ‘Sisters like you are so difficult. When your brother is too close to you, you're afraid that he will like you. After he distances himself, you feel estranged…'

‘Li Tiantian!'

 ‘Hehe. In my opinion, Lu Ming is quite good. Why don't you give him to me? I can call you sister, okay~'

 Xiao-Xiaojian transmitted his thoughts.

 Lu Ming was speechless.

 d.a.m.n!

 What nonsense was that?

 “I don't know her!”

 “I said it before.

 “These are all unimportant trifles…” Xiao-Xiaojian said with contempt.

“You're the one who insisted on listening… Your sister only asked me to pa.s.s on one message: Nurture the sinister aura and activate the array!”

 “Oh.”

 “She even taught me an ability to nurture the sinister aura.”

 “A—alright.”

 Lu Ming rubbed his head.

 Nurture the aura…

 Alright.

 He asked for their help this time because he wanted to try. From the viewpoint of his sister and Senior Qiu Shuyi, was there a better solution?!

 He had explained very clearly that they might do a blood sacrifice with the inhabitants of Qing Ming City…

 Under such circ.u.mstances…

 His sister still told him to nurture the aura?

 “Let's try it.”

 Lu Ming took a deep breath.

 Since he had decided to seek help, he intended to trust Lu Yan.

 “Xiaobai.”

 “Yes.”

 “Pack everything… Follow me closely… I'm afraid something earth-shattering is going to happen.”

 “Okay.”

 Xiaobai carried her tiny school bag and followed Lu Ming closely.

 Shus.h.!.+

 The duo stepped underground.

 At this very moment…

 Somewhere, on some screens, countless data were blinking and some names constantly flashed.

 Lu Ming, impact factor, ten points.

 Lu Yan impact factor, eight points.

 Zhang Wei, impact factor, one point.

 This was the deduction outcome for the Restart Array. It contained the data from this deduction and the possible factors that might intervene with the operations of the array activation!

 The points for the Lu Ming sibling pair were not high.

The top on the list had eighteen points. However…

 It was still acceptable.

 “Remember.

 “Once there is someone who exceeds thirty points, we have to finish them!”

 “Understood.”

 Some policemen were keeping a close watch.

 However…

 At this moment.

 Shus.h.!.+

 A piece of data was brightly flas.h.i.+ng in red on the screen!

 Buzz—

 The alarm was rampantly flas.h.i.+ng.

 Everyone was jolted awake. They glanced at the screen immediately. Over there, the data that belonged to Lu Yan actually soared from eight to a hundred points!

 Lu Yan had intervened!

 “d.a.m.n it!”

 “They have a death wis.h.!.+”

 The policemen wore ferocious expressions.

 “Take action!”

 “Prepare to ma.s.sacre the city!”

 “When Lu Yan arrives, perhaps all of us will have to die!”

 “Understood!”

 “Activate all the surveillance cameras and keep a tight watch on Lu Yan's location”

 “I want to see whether Lu Yan will arrive faster than it takes me to activate the array! I want her to know what a blood sacrifice is!”

 They had already prepared for the accident.

 They merely needed a few minutes to send these people from Qing Ming City to heaven!

 However…

 Just as they were prepared to take action, suddenly, something more uncanny happened. The progress bar of the Restart Array was actually complete!

 This was…

 Bang!

Bang!

The earth was suddenly shaking.

 Everyone was jolted awake. This commotion… The Restart Array had actually been activated?!

 Swoos.h.!.+

 Swoos.h.!.+

 Beams of shocking auras were released.

 “The fortuitous encounter has appeared!”

 “Hahaha, I've been waiting for this day!”

 The cultivators who had been waiting for a long time finally entered.

 “What do we do?”

 Those policemen were also feeling lost.

 “I don't care anymore!”

 “We'll compete for the fortuitous encounter first. Otherwise, what are we here for?!”

 “As for these people…”

 The leader was filled with murderous intent. “After we grab the fortuitous encounter, we'll kill all of them.”

 “Okay.”

 The policemen received their orders.

 Swoos.h.!.+

 Swoos.h.!.+

 They transformed into shadows and also dashed to town.

 At this very moment…

 Bang!

Bang!

Towering lights and shadows emerged.

 In the sky of Qing Ming City, an ancient array appeared. It mysteriously engulfed the entire city, shrouding every corner.

 Bang!

Bang!

The ground trembled.

 Terrifying lights constantly emerged from underground.

 The Restart Array… had finally been activated!

 Shus.h.!.+

 Lights and shadows flashed.

 Not too far in the distance.

 That ‘Ye Zi Chain Flags.h.i.+p Store' which had competed with Lu Ming in the past actually turned into ashes under the green light… It immediately disappeared without a trace!

 Lu Ming, who had just escaped from the underground, was stunned.

 Shus.h.!.+

 Shus.h.!.+

 Lights flashed.

 One by one, buildings dissipated as if they were dust and smoke…

 Everyone was shocked and terrified.

 It turned out that…

 This was the prowess of the Restart Array?!

 Xiao-Xiaojian was also shocked and did not come to its senses for a long time. After a long time, it then transmitted its thoughts intermittently. “Your sister.. I'm afraid she's a fake one?!”

 Nurture?

 This array…

 d.a.m.n. Who could survive this?!

 Bang!

Bang!

Green lights engulfed the place haphazardly.

 Not too far in the distance.

 Some shops simply evaporated after the green lights swept across them. Some happened to avoid the green lights and some buildings collapsed because they lost a part of their support pillars.

 Finally, the green light dashed in front of Lu Ming.

 “Be careful!”

 Xiao-Xiaojian was all geared to defend him.

 However…

 The most terrifying thing was that the green splendor of the Restart Array ignored its defense. It penetrated the sky and swept across the ground right before their eyes.

 Shus.h.!.+

 The green lights swept across the shop.

 Bang!

The shop turned into smoke and dust and dissipated.

 Bang!

Bang!

Green lights flooded the air.

 “I'm done for.”

 Zhang Wei was in utter despair.

 “The Restart Array… Ultimately, it activated sooner than expected!”

 Seeing that the green lights were approaching, he could not be bothered to dodge them. Once the Restart Array was activated, no one would be spared in Qing Ming City. What was the point of hiding from it?

 “Come on!”

 He hollered furiously and actually rushed into the green lights.

 However, he was shocked to discover that he did not die. Seemingly, this strange and mysterious green light would only destroy the buildings and did not kill him. That kind of feeling…

 “Could it be that…”

 Zhang Wei suddenly made a horrifying guess.

 If that was really the case…

d.a.m.n it!

 Click!

 Click!

 The endless cracks on the ground were spreading.

 Under the ancient tombs, the array had appeared. Countless lines flashed. Endless green lights were emerging, emitted from the fissures!

The buildings continued to collapse.

 Qing Ming City was akin to a living h.e.l.l.

 At this very moment…

 Suddenly…

 A beam of dazzling ice blue lights suddenly flashed across the sky like lightning and tore through the dark green world.

Bang!

The ground shattered.

 Blue glares penetrated the sky, charged into the middle of the array and landed there!

 Shus.h.!.+

 The emerging green lights suddenly stopped.

 The green lights that shrouded half of Qing Ming City were suddenly gone.

 Afterward…

 A cold voice spoke in the sky.

 “Sword Embryo, erupt!”

 Bang!

There was a deafening sound.

 A Sword Embryo erupted.

 Before everyone, there was only endless ice blue…