INHA Chapter 84

The live stream ended but the topic quickly became a hot search again, drawing more people to click in and be astonished. Their first reaction was to question whether it was real or fake.

However, when they saw the links to ongoing news broadcasts in the hot search, which were from local and provincial television news platforms, it became clear that fabricating false news was not a possibility.

At the same time, follow-up measures for Fengnian City were being reported in the news and online discussions heated up about the reality of supernatural events in this world.

The human race’s fortunes were slightly shaken.

The official organizations felt it was time to address the situation and held a press conference on major official platforms, as well as in Fengnian City. They announced a very important matter.

【There are indeed some supernatural creatures and events in this world, and there is also an Anomaly Handling Bureau that has been secretly protecting the safety of humanity.】

Various official channels assured the public not to panic, stating that all city police stations would conduct patrols, and handling bureau personnel would assist in dealing with abnormal events.

People were advised to go about their usual activities and to call the police immediately if any issues arose so that professionals could handle them.

However, there was still confusion online, with calls for the officials to explain why they suddenly disclosed this information. Was the official live stream the first platform used by the handling bureau to test the waters? The purpose seemed to be not only to gradually prepare the public for these revelations but also to educate them.

Questions arose about why this situation had occurred. After all, the officials could have continued to conceal everything as they had in the past. Why reveal this secret information piece by piece?

Was there truly an urgent reason behind this?

After careful consideration and analysis, the officials decided to be transparent and inform everyone of a more serious message.

【These supernatural entities and monsters are pawns used by certain forces to attack human fortune. By disclosing this information now, we hope that if even more terrifying creatures appear in the future, everyone will be mentally prepared and avoid panic, preventing these forces from exploiting the situation.】

Everyone immediately began to panic, but seeing the news footage of the monsters being sealed in cages and removed, along with the police visible on the streets, that panic subsided by half.

At the same time, the officials reassured everyone that there was no need to panic. The government was handling the situation. Everyone needed to work together to get through this crisis.

They emphasized that no mysterious force should be allowed to truly suppress human fortune, as that would be even more terrifying than an apocalyptic event.

Deep down, humanity has an innate spirit of resistance and defiance. Hearing the officials describe the situation as potentially more serious than the end of the world itself was crucial, it united people in solidarity.

Abroad, other official organizations also faced pressure. Observing that the Chinese side had revealed their handling bureau, many in other countries debated whether to disclose their own organizations. This led to numerous protests, with people holding signs demanding that their governments also clarify whether they had organizations in place to protect their citizens.

Reluctantly, the international community also had to disclose their own organizations. These organizations were affiliated with religious institutions and used holy water and crucifixes, which surprisingly proved effective against the monsters and evil entities in their region.

At that moment, people around the world began to adjust to the new reality: a world that includes terrifying monsters, ghosts, and evil spirits. Many news media outlets and various public accounts were analyzing and reporting on these events.

Xu Dongyou’s previous live stream documentary gained even more popularity, becoming a widely praised educational video, and people continuously analyzed it to extract useful information.

However, after watching these videos, especially for those who had previously praised the special effects, their perspective had completely changed. What had once been seen as impressive special effects and weak storylines, particularly in the episode with the toy bear, was now viewed with horror.

They were now terrified, realizing that it was all real! The ghost that could possess the toy bear was indeed frightening, even though the little girl’s soul had returned to its original form.

There was also the monstrous fish that really did eat people and nearly smashed a boat. Moreover, the evil ghost that collected power through a singer named Mr. Tian—most likely the famous singer Tian Haomiao—was now a serious concern.

This meant that many fans who once listened to the singer’s music were almost caught up in the chaos. Fortunately, the situation had been resolved.

Tian Haomiao posted an apology on Weibo.

【I apologize for the trouble and danger my music almost caused to my fans and listeners. I am truly sorry.】

Some criticized Tian Haomiao for not speaking up sooner, but most people understood that he might not have known the official stance, which is why he hesitated to speak out. At least now he had apologized, which was better than remaining silent.

Xu Dongyou had been taken to the Research Department of the Anomaly Handling Bureau for treatment. Fortunately, as a demon himself, his injuries, though severe, would heal with time.

Elder Chen and Jiu Chao refrained from coming in person and instead had Tian Ze bring a large number of supplements. Their own identities were too sensitive; if they had gone in person, it might have caused some handling personnel to develop negative opinions about Xu Dongyou.

Xu Dongyou took the supplements and consumed them obediently. His condition improved significantly, to the point where it no longer affected his ability to walk, as long as he avoided strenuous activities.

He would be fully recovered in at most three months.

Tian Ze, recalling that day, still felt a pang of anxiety but praised Xu Dongyou for his quick reactions and significant contributions in the battle. He mentioned that the headquarters would issue a considerable reward for Xu Dongyou.

Xu Dongyou nodded gratefully and then asked Tian Ze what would happen to the monster next.

Tian Ze explained that the monster’s regeneration ability was quite unique. Since it was effectively contained, it would be used for analysis and experimentation. If no useful results were obtained, it would be destroyed. The officials would also provide substantial compensation and public acknowledgments to the families of those who had sacrificed their lives. Any damaged properties and belongings would be compensated for by the authorities.

Relieved, Xu Dongyou still felt a twinge of self-reproach, wishing he could have been stronger to protect more people and prevent further sacrifices.

As for Xu Dongyou’s parents, they had noticed his sudden disappearance. Before they could panic and call him, Xu Dongyou called them, explaining that there had been an urgent matter at school, and he had to leave quickly.

Xu Dongyou’s parents initially wanted to question when he had left, but their concern for his safety overshadowed their curiosity. Xu Dongyou reassured them that he had encountered no dangers on his way out.

With the monster issue resolved, Xu Dongyou’s parents did not pursue the matter further, though they insisted he stay put at school and not wander around.

They also called Xu Yangchen, instructing him not to roam around carelessly.

Xu Yangchen naturally agreed.

Xu Dongyou’s parents sat in the living room, still uneasy despite the resolution of the monster incident. Even though there were plenty of police cars patrolling nearby, they decided to go to the supermarket to stock up on food.

To their surprise, they were not alone in their concerns. Many people shared their apprehensions and were frantically buying supplies. Fortunately, the authorities had anticipated this reaction and did not intervene. Instead, they opened up additional food reserves to alleviate the public’s fear and anxiety.

Despite the shopping frenzy, there was still a good supply of food. It took several days for the intense purchasing behavior to subside, as people gradually realized that daily life was not as abnormal as they had feared.

It was almost as if the monster attacks they had seen on television were fictional. Life continued with its usual tranquility.

As a result, human sentiment began to calm down.

Meanwhile, Xu Dongyou noticed what he thought might be an improvement in his abilities. Over the past few days, his powers seemed to have significantly increased. He even tested his spiritual energy and found it had risen to 3.5 points—his spiritual energy had indeed grown stronger.

Similarly, his demon power had also improved. He could now effortlessly control several vines with greater skill and ease than before.

On the internet, people were curious about how to join the handling bureau and how to acquire abilities like those displayed by the bureau members.

There were also questions about why ordinary people, who lacked the ability to combat ghosts and demons, were not given ways to enhance their own defensive capabilities. Why not develop protective weapons for public purchase?

In response, the newly established handling bureau’s official Weibo account quickly posted an informative update.

In just a few days, this official account garnered tens of millions of followers, becoming one of the fastest-growing accounts in terms of follower count.

【Anomaly Handling Bureau Official V】: To address the most common question, the abilities of our handlers are based on one prerequisite: spiritual energy.

Ordinary people do have the potential to acquire spiritual energy, but it requires a certain aptitude. Almost all handlers had abilities different from those of ordinary people from a young age, which led them to be recruited by the Anomaly Handling Bureau as they grew up.

Regarding the second issue, the research department is indeed working on developing protective technology for the public. However, these technologies require spiritual energy to function. Since handlers’ spiritual energy is limited and primarily used to manage malevolent entities, it is challenging to allocate some of it for public safety devices.

The official response cleared up some doubts but left many disappointed. It seems that only those who are different from ordinary people from an early age have a chance to develop spiritual energy. For those in their twenties who have not shown any special abilities, they will likely remain ordinary.

Disappointment was inevitable.

In reality, the Anomaly Handling Bureau does have spiritual energy storage balls, but their quantity is limited and they are kept for emergencies. It is difficult to repurpose them for public protective devices.

The research department continues to work on developing better protective technologies.

Everything is moving in a positive direction.

Meanwhile, Zhulong in the sealed array grew increasingly agitated after waiting a week without seeing Xu Dongyou. Its patience for seven days was unprecedented. On the eighth day, it went berserk, nearly breaking the sealing array.

Everyone was alarmed and had to urgently call Xu Dongyou to calm Zhulong or else it might truly lead to a catastrophic event!

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