Central main hall, sacrificial altar.
Inside the bathing chamber.
The sacrificial figure lay prostrate near a cluster of small stones, eyes closed with an indifferent expression. Beside him, two maids attended to him: one knelt on the ground, massaging his back, while the other maid lifted his arm, providing relaxation to his limbs.
The sacrificial figure appeared to be of advanced age, with white hair and wrinkles on his forehead and beneath his eyes. However, his physique was robust, and his overall frame seemed sturdy.
“Move a bit to the left,” the sacrificial figure instructed. After speaking, he closed his eyes to savor the moment. Once he felt satisfied, he raised his hand and pointed to the side.
The two maids understood his gesture, releasing his hand as they stood up. After bowing respectfully to the sacrificial figure, they gracefully exited with light steps, ensuring not to make any sound. Before leaving, they lowered the curtain. They stood outside, keeping watch to prevent anyone from disturbing the tranquility within.
Standing up and stretching his arms and shoulders, the sacrificial figure draped a towel in front of him and walked slowly into the hot spring. The pleasant water temperature made him sigh in comfort. Ripples spread across the water’s surface, and steam floated in the air, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Nearby, water flowed down from the stones, enhancing the scene like a celestial realm.
After swimming for a while, feeling thoroughly relaxed, he sat by the side of the hot spring this time, allowing the water to flow over half of his body. Leaning back against the edge, he finally spoke, “Someone, bring me a cup of water.”
The waiting maid immediately entered, carrying two cups of water—one warm and the other cold—for the sacrificial figure to choose from.
“How is the situation over there?” he inquired.
“If you go back to the sacrificial site, the commander is currently leading a pursuit of the mechanic. I believe we’ll have news very soon,” the maid’s voice was melodic, akin to the pleasant sound of wind chimes.
“It’s been quite a while. Isn’t it a bit slow?” The sacrificial figure lifted his chin, closed his eyes, allowing the steam to caress his cheeks. His white hair lay smoothly against his back, a sign of excellent care.
“I will send someone to hasten the process,” the maid responded with a lowered head.
“Tell them to hurry up. It shouldn’t take this long for my subordinates to capture an incompetent mechanic. If news of this delay reaches the outside, it would be an embarrassment for me,” the sacrificial figure’s tone remained calm, devoid of discernible emotional fluctuations. However, the maid beside him detected a subtle change in his expression. She knew that the esteemed sacrificial figure was displeased.
She steadied her trembling hands and spoke with an even colder composure, “Understood. I’ll go right away.”
The sacrificial figure remained silent, merely waving his hand to dismiss the maid.
The maid had just stood up, preparing to leave, when suddenly a strong gust of wind swept through. It lifted her veil directly, causing her forehead decoration to be flung away, making a crisp sound as it landed on the ground.
She stood still, looking in the direction of the gust. The previously sealed wall had collapsed, revealing the outside scenery. And in that outside view, countless firearms were levitating.
The firearms dispersed, and a man walked in from behind. She recognized him; he was the mechanic wanted throughout the city.
Chu Qianze walked in and the first thing he noticed was a woman. He hesitated for a moment before his gaze landed on the hot spring area. Surprisingly, he didn’t see anyone there.
Right at that moment, the commander, led by the firearms, entered.
Chu Qianze: “Are you sure this is the place?”
The commander nodded, cold sweat trickling down his forehead. “Yes, yes. Usually, at this time, the sacrificial figure would be bathing here.”
Nodding in understanding, Chu Qianze looked around. “Your sacrificial figure seems to know how to enjoy himself.”
Artificial hot springs and maids in attendance.
Chu Qianze’s gaze fell on the hot spring pool, behind a large rock, where a towel was currently drifting.
In a flash, Chu Qianze appeared there and saw an old man huddled in the hot spring.
“Are you the sacrificial figure?”
As soon as the words were spoken, a beam of light flashed before his eyes. Intense light could cause momentary blindness, and this person initially pretended to shrink back, creating a false sense of relaxation to deliver a lethal strike.
Chu Qianze took a step backward, controlling his machinery to intercept and restrain the sacrificial figure.
Seeing the slight movement of the man’s hand, Chu Qianze pulled a grin, lightly tapping his finger, summoning a deep green water orb. “Make another move, and I’ll throw this into the hot spring.”
Seemingly casually, a drop of water from the orb fell onto a nearby massive rock. The rock instantly corroded and caved in, disappearing half its size.
Seeing the solution, the sacrificial figure was suddenly flooded with unpleasant memories. He looked toward the commander beside him, deducing from the commander’s eyes and expression what might be happening.
With his hands behind his back, the sacrificial figure raised his white eyebrows, breaking into a friendly and unusually affable smile.
“Little friend, I’m just an ordinary old man. What mischief could I possibly get up to?”
Chu Qianze raised an eyebrow but didn’t respond to the statement. In a moment of oversight, a maid rushed forward, attempting to subdue the sacrificial figure. However, after a few steps, she found herself surrounded and came to a stop, trembling uncontrollably.
“Isn’t this your little move?” Chu Qianze chuckled, assessing the legendary sacrificial figure from head to toe.
“You’re the one who ordered the pursuit against me.”
It was a statement, not a question.
The sacrificial figure remained silent, smiling without uttering a word.
There was a commotion nearby—the sacrificial figure’s hidden guards.
“I suggest you stay still. In case a gun misfires, the loss for you won’t be trivial.” After all, there were quite a few hostages by his side now.
Having said that, Chu Qianze directed his gaze toward the commander, signaling that he could start his act.
The commander, feeling the weight of Chu Qianze’s gaze, shrank back and looked toward the elderly man beside him, wearing a mournful expression. “Sacrificial figure, he, he tied up all our people.”
The sacrificial figure’s expression remained unchanged, but his eyelids twitched.
Seeing the man complying, Chu Qianze flicked a droplet of water over, causing it to hover slowly by the sacrificial figure’s side.
“Everyone, come out with me.”
Chu Qianze commanded, and his devices pressed against the group, urging them to follow him.
The sacrificial figure remained in place, calling out, “Young man.”
Chu Qianze paused his steps, turning to look.
“Well, you have to let me put on some clothes. Look at me like this…” The sacrificial figure lowered his head, glancing at himself with only a towel on. He spoke with a sheepish expression.
“Well said, after all, there’s still business to attend to.” Chu Qianze walked over and tossed a bath towel to the sacrificial figure.
“Pick up your belongings and follow me.”
After bringing everyone to assemble in the main hall, Chu Qianze didn’t say much. He walked through the main hall and headed outside.
The sacrificial figure, under control, stood in the main hall, scanning his gaze over the people. Everyone involved in the capture operation was present here now.
What does this brat want to do?
For some reason, the sacrificial figure had an uneasy premonition in his heart.
Watching Chu Qianze casually gather everyone together and then leave without saying a word, the sacrificial figure found it extremely odd.
When things go awry, there must be a demon. He was certain that there was something fishy behind this! Perhaps Chu Qianze wanted to see who would cause trouble first and then take advantage of the situation to capture them all in one fell swoop.
With such a simple action, others naturally could figure it out. At this moment, they were all vigilant, ready to guard against any unexpected events.
Chu Qianze, who had already left the central hall, observed everything through the surveillance cameras. Seeing how these people were secretly on guard, he couldn’t help but chuckle.
Indeed, cunning and sly, their minds were full of dark thoughts.
[Host, I’m here.]
“Welcome. Is everything handled?” Chu Qianze asked in his mind.
[Yes. As you expected, that light brain has developed self-awareness, but it’s still in its initial form, very weak.]
“Being in its initial form is already quite remarkable.”
[Just average.]
“But you’re still more formidable.”
[Hehe, that’s how it is~] The system’s tone slightly lifted, pretending to be calm.
[I’ll take my leave for now. There’s a double update for the manga tonight.]
“Sure, I’ll renew your annual membership later.”
[okjb]
Taking a turn, Chu Qianze spotted someone standing in front of a small stall. He took a few quick steps forward and embraced the person’s shoulders.
“I’m here~”
Startled by the sudden force, Zong Xinjue staggered to the side. When he turned to see Chu Qianze, he broke into a smile. “Is the mission completed?”
“Of course, who am I?”
“You’re not injured, right?”
“No.”
Chu Qianze directly lay on the person’s back and asked, “What are you looking at?”
“The weapon’s damage is too high; I’m planning to get a new one,” Zong Xinjue replied.
“Running low on weapons?”
Chu Qianze got off the person’s back and, after a quick look around the weapon shop, grabbed his hand and led him outside. “These are too ordinary; come with me.”
Zong Xinjue asked, “Where are we going?”
Chu Qianze turned back to the person and said, “We’re going to find a weapon that suits you.”
Zong Xinjue felt puzzled, seeing that Chu Qianze was in high spirits and didn’t ask further questions. He simply followed along. It wasn’t until he saw the building of the central hall that he hurriedly pulled Chu Qianze to a stop.
“Wait a minute, that’s the central hall. The sacrificial figure is inside!”
Having just escaped pursuit, were they now willingly walking into the lion’s den? This was too thrilling.
“I know. We’re going there,” Chu Qianze said. Seeing the person looking vigilant, he couldn’t help but pat his head. “Relax, it’s fine.”
Suddenly subjected to a head-pat assassination, Zong Xinjue forgot what he was going to say. After a second, he realized and said, “If you want to trigger another mission, at least let me prepare the supplies first.”
Learning from the lesson of the previous mission, it would be easier to handle if he could at least be well-prepared before continuing.
Chu Qianze found it somewhat amusing, simply pulling the person along. “We’re just going here to find weapons. Don’t worry; everything will be fine.”
Zong Xinjue frowned but chose to follow along. He remained tense, scanning the surroundings, ready to leave immediately if anything seemed off.
However, as they approached, Zong Xinjue gradually sensed that something was amiss.
What were these machines scattered around? Wasn’t it forbidden for floating devices near the central hall? Moreover, instead of patrolling, it seemed more like surveillance.
Seeing Zong Xinjue looking around, Chu Qianze said, “Noticed it? Those are all mine.”
“Are you saying…” The implications were too shocking. Zong Xinjue looked at Chu Qianze, seeking an answer.
At this moment, the two of them arrived at the main hall of the central hall. Chu Qianze pushed open the door, revealing the scene inside to both of them.
The sacrificial figures and others gathered inside noticed the change and simultaneously looked up towards the door, seeing the mechanic reappear in their field of vision.
Chu Qianze turned to the side, smiling, confirming Zong Xinjue’s speculation, “Meaning, how these people are dealt with is up to you.”
Looking at the people in the center, Zong Xinjue didn’t know what to say. This was… kidnapping the entire central hall?
Feeling Chu Qianze’s gaze, Zong Xinjue took a deep breath. “You really know how to overturn people’s perceptions.”
It was truly amazing.
“Is that a compliment?” Chu Qianze asked uncertainly.
“It is.”
“Just average.”
Chu Qianze modestly downplayed it, not entirely sincere.
Zong Xinjue couldn’t help but laugh but then shifted his attention to the sacrificial figures and others. “How do you think I should handle this?”
“It’s up to you; do it however you like.”
Leading the way through the center of the hall, Chu Qianze sat directly on the throne steps, hands clasped together.
After a moment of contemplation, Zong Xinjue leaned in and whispered a few words into Chu Qianze’s ear.
“Sure about this?” Chu Qianze asked.
Zong Xinjue nodded.
Chu Qianze sighed and then said, “Alright, I’ll follow your lead.”
In the central hall, everyone watched as the two whispered intimately, completely disregarding the presence of others, leaving them at a loss for words.
Seeing these two chatting so animatedly, the sacrificial figure let out a heavy breath, suppressing the displeasure in his heart.
Facing the gazes of the others, Chu Qianze cleared his throat. “What are you all waiting for?”
He leaned back on the throne, appearing relaxed, but the sacrificial figures in the room dared not let their attention wander.
“First, let’s make sure everyone wants to live, right?”
Sweeping his gaze across the faces of those present and getting an affirmative answer, Chu Qianze nodded satisfactorily. “Very well, then the next steps are quite simple.”
With one hand supporting his chin, he smiled ambiguously.
“Do you want to cede territory or pay reparations?”
[Congratulations to the players, Chen Qianli and Zong Xinjue, for receiving rewards…]
Looking at the endless list of items in his hand, Zong Xinjue couldn’t contain the smirk on his lips.
As more people were still registering, the rewards section continued to be updated with additional items.
Seeing this person’s avid interest in wealth, Chu Qianze couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless but joined in the laughter.
“Happy?”
“A great harvest.” Zong Xinjue raised his thumb.
“There’s still a place, want to take a look?” Chu Qianze leaned over towards Zong Xinjue, his tone casual and relaxed.
Zong Xinjue paused in his perusal of the item list, lifting his eyes to meet Chu Qianze’s gaze.
With a creak, the door to the inner vault opened. The most mysterious part of the central hall was finally revealed to everyone.
The sacrificial figure stood on the side, bowing and saying, “This is the treasury of our grand hall, where all our treasures are kept.”
Chu Qianze took a glance inside. Equipment, medicinal materials, elixirs, skill books, and insignias…
Anything one could think of was present here.
“It truly lives up to the name of the central hall, with abundant reserves that leave one speechless.”
Chu Qianze walked straight to the section with equipment, finding a massive shield and calling Zong Xinjue over. “What do you think of this? Does it meet your requirements?”
Zong Xinjue walked over, taken aback by the attributes of the massive shield.
“If it’s not suitable, we can look for another one,” Chu Qianze said, moving to other areas.
After another round of harvesting, Chu Qianze returned to the hall and found that everyone still hadn’t finished registering.
“Come on, speed it up. If you think money is more important, just say so. I can even help you prove it,” Chu Qianze brought over a nearby stool and sat on it casually.
Upon hearing those words, the expressions of the people changed, and their registration actions sped up.
Like an old mule, sometimes a little shouting was needed to get things moving.
Seeing Zong Xinjue still standing nearby, Chu Qianze raised his hand, wanting to pull him to sit on his lap.
Zong Xinjue’s face blushed slightly as he shook his head, rejecting the offer.
Suddenly, there was a thunderclap in the sky, followed by a loud bang, and the entire roof was blasted open.
The sudden disturbance startled the crowd, and they all looked up. Among them, the expression on the High Priest’s face was particularly grim.
Countless weapons spun and flew in the air, descending from the broken roof. Following that, hearty laughter echoed from all directions, with an arrogant and disdainful tone.
“I heard you’ve been chasing my disciple, even launching a city-wide pursuit?”
“You old fart, dare to bully a young lad. How despicable! Today, I’m going to teach you a lesson!”
Merck floated down, standing on the flying device, arms crossed, exuding an unruly demeanor. Clad in a ragged beggar outfit, with disheveled hair and drooping eyelids, he looked as if he hadn’t fully awakened. However, numerous gadgets hovered and circled around him, highlighting his extraordinary presence.
Descending from the sky, Merck maintained his high style, believing that his entrance deserved a perfect score of ten, perhaps even twenty. However, after landing and observing the situation clearly, his initially carefree expression froze, and his eyes slightly widened.
Looking at the lordly figure seated in the chair, seemingly unfazed, and glancing at the people lining up for registration in the central hall, Merck couldn’t help but exclaim in surprise.
What’s going on here?
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