Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 438: Circular, Activate! (8K)

Has the battle been decided?

Many people craned their necks, standing up from their seats as if they could catch sight of the results sooner this way.

Beneath the veil of dust, Lu Luo’s expression was somewhat helpless. It seemed he was quite reluctant to concede, yet wary of Qi Xinzhu’s strength.

Seeing this scene, many gamblers were overjoyed.

"I told you so! How could someone from the challenger’s group possibly be a match for someone from the winner’s group? This has never happened before. It didn’t happen in the past, and it won’t happen in the future," declared Gambler A.

"It’s over, all over," lamented Gambler B.

"Although I’m not very clear about the specifics of their fight, I always feel there’s something fishy going on," commented a neutral observer.

All kinds of people were there, discussing the fight between Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu. Although Lu Luo had shown great strength previously, to put it plainly, he had made too few moves. Compared to Lu Luo, Qi Xinzhu’s more complete fighting style was more convincing.

The result of today’s competition was unexpected yet reasonable. Unexpected because an anomaly like Lu Luo had appeared. Reasonable because, despite the existence of an anomaly, he couldn’t overcome a genius like Qi Xinzhu, who had been cultivated from a young age.

District Chief Yun laughed while standing in the stands. He, too, had placed a bet on the fight between Qi Xinzhu and Lu Luo, though he had done so through other channels, of course. At his current status and position, such matters were merely for entertainment and not to be taken seriously. Even if he lost a significant amount, he could always flip the table. Who made him the District Chief, after all? The power he held meant he didn’t need to resort to such actions, but it didn’t mean he couldn’t.

"Her Highness the Princess has lost, huh? Lu Luo is excellent, but he’s still no match for a prodigy like Qi Xinzhu. However, Her Highness the Princess certainly has good taste. To think Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu could fight to such an extent, I hadn’t expected that."

Lost? She didn’t lose a thing; in fact, she won handsomely, alright? Qi Xinzhu is Lu Luo’s wife, and Lu Luo is now her partner. Tonight, they would take their first action together. Though it’s against her former employer, this first action carries special significance. It largely signifies that she, Wu Liji, finally has a Seventh Tier force at her disposal. Though Lu Luo’s personality is quite awful, his efficiency and speed at getting things done are still something to look forward to. One could tell from the several conflicts she had with him before. Lu Luo is definitely a man of action.

Win or lose, what does it matter? After all, Lu Luo is already my man now. And as for Qi Xinzhu, who’s to say she won’t become mine in the future.

"Ah, Your Highness speaks the truth," District Chief Yun said. "It seems that Your Highness’s trip to GuiXi has been quite fruitful. And with Your Highness’s arrival in the GuiXi District, it truly becomes a more radiant place."

"District Chief, don’t joke." Wu Liji cut off District Chief Yun’s flattery. "I’m just the insignificant thirty-third Imperial Princess; compared to my imperial brothers and sisters, I don’t carry much weight. You are different; you’re one of the nine District Chiefs. Based on social standing, you rank much higher than I do." This slick old-timer on the brink of retirement was not easy to handle. Wu Liji did not plan to have much contact with this man. She had always kept a low profile, and now, she prepared to continue doing so.

"The Princess jests; I am about to retire," Yun Que replied. "The future of the Imperial belongs to you young people."

"Hehe, I’ve heard that your son is also very talented, District Chief. There will be someone to take over," Wu Liji said. "Well, the competition has ended, and it’s time for us to go up to the stage and present the awards."

"Alright," Yun Que agreed.

On the arena, the judge who had kept his distance earlier had now walked back up. After confirming the results of the battle, he shouted, "The winner, Qi Xinzhu!"

The whole audience cheered, making Qi Xinzhu the focus of the evening. However, Qi Xinzhu herself didn’t seem to think much of it; her thoughts were all on Lu Luo. Instead of worrying about that, I’d rather think about what to cook for Lu Luo tonight, or what position would be more interesting at night.

"Next, we’d like to invite District Chief Yun Que and Her Royal Highness Princess Wu Liji to present the awards to the winners," the judge announced. "As everyone knows, the top ten participants in this society meeting can select a resource extraction point in GuiXi as a reward. Your societies will enjoy both the extraction rights and the taxation rights. Think carefully and cherish this opportunity; the next one will be three years from now."

Qi Xinzhu came in first, and Lu Luo second, giving Circle Company an absolute advantage in resource control. However, Lu Luo had already negotiated with Wu Liji to give up a resource point to her. Lu Luo had no intention of reneging on the deal. A resource point was nothing compared to Wu Liji’s network and channels.

What followed was another speech by the District Chief and Wu Liji presenting the trophies.

When Wu Liji approached Lu Luo with a crystal trophy, she nodded at him without any sense of incongruity. "You’ve done well."

Lu Luo frowned slightly. This exchange wasn’t part of the plan. Seeing the peculiar glances from the others around him, he instantly understood Wu Liji’s intention. This woman is taking advantage of me! Discipline her tonight? No, forget it. A moment of patience may lead to a period of calm.

Lu Luo’s face looked as unpleasant as if he had eaten shit, but he knew that under such scrutiny, he must do what an Imperial recruiter should do: kneel on one knee.

"Lu Luo thanks Her Royal Highness for her recognition and cultivation, and will surely serve Her Royal Highness."

Seeing Lu Luo kneel on one knee before her, performing the gesture of loyalty, Wu Liji’s brows lifted slightly. In that moment, she felt an unprecedented happiness. No, this feeling couldn’t just be described as happiness. It should be called an unprecedented thrill. Was there anything more delightful than making that bastard Lu Luo look foolish? No, there wasn’t.

"Alright, rise," Wu Liji said. "Although you lost to Qi Xinzhu today, your performance was already quite excellent. At least you didn’t embarrass me. You’ll receive a good reward when we get back."

Hearing the conversation between Wu Liji and Lu Luo, many people suddenly realized. So Lu Luo was someone Her Royal Highness had taken notice of! That explains his meteoric rise to the finals. For someone favored by Her Royal Highness to perform this well, it wasn’t too surprising after all.

Though many thought this, Lu Luo, the man in question, felt as uncomfortable as if he had swallowed a fly.

"Alright, think about the resource point you would like," Wu Liji said. "Let’s start with you, Miss Qi Xinzhu. For your Cain Secret Cultivator Society to reach this position, your personal performance has been impeccable. Your contribution is also enormous. So tell me, what would you like?"

Qi Xinzhu’s gaze shifted away from Lu Luo and Wu Liji, and she slowly said, "I want a Spirit Stone extraction point in the Western Suburbs."

"Spirit Stones, eh? Fair enough," District Chief Yun declared. "Authorize it for her."

District Chief Yun was generous, as such allocations happened every three years. He had long since grown accustomed to it. Deliberately obstructing contracts was something only those without a sound mind would do. The laws of the Imperial might have many loopholes in some areas, but in others, they were quite strict. Having been an official for nearly forty years, Yun Que was very clear on what he should and should not do.

"And you, Lu Luo, what do you need?" District Chief Yun asked.

"I would be grateful for an iron ore mining site. Thank you, District Chief," Lu Luo replied.

Lu Luo was very polite, which pleased Yun Que. It wasn’t that there had been no challengers who made it from the contender’s group to the winner’s group before, but many of them were scum of society—filthy, unsightly, not to my liking. But Lu Luo is different: young, vibrant, and well-mannered. No wonder the Imperial Princess favors someone like him. And having gained her support, Lu Luo’s future growth will be limitless.

"The Imperial Princess has such a good eye," District Chief Yun said to Lu Luo. "If I weren’t nearing retirement, I would even compete to keep you in GuiXi District."

Facing the District Chief’s jest, Lu Luo simply nodded in acknowledgment.

Here, besides Zhang Changming and Wu Liji, no one knew that I just saved the city. An Eighth Order Exotic Species repelled—how many casualties were reduced, how much economic loss avoided? These things are immeasurable. It was precisely because Wu Liji knew what I had done that she had the mindset to tease me. However, I don’t care at all; I always put myself first. Saving GuiXi District and the Coal Capital was just a matter of convenience for me. Now I’ve gotten what I wanted. The era of rapid development for Circle Company is about to arrive.

After the resource allocation, the society meeting also concluded satisfactorily. Starting today, the societies of GuiXi District would have a newfound understanding of both the Cain Secret Cultivator Society and Lu Luo. For some reason, large societies like the Sunset Association also chose silence at this time. But they definitely acknowledged the Cain Secret Cultivator Society’s victory. Now was not the time for a fallout, but what would happen in the future remained uncertain.

"Alright, everyone go back, get some rest. In a few days, you can go and make contact regarding your respective resource points," announced District Chief Yun.

Once back at his residence, Lu Luo didn’t go out. Instead, he called Qi Xinzhu and Zhou Kai, asking Qi Xinzhu to meet at Wu Liji’s place later that night; Zhou Kai was also to attend. Under normal circumstances, Bai Yuetong, as the head of their support operations, should also be present. But I’m well aware of the risk Bai Yuetong’s identity poses within the Imperial. So, it’s better to let Brother Kane handle this operation!

「Late at night.」

In the Imperial Princess’s temporary residence, Wu Liji anxiously urged Lu Luo, "The society meeting is over. We should be seeking out Dan Kun and the others now, not wasting time here. What exactly are you waiting for?"

Wu Liji was clearly impatient; she was more interested in pursuing the Grey Robes to clarify matters about the seal than in remaining here.

"Haste won’t get you hot tofu," Lu Luo said. "The more urgent it gets, the less we can afford to rush. Have you considered what you, under normal circumstances, should be doing now?"

"What normal circumstances?" Wu Liji asked.

"Under normal circumstances, after the society meeting, the District Chief would definitely invite you to a dinner. You’ve already declined the invitation, which in itself is inappropriate. Leaving now would be even more unreasonable. Don’t give others a reason to suspect you; maintaining your disguise is the most crucial thing."

Lu Luo rambled on like a preacher, but Wu Liji was not receptive.

"Stop talking nonsense. I don’t need you to teach me how to handle my affairs. You’re prattling on like my mother."

"Hey, you! When you set me up during the day, I didn’t say a word. Now I say a couple of things to you, and you’re getting all worked up?" Lu Luo retorted.

"Hmph!" Wu Liji snorted.

Arguing had become almost a daily routine between them; even with their cooperation, their relationship had never truly eased.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK.

Lu Luo went straight to the door, not acting like an outsider at all. When he opened it, Qi Xinzhu, Zhou Kai, and Gu Fangyi had all arrived.

"You’re here," Lu Luo said.

"Yes!" Qi Xinzhu smiled and nodded. She had even brought a late-night snack for Lu Luo.

This is a surprise. Normally, Qi Xinzhu, though she cares for me, wouldn’t do something like this. Is it because of Wu Liji? Lu Luo couldn’t help but smile wryly.

"Come in," Lu Luo said. "We need to settle the matter of the base and resource points tonight."

"Alright," they replied.

After everyone had entered Wu Liji’s room, she began to size up Qi Xinzhu and the others. These must be Lu Luo’s core team. My first impression is that they all look very young, just like Lu Luo. Except for that Zhou Kai, who appears a bit older, Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi seem to be about the same age as Lu Luo.

"Are all your people this young?" Wu Liji asked, her tone slightly challenging. "You know, the tasks ahead are very important. If they’re not mature enough, many things won’t be done well."

Lu Luo didn’t care at all. Age? Is that even an issue?

"I’m not that old myself, and you don’t seem to be able to do much to me, do you?" Lu Luo retorted. "Besides, for someone of your advanced age, I don’t see how you’re any better than us."

My advanced age? How old do I look? I’m only twenty-six this year, just about four years older than Lu Luo and his group. How can that be considered old? Wu Liji was somewhat infuriated.

"Lu Luo, you’re talking nonsense!"

"Believe me, I’m not. Really," Lu Luo said innocently.

"You..."

"Alright, let’s stop talking about these irrelevant matters. Let me introduce them to you," Lu Luo said, his expression suddenly turning serious.

Seeing this change, Wu Liji, surprisingly, didn’t dare to say much more. "Fine, go ahead."

Lu Luo came up to the three of them and pointed at Zhou Kai. "His name is Zhou Kai, the main person responsible for logistics in our team. In the future, many issues concerning resources will mostly involve dealing with him. Brother Kane is very capable, earnest, and meticulous, so regarding resource points, you don’t need to worry. Our team doesn’t need your people to interfere. What you need to do is help us establish good channels and sell goods on our behalf."

Wu Liji frowned slightly. Lu Luo’s implication is clear: he still wants to maintain his own little group, and this group still excludes me. This makes our cooperation seem not very stable!

"I can agree to these terms," Wu Liji said. "But I also need to know, what exactly do you mean by ’selling goods’? If it’s normal merchandise, that’s fine. But if it’s contraband, I’d advise you to think twice."

Wu Liji was part of the Imperial Family, after all, and she still held a genuine concern for the populace, because this country was, in essence, their family’s domain. Therefore, dealing in contraband was a line Wu Liji would not cross.

"Don’t worry," Lu Luo assured her. "Our goods are all legitimate. There will be no contraband involved; you can be sure of that."

"Then that’s good."

Lu Luo then approached Gu Fangyi. "This is Gu Fangyi, our team’s combat leader and one of my personal squad members. He’s skilled in reconnaissance and assassination. In terms of cultivation talent, he’s one of the most promising individuals in our team, with a boundless future. Of course, if you have any protection requirements or assassination requests, you can also contact him. As partners, we will provide a suitable quote after an assessment."

"Pfft, with my strength, how could I possibly need someone like him for protection?" Wu Liji scoffed.

"Heh, I hope that’s the case," Lu Luo replied.

Finally, Lu Luo came to Qi Xinzhu’s side. "You should be quite familiar with her: Qi Xinzhu, my wife, and also one of the members of my personal squad. You’ve already had a taste of her combat abilities, but her real profession is actually a doctor. Her medical skills far surpass her combat abilities, and she’s an irreplaceable medical support member of our team."

When Lu Luo mentioned Qi Xinzhu, Wu Liji’s eyebrows twitched slightly. This woman is indeed remarkable. So, her powerful strength isn’t even her greatest skill, and she’s also proficient in medicine? And she shows not a hint of awe in my presence... What is her background?

"Hello, I am Wu Liji."

"Hello, I am Qi Xinzhu."

The two women shook hands, formally acknowledging each other.

Lu Luo smiled to himself. Whether there are any conflicts between them now or if clashes will emerge in the future, none of that matters anymore. What’s important is that my objectives have been achieved. Circle Company is now firmly on the right track. With Princess Wu Liji as a protective umbrella, I will put down roots in the GuiXi District. Resources from Circle Company will continuously flow into the Imperial, and I will carve out my own domain, becoming one of the most powerful forces in the entire Imperial.

"Alright, since everyone has been introduced, our collaboration officially starts now," Lu Luo announced. "The resource point I secured earlier will be handed over to Wu Liji. We will retain control of the remaining Spirit Stone mining site. Starting today, Imperial Circle officially begins operations!"

Watching Lu Luo assign tasks methodically, Wu Liji felt somewhat dazed. I’m questioning his identity. If Lu Luo was a criminal before, he shouldn’t have such organizational capabilities. His past, or rather, their past... what was it?

"Is your organization called Circle?" Wu Liji asked.

"Yes, Circle. Perhaps you have never heard this name before. But no matter, you will gradually become familiar with it. Moreover, this country needs a spirited and idealistic organization like Circle. Perhaps after you understand the ideals of Circle, you might join us as well."

"Heh, ideals?" Wu Liji sneered. "The Grey Robes’ ideal is to save the common people. Although many Grey Robes don’t act that way, their original ideal was just that. So what’s Circle’s ideal? Something that can move me?"

Lu Luo smiled. "The ideal of Circle is quite simple: groceries at half price."

"Pfft, what kind of ideal is that," Wu Liji scoffed.

"You don’t understand?" Lu Luo smiled. "No worries. Once your perspective broadens a little more, you’ll grasp my meaning."

Groceries at half price? What special meaning could that possibly have?

"Stop being deliberately mysterious," Wu Liji said. "Hey, about that matter we discussed this morning, are we still going to do it?"

"Don’t rush. Let me explain a few things to them, then we’ll set off," Lu Luo replied.

Lu Luo took Qi Xinzhu and the other two outside to explain their tasks, while Wu Liji remained in the room, mulling over what Lu Luo had just said.

The ideal of Circle... is groceries at half price? What kind of ideal is that? Wait a minute... if I think about it more deeply, under what circumstances could one actually buy groceries at half price? Peace, prosperity, the entire society possessing sufficiently strong production capacity, and absolutely stable prices. Only when all these conditions are met could such a situation possibly occur. But are these really the ideals of Circle? Am I overthinking this? Overinterpreting?

Wu Liji wasn’t sure if she was overinterpreting, but recalling Lu Luo’s confident expression earlier made her feel a little uncertain.

The ideals of Circle! Are they... about the people?

「At the door」

Lu Luo was kissing Qi Xinzhu goodbye. There had been so many things happening recently that he really didn’t have much time to focus on their relationship.

"Xinzhu, you’ve worked hard," Lu Luo said gently.

"What are you talking about?" Qi Xinzhu replied. "Everything we do has meaning. Besides, once this is over, we’ll have a base that truly belongs to us within the Imperial. Then, Circle Company will enter a long period of stability. I understand all of this."

Nowadays, Qi Xinzhu’s vision and thinking had both significantly improved. She no longer judged matters based on momentary personal preferences. However, the late-night snack today was indeed a thoughtful gesture on her part.

"Alright," Qi Xinzhu continued, "the matters concerning Circle Company—Dumb Hair, Zhou Kai, Gu Fangyi, and I—the four of us will handle them properly. You just need to take care of your own affairs. And remember to eat the late-night snack. Don’t forget; I went to a lot of trouble to make it."

Lu Luo touched his head, understanding the meaning behind Qi Xinzhu’s words. It’s simple: the flowers at home are pretty enough, and there’s plenty of meat to eat. It’s better to avoid temptation outside. But this approach seems a bit distrustful. Am I, Lu Luo, that kind of person? I’m irreconcilably opposed to gambling and drugs!

"I’m very well-behaved outside," Lu Luo declared. "I never initiate conversations with girls; it’s always them who provoke me first."

Qi Xinzhu laughed. In fact, Lu Luo was indeed quite restrained when it came to women. Otherwise, with his status as a quasi-emperor in the Wasteland Alliance, he could have found countless women by now. But men, after all, needed frequent reminders, or their heads would get too big.

"Okay, stop kidding around. Come back early. Bai Yuetong and I will be waiting for you at home," Qi Xinzhu said.

Lu Luo’s eyes lit up. Her and Bai Yuetong together? There’s ambiguity in that statement! How did I even interpret it to that level? Are humans by nature just old perverts? Besides being old perverts, what else is there to human nature?

Lu Luo nodded at Qi Xinzhu. "Alright, I’ll come back as soon as possible. Remember to wait together, okay?"

"Eh? That’s not what I meant," Qi Xinzhu stammered.

"Bye."

Lu Luo had already left, leaving Qi Xinzhu, Gu Fangyi, and Zhou Kai standing there, somewhat flustered. Gu Fangyi and Zhou Kai remained silent; as single men, they couldn’t grasp these kinds of joys between men and women.

"Alright, let’s go back and get ready," Qi Xinzhu said to Gu Fangyi and Zhou Kai. "The resources from the Wasteland Alliance are almost ready to come through."

Lu Luo returned to Wu Liji’s side. Wu Liji wanted to ask him about the ideals of Circle, but when the words reached her lips, she couldn’t bring herself to say it. Instead, she asked, "You’re finally back? Can we leave now? If we delay any longer, Dan Kun might not be there."

Lu Luo always felt this woman’s words were filled with resentment. What exactly is she resentful about?

"Uh, can I eat first? Is that okay?" Lu Luo asked, holding up the lunchbox. "My wife made it. It would be a bit inappropriate not to eat."

Yet, such a simple gesture instantly shattered Wu Liji’s composure.

"Get out!" she snapped.

"Huh? Why? I haven’t done anything to provoke you," Lu Luo said, bewildered.

"Get out!"

Lu Luo could only silently pick up the lunchbox and squat by the doorway to eat. Seriously, what’s gotten into this woman?

「After finishing his meal」

Lu Luo and Wu Liji set out on foot for Long Duo, where Dan Kun and the Grey-robed Elder were located. Throughout the journey, Wu Liji remained silent, and Lu Luo didn’t try to force conversation. I have many questions about the Grey Robes. I hope that this time, the Elder, who seems to know a lot, can provide me with a reasonable explanation.

In a secret base at Long Duo, Dan Kun stared up at the moon, lost in thought.

"Thinking about that girl Wu Liji again?" the Elder’s voice asked.

"Ah, Elder, no, I’m not."

"Dan Kun, you need to understand that the world is vast, and there are many women out there," the Elder continued. "Your talent and strength may not be top-tier, but among Transcendents, you are in the strongest echelon. You have many opportunities. If you were to shed your Grey Robe identity, you could have many women. But Wu Liji is an Imperial Princess of the Imperial Family; there is an irreconcilable divide between you two. Give it up. This woman is not meant for you."

Dan Kun remained silent, unsure if he had truly absorbed the Elder’s words. He understood the logic; he wasn’t young anymore. But like many people who have heard all sorts of truths, most still don’t live their lives well. Dan Kun was in just such a predicament now, feeling that his actions had wronged Wu Liji, yet he couldn’t give up on his own endeavors. It was an awkward and difficult dilemma.

"I understand, Elder. I’ll be careful," Dan Kun replied.

As Dan Kun left, the Elder, standing behind him, watched with a somewhat gloomy expression. "To hesitate over a woman like this," he muttered to himself, "utterly senseless."

Dan Kun went outside alone, phone in hand, contemplating whether to call Wu Liji. I need to explain yesterday’s matter properly. Whether the explanation helps or not, saying something is better than remaining silent. Our relationship used to be so close, almost like siblings. I know she sees me as a comrade in achieving her ideals, but I’ve always harbored affection for her. I should call her. At least I won’t regret it.

Just as Dan Kun took out his phone, it rang.

"Hello, Liji?" he answered.

"Where are you?" Wu Liji’s voice came through.

"You’re here?" Dan Kun asked, surprised.

"Yes. I just finished dealing with the society meeting, and I’ve arrived in Long Duo. Where are you all now?"

"Our current location... I’ll send you the coordinates."

"Okay."

The conversation was brief. Dan Kun could hear the chill in Wu Liji’s tone, but his anticipation of seeing her made him overlook many details.

At that moment, the Elder came out. "You gave Wu Liji our address?"

"Yes, Elder. Is there a problem?" Dan Kun replied.

I care deeply for Wu Liji, but I’m not foolish. The Elder asking this now... there must be a reason.

"How did she react?" the Elder asked.

"Her reaction? Somewhat indifferent, and also a bit angry," Dan Kun reported.

The Elder nodded. It’s normal for her to react this way. If she weren’t angry after learning about yesterday’s incident, that would be truly strange. Regarding Hei Tengxi, we do indeed need to question Wu Liji thoroughly. Why has there been no movement from the GuiXi District for over a day? As Grey Robes, we don’t dare go to Coal Capital now. Zhang Changming is not someone to be trifled with. With Wu Liji out here, she’s naturally the best source of information.

"She has every right to be angry," the Elder said. "Let her come. I also have many things I want to ask her."

"Understood!" Dan Kun affirmed.

「Meanwhile」

After hanging up the phone, Wu Liji took a deep breath and looked at Lu Luo. "Is this okay now?"

"Okay my ass! I told you so many details, and you didn’t incorporate any of them. That’s not how acting is done."

"I am an Imperial Princess; I don’t know how to act," Wu Liji retorted, her expression somewhat stiff. She had been in a terrible mood for the past few days, and Lu Luo offered no comfort. Various troubles were piling up, and she felt close to exploding. How could she be expected to act now?

"Do you know what will happen to you if they start to suspect you after you go there?" Lu Luo pressed. "Abuse, humiliation, hostage-taking. As an Imperial Princess, you will become the perfect weapon to use against the Imperial Family. Do you understand?"

Wu Liji hesitated for a moment; she knew Lu Luo wasn’t trying to scare her. At this point, she gradually calmed down.

"I understand. When I get there, I’ll be careful. I’ve been with them for a long time; I won’t give myself away."

"Heh," Lu Luo chuckled. "Many times, things aren’t as simple as you imagine, woman. If their explanation convinces you, will you rejoin the Grey Robes?"

His question made Wu Liji hesitate. It seems... I haven’t really left the Grey Robes yet!

"I don’t know," she admitted.

"Alright, go ahead for now. Be careful. I’ll try to keep an eye on you," Lu Luo said.

Wu Liji nodded and began heading towards the location Dan Kun had sent. With her current strength, the journey took only a few minutes. Upon arriving near the Grey Robes’ secret base, she spotted Dan Kun at the edge of a pine forest.

"Were you waiting for me?" Wu Liji asked.

"Yes, I was waiting for you," Dan Kun replied.

"Heh, who would’ve thought that in just a day or two, I’d already become unworthy of trust?"

"Liji, don’t say that. We’re all clear about your contributions, but these are the rules set by the Elder. The Grey Robes can’t afford any more turmoil."

"Let’s go. Take me to him."

Dan Kun nodded. I didn’t manage to say any of the things I wanted to say to her. I really am not good at expressing myself.

They put a hood over Wu Liji’s head, covering her eyes and nose, then led her to the Grey Robes’ secret stronghold.

When the hood was removed from Wu Liji’s head, the Elder’s staff was pointed directly at her forehead.

He spoke as if he could see the future, "You have betrayed our ideals, Liji!"