Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 445: The Temptation of the Divine Artifact (8K)
Wu Handing looked at the uncouth man before her; any slight goodwill she’d felt due to his good looks had now completely vanished.
This person is too unkempt; there’s no need to converse with him. What is my status? Even if I’ve experienced many hardships and torments, those are the fruits of my cultivation. My status is, and always will be, that of an Imperial Princess. There can never be any intersection with a man like this.
"Hello, may I rest here for a bit?"
"Of course, you’re welcome! You see, I don’t have much to entertain you with. How about I peel a cucumber for you?"
Lu Luo dug out a cucumber from his dirty pocket and placed it in front of Wu Handing.
Wu Handing’s expression changed; she was somewhat unclear about Lu Luo’s intentions.
This thing... he really wants me to eat it, right? A country bumpkin like him probably wouldn’t understand the implications of a cucumber.
"COUGH, COUGH. No need. I’ve sustained some injuries. Just clear a bit of space for me to rest; that’ll be fine."
"Alright, then I won’t disturb you."
After speaking, Lu Luo turned his back, acting as if he were completely oblivious to Wu Handing behind him.
Wu Handing, however, looked thoughtfully at Lu Luo. This man seems somewhat familiar, as though I’ve seen him somewhere. Ridiculous, how could I have ever met such a fellow? It must be because my injuries are too severe, causing me to hallucinate.
But Wu Handing still felt that Lu Luo’s alertness was far too low. In such an environment, even though she was a woman, Lu Luo should maintain a certain level of vigilance towards her. Leaving his back exposed to me like this... he truly is an unqualified Transcendent.
Wu Handing smiled to herself. But this is also good; at least Lu Luo won’t come to bother me.
Rather than interacting with a vagabond, Wu Handing preferred to find the Sequence Device here as quickly as possible. She had a feeling that it was near this tree, or even right under it.
Wu Handing wasn’t in a hurry. After resting for a bit, her eyes began to scan her surroundings. The area was almost filled with miscellaneous items haphazardly placed by the vagabond. This fellow called Lu Meng had also dug around a bit; it was apparent that he too had come to Twin Tower Mountain in search of treasures. Unfortunately for such people, they never possessed much talent.
The treasure is right under his feet, and he hasn’t found it even after all this time. Ignorance is truly pitiful!
Wu Handing quietly judged Lu Luo as she gradually pinpointed the location of the Sequence item. It’s near Lu Luo’s bedside. I just need to find a chance to get him out of the way, and I can dig it out anytime.
Just as Wu Handing hesitated about whether to act immediately, a pang of pain shot from the wound on her shoulder. The pain nearly made her lose her balance and reminded her that, in her current state, she was completely unable to fight.
No, I should wait a little longer, at least until some of my strength has recovered.
Having made her decision, Wu Handing calmed down. But she was also astonished that, during the subsequent period, nobody came to bother Lu Luo. It seems this sloppy man still has some skills. I actually can’t discern his true strength; does he have some means of concealing his energy? Indeed, one should never underestimate anyone.
As time ticked by, Lu Luo started a fire and began to roast some meat for himself. The aroma of the roasted meat wafted to Wu Handing’s nose. But Lu Luo didn’t invite her at that moment, and she felt somewhat embarrassed to ask. After she fidgeted for a while, her stomach growled.
"Oh, you’re hungry, aren’t you, girl? Come on, come on! Look at me, I completely forgot. Have some."
"Uh, that’s... troublesome."
"Not troublesome, not troublesome at all! Anyway, there aren’t many meals left."
"Uh?" Wu Handing didn’t immediately grasp Lu Luo’s implication.
"Oh! I mean, after Twin Tower Mountain, we’ll go our separate ways. We won’t be able to share many meals together then."
"Ah, I see!" Wu Handing nodded, but for a moment, she felt that the man before her was somewhat strange.
"Traitor to your love..."
The phone’s ringtone started, and listening to it made Wu Handing feel goosebumps all over. She knew the Empire had such music and that some people enjoyed listening to it. But setting such a song as a ringtone was something Wu Handing found truly unacceptable. However, she wasn’t familiar with Lu Luo, and he had taken her in and helped her, so naturally, it wasn’t her place to comment at this time.
While she ate with her head down, she could already hear Lu Luo’s loud conversation.
"Hello? Who’s this? Oh, oh, I’m eating. What are you guys up to? At home? Good, good, good. How’s the baby? Okay, as long as the baby’s fine, that’s good. I’ll handle things here, don’t worry. Do you really need to remind me about such small matters? Of course, there’s no problem. You just take good care of the baby. Alright, hanging up!"
After putting away the phone, Lu Luo smiled sheepishly at Wu Handing again, who was still eating. "Heh-heh-heh, my wife and child. They called me."
Although Lu Luo appeared rather simple, Wu Handing always felt that his smile was filled with a sense of happiness. Perhaps such a person lives a happier life than I do! However, I have my own pursuits; I want to reach the pinnacle of life. I want to become the strongest among humankind, and before achieving this goal, anything can be forsaken.
"A warm family is indeed nice," Wu Handing rarely agreed with Lu Luo, which immediately earned his affirmation.
"Honestly, it definitely is."
"You have a wife and child, yet you still come to such a dangerous place? I see you brought tools, so you must also be here for something in Twin Tower Mountain, right?" Wu Handing’s words carried a hint of admonishment; she said it mainly because she felt Lu Luo seemed like a decent person.
However, Lu Luo seemed unconcerned.
"The stuff here is nothing, just trivial things, not a big problem. I just have an enemy to deal with, but even that is a minor issue. I’ll take care of it along the way."
"Is that so..." Wu Handing didn’t ask who Lu Luo’s enemy was. But an enemy that even a vagabond looks down upon probably wouldn’t be very strong, right? First Tier or Second Tier? Maybe I can lend a hand when the time comes.
At this thought, Wu Handing suddenly remembered her own situation. She had gone to the Circular and fought with Qi Xinzhu. Qi Xinzhu and the Circular had also tried to kill her. So, does that make me enemies with Qi Xinzhu and the Circular? That matter won’t be settled so easily! Heh, however powerful the Circular might be, can it really compare to the Imperial Inspection Department?
"You’re right!" Lu Luo suddenly spoke up, startling Wu Handing.
"What did you say?"
"I said you’re right. When dealing with enemies, you should see it through—strike them mentally, destroy them physically. Let them completely dissipate from this world." As Lu Luo spoke, he even waved his fists, looking as if he and his enemies were irreconcilable.
Wu Handing chuckled. My troubles... how could someone like him understand?
Glancing at the roasted meat in her hand, Wu Handing nodded towards Lu Luo again. "Thank you for the food; it’s really tasty."
"You’re welcome. Didn’t I say? There aren’t many meals left anyway." Lu Luo grinned, baring a set of white teeth.
This surprised Wu Handing. In my experience, vagabonds’ teeth shouldn’t be so white.
Ignoring these details, Wu Handing began to rest where she was. Thirty minutes should be enough for her to restore some physical strength and stop her wound from bleeding. Once her strength had recovered enough to sustain a fight, Wu Handing’s gaze refocused on the small tent Lu Luo had set up.
But at this moment, Lu Luo had also started digging in that area.
Wu Handing’s heart tightened instantly. If she let Lu Luo continue digging, he might actually unearth that thing. Wu Handing, who wanted to claim the treasure for herself, could not allow this to happen. Even if Lu Luo had helped her, even if he was her benefactor, it was still unacceptable in this situation. She was a selfish person; she always had been.
"Hey, Lu Meng."
"Hmm? What’s up?" Lu Luo turned his head, his digging motions ceasing. He seemed to have been working on and off like this for quite some time. Having found nothing so far, he didn’t seem to mind Wu Handing’s interruption. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂
"You..." Wu Handing hesitated, racking her brain for an excuse to send Lu Luo away. After struggling for a moment, she suddenly blurted out, "Haven’t you needed to go to the bathroom after all this time?"
"Huh? Pee or poop?"
Crude, far too crude! Conversing with this man is simply torture.
"Um, either. Do you need to go?"
Lu Luo seemed to hesitate for a moment, then made to pull down his pants on the spot.
Seeing this, Wu Handing hastily interrupted, "Hey, what are you doing?"
"Taking a dump! You’re right, I haven’t taken one in a long time, so I should probably give it a try."
Wu Handing had no idea that when Lu Luo said he hadn’t "taken a dump" in a long time, he meant it literally. The power granted to him by the Devourer allowed him to absorb nearly all forms of energy within his body. So, logically, Lu Luo hadn’t defecated in over two years. Now that he was reminded, he naturally wanted to see if he still could.
"You can’t do it here!"
"Why not?"
Faced with Lu Luo’s confused look, Wu Handing didn’t know what to say. "Because I’m here! I’m a woman."
"Oh, sorry. Then I’ll find another place." After saying that, Lu Luo seemed to have an epiphany and left the area, leaving it to Wu Handing.
Watching Lu Luo’s retreating figure, Wu Handing felt that something was off, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on it. Never mind. At least after he leaves, that thing will be mine!
After confirming Lu Luo had left, Wu Handing quickly began digging the soil beside the tent bed. Her strength was naturally exceptional; even severely injured, she remained incredibly powerful. A Sixth Tier expert digging earth was bound to be quick and efficient.
In less than 30 seconds, Wu Handing could already feel Sequence Power surging forth.
It really is here! This power... it’s unbelievable!
The energy produced by the ash fragments was even stronger than many of the artifacts collected by the Imperial Family. Such a treasure can actually be born in this wild environment. The world of Transcendents is truly incredible.
DING!
Wu Handing finally unearthed an ash fragment. According to previous intelligence, this should be called a fragment of the Magma Sword. It was said that fragments of the Magma Sword could guide a Transcendent to obtain even greater strength, even assisting them in breakthroughs. Wu Handing had always scoffed at such news, but when she held this ash fragment in her hand, she understood. It’s all true! This power is actually nourishing my own Sequence; it feels like the very source.
Wu Handing felt her wounds begin to itch slightly. She knew this was a sign of healing. Without using any medicine or Spirit Stones, just holding this fragment of unknown material produced such an effect. A treasure, truly a supreme treasure. This thing can gradually restore my strength; it’s incredible. The other fragments...
As the head of the Inspection Department, Wu Handing had, of course, reviewed the intelligence on Twin Tower Mountain before coming. The fragments reportedly numbered over ten, and they would naturally guide one towards a specific location. Only when all fragments were gathered would the Divine Artifact truly manifest. Wu Handing didn’t know how this information had circulated, but after obtaining one fragment, she could confirm it. The location indicated by the fragment was the summit of Twin Tower Mountain, where the lava was active!
Almost instantaneously, Wu Handing made her decision. I must obtain this item! I must get all the fragments! With this, the Seventh Tier is within reach! The Seventh Tier... it seems to be right before my eyes!
She was so excited she didn’t even notice her wounds bleeding until Lu Luo’s voice sounded beside her:
"Hey, miss, your wound is bleeding."
"Ah? Oh! Thank you." Wu Handing was startled again. Why didn’t I notice Lu Luo approaching? Even with my severe injuries... no, especially in my injured state, my vigilance should be at its highest. This person...
"What’s wrong? What is this?" Lu Luo asked, wiping his hands while pointing at the fragment in Wu Handing’s hand.
Wu Handing paused for a moment, then quickly tucked the fragment away. "Nothing much, just something insignificant."
"Oh, is that so? I thought you’d found something. Let me tell you, there’s treasure here! And the person who ultimately obtains it will also learn a huge secret!"
Wu Handing looked at Lu Luo’s mysterious demeanor and found it amusing. Does a fellow like him even know what a real secret is?
"Then tell me, what’s the secret?"
"I’ll tell you, but you can’t tell anyone else, okay?"
Watching Lu Luo’s earnest expression, Wu Handing once again suppressed a smile. "Go on, I definitely won’t tell anyone else."
"Then I’m telling you! I heard that the Divine Artifact here appeared because of a monster. The Divine Artifact exists to seal that monster. Once it reassembles, the monster will inevitably break free from its seal and reappear in the world. Only if the wielder of the Divine Artifact possesses immense power and unshakeable will can they defeat the monster. Otherwise, the GuiXi District, and even the entire Empire, will be plunged into a living hell."
Lu Luo spoke with a rather fantastical air. Wu Handing was about to mock him, but after seeing his serious expression, she decided against it. He says it as if it’s true.
Lu Luo smiled. "That’s because it is true!"
One party was scheming, the other unsuspecting. After their conversation ended, neither said much more. Lu Luo had said all he needed to, and Wu Handing felt a slight twinge of shame after secretly taking the ash fragment, which made her reluctant to talk much with him. That was all.
As time passed, the sun gradually reached its zenith. After Wu Handing received a call from the Inspection Department, her gaze steadied. They’re almost here!
"Who’s almost here?" Lu Luo looked puzzled, but Wu Handing just smiled.
"Lu Meng," she called.
"Hm? What’s wrong?" Lu Luo responded.
"Come with me later," Wu Handing said. "You’re the one who saved me, after all. You’ve established a household; it’s time to bring a good future to your family."
Wu Handing tilted her head slightly; she was a very proud person. Even though Lu Luo had saved her, she had received his kindness and care, and she had even stolen something that should have been his, she still felt very proud. Proud people naturally want to give back to those who have helped them. Taking Lu Luo with me later is my way of repaying him. This place isn’t safe; Lu Luo alone could easily fall into danger. Once the members of the Inspection Department arrive, I can definitely take him along. After obtaining all the fragments and the Divine Artifact, and breaking through to the Seventh Tier, I can arrange for Lu Luo to work in the Security Office. That would be repayment for his help during this time. For someone like Lu Luo, this repayment is more than enough. A job at the Security Office will allow him to live comfortably for the rest of his life. This is a form of grace I’m extending to him. He should be grateful to me for it.
"Girl, what are you talking about? I don’t understand a word." Lu Luo looked completely bewildered, apparently not quite grasping what Wu Handing was saying.
However, Wu Handing didn’t bother to explain further, because the people from the Inspection Department had already arrived. A bustling group of over thirty people appeared. This number somewhat surprised Wu Handing, but she didn’t ask. Perhaps Zhang Changming is particularly concerned about the situation at Twin Tower Mountain and my safety.
"Your Imperial Highness!" The group saluted Wu Handing in unison. Lu Luo, standing to the side, was suddenly startled.
"Imperial Highness? They’re calling you an Imperial Highness? Is that true?"
"Of course, it’s true. But I prefer they use my other title: Deputy Director of the Inspection Department."
"It’s Director!" someone corrected, though Wu Liji was a Deputy Director in the Imperial Capital, no one would be foolish enough to actually call her that. Usually, they would address a Deputy Director by name, adding "Director" after it, like Director Wu Handing, or Director Handing.
"Well? I told you I’d give you a good future, and I meant it. Do you believe me now?"
"I believe you, I believe you! I really do! So, you’re an official! I’ve heard that officials can take paid shits. Is that true or false?"
Wu Handing’s expression turned a bit unsightly; she didn’t understand why Lu Luo was so fixated on the topic of defecation. But she didn’t need to dwell on it. Her people had arrived, and she was completely safe now.
"Alright, Lu Meng, I need to rest for a bit, and then I’ll completely end the chaos on Twin Tower Mountain. You can chat with them—these people..."
"I know, ’Black Skins,’ I get it." ’Black Skins’ was slang used by civilian associations and Transcendents to describe the Inspection Department, stemming from the immense pressure it imposed on ordinary Transcendents. Consequently, they rarely had anything good to say about them.
When Lu Luo uttered the words ’Black Skins,’ dozens of cold glares simultaneously shot towards him. But he acted as if nothing was wrong, continuing to eat and make phone calls.
"Hey, Old Zhang! How’s the personnel arrangement going? Almost done? How ’almost’ is it? Can you even do your job properly? Just deal with these, then? Alright, you handle the rest yourself!"
Lu Luo’s voice was loud, so loud that not only the thirty-odd people in front of him but even some in the distance could hear. The Inspection Department members present couldn’t possibly imagine that the ’Old Zhang’ Lu Luo referred to was their Director, Zhang Changming. And these thirty-plus people were the very ’nails’ Zhang Changming truly intended to remove! Once these nails were gone, Zhang Changming’s immediate circle would likely be much cleaner. As for why these nails were sent to find Wu Handing, it was probably because they themselves wanted a chance to impress the Imperial Princess.
Lu Luo grinned; life was getting more and more interesting.
Meanwhile, Wu Handing walked up to the leader of the Inspection Department contingent. "Did you bring the items?"
"We brought them. Spirit Stones, GT-2 Recovery Medicine, we have it all."
"Very good." Wu Handing nodded, took a small vial from the man, sniffed it, and then downed its contents. Afterward, with a fluctuation of Sequence Energy, her wounds began to regenerate and heal rapidly.
Lu Luo, observing all this, frowned slightly. This kind of potion actually has the power of a Healer. The Empire’s application of Sequence isn’t limited to equipment? It extends to technology and medicine as well! Lu Luo was becoming increasingly interested in the Empire’s research departments. Bai Yuetong would certainly love such places. Unfortunately, our identities are too sensitive; it would be very difficult to take her to visit a place like this.
After taking the potion, Wu Handing clenched her fists and stood still for a moment. In just those few minutes, her injuries had completely healed. Such was the miraculous effect of GT-2.
Wu Handing’s gaze swept towards Lu Luo. Seeing his curious expression, she felt an inexplicable sense of smugness and superiority. Logically, as an Imperial Princess, she shouldn’t display such feelings in front of a vagabond. Yet, every time she saw Lu Luo, she couldn’t help but want to show off a little.
"Doesn’t it feel magical? My injuries healed just like that."
"Yes, very magical," Lu Luo nodded honestly.
Magical my ass! Holy Radiance, Healer—either could produce this effect. It’s only these Empire bumpkins, who’ve never seen the world, who would make such expressions. Lu Luo said this mostly because Wu Handing’s expectant look made him reluctant to spoil her mood. The act must be played out fully. It’s not quite there yet. I need to be restrained, to be calm.
Wu Handing looked at Lu Luo, feeling somewhat dissatisfied because she thought his expression wasn’t shocked or impressed enough. Seeing something so magical, shouldn’t his jaw have dropped?
"Magical is right. This is one of the Empire’s top-tier healing medicines. A single dose is worth millions, even tens of millions. Do you still find it magical now?"
"I get it. The magic isn’t the medicine; it’s the money."
"HAHAHAHA!" Wu Handing burst into laughter. Her conversations with Lu Luo were always particularly interesting.
After their chat, she sat down and began to absorb a Spirit Stone. When she took out a large Spirit Stone, even with her extensive experience, she couldn’t help but exclaim softly, "This Spirit Stone... how is it so big? And this purity!"
Nonsense! These Spirit Stones are from the Wasteland Alliance; of course the purity is high! It’s only you Empire bumpkins who haven’t seen a Dark Spirit Stone this big.
Besides marveling at the Spirit Stone’s size, Wu Handing didn’t dwell on it much and began absorbing its energy to recover. She had expended a great deal of energy this time, so her recovery took a long while. When her condition was fully restored, her eyes sharpened.
Circular! Heh, the next time we meet, it won’t be this simple.
"Your Imperial Highness, where shall we go now?" these Inspection Department members asked. They weren’t entirely aligned with Zhang Changming. Upon hearing of an opportunity to curry favor with someone powerful, they had all applied to come and support Wu Handing. Not only was she an Imperial Princess, but she was also the Deputy Director of the Imperial Capital’s Inspection Department. Her status was more than sufficient to request their transfer. If they could leap from a backwater like the GuiXi District to become civil servants in the Imperial Capital—even if it was a lateral move—the difference was beyond words.
Wu Handing was aware of their thoughts. To me, these people are probably only worth so much. Whether I take them with me will depend on their upcoming performance. This is the mentality of a superior.
"Now? Since we’re already here, naturally, we need to see what this place is all about." Wu Handing looked towards the summit of Twin Tower Mountain, where black smoke was still constantly billowing. The volcano could erupt at any moment, and no one knew how much destruction it would cause.
The Inspection Department members glanced at each other, then nodded to Wu Handing. "At Your Imperial Highness’s service."
"Heh."
「...」
Once the group was fully equipped, they began their ascent of the mountain. At this time, they certainly weren’t the only group climbing. However, a group as powerful and well-equipped as Wu Handing’s was unique. The others were merely scattered members of various smaller organizations.
Lu Luo was also taken along. According to Wu Handing’s plan, she would offer Lu Luo a promising future after this matter was concluded. Whether there were other reasons, however, was unclear.
"Your Imperial Highness, we’ve reached the summit."
"Understood. You all wait here."
"Yes."
Wu Handing left the group alone and, with a few leaps, arrived at the volcano’s rim. From there, she could see the molten magma churning within the crater. Wu Handing took out her phone to check some information. This volcano should be dormant. Its current activity is clearly abnormal. What exactly is inside? Could it really be as Lu Luo said—that when all the ash fragments are gathered, a monster will appear here?
While Wu Handing observed the crater, other Transcendents were observing her. Although she wasn’t the first to arrive, she was undoubtedly the most brazen among them. Unconsciously, these Transcendents had already come to see Wu Handing as their hypothetical adversary.
Returning to her group, Wu Handing began to issue orders: "Set up camp here. It shouldn’t take too long."
"Yes."
The group began to set up tents. Lu Luo, who had nothing to do, was called over to help.
"Hey, come over and lend a hand."
"I don’t know how to set up tents, so I can’t help you." Lu Luo spread his hands, feigning helplessness.
Wu Handing glanced at Lu Luo, then said to the Inspection Department members, "Just ignore him. I still have to thank him for this incident."
Since Wu Handing had spoken, the others said no more. However, their glares at Lu Luo became even more unfriendly.
Lu Luo remained smiling. Distancing himself from these Inspection Department members was his original intention. Because these people are all going to die!
"Lu Luo, these people may look down on you, but I won’t. Come over to my tent tonight; you can sleep on my side!"
"Okay!" Lu Luo agreed with a look of apparent delight, an unusual light shimmering in both their eyes.
At night, Wu Handing looked at the soundly sleeping Lu Luo, her expression somewhat odd. What exactly is this man’s strength tier? I couldn’t sense it before, and I still can’t sense it now. It’s very strange!
After pondering fruitlessly for a while, Wu Handing simply took out the ash fragment she had obtained earlier. Sequence patterns covered every corner of the fragment. Wu Handing had a feeling that if she could comprehend the secrets of the ash fragment, it wouldn’t just be a matter of breaking through to the Seventh Tier. Even within the Seventh Tier, she could be considered a top-tier combatant.
I hear it’s a sword, the Magma Sword. That’s a bit of a pity. I don’t usually use swords, but if such a Divine Artifact truly appears, practicing some swordsmanship wouldn’t be out of the question!
Behind her, Lu Luo silently opened his eyes!
[The holders of the fragments have arrived!]
「...」
Transcendents began to ascend the mountain, each wary of the others, as no one knew if a fragment holder was among them. But they could be sure of one thing: when all the fragments were gathered at the summit, something would undoubtedly happen.
Lukal, who had previously emerged from the black market, approached the vicinity of Wu Handing’s camp, his expression unusual. The fragment in his hand told him that inside one of the tents lay another fragment identical to his. So the question is, should I try to snatch it?
While Lukal hesitated, delight danced in Wu Handing’s eyes. Who would have thought? Another one just comes knocking at the door!
