I Have Infinite Skill Points-Chapter 520: Northwest Pioneer Space Mission
The only person who could enter Wang Lan’s home without his authorization and without Xiao Ai reminding him was Jiang Xinyu.
Wang Lan watched Jiang Xinyu walk straight out of the elevator, a faint smile on her face.
"Why so surprised? Can’t I come over?" Jiang Xinyu said slyly.
"You... why didn’t you call me in advance? I could have gone to meet you. How did you get here? Is everything okay with the Cloud Sea Space?"
"I had thought about calling you, but then I decided to surprise you instead," Jiang Xinyu replied. "The issue with Cloud Sea Space is over, but I came to the Capital because of a mission and took the opportunity to check on you."
"The Cloud Sea Space is stable?"
"El Nino is almost over, and they kept me in Modu City instead of having me return to Cloud Sea," Jiang Xinyu explained. "You, on the other hand, seem so content in the Capital that you haven’t thought of returning to Modu City, let alone made a single call."
"I thought you had gone to the Pioneer Space of Cloud Sea! Knowing the call wouldn’t go through, why would I try? You said you have a mission? What mission?"
"The Demon Clan are up to something in the Northwest Pioneer Space."
"Hmm?" Wang Lan’s expression suddenly turned grave. Whether it was the Paradise Bird or the Demon Clan, their troublemaking was never simple. There were always deeper motives.
"What’s the specific situation? Can you tell me?"
"That’s why I’m here; you understand them better than anyone. About three months ago, Pioneers in the northern Pioneer Space began suffering heavy losses, with entire teams being wiped out. In just three short months, we’ve lost nearly three thousand people. There’s no consensus yet on whether the Paradise Bird or the Demon Clan is the mastermind, so for now, we’re tentatively classifying it as a Demon Clan attack."
"Their method involves hiding among herds of Exotic Beasts, then manipulating these beasts to attack the Pioneering Legion. These attacks come in all sizes. Then, while the Pioneer Team is engaged in fierce battle with the beasts, they seize the opportunity to strike from the shadows."
"What about a tactical retreat or defensive consolidation?" Wang Lan asked, frowning.
"It’s useless. The Exotic Beasts form swarms to assault our defensive lines, while the hidden enemy continues to lurk within these swarms, striking unpredictably. The greatest loss occurred along the northwest-southeast defensive line. Three Pioneer Legions were stationed there when they were assaulted by a herd of five thousand Exotic Beasts. The beasts actually split into three columns—two for auxiliary attacks and one main thrust that breached the defensive positions. Afterward, unpredictable assassins struck from hiding, and ultimately, all three Pioneer Legions were annihilated."
"Fortunately, they had requested reinforcements from the regional command before the Exotic Beasts’ surprise attack. The Exotic Beast army retreated after the reinforcements arrived. In just three months, the frontline of the Northwest Pioneer Space has been pushed back one hundred and twenty kilometers."
Wang Lan frowned. "This is a nasty situation. Why did they have you come talk to me instead of directly assigning me the mission? What’s going on with the higher-ups’ orders?"
"Don’t you have more important tasks at hand?" Jiang Xinyu countered.
"But I have instant teleportation; I’m not completely tied down by any single mission. Even if I go to the Northwest Pioneer Space, returning to Modu City or the Capital would only take two seconds. The mission doesn’t restrict me that tightly. On the contrary, the enemy’s operations in the Northwest Pioneer Space are deeply concerning. This matter is far more complex than it appears. It looks like some force is hiding among the Exotic Beasts to hunt our Pioneers, but the reality might be that they’ve gained control over the Exotic Beasts within the Pioneer Spaces."
"Each of the five major Pioneer Spaces contains tens of millions of Exotic Beasts. If these were integrated into an army, not even Jade Country, or even the five major nations combined, could withstand them. This is far more serious than we initially thought."
Wang Lan’s words weighed heavily on Jiang Xinyu’s heart. Although his words might seem alarmist, if the Demon Clan truly possessed the ability to command all Exotic Beasts, why hadn’t they used it before? If they had such power, the Exotic Beasts in Jade Country’s five great Pioneer Spaces would have already become a massive Exotic Beast army, and Jade Country would have been annihilated long ago.
But even if it’s not that exaggerated, what if?
Humanity is advancing, but the Demon Clan isn’t standing still either. Last time, their Biochemical Demon Soldiers were merely at a basic level, easily defeated by a Star Shine Stage warrior. But now, the Biochemical Demon Soldiers have already reached the Star Sea Stage.
"What’s the higher-ups’ response plan?" Wang Lan asked.
"They’re mobilizing elite students from academies nationwide, around two thousand of them. These students will be integrated into the Pioneer Teams. If there are stealth attacks, these elites will act as the ’praying mantises’ to hunt down the attackers."
Wang Lan’s brow furrowed deeply. Finally, he stood up. "Let’s go. We’ll find Eld Di together. I’m not entirely comfortable with this."
Wang Lan and Jiang Xinyu left the house and went to Eld Di’s courtyard. Upon seeing them arrive, Eld Di immediately understood the purpose of their visit.
"Wang Lan," Eld Di began, "what are your thoughts on the situation in the Northwest Pioneer Space?"
"I’ve heard the gist of it from Xinyu," Wang Lan replied. "To be honest, I’m uneasy."
"What are you worried about?"
"There’s a vast difference between the best-case and worst-case scenarios. In the best case, their capabilities are limited, and with proper precautions, they won’t cause major trouble. However, in the worst-case scenario, if they can truly integrate the Exotic Beasts into an army, it would be incredibly dangerous."
"You actually entertain that possibility?" Eld Di looked at Wang Lan in surprise. "The Demon Clan can indeed control Exotic Beasts; every invasion they launch is accompanied by countless such creatures. However, it’s less about control and more about taming. The Exotic Beasts manipulated by the Demon Clan are subdued through years of training. Wild Exotic Beasts are almost impossible to domesticate."
"But the situation in the Northwest Pioneer Space clearly isn’t like that," Wang Lan insisted. "I believe we need to investigate thoroughly to understand what’s happening before we can truly be at ease."
"But you have other important tasks," Eld Di reminded him.
"I can teleport. Getting to the Pioneer Space from here won’t take much time, as long as I can receive messages instantly."
"That can be easily arranged. I’ll assign Hummingbird to act as your dedicated communications officer."
"Thank you, Dean. Oh, and Eld Di, I’ll need two people for this trip to the Northwest Pioneer Space."
"Who?"
"Xu Xiangwen and Xie Sisi from the Jin City Star Martial Academy." Wang Lan had initially considered asking Gong Feiyu, but over the past year or so, Gong Feiyu seemed to be intentionally distancing himself from their circle. They got along fine during casual outings, but whenever conversations turned to future development, Gong Feiyu became evasive. So, Wang Lan decided not to press the issue. Perhaps bringing him along would only make him uncomfortable anyway.
Wang Lan and Jiang Xinyu arrived at the assembly point. Just as they got out of their vehicle and were about to report, an excited voice called out from a distance behind them.
"Xinyu! Lanzi!"
Wang Lan turned, a smile instantly lighting up his face. Xu Xiangwen and Xie Sisi were also on the list for the northwest support mission. It had been a long time since the four of them had last met, and they were naturally overjoyed.
Considering their abilities, it wasn’t surprising. Xu Xiangwen and Xie Sisi were among the top students at the Jin City Star Martial Academy. Since the northwest support mission was drawing elite students from various key academies, their selection was logical.
Having not seen each other for over half a year, their progress was significant. Both had reached the late Galaxy Stage in their Cultivation Level, a standing that would earn them a place even in the Modu City Star Martial Academy. This was largely attributable to the boost from the Immortal Cloud Mysterious Green Record, which allowed their Star Power to grow at a rate far exceeding their peers.
Watching the four of them cheering excitedly, a group of Jin City Star Martial Academy students who had previously been gathered around Xu Xiangwen and Xie Sisi felt a pang of envy.
One’s social circle is often determined by one’s standing. Within the Jin City Star Martial Academy, Xu Xiangwen and Xie Sisi were practically revered as deities. Xie Sisi, in particular—stunningly beautiful, yet as cold as ice—was a rare combination of beauty and talent that drew countless admirers. Most didn’t dare hope to win her favor, but even being considered an ordinary friend was an immense honor.
But what were they seeing now? Their idols had a side just like their own. In their eyes, Xu Xiangwen’s eager rush towards Wang Lan looked no different from a fawning admirer. And Xie Sisi was even more astounding. Wasn’t she the Goddess of Death? Where was her deathly aura now? That radiant smile of hers was almost painful for them to watch.
"Who are they? Why are Xiangwen and Sisi so... so enthusiastic?"
"They’re not in uniform; I can’t tell which academy they’re from."
"Look at Xie Sisi! Even though she’s linking arms with that girl, her eyes keep darting towards that guy. What’s their relationship?"
"They look like they’ve known each other for a long time. And they seem really close, don’t they?"
"What’s all this whispering about?" A light cough sounded, and a female voice approached. The chattering students immediately fell silent.
Xu Ruo, president of the Jin City Star Martial Academy’s student council, had just finished discussing internship details with the supervising teachers. Returning, she found a group of students engaged in heated discussion. Curious, she approached. When the students, startled, clammed up, Xu Ruo felt slightly miffed. Am I really that intimidating? she wondered. I look quite lovely and cute...
Xu Ruo was indeed adorable. Though she didn’t have Xie Sisi’s statuesque figure, she possessed a charming, petite appeal. Cute, yes, but she was fearsome in a fight.
Following the students’ gazes, her eyes widened. Is it them?
"President Xu, do you know them? Who are they? Which academy are they from?" a student asked.
"If I remember correctly, they later enrolled in the Modu City Star Martial Academy," Xu Ruo stated calmly.
HISS... A gasp rippled through the students.
"No wonder! So they’re from one of the ’Big Four’ academies! But hadn’t the students from Modu City Star Martial Academy already arrived? Why are they only showing up now?"
"Xu Ruo, who are they? They seem really close with Xiangwen and Sisi," a girl asked, draping an arm around Xu Ruo’s neck.
"Them?" Xu Ruo said. "You should all have heard of them. That clean-cut, handsome guy—don’t let his harmless appearance fool you—he’s Jade Country’s youngest Titled Strongman, this year’s newly inaugurated Greedy Wolf Crown."
HISS... More gasps followed.
"No way! He’s *that* Wang Lan?"
"Damn! A legend! No, a supreme figure!"
"And that girl, not very tall but very pretty, that’s Jiang Xinyu. She holds the record for being the youngest to break through to the Star Sea Stage. Back in the provincial martial arts tournament, she actually lost to me... but in the blink of an eye, two years have passed, and she’s already at the Star Sea Stage."
"Xu Ruo, how can you say ’not very tall’?" a close friend teased, glancing at Xu Ruo, who barely reached her own neck.
"Wow, two absolute powerhouses!" The students behind them gasped in awe. Xu Ruo rolled her eyes at her friend and then headed straight toward Wang Lan and the others.
