National Guardian's Gone and We're Done-Chapter 67: Humans Are the Greatest Beings in the World
The intense, pungent stench, like a corpse that had been rotting in a sewer for months,
instantly assaulted the senses of Gao Yimin and Dai Ju, pulling them back to their terrifying memories of their time above the Demon Cave.
They had smelled that unique stench of death many times above the Demon Cave, and each time it brought with it an unspeakable sense of dread and despair.
Now, as the stench washed over them again, their hearts seized.
The door was pushed open slowly, and a cold draft swept into the room, carrying with it that nauseating odor.
A figure, at once familiar and yet strange, walked in.
At the sight of him, Gao Yimin and Dai Ju’s pupils contracted sharply.
"It’s you, Xiao Cangqing?"
The two exclaimed almost simultaneously, their voices filled with utter shock.
Xiao Cangqing, dressed in a tailored casual suit, sat down elegantly on the sofa and crossed his legs, resuming his usual air of arrogant superiority.
He smiled at them, an unreadable glint in his eyes.
"I knew who you two were back when we were above the Demon Cave."
Xiao Cangqing said lightly, a hint of smugness in his voice.
Gao Yimin and Dai Ju exchanged a look, and both saw despair reflected in the other’s eyes.
Ever since Chu He had left the Great Jing Empire, Xiao Cangqing had become the undisputed strongest expert in the entire Empire.
Even with the power of the Evil Spirits augmenting them, they had no confidence whatsoever when facing an expert of Xiao Cangqing’s caliber.
If they fought Xiao Cangqing, even if they managed a lucky victory, they would be grievously wounded. Fleeing the Great Jing Empire would then become nearly impossible.
Dai Ju felt a pang of regret.
’If I’d known it would all happen so fast, I should have listened to Gao Yimin’s advice,’
’and escaped this dangerous place while we still could.’
’But now, it was too late.’
Seeing the terror on their faces, the corners of Xiao Cangqing’s mouth curled into an even more triumphant smirk.
He loved seeing others reveal their fear and despair before him. It was the most silent form of praise, a testament to his power and the awe he inspired.
"Are... are you the one Her Majesty the Queen sent to investigate us?"
Gao Yimin’s voice trembled.
"You two are rather lucky. I wasn’t sent by Ji Shengyue."
Xiao Cangqing’s voice was calm.
Hearing this, a sliver of doubt crept into the minds of Gao Yimin and Dai Ju.
Xiao Cangqing was one of Ji Shengyue’s most trusted confidants, her right-hand man.
Yet now, he referred to Ji Shengyue by her full name, without a single honorific.
This unusual way of addressing her sparked a bold speculation in their minds.
"Could it be... you’re the mysterious person who sent us that letter?"
Gao Yimin asked, testing the waters.
’If he weren’t the mysterious person, Xiao Cangqing wouldn’t have appeared before them with this kind of attitude.’
Xiao Cangqing’s gaze wandered between them. "I am not the mysterious person you’re referring to,
but I can tell you that the organization behind him is called the New World.
Before I came here, I joined this New World Organization and became one of its members.
It has gathered many people like you and me. Their strength is immense, and their ideals are ahead of our time.
Humanity is the greatest species on this planet. The emergence of Evil Spirits wasn’t meant to destroy us, but to serve as a catalyst for our evolution—to make us stronger, more perfect."
Xiao Cangqing’s words seemed to hold a certain magical charm,
drawing his listeners irresistibly into the future he painted.
He stood up, his gaze sweeping over them. "The New World Organization said they had a surprise for you. Well, I am that surprise.
There’s no need for you to run any longer.
Now that you’ve returned to the Great Jing Empire, I must assume my responsibility as the New World’s representative here.
You now have two choices. You can either join me and become a member of the New World Organization,
or you can choose to flee, scurrying around like headless chickens?"
"The New World Organization?"
Gao Yimin and Dai Ju looked at each other, complex emotions flickering in their eyes.
As King-level experts, they were no strangers to the New World Organization.
In many nations, the organization was considered a criminal enterprise.
Joining it meant turning your back on justice, with no chance of ever clearing your name.
Xiao Cangqing had anticipated their reaction. "Don’t tell me you’re still clinging to some foolish hope.
This world doesn’t leave room for the weak to get lucky.
You can choose to run, but running won’t solve the root of your problems.
The New World Organization is your only destination."
The fabric of his suit swayed with his movements. "If you hesitate like this, even if you wanted to join, I’d have to seriously consider whether to accept you.
After all, the New World Organization doesn’t just accept anyone.
Even King-level experts, without sufficient wisdom and courage, are nothing but empty shells."
Gao Yimin’s gaze hardened. "I’ll join.
Dai Ju, don’t hesitate.
The New World Organization may be considered criminal by many nations, but the fact that it has endured for so many years proves its strength.
Given our current situation, joining the New World Organization might be a good option.
Besides, if the New World Organization can truly establish a foothold in the Great Jing Empire, we won’t have to live this life on the run anymore."
Dai Ju was taken aback for a moment, then nodded. "You’re right. I’ll join."
Though she often felt lost, Gao Yimin’s words made her understand that this was her only choice.
Dai Ju stared at Xiao Cangqing. "I want to know your plan. Or rather, what is the New World Organization’s true purpose in sending you here?"
A playful, confident smile touched Xiao Cangqing’s lips. "I came to the Great Jing Empire to be the New World Organization’s representative.
There’s no turning back now. We have no choice but to raise the Slaughter Knife against the Great Jing Empire.
The investigation team sent by Ji Shengyue will be arriving soon. We must eliminate them first, then take firm control of Agarwood City.
Ji Shengyue and I go way back.
That woman... she’s the type who won’t shed a tear until she sees the coffin.
So there’s no need for us to sit down for a slow negotiation. The only way is to make her feel pain, despair, and utter collapse.
Only then will she lower that proud head of hers and speak with us on equal terms."
As they listened to Xiao Cangqing, a chill crept into the hearts of Gao Yimin and Dai Ju.
But they also knew Ji Shengyue’s personality, and he was right.
Just then, Gao Yimin’s phone buzzed twice.
She took out her phone and saw a text message. It read: "The investigation team from Her Majesty the Queen has arrived."
Gao Yimin held up the phone for Xiao Cangqing and Dai Ju to see.
Xiao Cangqing glanced at the message. "It seems it’s time to make our move.
The fact that you received this message early means someone is helping you from the shadows.
In that case, let’s make good use of them. After all, to control all of Agarwood City, we’ll need pawns to clear the path for us."
Dai Ju’s brow furrowed. She asked anxiously, "Did the New World Organization only send you? Aren’t there any other reinforcements?
The investigation team from Her Majesty the Queen is not to be underestimated.
They aren’t just here to investigate; they’re here to capture Yimin and me.
Knowing Her Majesty the Queen, she’s probably determined to make an example of us to stabilize the situation in the country.
This investigation team will be anything but ordinary."
Xiao Cangqing patted Dai Ju’s shoulder reassuringly. "You’ll see in a moment.
No matter who Ji Shengyue has sent, I can handle them."
With that, he turned and walked out of the lounge.
Gao Yimin gave Dai Ju a deep look and said in a low voice, "You’re right not to underestimate Her Majesty the Queen,
but you also shouldn’t underestimate the New World Organization, or the Xiao Cangqing of today.
That rotten stench... I suspect it’s coming from Xiao Cangqing’s own body.
I think he’s probably become a host for the power of the Rotting Man, just like us."
With that said,
Gao Yimin followed in Xiao Cangqing’s footsteps and left the lounge.
[Thank you to my patron, Yaoyaolin, for the 588 Book Coins, and thank you to my patron, Last Goodnight, for the 100 Book Coins. Thank you both so much!!!]
