Stronger with More Jobs-Chapter 352 - 205: Factions Converge, Thunder Department True God, Wen Zhong!
The gale, carrying icy raindrops like countless fine steel needles, pounded mercilessly on the five of them.
The scorched wilderness swiftly receded beneath their feet.
Jagged boulders loomed indistinctly through the dense fog.
The five were like arrows released from a bow, racing against the furious storm within the "Abyss" towards the direction of Starfire Castle.
"The situation at Starfire Castle is very complex." Wei Banmeng’s cold voice pierced through the storm, reaching Fang Qingyu’s ears. She had evidently done extensive research upon receiving the urgent notice, "As one of the largest strongholds within the ’Abyss’, it harbors several powerful indigenous forces who would never stand by and allow the Thunder Source Material to be taken by outsiders easily."
Fang Qingyu’s expression remained unchanged, only slightly tilting his head to signal her to continue.
"First, there’s the Rusted Flame Brotherhood," Wei Banmeng spoke rapidly, her thoughts clear and organized, "Last time at Deep Pool we encountered their Butcher; their leader at Starfire Castle is called Jin Wei, nicknamed Madman, a Martial Arts Grandmaster with over 90% of his body modified!"
"Next is the ’Black Stone Council,’" she continued, "This is a loose alliance comprising several ancient families and powerful loners, conducting their affairs mysteriously and controlling many underground trades at Starfire Castle. One of their ’Shadow Members’ within Starfire Castle this time is Cang Ning, codenamed ’Ghost.’ She’s a Divine Chosen on the Shadow Path, with extremely strange abilities. She’s skilled in stealth and assassination, making her a tough opponent."
Finally, Wei Banmeng listed several forces stationed at Starfire Castle besides Deep Blue Heavy Industries.
All are veteran forces with years of presence at Starfire Castle.
Each possesses Tier Two combat power.
Fang Qingyu listened silently, forming an outline of these upcoming opponents in his mind.
Upon hearing about the Thunder Source Material appearing near Starfire Castle, a place rife with mixed forces and deeply-rooted local powers,
He had actually foreseen that this struggle would not be easy.
Fighting for it with these established entities was akin to snatching food from a tiger’s mouth.
Fang Qingyu tightened his grip on the Dragon Sparrow Calamity Slash, his gaze growing colder and sharper.
But so what if they’re Tier Two?
For the advancement of the Dragon Sparrow, whoever comes will be cut down!
The five of them accelerated to full speed, leaving behind afterimages in the storm.
Finally, on the distant horizon where storm and fog weaved into darkness, the silhouette of a massive, crouching steel fortress began to clarify.
Starfire Castle!
The gigantic alloy gate resembled the fangs of a giant beast, guarded by fully armed, formidable sentinels.
Yet, just as Fang Qingyu and the others were about to reach the entrance,
several figures clad in sharp, incongruent black suits awaited under a rain-sheltering canopy by the gate’s flank.
The leading figure was a middle-aged man with a sharp appearance and piercing eyes.
He immediately locked his gaze onto the approaching Fang Qingyu, a warm and respectful smile spreading across his face as he stepped forward swiftly, ignoring the icy rain pelting against him.
"Mr. Fang! Greetings! I am Zhang Hong, a senior advisor from Deep Blue Heavy Industries stationed at Starfire Castle."
He slightly bowed, maintaining a humble posture.
Fang Qingyu paused momentarily, observing the unfamiliar man with a smiling face in front of him, his eyebrows barely perceptibly furrowing.
Deep Blue Heavy Industries?
Twice in the Abyss they had crossed paths: once, the other party silently withdrew; another time, in the ruins, they seemed to stand on his side, even giving Wei Banmeng a business card.
Yet, ultimately, he did not know anyone from this industrial giant, nor did he understand why the other party showed goodwill frequently, even waiting here specifically.
"Is something the matter?"
Fang Qingyu’s voice was calm, without a hint of emotion.
Zhang Hong stepped closer, lowering his voice with a tone of concern and a hint of warning: "Mr. Fang, news of the Thunder Source Material has spread; it’s not only talents like you who are eyeing it."
"Even the local predators at Starfire Castle, alongside lone wolf powerhouses drawn by the news, are ready and waiting. The situation is more complicated than you think! Our Deep Blue Heavy Industries has some influence at Starfire Castle, and we are definitely on your side! The urgent task now is to understand the situation clearly and plan from a long-term perspective. How about... we go inside and discuss in detail?"
Fang Qingyu’s gaze swept over Zhang Hong and the calm, suited entourages behind him.
He glanced again at the gate of Starfire Castle, resembling the gaping maw of an abyssal giant.
There’s no doubt about the power of Deep Blue Heavy Industries; if they could be an asset rather than a hindrance, it would indeed eliminate many troubles.
Even though he was unsure of their intentions, obtaining accurate intelligence and reducing unnecessary expenditure was crucial at the moment.
Paying a price to gain a strong ally and an opportunity for the Dragon Sparrow’s advancement was an account worth considering.
Fang Qingyu deliberated briefly, then nodded slightly: "Lead the way."
"This way, please!"
Zhang Hong’s smile widened, stepping aside to lead, while showing a special metal card to the gate sentry.
The sentry evidently recognized him, respectfully saluting and allowing them entry.
As they stepped through the thick alloy gate of Starfire Castle, it felt as if they had crossed into another world.
Stunning!
That was the most immediate feeling for Fang Qingyu and the others.
Unlike the wasteland-style strongholds like Anvil Fortress or Dingyuan Station...
Inside Starfire Castle, it was like a city built atop an abyss.
A bizarrely thriving "underground city"!
Enormous spaces supported by thick alloy frameworks, divided into countless levels.
The lowest level was like a chaotic slum and black market combined, much like the previous strongholds.
But as Zhang Hong guided them onto a high-speed elevator upwards,
the scene began to change dramatically.
The mid-tier areas featured wide, clean streets, flanked by orderly shops.
