Two Realms Shuttle Gate: Don't Call Me a Demon!-Chapter 1529 - 1: Old Soldiers Never Die, They Only Fade Away! (Part 1)

"When the time comes, I'll have you take the aptitude test too. If you pass and get into the Extraordinary University, perhaps our family will have a Transcendent."

"Grandpa, you're just talking big. I've heard that's really difficult. We, from the Outer Colony Stars, how could we afford such tests? Our family can't possibly bear the cost."

Erica was somewhat skeptical. She had read online that getting into the Extraordinary University and embarking on the path of the Transcendent had terrifyingly high requirements for financial resources and aptitude.

Most opportunities were for natives of Blue Star because they were born and raised in an environment rich in Spiritual Power, giving them better cultivation aptitude.

People from the Outer Colony Stars often didn't meet the aptitude standards. Even if someone was lucky enough to pass the aptitude test, the high tuition fees, Spirit Stones required for cultivation, and various resources would overwhelm an ordinary family.

"My granddaughter, applying to the Extraordinary University doesn't require tuition. Even if your aptitude is a bit lacking, as long as you have a trace of cultivation talent, Grandpa can get you in."

Situang spoke confidently, as if it were no problem at all.

"Grandpa, what did you do before? You talk so grandly. You're just blowing hot air."

Erica rolled her eyes almost to the sky, thinking her grandpa was just trying to cheer her up. Come to think of it, her family had never talked about his past, not even her parents. She didn't even know what her grandpa did when he was young.

"Just think of it as me trying to make you happy. What university you attend is not important. Even if it's the Extraordinary University, I hope you learn the right way to handle things."

Situang gently patted his granddaughter's head, paused, and continued, "The demolition of Phoenix Old Street seems unlikely to stop. When the time comes, we might have to move and change schools. You should adapt to the new school life well. If anyone bullies you, tell Grandpa."

"Ah, Grandpa, haven't we already stopped the Wusi Real Estate Group? Besides, the officials said they'd consider our residents' opinions. How can the Wusi Real Estate Group continue?"

Erica's face fell, looking quite unhappy.

"The planned commercial complex involves interests worth billions of Dragon Coins. This juicy pie isn't so easy to give up. Besides, this is Dubhe Star, not Blue Star. The officials don't adhere to rules strictly, so don't overestimate their moral level. Remember, don't listen to what the officials say, watch what they do."

Situang sighed, explaining to his granddaughter.

If it were on Blue Star, in those big cities, he believed in rules and order, but often, the smaller and more remote places tended to break rules. "The mountains are high and the Emperor is far" isn't just a metaphor.

"How could this be? Damn Wusi Real Estate Group, damn Zaka, claims to be a philanthropist."

Erica was gritting her teeth in anger, utterly indignant.

She grew up in Phoenix Old Street and had deep feelings for it. Even when offered money by the realtors, she didn't want to move, especially since the compensation from Wusi Group was pitifully low.

"Grandpa, you're willing to lead the protest. Isn't there a way?"

"It's not that I want to lead. It's just that everyone thinks I'm old and respectable, hoping I can step out for justice. After all, we've been neighbors for decades, and I can't stand idly by.

To be honest, the demolition and renovation of Phoenix Old Street is part of East An City's plan. We're opposing because Wusi Group's compensation is too stingy. Our demand is simple. To move us, at least they should offer the minimal compensation agreement. A mere pittance isn't enough for the neighbors to even rent new places."

Situang shook his head, feeling quite helpless about the matter.

"Forget it. You're still young. Why am I telling you this? Let's eat."

Situang didn't continue the topic, talking about it only added to the troubles.

Erica grumbled a few more curses during the meal, and after she finished eating, she excitedly ran back to her room, prettily put on makeup, and told Situang, "Grandpa, I've planned to go shopping with Jessica and Jenny."

Situang frowned slightly, "Erica, it's best if you don't go out these days."

Erica waved her hand, and with her two long, white legs, dashed to the door, "You're making a mountain out of a molehill, Grandpa. I'm just going shopping with friends, not on a date. I'll be back for dinner tonight. Oh, Grandpa, I want to eat braised pork trotters with soybeans, please."

With a playful smile at her grandpa, Erica opened the door like a happy lark, mounted the bicycle downstairs, and rode away.

"This girl!"

Situang shook his head helplessly, thinking perhaps he was overreacting. After all, the Wusi Real Estate Group issue was something between adults and wouldn't affect the children.

...

In the city center of East An City, in the commercial district, Erica accompanied her two close friends wandering everywhere, strolling, taking turns popping into clothing stores and meandering to little accessory shops.

East An City was the top city on Dubhe Star. This Outer Colony Star had been developed and operated for over a hundred years, offering many unique products that Erica and her friends enjoyed thoroughly.

"I'm going to the restroom. Anyone coming?"

"Hurry back, I'll wait for you."

"Hehe, I'm not going either."

"Hmph, you two have no loyalty."

Erica rolled her eyes at her two friends, seeing them happily shopping in the accessory store, and she proceeded alone towards the mall's restroom.

What Erica didn't know was that not long after she entered the restroom, someone followed her in together.

A companion nearby placed a sign outside the restroom stating 'Restroom Under Maintenance, Please Detour.'

After finishing, Erica was at the sink, intending to touch up her makeup, when suddenly she saw through the mirror a man appearing behind her.

The man was burly, bald, and had a scorpion tattooed on his neck, with a vicious and fierce appearance.

"Who are you... Mmm!!!"

Erica couldn't finish her sentence before the man covered her mouth and nose with a cloth soaked in potent sedatives, and her struggles quickly faded as she succumbed to unconsciousness.

The bald, scorpion-tattooed man took out his phone, snapping a photo of the unconscious Erica.

Soon another man arrived with a large suitcase, and both lifted the limp Erica, stuffed her into the suitcase, zipped it up, and nonchalantly left the restroom.

Meanwhile, the bald, scorpion-tattooed man, dragging the suitcase, fished out his phone, sending the photo before making a call: "Boss, it's done, the goods are acquired."

From the other end of the phone came the faint sound of clinking glasses, followed by a voice brimming with amusement, "You know what to do, right?"

"Understood, boss. Set an example to deter others from daring to mess with Wusi Real Estate Group."

Just as the bald man was about to end the call, the photo reached the other side, and a voice came again.

"Wait a minute, send this girl to me. I'll have some fun tonight."

"Yes, boss."

The bald man nodded and instructed an underling beside him, "Take a few guys to that old man's house."

He then personally drove to the bustling commercial center of East An City, heading to the Wusi Real Estate Group's headquarters, delivering the goods to his boss in person to further cement his standing in the boss's eyes.

It wasn't until everything was completed that Jenny and Jessica realized something was wrong, unable to find their good friend Erica, with her phone showing as turned off.

The two searched the mall several times, even resorting to broadcasting a search announcement, all to no avail. Only then did they grasp the gravity of the situation, their eyes welling with tears, hastily calling Erica's grandpa to inform the family.