Chapter 335: Violent Power Grab
Once bustling Ninglan New City has become sparse with people today. The closed doors reflect the fear of war among the citizens, yet the Ninglan city emblem affixed at the entrance silently acknowledges their resistance. They do not need a City Lord addicted to the beauty of Dream Demons, nor someone who treats the lives of city dwellers as mere fodder for Dream Demons to nourish his power.
Historically, the succession of city lords has always been celebrated with lights and festivities, but this time it feels unusually cold and quiet.
At this critical moment of power transition, a hidden surge of fortune swells above Ninglan New City, with gloomy clouds shedding fine rain.
The void’s energy tide rises once again, ready to resist the external world, much like a foreboding of impending disaster. Centered around the Ninglan Guardian Stele, the Earth Vein energy flows freely, offering protection.
As a resident adapted to this Earth Vein energy, Ninglan New City’s inhabitants feel a long-lost surge of energy washing over them, awakening the warlike instincts engraved in their bones a thousand years ago.
In the early days, when Ninglan New City was just established, each surge from the Ninglan Guardian Stele represented the readiness to fight to the d*ath against those mutated creatures.
At this moment, Ninglan Qiuyu stands as the core leader, and the members of the City Guard, clad in Type II Extraordinary Armor, are poised for action, lined up and intimidating in their presence.
Ninglan Qiuyu also has support from outsiders. Although these individuals may not match the City Guard’s imposing aura, their personal strength does not fall short.
The most eye-catching among them is undoubtedly the brilliant Holy Light and wings of the Holy Angel Academy.
As one of the forces to counter the strange methods of the Dream Demons, these outsiders should not be overlooked.
Ninglan Qiuyu’s gaze sweeps over the crowd, understanding that he can no longer wait. His eyes inadvertently glance toward Ninglan Township Fort, a fleeting desire for power washing over him. After a moment of closed-eye contemplation, his eyes become resolute.
Facing everyone before him—the City Guard, the outsiders, the spontaneously formed rebels—he draws a long sword, corroded by time, and points it at his target.
This sword is the weapon of the City Lord who once violently seized power in Ninglan New City’s history, a relic that should have been displayed in the historical museum not long ago. Even after a century, the engravings depict the craftsmanship of extraordinary skills. Now, this sword is about to relive the events it once witnessed.
“Brothers, esteemed guests from the Extraordinary Academy, and those rebels who willingly unite to support me! We gather here today for one purpose!”
“Our City Lord, my father, devoted his former life to Ninglan New City, but now he is old; he is no longer a competent guardian, nor the gentle City Lord we remember.”
“In the face of sudden disaster, Dream Demons, and the Nightmare that has plagued us for too long, he is lost in the beautiful dreams woven by the Dream Demons, forgetting the vows he once made when he ascended as City Lord! He has abandoned his responsibilities, forsaken his citizens! Therefore, I, Ninglan Qiuyu, heir to the Ninglan lineage, will correct this wrong and ensure the continuation of Ninglan New City! Even if I must confront my father, I will not hesitate, for I understand that behind me will be…”
At that moment, all ears are attuned to Ninglan Qiuyu’s passionate rallying cry. The soldiers of the City Guard shine with determination in their eyes, witnessing history, while the rebels display fervor—a thirst for power. Regardless of their reasons, standing here means they have wagered their lives on Ninglan Qiuyu, trusting him to change the fate of Ninglan New City.
Even the students from the Extraordinary Academy, most of whom are barely out of their cradles, are stirred by Ninglan Qiuyu’s words, questioning whether they are not also witnessing history.
Essentially, they too are spirited youths, recently grasping extraordinary powers, tasting the sweetness of strength. Here, the lack of detriment from major weakening spells allows their newfound strength to easily cloud their self-awareness.
At this moment, Ninglan Qiuyu can hear the doubts about his actions, yet he remains unfazed.
“…Now, everyone, follow the direction my sword points! bl**d must cleanse the Dream Demons! Let us reclaim our Ninglan New City!”
The City Guard soldiers shout in unison, with no pretentiousness, targeting Ninglan Township Fort directly.
……
Underground City.
“They left?”
Upon learning that Tan Han and the others had already departed, I was somewhat surprised. Previously, more than half of the Ground Patrol team had left, with many of those remaining being administrative staff. I had a vague idea that they would leave, but I did not expect it to happen so quickly without a word.
Or do they assume I will appear at an opportune moment to help them turn the tides?
In the Underground City, I was already overwhelmed with issues related to Fool Dream, and now I understand that simply having power, under the overarching order, makes it difficult to accomplish much.
“Yes, Scholar Xiao Han, though we are unclear about the situation above, they took a large number of our Extraordinary weapons, which may represent our support for them. We hope the surface can stabilize soon.”
“Oh? Is it that simple?”
“The simplicity of it relies on their ability to convince me. Moreover, this is not solely my decision, but that of the senior management of the Extraordinary Research Base.”
“Alright then, I’m not concerned with that.” I waved my hand, preparing to leave, as I am not exactly in a leisurely position right now.
“Oh, by the way, Scholar Xiao Han, I kindly ask you to avoid wandering around too much recently. You know that many from the Ground Patrol team have left, and public order in the Underground City is bound to face problems, not to mention… your application for housing for those Fool Dream has been approved so quickly as a consideration for you.”
“Thanks anyway.” I nodded.
“It’s no trouble; it’s what I should do. The value of what you bring us far exceeds these concerns. Oh, I almost forgot to mention one thing.”
“What is it?”
“You understand the current situation in the Underground City, and you also grasp the attitudes of those people towards the Fool Dream. Many can barely secure housing, and allowing those little ones to have homes is inherently provocative. Coupled with the significant reduction in the manpower of the Ground Patrol team, this has spread throughout the Underground City…”
“I understand… I will find my own way to resolve the issue.” I said solemnly.
I understand that the base leader is conveying these words to me, or rather, this statement did not necessarily need his direct communication, but that he chose to do so signifies numerous issues, after all… in a sense, I also count as a bomb in the Underground City, a landmine capable of causing chaos!
“Oh, by the way, Scholar Xiao Han, if I may ask, did you… acquire a means to interfere with reality through some channel?”
“Oh? It seems you all place great importance on me?”
“Then… can I take your previous question as a given?”
“You’re free to think as you wish. Having been together for some time, you must have conducted a comprehensive personality analysis and psychological profile of me, right? Just don’t touch my nerve; I’m still very easy to get along with.”
“Indeed… ” He smiled in his characteristic manner, unsure if he is silently rebutting my easy-going nature or merely following professional habit.
After a brief conversation with him, I triggered the topic terminator’s ability involuntarily, thus having a reason to return.
On the way back, I looked up at the Earth Vein above the Underground City’s dome, which connects the entire Underground City. Recently, the Earth Vein has visibly brightened, signifying an impending beast tide from the surface.
The Extraordinary Research Base sends a blade of rebellion to Ninglan Qiuyu, who is about to ascend to the City Lord position, and soon, the Extraordinary weapons prepared for the city defense army will also be in place.
One could say that the equipment manufacturing district of the Underground City is under immense pressure at this moment.
This cooperative model has continued for an unknown length of time.
As the Earth Vein energy surges from this particular Earth Vein rupture, it has little impact on my daily life, though it is not something I can simply overlook.
Of course, my concern with Earth Vein energy arises from my keen interest in Earth Vein Shackles.
The Academy Head once told me that Earth Vein Shackles also belong to the Earth Vein but are a more abstract form of existence evolved in the world, closely linked to the world consciousness.
To sever the Earth Vein Shackles, one must pay a price far exceeding one’s intrinsic value.
However, since the Academy Head also mentioned that I have the chance to manage it by myself, I will certainly find a way to resolve it.
Regrettably, I am unsure what form the Earth Vein Shackles take, making it impossible for Spirit Vision to perceive their existence.
Moreover, it seems that there are no traces of Earth Vein energy within me. At most, the only connection would be the student card bound when I first entered the academy. It appears to bind through the Earth Vein, gathering my body information, which belongs to the postnatal attachment. Having understood the definition of Earth Vein Shackles, I realize this connection has been present since each person’s birth.
Perhaps… I should try to step out of the range of this Earth Vein radiation and experience the outside world. I have asked the Academy Head about this idea, and he did not dismiss it, so it is worth a shot.
“Sister Bai… huh? Why are you here waiting for me?”
“What’s wrong? Have you been so busy that you forgot about me?” Bai Yu smiled as she walked toward me.
“No, how could that be?”
“Alright then, you should be done with your things. Is there anything you want to do?”
“Things I want to do… with that question, it seems there are many, but upon reflection, there’s not much…”
For instance, the matter I am pondering regarding Earth Vein Shackles, the revival spell thoughts that were interrupted earlier, perhaps the ongoing struggle in Ninglan New City, or diving deeper into the mysteries of spells.
“Then think slowly.”
“Um… then… Sister Bai, accompany me to see the Earth Vein.” I suggested.
The most spectacular sight in the Underground City is the Earth Vein. Although the area centered on the Earth Vein is sealed off, it is also a favorite place for the residents of the Underground City to visit. Strange rituals have even emerged to offer prayers to this Earth Vein.
Before long, we arrived there, standing under this massive Earth Vein tributary, everyone appearing diminutive. I felt an even stronger surge of Earth Vein energy washing over me, a sensation akin to a cleansing of the entire body. It is indeed marvelous, and Ninglan New City relies on this Earth Vein to withstand wave after wave of energy tides from the void.
“Xiao Han, looking so mesmerized, what are you thinking about?”
“Mm? Oh, nothing. I’m just contemplating the Earth Vein Shackles, which will also be a problem you’ll encounter in the future, Sister Bai.”
“Earth Vein Shackles, huh… according to your description, I should indeed prepare for the future. So, what have our genius Xiao Han figured out?”
“Nothing; how could something like that be associated in this way?”
“Is there really anything that could stump you, Xiao Han?”
“Of course. There are many things in this world I am unaware of. Do you really think my Spirit Vision can see everything?”
“But one day you’ll be able to, right?” With that, Bai Yu instinctively reached out to pat my head, but unfortunately, her hand passed through, yet it seemed as if she touched it persistently.
“Indeed… Spirit Vision… even at the Floating World level, that is far from the endpoint; even at the Floating World level, I have not mastered it quite yet…”
“Not mastered? Since it’s Spirit Vision, it should relate to vision as well. Xiao Han, why not try Body Cultivation?”
“Body Cultivation?”
“Yes, Body Cultivation is not merely about physical techniques but about the cultivation of the body, which includes a form of five senses training. There is a planned journey for my Body Cultivation, even as I ascend to the extraordinary; it still has an expansive path. After transcending the extraordinary, the training related to the five senses is called Real Five Senses Cultivation…”
“Real Five Senses!” I immediately caught onto the keyword. I know about Real Five Senses! Teacher Ji had mentioned it; Spirit Vision is equivalent to a weakened version, a real visual experience before reaching the extraordinary.
“Xiao Han, you know about it?”
“Yes, can you tell me more… huh?”
Just as I excitedly wanted to delve deeper into the Real Five Senses and Body Cultivation with Sister Bai, suddenly, violent movements erupted from the Earth Vein above us.
Several figures appeared in the sky, launching a fierce assault on the Earth Vein, causing large and small stones to fall due to the strong tremors.
At that moment, the fluctuation of the Earth Vein energy displayed an unusual situation.
Someone is going to attack the Earth Vein!
“Those… are Dream Demons! How is that possible? Are there Dream Demons in the Underground City?”
