Chapter 194

195. Chapter 195: Operation Codename: Demon Extermination

Just within the short time Li Yi had been in meditation and cultivation.

The Investigation Bureau had already made a major decision: to mobilize all the cultivators in the entire Tianchang City to sweep through the Old City District, resolve the supernatural entities hidden within in one fell swoop, and restore stability to the city. This operation was codenamed: Demon Extermination.

To ensure the smooth launch of this operation, the Investigation Bureau directly offered two spots at the Golden Academy and lifetime usage rights for fifteen Mystic Object cultivation rooms as rewards to attract cultivators to participate.

Once the news broke, it spread through every large and small cultivation circle in Tianchang City within just half an hour.

The first to receive the news was Li Shaoqing of the Cultivator Association.

At this moment, Li Shaoqing was still lingering in the Waste District. Looking at the message on his phone, he couldn't help but frown: "How can the Investigation Bureau be so impulsive? They've even brought out internal spots for competition just to deal with that ghost thing in the Old City District? If this is the case, wouldn't the previous efforts of the Investigation Bureau's investigators be in vain?"

"Li Shaoqing, the Investigation Bureau hadn't mentioned the Golden Academy spots before. Although they were indeed arranged that way internally, there was never an official notification, so it didn't count. Only now is it an official notification, which shows that the situation in the Old City District is very serious and the Investigation Bureau can no longer sit still. However, our Cultivator Association also has a spot, so there's no need to get involved. As long as we steadily hunt extraordinary creatures, your entry into the Golden Academy is almost a certainty. That Yang Yi Long will find it very difficult to compete with us."

Beside him, a Spirit Perception expert said with a smile.

"No, you're wrong. We must participate in this matter, otherwise, the Investigation Bureau will settle scores later. Even if I secured that spot, I wouldn't be able to enter the Golden Academy or become a cross-dimensional traveler." Li Shaoqing put down his phone and said: "No matter how powerful cultivators are, everything is still led by the authorities for now. This moment concerns the safety of the city. If we back out now, we'll be marked, and there will definitely be big trouble in the future."

"It's only a waste of a day or two at most. Notify everyone in the Cultivator Association to take a trip to the Old City District. This time, it's not for nothing; getting a few Mystic Object cultivation rooms is also good. These things are very precious now. Anyone who can see through illusions will see their cultivation values soar; Daoist Priest Pite is the best example."

"If I could see through illusions, perhaps I wouldn't need to compete for that so-called spot; I could enter the Golden Academy based on my own cultivation values."

Li Shaoqing was quite tempted. What he valued wasn't the spot, but the Mystic Object cultivation room.

Although he had applied to the Investigation Bureau to use one before, things had been delayed again and again following the coma of Captain Zhang Lei, which left him somewhat helpless. However, this time was an opportunity; by putting in some effort and securing a Mystic Object cultivation room, it would be of huge help to his own future.

"Give everyone one hour to prepare. Once the time is up, we depart immediately."

After checking the time, Li Shaoqing said immediately.

Meanwhile, in the Stability District.

Yang Yi Long, who was cultivating in a cultivation pod, also received this important message.

Immediately, he stepped out of the cultivation pod.

"Yang Yi Long, what happened?" Yang Jin, who was beside the cultivation pod, asked immediately.

Yang Yi Long glanced over, first letting the guide near the cultivation pod leave, then he took out his phone and showed Yang Jin the message. However, his information was different from others'; the Investigation Bureau had offered him separate conditions, willing to unseal all of the Yang family's industries, while also promising that if Yang Yi Long could resolve this incident, he could be gifted a Mystic Object cultivation room.

As for the Golden Academy spot, he shouldn't even think about it; the Investigation Bureau wouldn't release a spot to such a powerful competitor.

The Investigation Bureau hoped that one of their own would take the spot.

"This is a good thing. Yang Yi Long, with your strength, completing this mission won't be difficult. Although it involves some strange things, your sword happens to restrain them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you."

Yang Jin was very excited because this way, the negative impact previously caused by the Yang family could all be eliminated.

Yang Yi Long nodded and said: "I think so too. I have had contact with the strangeness in the Old City District, and it's not difficult for me to handle. It's just that previously, this was the Investigation Bureau's business and I didn't want to participate, as it involved a lot and was very troublesome. It's better to hunt extraordinary creatures; it earns money, allows for competing for spots, and hones cultivation. But this time, for the sake of the Yang family's industries, I must go no matter what."

"But what about the Cultivator Association?" Yang Jin then asked with some hesitation.

"Li Shaoqing from the Cultivator Association has already taken action. He has given up hunting extraordinary creatures, accepted the mission, and expressed willingness to cooperate with the Investigation Bureau's operation."

At this moment, a woman with green vertical pupils walked in quickly. Her gaze flickered, possessing a kind of indescribable, demonic quality.

"However, what I'm worried about isn't this, but that Lin Yue and Li Yi will also take action. They joined the Investigation Bureau as external combat personnel and will definitely participate in this mission. It's very likely we will run into them then."

"Once we run into them, a battle will definitely break out. It will be very troublesome then; you need to prepare early."

Yang Yi Long's expression darkened: "The Old City District is so large and full of crises. I'll find an opportunity to finish off Li Yi and completely end this grudge. As for Lin Yue, I originally had no grievances with her, but she killed my uncle Yang Ye with her own hands. This grudge must be avenged, otherwise, if we really let them continue to grow, we might truly fall into their hands in the future."

"Killing two Investigation Bureau people in the Old City District—once it's exposed, everything done before will be in vain." Qin Qing said: "You'd better think clearly. Actually, I suggest you temporarily put aside your hatred and strive to become a cross-dimensional traveler to leave this world. In the face of cross-dimensional survival, these grudges are not important."

"Indecision leads to disaster."

Yang Yi Long said: "If I don't seek revenge on Li Yi, Li Yi will also seek revenge on me. Moreover, Li Yi's cultivation speed is too fast. He now has a Mystic Object cultivation room, plus his fist techniques, guidance techniques, and a sufficiently high cultivation talent. If we wait another month or two, I might really be suppressed by him. Qin Qing, this matter has nothing to do with you; don't get involved. If I really make a mistake, you can still continue to compete for a spot and become a cross-dimensional traveler."

Qin Qing was silent for a moment and did not speak.

"Prepare yourself. Before tonight, we enter the Old City District and resolve everything with a battle."

Yang Yi Long looked out the window at this moment, a look of determination appearing in his eyes.

He knew that this was a test for himself. As long as he survived it, everything would be calm. He could help unseal the Yang family's industries and also secure a Mystic Object cultivation room. By then, whether competing for the Golden Academy spot or continuing to cultivate and evolve, everything would be smooth sailing. Moreover, he could eliminate his two enemies, Li Yi and Lin Yue, saving himself trouble in the future.

Therefore, Yang Yi Long had absolutely no reason to retreat.

The stakes were too high.

He had to win.

"Yang Yi Long, if you are truly determined to take action, I can help you hold off Lin Yue."

After a moment of silence, Qin Qing spoke up. Her green vertical pupils glowed, and she took a deep breath, having made her choice.

"You and Lin Yue are friends, and you have a good relationship with each other, and there haven't been any conflicts or contradictions. Making you fight each other is too cruel. I'll do it." Yang Yi Long shook his head and said.

Qin Qing gave a bitter smile: "Things have reached this point, and everyone is helpless. Lin Yue is a very stubborn person; she won't watch you kill Li Yi. Even if you really killed Li Yi, she would still seek revenge on you regardless of everything. Once she goes crazy, she won't care about so much anymore. Maybe she'll kill every member of the Yang family she sees."

"Although she and I are friends, since you want to take action now, I can only support you. In this way, among the four of us—Lin Yue, Li Yi, you, and me—only one side can survive."

"Since that's the case, let me deal with Lin Yue. Let me, as a friend, send her on her way."

Yang Yi Long looked at Qin Qing and said: "You've decided?"

"Decided."

Qin Qing said: "I also want to have a resolution, otherwise being stuck between you all is also a very painful thing. Moreover, with me dealing with Lin Yue, your chances of winning are greater. Now, crossing dimensions is not just my own business; the relatives beside me are also waiting for me to save them."

"Like you, I carry too much on my back and have no way out."

Yang Yi Long nodded empathetically: "Qin Qing, it's truly a blessing that you can understand me. How I wish I could settle grudges happily and roam the world, but born into the Yang family and enjoying all the resources provided by the family, the future survival of the whole family rests on me alone. Many times, I am helpless; some things I don't want to do, I have to do, and some people I don't want to kill, I have to kill."

"Unknowingly, I have become the kind of person I hated most in the beginning: hypocritical, overbearing..."

"Sometimes I really envy that Li Yi, rising from the bottom, not needing to consider so much, and acting only according to his own preferences."

He sighed, revealing his inner thoughts, a trace of fatigue appearing in his eyes.

"However, all of this will soon come to an end. I, Yang Yi Long, will use the sword in my hand to open up a brand-new future."

"I hope that in the future, after arriving in a new world, I can truly be myself again."

Just as the two were discussing.

Other cultivators also took action one after another after receiving the message from the Investigation Bureau. Although they knew they couldn't get the Golden Academy spot, they were very interested in the Investigation Bureau's Mystic Object cultivation rooms. If they could get one, they would benefit infinitely in the future, so they all thought about giving it a try.

However, the strength of the individual cultivators was limited, so they decided to adopt a team approach, working together to secure a cultivation room.

After all, as long as a cultivation room is reasonably arranged, it is enough for five or six people to use.

"Operation Codename: Demon Extermination. This is truly a dangerous mission. I just came back from the Old City District, and I have to go again?"

As an external combat member of the Investigation Bureau, Gu Mengping also received the mission. He was currently resting at home in the Stability District, missing his departed teammates and feeling sad about the future. However, not long after, this mandatory mission interrupted his thoughts, forcing him to get up and prepare to participate in tonight's Demon Extermination operation.

Of course, it wasn't just him.

Daoist Priest Pite, Liu Yue, Zhang Zhixiong, and even Fu Bing, who hadn't fully recovered from his injuries, as well as Zheng Gong, who hadn't become an investigator for long, all received the mission notification.

It could be said.

This time, the Investigation Bureau truly intended to mobilize the power of all cultivators in Tianchang City to retake the Old City District and restore order.

"Li Yi, the operation against the ghost thing in the Old City District is out... The higher-ups don't agree with Daoist Priest Pite's proposal to destroy the Old City District; they intend to mobilize all cultivators to resolve those walking corpses. Moreover, the time for this operation is very tight. Before 8:00 PM tonight, all cultivators must arrive at the designated location. I am currently at the equipment department with Yuan Mingjin to collect some bullets, and I will rendezvous with you later."

Zheng Gong immediately dialed the phone and told Li Yi about this matter.

"Okay, I know. By the way, Zheng Gong, I have a pill in my hand that might be helpful for Captain Zhang Lei's condition. You can have someone come over to get it." Li Yi then added.

"Really?" Zheng Gong's tone held some surprise.

Li Yi said: "I'm not sure it will definitely be useful, but if Captain Zhang Lei can wake up at this time, it will definitely be very helpful for the situation."

"Okay, wait a moment. I'll have an Investigation Bureau staff member go to your place immediately to get it. Once I get the medicine, I'll send it to the Captain immediately." Zheng Gong said. He would doubt others' medicine, but he wouldn't doubt the medicine given by Li Yi.

"No problem." Li Yi said.

The two's conversation ended quickly.

After knowing the plan, Li Yi also knew that he had no way to continue cultivating. He didn't even have enough time to rest now and had to prepare immediately.

After changing into his Qulong suit, he carried a few large pills with him, picked up a box of nutrient solution, and then went downstairs with the Hanging Man Spear.

Just as he went downstairs.

He saw Lin Yue at the elevator entrance.

"Li Yi, you came just in time. I was just planning to find you. Do you know about the Investigation Bureau's operation?" Lin Yue said immediately: "Today, we are taking action against the Old City District. I just received some information that almost most of the cultivators in Tianchang City have taken action, and even the Vice President of the Cultivator Association, Li Shaoqing, is rushing over here..."

"Zheng Gong just notified me. Daoist Priest Pite's proposal was rejected. The higher-ups refuse to destroy the Old City District, but they also don't want to see the walking corpses spread. Now, we can only rely on cultivators to resolve the walking corpse incident." Li Yi said with a serious expression: "Lin Jie, we must also prepare to welcome tonight's battle."

"That's natural... Wait, what changes have happened to your body?" Lin Yue only then discovered that although Li Yi was trying his best to control his Qi and blood, once she got close, she could still feel a wave of heat from his Qi and blood rushing towards her.

Just by standing beside him, she could feel that surging Qi and blood in operation.

Moreover, when Lin Yue looked up at the top of Li Yi's head, she saw a blood-red aura rushing five or six meters high, like a wolf-smoke rising.

"I ate a large pill, which forcibly stimulated the Qi and blood in my body, helping to increase my strength." Li Yi made up a reason; he didn't want Lin Yue to worry.

After all, the Burning Blood Technique burns lifespan in exchange for three days of powerful strength.

"This kind of medicine that stimulates the human body's potential must have side effects." Lin Yue keenly noticed the problem.

Li Yi said: "I will be weak after three days, and my body might need to recuperate... But it doesn't matter; I will drink extraordinary water to repair my body and shorten the time of the side effects."

"That's good." Lin Yue nodded and said: "However, at this time, it is indeed necessary to use some radical means to enhance strength. Moreover, during this mission, we may encounter Yang Yi Long and the others... A fierce battle will be inevitable then. But don't worry, if Yang Yi Long dares to take action, I will protect you and won't let him succeed."

"Is Yang Yi Long coming too?" Li Yi's expression flickered.

The thing he was most worried about had happened.

This mission wasn't just as simple as having terrifying walking corpses and fierce ghosts; there was also a strong enemy by his side. If he didn't handle it well, he might very likely die.

It's just that the accumulation of Qi and blood wasn't enough yet.

It wasn't enough to fill the nine major meridians. Now he just had to wait a bit longer, until the accumulation was sufficient, before breaking through.

He just hoped that before then, he wouldn't meet Yang Yi Long so quickly.

"Lin Jie, don't worry. If we really meet Yang Yi Long, we'll just fight. Who wins and who loses, we don't know yet. Some grudges are also time to be settled; this time happens to be an opportunity." Li Yi's eyes turned red at this moment, and killing intent emerged.

He was currently in the period of the Burning Blood Technique, and his strength was at the peak of his life. By then, he could also open the nine major meridians and condense Qi and blood fist energy. These things combined were enough to give him the qualifications to fight Yang Yi Long head-on, and he might even be able to suppress him.

"Okay, if you want to fight, then I'll accompany you for a fight." Lin Yue was also hot-tempered at this moment. Seeing that Li Yi refused to retreat, she simply let go of everything.