[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-after-the-sky-fell":3,"chapter-after-the-sky-fell-after-the-sky-fell-chapter-202":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","After the Sky Fell",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2281058,4462,"Chapter 202","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-202",202,"\u003Cp>193. Chapter 193: Pete Performs a Ritual\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi and Lin Yue caught their breath, barely escaping the old district alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Recalling the scenes just now, it had been perilous beyond measure; they had barely managed to kill the monster named Alice by using the hanging spear to strike its soul, only to encounter yet another supernatural event in the old district—those walking corpses were utterly terrifying, having quietly grown into a force of unimaginable power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had they delayed another step, they might never have escaped alive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Compared to just a while ago, these evil entities have grown stronger,” said Daoist Pete, his eyes filled with concern: “How about that spider mother? Did you succeed in eliminating it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s probably dead—I killed it,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Pete nodded: “That’s good—at least one less problem. But I’m now worried these walking corpses may spread outward; soon, they could appear in every corner of the city. I’m powerless to stop them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To deal with them, we’d need to gather the strength of every cultivator in the city—there might still be a chance.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is it that serious?” Li Yi asked in surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Pete said: “I once tried to handle this with the Team Captain—we fought our way to the heart of the evil’s lair, thinking we’d succeed. But one female ghost was extraordinary; she struck once and left the Team Captain critically wounded and unconscious. We suffered heavy losses, and I barely escaped, carrying the unconscious Team Captain back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I regret my poor cultivation—I only know a little gunplay, no Daoist arts. Otherwise, how could that female ghost have wrought such havoc here?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then he clenched his teeth, his expression filled with bitter frustration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Female ghost?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi’s expression shifted slightly; his mind instinctively turned to Liu Yan, who had returned from death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could the female ghost Pete spoke of be her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If true, Liu Yan was terrifying indeed—her corpse had only returned from the ruined district less than three months ago, yet she had already caused such a grave crisis. After all, I myself relied on rare artifacts and cross-realm cultivation to reach the Spiritual Insight realm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is demonic cultivation truly this terrifying?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“To kill such entities, you must not only destroy their bodies but also exterminate the vengeful ghosts bound to them. Though our world’s energy is polluted, and that pollution can slowly erode the ghosts, it still takes time. If the ghost detaches from the corpse during that period and possesses another, trouble follows.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lin Yue frowned: “The old district has never lacked people; precisely because humans and ghosts mix here, it gives these vengeful spirits and evil entities room to breed. To eradicate them completely, I suggest using large-scale weapons to obliterate the entire old district—and we must act fast. Once they spread, it’ll be too late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That makes sense. To subdue demons and exorcise evils, we need decisive force. Wipe out the entire old district, purify all these evils, and prevent further disasters. Your suggestion is excellent—it aligns perfectly with my thoughts. I’ll immediately apply to the Investigation Bureau.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Pete’s expression changed—he saw the wisdom in it and turned to leave at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He truly went to apply for the use of large-scale weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi stared, watching Daoist Pete stride away, astonished—was this really a Daoist?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instantly resorting to firebombing and destroying a city?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, let’s leave quickly. Go back and prepare. If the authorities decide to destroy the old district, we must be ready,” Lin Yue said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Let’s return to Peace Financial Tower to rest. We can discuss further later,” Li Yi nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both refused to linger near the area and departed swiftly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, Zheng Gong and Yuan Mingjin had also safely retreated. They waited at the exit, and only when they saw Li Yi and Lin Yue did they exhale in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, Lin Yue, you’re safe. What happened? Why the sudden retreat? We haven’t recovered the spider mother’s corpse yet,” Zheng Gong asked, puzzled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi’s face darkened: “The old district’s supernatural event has escalated. After we killed the spider mother, the walking corpses suddenly emerged. Their power is terrifying—most have already begun cultivating, possessing Spiritual Medium realm strength; a few have grown powerful enough to rival Spiritual Awareness. If you hadn’t retreated in time, you wouldn’t have escaped.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We were lucky—Daoist Pete arrived just in time to help us escape. He’s now rushing back to the Investigation Bureau to apply for large-scale weapons to level the entire old district.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What?” Zheng Gong and Yuan Mingjin were instantly stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is it really that terrible?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Has the situation become so dire that they plan to destroy the entire old district?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi continued: “Zheng Gong, Yuan Mingjin, return to the Investigation Bureau immediately and request more sniper ammunition. I sense a battle is coming—we must prepare. Also, if you have relatives or friends, tell them to stay away from the old district. If possible, move to the Safe Zone. If not, come to Peace Financial Tower—we can watch out for each other.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Understood. I’ll act right away,” Zheng Gong’s expression turned grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, I’ll notify my uncle and others to come to Peace Financial Tower for shelter,” Lin Yue said. “I’ll also ask them to stock up on food and water—just in case.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. I’ll notify my relatives too—tell them to come here for a while. If they don’t want to, tell them to leave Tianchang City and go elsewhere,” Li Yi said. “Also, you’re right—we need more supplies. Besides food and water, buy nutrient solutions for cultivators. Everyone, prepare quickly. Time is tight—we must finish before nightfall.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Once night falls, I feel those walking corpses will start moving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief discussion, the group immediately sprang into action.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They notified relatives and friends to seek shelter at Peace Financial Tower—and urged them to gather essential supplies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi then called Zheng Lan, instructing her to prepare in advance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone’s coming to the tower for shelter? But the building isn’t finished—it can’t house many people. We’ll have to sleep on the floor,” Zheng Lan said, surprised.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It doesn’t matter—just get them in. A thirty-story tower is enough for everyone’s relatives and friends. Not everyone will come anyway; some will leave Tianchang City entirely,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zheng Lan asked: “If they can leave the city, why don’t we leave too?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi replied: “I’m an external operations officer of the Investigation Bureau. If I flee now, I’m a deserter—I’ll never get into Golden Academy. Besides, it’s not that dire yet. This crisis is deadly for ordinary people, but for cultivators like us, we can still protect ourselves. The key now is unity—we must stay together to avoid unnecessary risks.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I see. That’s reassuring,” Zheng Lan sighed in relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll transfer some money to you—cover all expenses under my name,” Li Yi said, then hung up and transferred thirty million to Zheng Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He then began contacting others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lu Jue, it’s me, Li Yi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi? What’s up?” Lu Jue’s voice came through the phone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Are you aware of the supernatural event in the old district?” Li Yi asked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lu Jue replied: “I’ve heard something. Do you need help?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi said: “Not help—I’m warning you. Walking corpses have appeared in the old district. They’re dangerous. I fear they’ll spread tonight. Notify your relatives and friends to leave Tianchang City. If they can’t leave, they can stay at Peace Financial Tower for a few days. The Investigation Bureau is considering destroying the entire old district. I’m telling you now so you can prepare.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Lu Jue sucked in a sharp breath.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi had just delivered a shocking piece of news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Li Yi, what are you planning? Are you leaving with us? Or are you staying in Tianchang City?” Lu Jue asked after a long silence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Me? I’m not leaving. I’ll stay in Tianchang City and see how the Investigation Bureau handles this. I might need to lend a hand when the time comes,” Li Yi said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. I’ll bring some friends to your place. Maybe we can help,” Lu Jue thought for a moment, then made a decision.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Yi whispered: “Think carefully. Coming to help me could get you killed. This isn’t facing beasts in the danger zones—it’s facing evil spirits and vengeful ghosts.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know. But in this situation, cultivators should unite. Besides, some friends have always wanted to invest in you—this is their chance. I’ll warn them of the risks. If they want to come, they come. If not, they leave. It’s their choice.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright. Confirm by nightfall,” Li Yi didn’t refuse—he agreed to Lu Jue’s proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More people nearby meant more safety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hanging up, Li Yi contacted others, relaying the same message.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In short, he did everything he could to protect his relatives and friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing this, Li Yi felt he had done all he could.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the Investigation Bureau.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Use the East Wind to destroy evil? Daoist Pete, are you serious?” A senior official stared at him, grave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Pete nodded: “Only by summoning ten East Winds can we quell this disaster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s equivalent to destroying the old district? No—absolutely not. The old district covers nearly half of Tianchang City. Without it, Tianchang City ceases to exist. I cannot approve this proposal, Daoist Pete.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Investigation Bureau’s senior officials immediately rejected Pete’s proposal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“My cultivation is insufficient, my Daoist arts limited. Only the East Wind can succeed. Alone, I cannot subdue the old district’s evils. If we don’t act before tonight, the walking corpses’ influence will spread further—and many will die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Pete had golden hair and blue eyes, his face bore compassion, his eyes filled with concern for the people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then mobilize every cultivator in the Investigation Bureau. Have Li Shaoqing from the Cultivator Association lend his strength. Offer two Golden Academy slots and twenty rare artifact cultivation chambers as rewards. Mobilize every cultivator in the city for a full-scale sweep—eliminate the monsters in one stroke.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another senior official, hot-tempered, slammed his fist on the table and staked the bureau’s entire resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Two Golden Academy slots and twenty rare artifact chambers? That’s no joke. If we pour all our resources into this one event, what if another crisis arises later? We’ll have nothing left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What’s the worry? No rare artifact chambers? Then we’ll use transcendent water. No cultivation techniques? Fine—I’ll beg the higher-ups for cross-realm slots myself. First, save Tianchang City. If the city is gone, what use are these things? Take them to your coffin?” the hot-tempered official snapped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s reconsider. I don’t oppose offering the two Golden Academy slots—but twenty rare artifact chambers is too many. Offer twelve. Leave some resources for training future investigators,” another senior official frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Daoist Pete, with a look of profound sorrow, said: “If you refuse the East Wind, I have another plan to eradicate all evils in the old district.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Daoist Pete, spit it out quickly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Pete stroked his beard softly: “Give me one hundred white phosphorus grenades. I will perform the White Phosphorus Exorcism Ritual. In one night, I will purge all evils. Tianchang City will return to peace. I’ve studied these entities—they’re vicious, but still flesh and blood. They cannot withstand the White Phosphorus Exorcism.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Daoist Pete, abandon your rituals. I thank you on behalf of Tianchang City’s citizens,” one senior official said, his mouth twitching.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s stick to the previous plan: offer two Golden Academy slots and twelve rare artifact chambers. Issue a formal Investigation Bureau invitation to all cultivators in Tianchang City to handle this event. Operation codename: Exorcise Demons.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Cultivator Association may not cooperate,” someone said.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hot-tempered official sneered: “We can’t send them to Golden Academy—but we can make sure they never get in, never become cross-realm cultivators. I have dozens of ways to block them. Want to run during a crisis? Not a chance. If they don’t help, they stay in Tianchang City—nowhere else.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is wise. It aligns with the Dao,” Daoist Pete nodded approvingly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How is this aligned with the Dao? What Dao is this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Daoist Pete replied: “The Dao of letting a fellow cultivator die, not myself.”\u003C\u002Fp>",2032,"2026-06-20T01:27:02.229Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","0c9b41791dc99b7f9a767813bd42a39142bd4ef2a88e7d2ce093577226f1bf55","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-203","after-the-sky-fell-chapter-201",1000,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fafter-the-sky-fell-cover.jpg"]