Chapter 159: Scheming Woman·Zero, Kingly Aura, and the Strange Opportunity of the Uesugi Clan Head

"A step too late!"

"Reborn·Shunde Mai" had been running for several days across the Fusang landmass, which had expanded a hundredfold.

Having finally rushed to Tokyo Prefecture, she missed the golden opportunity to trick Uesugi Wang Yue—that powerhouse who could go berserk and trade blows with the "Red-Bearded Dragon Lord"—into being her muscle.

Shunde Mai was filled with vexation; having lost Uesugi Wang Yue as a hired hand, her success rate in competing for the "Heavenly Gathering Cloud" within the "Different Space·High Heaven Plain" had plummeted significantly.

"I must reach the scene first; he who moves fast gains the advantage."

"There are many good things in the 'Different Space·High Heaven Plain', enough for me to break through to the Fourth Order quickly."

"As a Fourth Order transcendent, plus the power of space-time and the 'Heavenly Gathering Cloud', escaping shouldn't be much of a problem."

Plans never keep up with changes; the "Reborn" one temporarily modified her plan.

The hands of the "Crazy Emperor" clock, marked with a pale blue astronomical clock pattern, ticked, opening a localized spatial wormhole that allowed her to leap over a dozen kilometers in an instant.

……

High above the heavens, "Returner·Renata," who manipulated gravity to fly, pierced through the void with her Reincarnation Eye and Samsara Eye.

Zero saw the White Chalk Dragon that Uesugi Wang Yue had transformed into, as well as the Sea Clan, who were whipping up storms and gathering a massive army by the edge of the vast sea.

"Dragon! It's a dragon!"

"Capture them, extract their souls, and perhaps I can learn the whereabouts of the 'Star Spirit·Nidhogg'!"

Zero was just about to act when she recalled the experience of being ganged up on by four Beast Lords in the "Different Space·Far North Empire."

Thus, she decided to hold back, letting the Sea Clan and Fusang fight until both sides were crippled, so she could then step in to capture the various dragons and reap the fisherman's profit.

In order to resurrect "Dr. Bai," who was teacher, father, and friend to her, Zero was increasingly developing into a cunning old fox.

"Oh? The power of space."

Observing from the shadows, Zero sensed a spatial fluctuation.

Her gaze locked onto Shunde Mai, who was rushing toward the "Different Space·High Heaven Plain."

"Let's catch this little mouse and see; perhaps she knows something."

Zero became interested; she opened a spatial portal of the Otsutsuki clan and arrived behind Shunde Mai in an instant.

"Human Path·Memory Reading!"

Her palm lightly touched the back of Shunde Mai's head; the poor "Reborn" one had been ambushed by the "Returner" who played dirty!

Shunde Mai fell into a state of deep unconsciousness.

Zero's Samsara Eye glowed brilliantly as she quickly read the memories in Shunde Mai's brain.

"A colleague died in the North Pole? Done by that grizzly bear?"

"Zero? The same name my foster father gave me; that's not important."

"Fusang is being invaded by the Sea Clan? I've already seen that."

"An ownerless 'Different Space·High Heaven Plain' containing a super-weapon, the 'Heavenly Gathering Cloud'?"

"The Eight Families of Snake Branch? Trash."

"Future intelligence? Reborn? A mysterious boss? Interesting."

"The 'Time·Crazy Emperor' and 'Space·Crazy Emperor' found in some ruins before dying in a past life? As if I'd believe that!"

After reading Shunde Mai's memories, Zero had a mouthful of cynical remarks stuck in her throat.

One takes on the habits of those one associates with.

Having been 'raised' by "Dr. Bai," her schemes and methods were not to be underestimated.

"According to Jiu De Ma Yi's memories, the 'Heavenly Gathering Cloud' in the 'Different Space: High Heavenly Plain' was an opportunity that should have belonged to the head of the Uesugi family of the Eight Families of Snake Branch: Uesugi Erii."

Zero quickly weighed the pros and cons, recalling the teachings of her foster father, "Dr. Bai."

"Speculation: The risk of taking the 'Heavenly Gathering Cloud' is low, as Shunde Mai herself was trying to snatch someone else's opportunity."

"And the 'Different Space·High Heaven Plain' involves the war between Fusang and the Sea Clan; while I have the strength to intervene, there is no need."

After a moment of thought, Zero decided to abandon the "Different Space·High Heaven Plain."

A territory that cannot be moved is not suitable for a lone traveler like her, but snatching the "Heavenly Gathering Cloud" is not a problem.

"And then there's Lu Lu Mingze."

"His power can manipulate dreams and spirits, rewrite the bloodline levels of dragon-human hybrids, and he is proficient in the alchemy system."

Zero made a prompt decision, listing Lu Lu Mingze as her primary target of suspicion.

"Either he is the 'Star Spirit·Black King' or the 'Star Spirit·World Tree'; at the very least, he must have a close relationship with the two 'Star Spirits'!"

"Regardless, I'll capture the target of suspicion first."

Jiu De Mai did not know Lu Lu Mingze's whereabouts, but Zero guessed based on 'Lu Mingfei's' intelligence: "Lu Mingfei is very important to Lu Lu Mingze; if I capture Lu Mingfei, I don't believe Lu Lu Mingze won't show himself."

"Speculation: Lu Mingfei is in the Shenzhou Magic City base city; Lu Lu Mingze is also very likely active near the Magic City base city."

After regaining her composure, the cunning Zero released the now-valueless Shunde Mai without a second thought.

It seemed Shunde Mai's "Crazy Emperor" and "Crazy Emperor" were very valuable.

But such obviously problematic hot potatoes—whoever takes them is a fool!

She was unsure if there was a mastermind behind Shunde Mai's 'rebirth.'

To be safe, and considering the victim provided her with intelligence, Zero, who was not inherently evil, decided to protect her a little.

Moreover, preventing Shunde Mai's death could avoid alerting the enemy and reduce the possibility of the mastermind discovering her.

"Wood Style·Wood Locking Wall!"

A small hand clapped, and whatever she called for appeared.

A row of wooden pillars pushed up from the ground, curving into an arched wall to protect Shunde Mai inside.

"Thanks. I'll take the 'Heavenly Gathering Cloud' without being polite."

Zero smiled with a dark belly, her petite figure sinking into the spatial portal and disappearing without a trace.

For weak reborn ones, if their unreasonable actions arouse the curiosity of the strong, their life and death are inevitably tied to the other's whim.

If they are lucky, like Shunde Mai, they might still preserve their little lives.

If they are unlucky and encounter demonic or evil monsters, death becomes a luxury.

Some 'great beings' who have 'lived another life' jump around everywhere, acting cool, slapping faces, and seeking attention.

Their past-life schemes, methods, and wisdom seem as if they were fed to dogs; it looks unreasonable no matter how you view it.

For a monster who truly resurrected by their own ability, one can refer to Xianmo Xianmo Weiyang.

Their surface identity is a true disciple of a great Immortal Dao sect, and they have countless hidden masks.

They never feel they have too many life-saving measures, and their trump cards can reverse-slay enemies two major realms higher.

They strike once and change locations, discarding a mask immediately after using it once. Unless necessary, they never provoke old monsters they cannot currently defeat.

……

"Infinite True Realm," beneath the ancient tree.

Meng Yi, whose split consciousness had returned to his main body, was monitoring every move in the solar system testing ground and saw the little interlude between "Reborn·Shunde Mai" and "Returner·Zero."

Meng Yi said with a strange expression: "The cheat given to the 'Test Subject·Returner' is a bit too big."

Strength was still secondary; having 'spent over a decade' with him, Ling had been subtly influenced, and her level of cunning and depth had improved significantly.

With combat power rivaling a "Fifth Order·Beast Overlord," plus the captured "Reborn Memories," Zero was somewhat crushing the current version.

"Should I 'Deus ex Machina' and delete the file to start over?"

Meng Yi thought for a moment and abandoned the idea of regulating the situation.

There was no need; Zero's sudden rise was also a possibility, pushing the future in a more unpredictable direction.

Shunde Mai only had a few extra years of 'future memories,' and the extent of her personality change was not large; it was only natural she couldn't play against a 'Returner' who had lived for over twenty years.

"I must pay attention to this problem in future testing grounds."

"However, since I gave Uesugi Wang Yue the 'Flash Technique·System,' I might as well give the Genji siblings some cheats."

"The more variables, the better; only enough catfish can stir up more valuable results."

Meng Yi flicked his finger, and three beams of light left the "Infinite True Realm," descending upon Fusang in the Earth testing ground.

……

Earth·Fusang·Tokyo Prefecture.

The Northern Hemisphere was shrouded in night, but the Tokyo Prefecture area was covered in a faint white light; that was the call of the "Different Space·High Heaven Plain."

Genji Heavy Industry Headquarters Building.

Working overtime late at night, reviewing Execution Bureau documents, and closely monitoring the movements of the Fusang Sea Clan, Gen Gen Zhishang rubbed his temples, looking slightly weary.

Thanks to "Bai Xue·Spirit Qi," Gen Gen Zhishang's strength had improved quite a bit.

Although he hadn't reached the Fourth Order, which rivaled "Beast Monarchs" or "Complete Form Dragon Kings," he had reached the peak of the Third Order.

Unfortunately, Tachibana Masamune, disguised by Herzog, firmly held the power of the Great Patriarch.

As long as Gen Yasushi didn't stage a 'Chen Xuanwu Gate Incident: Eight Families of Snake Branch Edition,' no matter how strong he was, he remained just a 'Crown Prince.'

A beam of light shrouded in "Agnosticism·Fog of Thought" entered Gen Gen Zhishang's brow.

"Ugh..."

The future 'Gen Gen Zhishang' transmitted his own power, encounters, and memories to the 'Gen Gen Zhishang' who had just begun the "Apocalypse Era" through the 'Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit' of the "Different Space·High Heaven Plain."

"Zhinü, Erii..."

"Tachibana! Masamune!"

"Herzog!"

In the memories of another 'himself,' he saw the truth hidden behind the scenes.

His younger brother and sister's bloodlines were uncontrollable; Gen Gen Zhinu fell into becoming a ghost, and the brothers killing each other—all were Herzog's handiwork!

Uesugi Erii was the "White King Vessel" prepared by Herzog.

The three siblings had undergone brain bridge resection surgery by Herzog; they would crash the moment they heard the sound of wooden clappers.

The increasingly intense conflicts between the Fierce Ghost Sect and the Eight Families of Snake Branch in recent years were all pushed by Herzog single-handedly.

The empathetic encounters felt as if they had truly happened to himself.

【I have always been kept in the dark, played like a marionette by Herzog.】

【I used the 'Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit' that my father fought to the death to snatch in the 'Different Space·High Heaven Plain' to give you the final gift from me and Gen Zhinu.】

【Go! Go change the tragedy! The future me failed! The current me must win!】

Gen Gen Zhishang seemed to hear a call of extreme exhaustion.

His dragon blood concentration climbed, "Spirit·King Power" was superimposed and strengthened, and "Spirit·Dream Tapir" was brought under his control.

Gen Gen Zhishang still had doubts.

He was a mature adult; he didn't believe everything, nor did he completely disbelieve the 'future self.'

"Uesugi Wang Yue's arrival, Herzog faking his death, the Sea Clan invasion, six 'Beast Overlords,' the shattering of the 'Different Space·High Heaven Plain,' the true treasure 'Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit,' Fusang falling..."

The increase in power was real and undeniable; other major events could be slowly verified as time passed.

"Then, in a moment, my fath..., no, in a moment Mr. Uesugi Wang Yue will come, but he will be deceived by Herzog's double."

Gen Gen Zhishang rubbed his face hard; killing Herzog was not easy.

"Sigh, this is not the time to worry about grudges; the Sea Clan invasion is the imminent matter."

Even if he wanted to kill Herzog now, he couldn't; the Tachibana Masamune in the Genji Heavy Industry headquarters building was a double.

Gen Gen Zhishang strode to the window, glanced at the pure white pillar of light manifested by the "Different Space·High Heaven Plain," returned to the desk, picked up the phone, and dialed the person in charge of Tokyo Prefecture.

"Hello, I am Gen Gen Zhishang. Sound the highest-level alarm! Let the residents of Tokyo Prefecture hide in the underground shelters!"

"Why? The Sea Clan is about to attack! Why the hell are you asking me why?"

"I issue this order in my capacity as the head of the Eight Families of Snake Branch, honorary vice-chancellor of Tokyo Superpower University, and guardian of the Tokyo Prefecture!"

"Now! Immediately! Right now! Execute according to my orders! I will bear all consequences alone!"

At this moment, Gen Gen Zhishang's aura was domineering; he truly had the qualifications of a 'King.'

For the hundreds of millions of residents of Tokyo Prefecture, and to prevent the tragedy of living beings being devastated from repeating, he could temporarily put aside his hatred for Herzog and trust the 'future me' of unknown origin.

Not long after hanging up the phone, a piercing alarm sounded over Tokyo Prefecture.

Gen Gen Zhishang picked up a short blade from under the desk and pierced his palm, forcing himself to calm down.

"The 'Different Space·High Heaven Plain' can be abandoned, but Mr. Uesugi Wang Yue must be won over."

The man tucked the short blade into his waist, put on a black windbreaker, took down two alchemy blades hanging on the wall, and left the office without looking back.

He was going to wait for the rabbit, using 'father-son affection' to tie down Uesugi Wang Yue, the White Chalk Dragon with superior strength.

"Crow, notify everyone in the headquarters building, including the Great Patriarch and Erii, to hide in the underground shelter immediately!"

Arriving at the door, Gen Gen Zhishang gave instructions to his subordinates, his tone brooking no argument.

"Yes!"

……

Upper floors of the Genji Heavy Industry Headquarters Building.

A girl wearing a red and white shrine maiden outfit, with dark red hair reaching her waist, a good figure, and an ethereal temperament, had a trace of confusion in her pure but spiritless eyes.

She didn't quite understand the strange crystal ball that had suddenly appeared in her room. She wrote a few lines on a sticky note, "Swish, swish, swish," and held the note that said 'Hello?' above her head.

【Human! You have awakened me; you must satisfy three of my wishes!】

The spinning crystal ball turned into a Q-version figure.

"?"

The girl frowned; she had watched many anime, and it wasn't supposed to be like this!

'Swish, swish, swish—'

The girl, writing furiously, held up a new note: 'What are you?'

【HOW DARE YOU! This is preposterous!】

【Female, you actually dare to belittle the great "Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit" as a thing!】

【The great "Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit" will punish you severely!】

The Q-version figure jumped onto the girl's head with a "swoosh" and pulled hard on her hair.

Feeling a bit itchy, the Uesugi clan head raised her hand and grabbed the Q-version figure that called itself the "Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit" in her palm.

Her right hand was occupied, and writing with her left hand was obviously not convenient.

【Stupid! The great "Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit" grants you the right to speak freely, but you must repay three wishes!】

"No!"

"Eh? My speech won't cause the 'Spirit' to go out of control?"

The girl widened her clear and foolish eyes, her free left hand touching her cherry-colored lips in surprise.

'Click—'

The heavy door slowly opened from the outside.

The Q-version figure said in panic: "Human, hide me quickly; don't let others discover me! Otherwise, I will disappear!"

The Uesugi clan head suddenly realized; this kind of strange setting fit her logical thinking very well.

Thinking quickly, Uesugi Erii stuffed the thumb-sized "Xu Yuan-Granting Spirit" into her hair. ===== CHAPTER 160 =====