Chapter 322

Qin Feng's voice, like a divine nail anchoring the sea, instantly calmed the panic and agitation in the conference room. Lei Dong seized it like a lifeline and hurried forward: "Mr. Qin! Xia Wan—"

Qin Feng raised a hand, halting his words. His gaze remained fixed on Xia Wan—calm, yet as if piercing through all illusions, directly seeing the filth and curse entwined around her soul and energy core.

Xia Wan felt Qin Feng's gaze; the chilling, bone-deep curse that disturbed her spirit seemed to pause for an instant. She forced down her discomfort and whispered: "Sir, I—"

"Mm." Qin Feng responded indifferently, revealing no emotion. He stepped slowly to Xia Wan's side, extended his right index finger, its tip wreathed in a faint, almost imperceptible white light that seemed to embody the origin of all purification, and gently touched her third eye.

At the very moment his fingertip neared her skin, the dual curse entwined within her body sensed a fatal threat and surged violently! The forces of Decay and Misfortune lashed out like black thorns, desperately trying to root deeper, while the resentment of Pain and Soul-Consumption emitted a silent shriek, slamming against Xia Wan's consciousness!

Xia Wan's body trembled slightly, her complexion paling further.

Qin Feng's finger did not pause a single instant—it struck precisely upon her third eye.

That strand of pure white light, like spring sunlight melting snow, silently seeped into Xia Wan's body.

No earth-shattering struggle. No thunderous clash of energy.

Under the glow of that pure white light, the stubborn, twin curses coiled around her essence, as if encountering their mortal enemy, let out silent, agonized wails!

The black thorns representing "Decay" and "Misfortune" dissolved and crumbled at visible speed, turning into wisps of black smoke, then purified and evaporated by the white light. The resentment of Soul-Consumption, carrying the torment of the caster, was soothed by the white light—like souls guided to peace—its malice swiftly dissolving until it became tiny, glittering specks of light, settling into stillness.

The entire process lasted no more than three or five breaths.

Xia Wan felt a sudden lightness— the chilling, filthy, heavy, disturbing sensation vanished without a trace! The power of the Tiankong Guardian within her surged anew, smooth and mighty, her Soul Purity restored, even slightly refined, as if forged anew.

She moved her limbs in disbelief, feeling her strength fully restored—and subtly enhanced—and looked at Qin Feng with deep gratitude: "Sir, thank you!"

Lei Dong watched, stunned, his heart finally settling as he exhaled a long, relieved breath. Such a vicious, complex dual curse had been utterly powerless before Mr. Qin!

Qin Feng withdrew his finger; the strand of pure white light faded quietly. He glanced at Xia Wan, his tone still flat: "Trivial tricks, daring to show off before a master."

His words were clearly meant for the one who cast the curse.

"Have you found out who it was?" Qin Feng's gaze turned to Lei Dong.

Lei Dong immediately steadied his mind and reported gravely: "Preliminary investigation confirms the curse originated from the owner of a convenience store in the ThirdLivingZone, surnamed Liu. Her identity documents were forged; her true identity is unknown. She set a trap within the store, using herself as both sacrifice and trigger to activate an extremely vile curse. Two Security Personnel accidentally shattered the curse container during routine inspection… The woman named Liu died on the spot—her corpse… horrifically mutilated, consistent with curse backlash."

"The attacker planned meticulously, exploiting the looser perimeter security of the Base, and the curse was so concealed that, had it not been triggered accidentally, we might never have detected it until it activated." Lei Dong's voice was heavy. "Its target was clear: Xia Wan. The intent was to cripple or destroy one of our most vital assets before the annual gathering. The mastermind is likely G. S. C. or a hired faction, or possibly a lingering tactic from those previous interdimensional invaders."

Qin Feng listened without surprise, as if he had expected this all along. He spoke coolly: "Mere clowns. Ignore them."

His gaze returned to Xia Wan: "Are you ready?"

Xia Wan froze, then understood—he meant the annual gathering. She drew a deep breath, her eyes hardening once more with resolve, and nodded firmly: "Ready, Sir!"

After the curse ordeal, her spirit had been forged anew—stronger. The more the enemy wished to keep her hidden, the more she would stand before all, at her strongest.

"Mm." Qin Feng said no more, turning to walk away.

Lei Dong watched Qin Feng's retreating back, then looked at Xia Wan—her state restored, her aura even more formidable—and his lingering fears dissolved, replaced by a rising, fierce determination.

The enemy had struck—and failed.

Now, it was their turn—to reveal their blade!

…

The next day.

The Shenkong Zhi Yan Hall, Base of the New Era.

The hall, capable of seating thousands, was packed. The front rows held representatives from major global nations, top scientists, and heads of key partners; behind them sat core members of the New Era, outstanding researchers, and carefully selected media reporters.

A massive circular Holographic Screen floated in the center of the hall, displaying the New Era's glorious achievements and grand visions in Deep Space exploration, Energy Technology, and life evolution, accompanied by stirring orchestral music, evoking an epic sense of marching toward the Star Sea.

Lights focused on the podium.

Lei Dong, in a crisp uniform, strode forward with sharp vigor. His gaze swept over the packed audience; his voice, amplified, rang steady and powerful:

"Distinguished guests, colleagues, friends!"

"Welcome to the New Era Global Strategic Launch and Annual Celebration!"

"Today, we gather not merely to reflect on past accomplishments, but to look toward the journey ahead, uniting all of humanity's wisdom and strength to face the opportunities and challenges of our era—and of this Starfield!"

The opening remarks were concise yet deeply compelling, instantly capturing everyone's attention.

Lei Dong, following protocol, briefly outlined the New Era's founding background, core mission, and breakthrough advancements. When he mentioned the progress of the Deep Space Mothership and the prospects of new Energy Technology, murmurs and exclamations of admiration rippled through the audience.

Yet everyone knew today's main event was not merely the display of technological achievements.

"... In our quest to explore the unknown and pursue truth, we have come to realize that the universe is far vaster than we imagined." Lei Dong's tone grew solemn. "We are not alone. Nor are we absolutely safe. Entities and threats beyond our current understanding are drawing near."

At these words, a wave of hushed whispers surged through the audience. Though elites and core circles had long acknowledged the Starfield crisis, this was the first time it was openly mentioned on such a grand scale!

"But!" Lei Dong's voice rose sharply, brimming with unwavering confidence, "We are not unprepared! We possess the most advanced technology, the bravest warriors, and… the transcendent power and wisdom that guide us forward!"

The lights shifted abruptly—a soft yet unmistakable beam of light struck the entrance to the side of the podium.

The entire hall fell silent. All eyes turned to that point.

Under countless gazes—curious, expectant, scrutinizing, reverent—a figure slowly emerged from the beam.

She wore a sleek, silver-white outfit blending modern tech with ancient elegance, her posture upright, her steps calm. Her face was exquisitely beautiful, but what drew the eye most was her deep, Star Sea-like eyes, and the quiet, awe-inspiring aura of dignity radiating from her.

It was Xia Wan.

She said nothing, merely walking calmly to stand beside Lei Dong, her gaze level as it swept over the audience.

Yet where her gaze fell, all felt an invisible, gentle yet overwhelming pressure—as if their own insignificance was laid bare before her. Those with ill intent or skepticism trembled inwardly, unable to meet her eyes.

No words. No demonstration.

Merely by standing there, she silently proclaimed a power and existence beyond the mundane!

This was one of the New Era's foundations. This was their bulwark against the unknown crisis!

After a brief silence, the audience erupted into thunderous, unceasing applause—filled with awe, excitement, and the elation of seeing hope realized!

Lei Dong, seeing the audience's fervent response, felt his confidence solidify. He was about to continue his speech and invite Xia Wan to speak briefly—

When an discordant voice, deliberately laced with feigned surprise and doubt, rose from the guest seats:

"Oh? This is your so-called 'transcendent power'? A young, beautiful lady? With all due respect, Commander Lei, could this not be a carefully staged… 'image project' to boost morale?"

The speaker was a middle-aged Caucasian man, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, his hair meticulously combed. A badge reading "G. S. C. Advisor" hung on his chest; his face bore a smile that seemed polite, yet brimmed with provocation.

"After all, true power must withstand scrutiny. Might this Miss Xia Wan be willing, for us mere 'mortals,' to offer a small… demonstration?"

He deliberately emphasized the word "exchange," its intent obvious.

All eyes in the hall once again focused on Xia Wan.

The challenge has come.

Xia Wan's expression remained unchanged; she slowly lifted her gaze to the Advisor of G. S. C., a faint, cold smile curving at her lips.

"Agreed."

Her voice was not loud, yet it clearly reached every ear.

"The exchange meeting is now underway."