Chapter 36: Is There Five Insurances and One Housing Fund?

Leaders from various nations spoke one after another, chatting with great excitement and joy, showing not the slightest concern about the impending invasion of Earth by the Martial Martial Continent.

Cang Luo watched in silence, his heart aching with sorrow for Earth’s six billion ordinary people, feeling their insignificance.

Cang Luo knew these leaders were so optimistic because they completely dismissed the warriors of the Martial Martial Continent.

They believed these so-called warriors of a cultivation or magic civilization merely possessed powers unknown on Earth—nothing more than a different form of energy, distinct from technology.

The Martial Martial Continent called it the Martial Dao, called it cultivation base.

Whether it’s the Martial Dao or cultivation base, it’s merely individual strength—how strong could it possibly be compared to nuclear weapons?

Even a god, we’ll blow him to pieces with a nuke!

Cang Luo himself thought the same—he believed the warriors of the Martial Martial Continent were no match for Earth’s nuclear arsenal.

After all, he’d only been transmigrated for three days—he’d seen at most third-rank warriors, those with Master-level cultivation, whose power barely equaled a hand grenade.

But Cang Luo wouldn’t let the world leaders think the warriors of the Martial Martial Continent were weak; otherwise, the entire purpose of gathering them would be defeated.

While the world leaders were still discussing what treasures the Martial Martial Continent possessed, Cang Luo feigned a grave expression and cleared his throat twice.

Once silence fell, Cang Luo spoke in a low, serious tone: “Gentlemen, although I also believe Earth’s nuclear weapons can kill warriors of the Martial Martial Continent—even the highest-ranked Wu Sheng—”

“the conditions for deploying nuclear weapons are far too restrictive; the probability of successfully eliminating high-level interdimensional warriors is extremely low.”

“What do you mean?” The world leaders glanced at each other, confused by Cang Luo’s words.

Cang Luo explained: “First, the teleportation array is controlled by the other side—entry and exit between dimensions are decided solely by them.”

“So we can’t just launch a nuclear war on Earth, can we? It might destroy the teleportation array, not to mention the damage to Earth itself.”

“Besides, we’re not even sure nuclear weapons can kill a Wu Sheng.”

“True. So we’d best gain control of the teleportation array. Cang, continue.” The head of the Royal Knights nodded, and the other leaders agreed.

Cang Luo continued: “Second, the highest-ranked warrior of the Profound Heaven Sect is the Chief Supreme Elder, with a Wu Di cultivation base.”

“As far as I know, a Wu Di can single-handedly destroy a city of ten million people within three days.”

Cang Luo had learned the power of a Wu Di during casual chats with Liu Xuande—he didn’t know if it was true, since he’d never seen it firsthand.

One leader immediately exclaimed in shock: “Are you saying our nuclear weapons might never reach the high-level warriors of the Martial Martial Continent?”

“Because we can’t catch their speed?”

Talking with smart people was easy—they immediately grasped the core issue. Cang Luo nodded: “Exactly. Let me give you an example.”

Cang Luo paused, then continued: “Take Superman from DC Comics—he could easily dodge a nuclear strike and then casually destroy Earth.”

“What would the Martial Martial Continent do? They’d just send a few top warriors to Earth to cause destruction—what could we do about it?”

“Blow up nukes randomly? We might not even hit them before Earth is ruined.”

“This...”

The group video call fell utterly silent. They agreed with Cang Luo—nuclear weapons had too many limitations.

Their main role was deterrence; they must never be used on Earth’s battlefield.

Even if nuclear weapons could reach the high-level warriors of the Martial Martial Continent, we’d still have to consider the cost Earth would pay.

John Smith, director of Eden, frowned: “Cang, you’re the Earthling who understands the Martial Martial Continent best. What’s your suggestion?”

“Yes, Cang-san, since you’ve gathered us here, you must have a plan, right?” Yanagihara Ichiro of Ikkunsha deferred to Eden’s John Smith.

Cang Luo glanced at Li Weiguo and Chen Da, ignoring their furious stares, then slowly revealed his plan.

Cang Luo spoke calmly: “Our only advantage right now is that the enemy is in the open while we remain hidden—the Martial Martial Continent doesn’t know I can communicate with Earth.”

“Therefore, my idea is to gather as much intelligence as possible before the teleportation array opens, so Earth can prepare for war...”

Cang Luo guided them step by step toward his plan, though some voices of opposition arose.

“Why not just hand over the phone to the interdimensional people and negotiate peacefully? Maybe the two worlds can cooperate.”

The speaker was the intelligence chief of a small nation.

“Heh!” Cang Luo shook his head with a light laugh, turning to the speaker: “Sir, have you never heard of the Dark Forest Theory?”

“Dark Forest Theory?” The world leaders repeated the phrase, then fell into deep thought.

The Dark Forest Theory states that a civilization must carefully conceal itself in the universe—never let another civilization discover it.

Because once discovered, invasion is inevitable—either you die, or I die.

The Age of Exploration in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries proved this perfectly—the indigenous peoples of the Americas suffered worse than death.

The invasion of China a century ago was the same—only the weak submit to the strong...

By now, Cang Luo had nearly achieved his goal.

To protect his family, Cang Luo devised a plan: “borrowing power.”

He would use the power of Earth’s nations to pressure Fenglin Huoshan into compromising, preventing them from threatening his family.

He would use the threat of the Martial Martial Continent’s invasion to compel Earth’s nations to assist him and protect his family.

Now, it was up to the world leaders to choose—would they follow his plan?

Or would they, like Fenglin Huoshan, demand direct communication with the interdimensional realm, bypassing him?

Cang Luo had done all he could—and thankfully, the world leaders did not disappoint him.

Leaders from every nation and faction immediately spoke up to prevent Cang Luo from handing over his phone, insisting no one or no group could reveal to the Profound Heaven Sect or any other interdimensional force that Earth now knew of the Martial Martial Continent’s existence.

Even Eden, the Tsar’s Judgment Court, and the Royal Knights stared pointedly at Li Weiguo and Chen Da of Fenglin Huoshan.

They warned: if anyone dared threaten Cang Luo, they would unite to eliminate this internal threat on Earth before even confronting the interdimensional invaders.

Li Weiguo sighed helplessly, filled with regret.

He should never have pressured Cang Luo—Cang Luo, as a Chinese, would have unconditionally helped his homeland rise.

Now, the exclusive intelligence had been forced into open sharing with all nations.

Chen Da clenched his fists, glaring at Cang Luo with a murderous gaze, already plotting how to make Cang Luo pay for his betrayal.

After prolonged discussion, John Smith spoke gravely: “Cang, we agree with your approach. Report all the intelligence you’ve gathered immediately.”

“We appoint you as ‘Interdimensional Investigator,’ solely responsible for gathering all intelligence on the Martial Martial Continent. Your duty is to report your findings to us regularly.”

Cang Luo’s heart leapt with joy, and he asked casually: “What’s the salary? Is there a year-end bonus? Do you offer five insurances and one housing fund?”

The group video call fell utterly silent, eerily quiet—all world leaders stared at Cang Luo with strange expressions.

They never imagined Cang Luo would ask for pay—wasn’t this “heroic act” for all humanity supposed to be unpaid?

Five insurances and one housing fund? Do you think you’re back in China?

The world leaders exchanged glances, embarrassed, but to keep Cang Luo stable, they actually began discussing how much salary would be appropriate.

On the Chinese side, Li Weiguo hung his head, face flushed red, refusing to join the salary discussion.

He couldn’t bear the shame!

Cang Luo, Cang Luo—you’re bringing disgrace to our homeland!

You’re asking other countries for money? Can’t our motherland afford your salary?

What use is money to you? Does the Martial Martial Continent have banks? Or Alipay?

Besides, aren’t you rich?

Didn’t you just transfer 15 million and 5 million to your cousin and family yesterday?

With that money compounding, you’ll never run out in ten lifetimes!

After a moment, the world leaders reached a decision: Cang Luo’s salary would be paid by the United Nations—ten million U.S. dollars annually.

As for five insurances and one housing fund?

No such policy exists at the United Nations.

Cang Luo muttered: “So little? Fine, but I want monthly payments.”

He feared he might die in the other world before the year ended...

After settling the salary, Cang Luo said solemnly: “For the fate of all humanity on Earth, I will do my utmost to gather interdimensional intelligence.”

“But you must guarantee my family on Earth will suffer no harm.”

“Naturally. We will assign UN Security personnel to protect your family.”

John Smith and the other leaders readily agreed—they welcomed this, as it gave them a legitimate reason to send personnel to China.

Cang Luo nodded. Protection? Whatever.

It was more surveillance than protection—but better than being threatened by a single faction. With multiple powers involved, they’d check each other, preventing any one side from dominating.

Sighing, Cang Luo began recounting the interdimensional intelligence he’d previously shared with Fenglin Huoshan, now adding finer details for the world leaders.

Their reactions far exceeded those of Li Weiguo and Chen Da.

During the briefing, Cang Luo noticed they cared most about the lifespan of interdimensional beings.

For example: how long can a Wu Di live?

Are there spiritual herbs or elixirs that extend human life?

Cang Luo understood their thoughts—people in their positions lacked nothing except eternal life...

Only with eternal life could one truly enjoy existence!

After the group video call ended, Cang Luo called his family, telling them not to worry—he now worked for the United Nations with an annual salary of ten million U.S. dollars.

Moreover, to ensure his peace of mind, the United Nations has assigned UN Security personnel to protect you...

Cang’s father was stunned. What had his son done?

He worked for the United Nations? Salary... over sixty million RMB?

And they’d send security to protect family members?

His son’s job must be extremely dangerous!

Cang’s father reached this conclusion.

He recalled the kidnappers who had taken him before he was brought to the capital, and couldn’t help but worry for Cang Luo...

“Mom, don’t worry—I’m fine here... Yeah, I’m hanging up now.”

Cang Luo had just ended his call with his family when another call came in, labeled ‘Unknown Number’—he didn’t need to guess who it was.

“Who is this?” Cang Luo’s tone was cold; after what had happened, he had no patience for pleasantries.

“It’s me, Li Weiguo.”

“What do you want?”

After Cang Luo asked, the line fell silent for a full half-minute before a voice finally came through.

Li Weiguo choked out, “Cang Luo, are you really going to let our motherland miss this once-in-a-millennium opportunity? We’ve been suppressed for over a hundred years!”

Li Weiguo’s voice brimmed with helplessness and resentment—Cang Luo could tell he was the kind of man who lived solely for his country and people.

Cang Luo rubbed his forehead, smiling bitterly; Li Weiguo’s words tore at his heart.

Since ancient times, loyalty and filial piety have never been easily reconciled—who doesn’t wish to see the homeland that gave them life and raised them flourish and grow strong?

But isn’t this mess exactly what you forced upon me?

After long thought, Cang Luo sighed, “I’m willing to do anything for my motherland—even give my life after securing my family’s safety.”

“But not now. I must think of my family. Please, my motherland, understand my predicament.”

“All I can do now is withhold critical intelligence from other nations. Handing over my phone? That’s impossible.”

“Phew...”

On the other end, Li Weiguo clearly exhaled in relief. “On behalf of our motherland, I thank you!”

“Cang Luo, if at all possible, make sure the Profound Heaven Sect’s teleportation array is anchored within our motherland’s borders.”

“Why?” Cang Luo was startled. Wasn’t that suicide?

“Just do it. This is the assessment of the Wind Forest Fire Mountain Logistics Advisory Group—benefits far outweigh risks.” Li Weiguo’s tone was firm, as if victory were already assured.

Advisory Group? Cang Luo thought of the icy beauty from Bingshan, Zhuge Qing—she was one of them.

Cang Luo hesitated. “I’ll try—but you must agree to one condition.”

“Speak.”

“I never want to see Chen Da again.”

Cang Luo wanted nothing more than to return to Earth and kill Chen Da—who dared threaten his family?

But it was only a thought. Earth was a society ruled by law, not the martial-dominated Yuanwu Continent, where life was as cheap as grass and killing was routine.

Li Weiguo whispered, “I was just about to tell you—Chen Da has been dismissed from his post...”

Cang Luo’s brow lifted. Already? So fast?

With his grudge lifted, Cang Luo exchanged a few polite words with Li Weiguo before hanging up, preparing to put away his phone and hunt demonic beasts.

But then, a message appeared on his screen—one that sent a chill through his heart.

The message bore no signature: “When the teleportation array is built next year, what will the Profound Heaven Sect do first upon arriving on Earth?”

“Not wage war. Not seek alliance. But kill one person.”

“The one who concealed the fact that their phone could connect to Earth’s network...”

“...”

Cang Luo sat in silence after reading it, then laughed bitterly. “I planned everything... yet missed this detail.”

“When the Profound Heaven Sect arrives on Earth and sees its technology, they’ll realize their phones can connect to Earth’s network.”

“Even if they don’t, someone will tell them.”

“Then I’m dead for sure...”

Cang Luo slumped against the tree branch, his spirit sinking to its lowest point.

It didn’t matter who sent the message—what mattered was how he could escape this certain death.

Cang Luo sat motionless on the giant sequoia all night. The only solution he could think of was flight.

Flee to another country on the Yuanwu Continent, survive in hiding while cultivating until he could stand against the Profound Heaven Elder.

But was that even possible?

Even if he could reach Wu Di, if he vanished, his family would bear the Profound Heaven Sect’s wrath.

Since escape was impossible, he had no choice but to endure. The only path left was to cultivate harder...