Chapter 184: The Bait Worked, Jiang Siblings

Hong Jishi's worry is not without reason.

Dou Sansi serves as one of the twelve councilors of the Shenlong Empire, enjoying a lofty status, second only to Hong Shen and others.

If he were infiltrated, it would be a huge matter, not only for the Shenlong Empire but also a massive disaster for the entire Human Race.

Even the high officials of the Shenlong Empire have been infiltrated; one can imagine that the upper echelons of other small nations and forces may also have been affected.

Li Xueru closed his eyes, remained silent, and continued observing.

This is a very important matter, and even for him it requires careful verification.

After the team competition ended, Jiang Chen and Lin Caier went to the High-level Arena.

The competition at the High-level Arena had also concluded, and the award ceremony was underway.

Councilor Dou Sansi still served as an award ceremony guest.

Jiang Ruo's team won the champion of the Level 40 division.

In the history of the Professional Competition, whenever a division with the Dragon Clan Academy participated, they almost always seized First Place without exception.

At Shenlong University, among the three top academies—Dragon Clan Academy, Creation, and Flame Emperor—the Dragon Clan Academy has consistently held the top position.

At the award ceremony, the champion rewards for the three divisions included 500 million Gold Coins, sparkling Intermediate Skill Scrolls, and Intermediate Miracle Potions.

The Intermediate Miracle Potion can permanently raise All Attributes by 2000, which is a huge Buff for professionals above Level 40.

Jiang Chen felt very happy seeing Jiang Ruo win the championship, but when he saw the box containing Gold Coins, an uneasy feeling rose in his mind.

He thought there seemed to be something amiss about the box.

He said to Lin Caier, "Cai Er, use your skill, observe the box that contains Gold Coins

the box."

Lin Caier obediently immediately activated her skill.

Her skill is Shadow Vision, which renders the world in black and white, even allowing her to see the Gold Coins inside the box.

Under Shadow Vision, Lin Caier discovered the issue: "There is indeed a problem; I see a strand of Black Qi in the Gold Coin box, somewhat like the aura of an Abyss Demon, but not exactly the same."

Lin Caier was not certain, because she had previously encountered an Abyss Demon, so she sensed a similarity.

Jiang Chen likewise felt something off due to his contact with an Abyss Demon.

As soon as Lin Caier said that, he was completely convinced.

At this moment Jiang Ruo touched the Gold Coin box.

Lin Caier whispered, "That strand of Black Qi has reached sister's wrist."

Lin Caier's small face showed some tension as she looked at Jiang Chen, then let out another low exclamation, "Jiang Chen, yours also has it on your wrist."

"Huh, I also have it on my hand."

The Black Qi passed through the box into Jiang Ruo, then dispersed, penetrating the hands of every professional in the champion teams.

The Black Qi then lurked there, motionless, impossible to detect.

Clearly, this strand of Black Qi is extremely unusual.

Lin Caier added, "Sister has already noticed the Black Qi, but there was no reaction; she even smiled."

Under Shadow Vision, even Jiang Ruo's slightest reaction could not escape Lin Caier's eyes.

Jiang Chen thought another idea: "Could it be that my sister is also one of the bait?"

He recalled that Hong Jishi had told him that he was not the only bait.

Thinking now, it is highly possible.

Otherwise it cannot explain Jiang Ruo's reaction.

Jiang Chen carefully recalled what Hong Jishi had said to him at that time.

He was to be the bait, to showcase extraordinary talent, to uncover the enemy hidden among humans

and bring them out.

Among the Human Race, a group of rats is hidden.

They call themselves the Cult of Demon Worship.

Every member of the society worships the Abyss Demon King and seeks to help the Abyss Demon King invade the human world.

No one knows why they act so, but in any case they did it.

Several tragedies in Human history have been triggered by them.

Two years ago, several geniuses in the Shenlong Empire were assassinated by them.

At that time Hong Jishi intervened, killing a few, but they were just small fry.

This time Hong Jishi used Jiang Chen as bait, hoping to draw out a bigger fish.

He needs Jiang Chen to display extraordinary strength and astonishing talent, yet not reveal all his power.

This balance is somewhat hard to grasp.

So Jiang Chen gradually revealed his power.

Each time a bit more, yet still concealed part of it.

Even the exposed portion alone is enough to attract the world's attention.

Moreover, Hong Jishi also said that the bait is not just him; there are others.

Now it seems Jiang Ruo is highly likely to be one of the bait.

As for himself being bait, Jiang Chen never considered the danger at all.

But using Jiang Ruo as bait, Jiang Chen began to worry about Jiang Ruo's safety.

Seeing Jiang Chen's hesitant expression, Lin Caier said, "Don't worry, sister is so powerful, nothing will happen."

"Mid Mythic-level Profession, far stronger than guys like Ling Zhi and Ye Jinrong."

"Trying to kill her isn't that easy."

After hearing Lin Caier's words, Jiang Chen finally relaxed a bit, and his tense nerves gradually loosened.

Come to think of it, Hong Jishi would definitely consider safety issues.

It should be fine.

The night is deep and quiet.

The whole Hangcheng remains brightly lit.

Professional Competition contestants

The garrison has already fallen into silence.

The professionals meditate their meditation, sleep their sleep.

Tomorrow is the Solo Competition; many registrants are conserving their energy, preparing for tomorrow's big tournament.

The rules of the Solo Competition are still unknown; they will be announced tomorrow.

The competition format changes each year, making it impossible to guess.

Suddenly, the lights of the entire City paused simultaneously for a second.

The sound of the sea waves suddenly grew louder.

Immediately after, a gale rose, and the waves were whipped up hundreds of meters high.

It was as if the whole City were about to be submerged.

For the Professional Competition, the Shenlong Empire moved mountains and filled seas, extending the coastline outward by a thousand meters.

The location of the competition venue was originally a stretch of sea.

At this moment, the competition venue is shrouded by a Light Screen, with interior renovations underway to prepare for tomorrow's Solo Competition.

Under the wave impact, the Light Screen violently shook instantly.

The High-level Arena and the Low-level Arena, two massive Light Screens, simultaneously burst forth brilliant light, illuminating half of Hangcheng.

Late at night, Hangcheng resembled a suddenly awakened giant, its lights dazzling.

At that moment, the sky filled with dense dark clouds, and thousands of bolts of thunder crashed down.

In an instant, the entire Hangcheng was enveloped by thunder.

These bolts of thunder were not random; each one targeted a Teleportation Array.

In the blink of an eye, all of Hangcheng's Teleportation Arrays were destroyed.

Even the Teleportation Array hidden deepest was not spared.

After the thunder, a massive Barrier descended, like an inverted giant bowl, covering Hangcheng.

More than half of Hangcheng was enveloped within it, including the Professional Competition arena and the garrison.

The Barrier spread beyond the coastline for ten kilometers, shrouding a vast sea area.

The entire process lasted less than a second.

Waiting for the professionals to react.

When they should have arrived, the Barrier had already fully formed.

At this point, most of Hangcheng became a turtle in a jar, with no escape.

This can be said to be a sudden, unexpected turn of events...