Chapter 173

"We must take the initiative and lure the snake out of its hole!"

A ruthless look flashed in Jing Yuan's eyes as he spoke.

"Take the initiative? Lure the snake out of its hole?"

Jing Yuan and Seeing Yanqing were both stunned upon hearing this, not understanding what Jing Yuan was up to.

"Young Master, what is your plan?"

Jing Yuan asked.

"My plan is..."

Jing Yuan leaned into their ears and whispered his plan.

"This..."

After hearing Jing Yuan's plan, both Jing Yuan and Seeing Yanqing had their expressions change, their eyes filled with shock.

"Young Master, wouldn't this be too risky?"

Jing Yuan said with some concern.

Although Jing Yuan's plan was bold, it was also full of risks; if anything went wrong, he would end up getting himself killed too!

"Wealth is sought in danger!"

A firm light flashed in Jing Yuan's eyes as he said: "We have no way back now; we can only fight to the death!"

"If we succeed, we can completely resolve the threat of the 'Stellaron Hunters'; if we fail..."

Jing Yuan paused for a moment, then looked at Jing Yuan and Seeing Yanqing, saying word by word: "Then we die together!"

"Good! Since the Young Master has already decided, this old man will risk his life to accompany you!"

Jing Yuan gritted his teeth and said.

"Me too!"

Seeing Yanqing also said firmly.

"Good! Since that's the case, it's settled!"

A look of resolve flashed in Jing Yuan's eyes as he said: "There is no time to lose; let's start preparing now!"

174. 【The Cheater's Secret Base】

Night fell, with stars like crushed diamonds embedded in the deep blue sky. The lights of the small town were sparse and warm, yet they could not hide the undercurrent about to sweep in. Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo walked side by side on the stone path, their footsteps echoing in the quiet night. Both had solemn expressions, each calculating how to reveal the true face of the mysterious visitor.

"Xing Luo, who do you think this visitor really is?" Zhou Xuan broke the silence, his tone carrying a hint of confusion and vigilance. Ever since the uninvited guest appeared, the atmosphere in the town had become subtle, as if unease permeated even the air.

Xing Luo shook her head gently, her eyes flickering: "His movements are too secretive, and his collusion with the local thugs makes one suspicious. However, I believe that as long as we continue to investigate, we will eventually find clues."

The two arrived in front of a seemingly ordinary tavern, which was often a gathering place for thugs and the key to obtaining information. Pushing open the door, air mixed with the smell of alcohol and smoke rushed toward them, and the noise instantly surrounded them. Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo looked at each other and walked into the motley place in tacit agreement.

In the corner, several thugs were laughing unscrupulously, mentioning Zhou Xuan's name from time to time, full of jealousy and disdain. Zhou Xuan deliberately raised his voice, drawing everyone's attention: "I heard a big shot came to town recently, and you have quite a close relationship with him."

A thug with a face full of flesh stood up, shaking his wine glass, and sneered: "Oh? You mean that mysterious guest? Hmph, he just took a fancy to the 'excitement' here. But Zhou Xuan, oh Zhou Xuan, do you really think you can call the wind and rain in this town? Your past is not that glorious!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the tavern went quiet, and everyone's eyes focused on Zhou Xuan. Xing Luo clenched her fists, ready to deal with any potential conflict. Zhou Xuan took a deep breath, suppressing the anger and unease in his heart; he knew that calmness at this moment was crucial.

"I will bear the consequences of my past. But if you dare to use this to stir up trouble, I will never sit idly by." Zhou Xuan's voice was not loud, but it carried unquestionable firmness.

However, the thugs did not back down; instead, they became even more arrogant. They began to publicize Zhou Xuan's "crimes" in the Disaster Empire, and those exaggerated rumors spread like wildfire, quickly covering the entire town.

The town's residents began to panic; they couldn't believe that Zhou Xuan, who had always protected them, had such a dark past. The rumors were like sharp blades, severing trust and inciting anger.

Just then, the Blackened One appeared quietly. He used people's fear and unease to incite the public, pointing the finger directly at Zhou Xuan. His voice was low and seductive: "Zhou Xuan, a traitor from the Disaster Empire, is hiding among us just to wait for the opportunity to destroy us again! We cannot sit and wait for death; we must drive him out of town!"

The public's anger burned like ignited dry wood. They flocked to Zhou Xuan's residence, demanding a reasonable explanation. Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo were trapped in the crowd, surrounded on all sides.

"Please, everyone, listen to me calmly!" Zhou Xuan shouted, trying to stabilize the emotionally unstable crowd, "I did live in the Disaster Empire, but I have never betrayed anyone, nor have I ever done anything to harm the innocent!"

However, the angry crowd wouldn't listen to these explanations; they only believed what they wanted to believe. Just then, Dr. Ratio and Lord Fu Xuan arrived in time, using their professional knowledge and influence to try to clarify the facts for Zhou Xuan. Unfortunately, the power of the rumors was too strong, and their efforts had little effect.

Just as Zhou Xuan felt desperate, a mysterious person in a cloak appeared quietly in the crowd. He held a secret letter in his hand, which was key evidence regarding the truth of Zhou Xuan's past. The mysterious person handed the letter to Zhou Xuan and whispered: "This is just the beginning; the real challenge is yet to come. But please believe that justice will never be absent."

Zhou Xuan opened the secret letter with trembling hands. It recorded in detail his true experiences in the Disaster Empire and his heroic deeds of fighting to protect the innocent. As the truth was revealed, the anger in the crowd gradually subsided, replaced by admiration and gratitude for Zhou Xuan.

"So, we misunderstood him..." someone whispered.

"Zhou Xuan, you are our hero!" More people began to cheer for Zhou Xuan.

The crisis was resolved, but Zhou Xuan knew this was only the beginning of a long battle. He looked toward the mysterious ally who had disappeared into the night, his heart filled with gratitude and doubt. He knew the road ahead would be even harder, but he also believed that as long as there was light in his heart, he could illuminate the path forward.

As dawn broke, the air in the town was filled with a hint of tension and anticipation. Zhou Xuan stood in the center of the town square, surrounded by many residents whose eyes held both doubt and expectation. Sunlight filtered through the sparse cloud layers, casting light on Zhou Xuan's resolute face, adding a touch of heroism to him.

"Everyone, I, Zhou Xuan, stand here today not to escape, but to face things." Zhou Xuan's voice was loud and clear, piercing the hearts of everyone present, "I know that the rumors about me have surged like a tide recently, causing misunderstandings. But today, I will use my actions and the truth to clear my name."

Xing Luo stood at the edge of the crowd, her hands clenched, her gaze fixed firmly on Zhou Xuan. Her eyes held both trust and worry, but she knew that at this moment, Zhou Xuan needed her support. Dr. Ratio stood beside Xing Luo, gently patting her shoulder to comfort her.

"First, I want to talk about the truth regarding the Disaster Empire." Zhou Xuan took a deep breath and continued, "The Disaster Empire is not as cruel and heartless as you imagine. I once lived there and saw its other side—people struggling for survival, and those unsung warriors working hard to protect their homes. And I used the knowledge I learned there to help the town resist many disasters and develop the economy."

Zhou Xuan's words were like spring rain, gradually moistening the parched hearts of the people. He began to detail his past and how he used his knowledge to contribute to the town. Every detail was vivid and concrete, making people re-examine the man who had once been misunderstood.

Lord Fu Xuan observed everything silently from the stage, her eyes flashing with wisdom. She knew that Zhou Xuan's speech alone was not enough to completely turn the situation around, so she used her wisdom to formulate a series of propaganda strategies. She arranged for people to post posters and distribute leaflets all over the town so that more people could know the truth. At the same time, she organized a small exhibition to showcase the changes and progress Zhou Xuan had brought to the town.

Just as Zhou Xuan's speech reached its climax, an unexpected figure appeared in the crowd. It was Zhou Xuan's mysterious ally—an expert who had once helped him in secret. His appearance caused a stir in the crowd, but there was more curiosity and anticipation.

"Everything Zhou Xuan said is true." The mysterious ally's voice was not loud, but it was clear enough for everyone to hear, "I witnessed everything he did for the town. And those rumors about him were nothing more than the conspiracies of thugs and the Blackened One."

·· ··Seeking flowers·· 0

With the mysterious ally's confirmation, the discussion in the crowd gradually subsided. Those residents who had misunderstood Zhou Xuan began to feel guilty and uneasy, and they apologized to Zhou Xuan and expressed their support. A long-lost smile appeared on Zhou Xuan's face; he knew he had finally won everyone's trust.

However, Zhou Xuan's crisis was not completely resolved. He knew that the real enemy was still in the shadows and could launch another attack at any time. But he was no longer that lonely and helpless traveler; he had Xing Luo, Dr. Ratio, Lord Fu Xuan, and countless town residents supporting him. They would face future challenges together and guard this land they loved.

As Zhou Xuan successfully resolved the town's crisis, the residents seemed to return to their peaceful lives. But Zhou Xuan knew this peace was only temporary. Behind the thugs and the Blackened One lay greater conspiracies and enemies. He had to investigate deeply, find the mastermind, and completely eradicate this threat.

"Xing Luo, we have to continue the investigation." Zhou Xuan sat by the window, staring at the distant skyline, and said in a deep voice, "We cannot let their conspiracies succeed."

Xing Luo stood beside him, her hands gently holding his, giving him silent support. "I'll go with you." Her voice was firm and gentle, "No matter what happens, I will be by your side."

Their decision received support from Dr. Ratio and Lord Fu Xuan. The four of them formed a team and began to secretly investigate the backgrounds of the thugs and the Blackened One. Their actions were cautious and swift, gradually unveiling the mysterious veil of an organization called "The Cheaters."

"The Cheaters?" Zhou Xuan frowned in thought, "This name sounds uncomfortable."

"Exactly." Lord Fu Xuan nodded, "This organization is not only powerful but also extreme in its actions. They attempt to use the power of the Honkai World to achieve their ambitions."

Hearing this, Zhou Xuan couldn't help but feel a chill. He knew how terrifying the power of the Honkai World was; once it fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"We must find a way to counter them as soon as possible." Zhou Xuan clenched his fists, a firm light flashing in his eyes, "Otherwise, the whole world will fall into crisis."

During a late-night operation, Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo accidentally discovered the Cheaters' secret base. It was a massive complex hidden deep in the mountains, surrounded by layers of mechanisms and traps. They sneaked in cautiously, only to find a large number of dangerous weapons and experimental products hidden inside.

"This is simply a terrifying laboratory!" Xing Luo whispered in shock, "What on earth are they doing?"

Zhou Xuan did not answer her question but continued to explore forward. They found a secret room where a terrifying experiment was underway—using the energy of the Honkai World to modify humans. Those modified humans became abnormally powerful and cruel; they were the killing machines in the hands of the Cheaters.

Just as Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo were preparing to investigate further, the base suddenly activated its self-destruct program. A deafening explosion sounded, and the entire complex began to collapse. They had to evacuate this death trap quickly.

During their escape, they encountered the Cheaters' main force. Those modified human soldiers surged like a tide, their attacks fierce and lethal. Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo stood back-to-back, fighting hard against the enemy's offensive.

"We cannot give up!" Zhou Xuan shouted, "For our future and for peace!"

Xing Luo nodded, her eyes also flashing with a firm light. The two cooperated tacitly in their attacks and defenses, gradually carving out a bloody path through the enemy's encirclement.

175. 【Why Are You Here?】

After a fierce battle, they finally broke out of the enemy's encirclement.

Although they were wounded in many places, their hearts were filled with the joy and pride of victory.

They knew this was only the beginning; the real battle was still waiting for them ahead.

But they were ready and would use their wisdom and courage to guard this land and people they loved.

At the end of the Astral Express, night fell, the stars faded, leaving only endless darkness and chaos.

Zhou Xuan and Xing Luo, two travelers from different worlds, were now standing at a crossroads of fate, facing unprecedented challenges.

The Cheater troops, those dark forces attempting to distort the order of the universe, surged like a tide, surrounding the two tightly.

"Xing Luo, are you okay?" Zhou Xuan's voice was exceptionally firm amidst the noise, but his eyes could not hide his anxiety.

All around was a sea of raging fire; buildings collapsed with a roar amidst the explosions, and dust and ashes intertwined into a doomsday scene.

Xing Luo managed to stand firm, a shocking wound on her left arm, blood staining her clothes.

"I'm fine, Zhou Xuan, we must leave here as soon as possible." Her voice was weak, yet it carried unquestionable resilience.

Zhou Xuan scanned the surroundings quickly; the Disaster Empire's technological weapons flashed with a cold light in his hands, but in this chaos, these once-indestructible weapons seemed to have lost their former prestige.

"These weapons... cannot be deployed here." He frowned, calculating secretly in his heart.

Suddenly, a shell exploded not far away, the shockwave making them almost unable to stand.

Zhou Xuan was quick-witted, pulling Xing Luo into his arms and using his own body to block the flying debris for her.

"We cannot sit and wait for death!" He growled, his gaze like a torch.

Just then, a thought flashed through Zhou Xuan's mind.