Chapter 117: The Secrets of the Three Forbidden Zones

The next morning.

“Master, the Patrol Headquarters has moved.”

Early that morning, Chen Guang’s voice sounded in Lin Qing’s mind: “Last night, after Boke was assassinated, the Patrol Headquarters conducted a full investigation of the Broken Stele Prison and discovered the new patrol officers who had been helping the prisoners.”

Lin Qing wasn’t surprised, only asked: “How many were caught?”

Chen Guang said: “This morning, the entire Training Division was sealed off. Patrol Envoys from the Seventh and Twelfth Divisions led dozens of elite patrols in a surprise raid and apprehended eight prisoners disguised as new patrol officers.”

“Eight? That’s quite a few—no wonder…”

Lin Qing suddenly understood and glanced at the Exentropy’s [Current Order Level].

It was now 28.6 levels.

“At this rate, level 100 isn’t far off…” Lin Qing nodded inwardly.

Of course, he understood that the main risks and sources of chaos in the Training Division were these impostor extraterrestrial smugglers.

After this round is resolved, it will be hard to find such gains again in the Training Division.

Even if prisoners inside the prison are killed, they won’t increase the Order Level.

Because prisoners in prison are already in accordance with order—just as criminals serving their sentences increase the Order Level.

“Once my Xu Kequan level upgrades, I can also apply to become the ‘Honorary Supreme Commander’ of several cities or even several provinces.”

Lin Qing mused, “That way, these places will have sufficient ties to me, forming my sphere of influence. Then, if I clean them up again, I should gain a significant boost in Order Level.”

It wasn’t enough to just randomly visit a city and kill a few lawbreakers to raise the Order Level.

First, it had to be within his sphere of influence, and something he could effectively oversee.

Like Lancheng—his official authority and social connections were all within Lancheng, so that counted as his sphere of influence.

Even if the Headquarters immediately appointed him Supreme Commander of the entire Huaxia region, he couldn’t possibly manage the population and territory—his personal capacity was insufficient.

Moreover…

Lancheng’s initial Order Level had only been 0.3. Without eliminating the wanted fugitives and underground factions, it could never have reached 5.7.

So, he must wait until his authority expands to that scale before beginning to clean up city by city.

“A Third-Class Elite Patrol, even if stationed at Headquarters, can concurrently serve as Supreme Commander of an entire province.”

Lin Qing had a clear goal in mind: “If one becomes a Patrol Envoy, one can concurrently serve as Supreme Commander of multiple provinces; several Senior Directors even oversee patrol affairs across entire nations.”

Normally, First- and Second-Class Elite Patrols who couldn’t remain at Headquarters were dispatched to various regions as Patrol Commanders.

They wielded immense power and held high status.

But this was also because they couldn’t enjoy the various benefits and perks of Headquarters—essentially compensation from Headquarters.

“Once my gene awakening is complete, I’ll apply to become a Second-Class Elite Patrol.”

Lin Qing thought inwardly, “As for Third-Class Elite Patrol… I’ll probably have to wait until next year.”

Although he killed Boke, whose strength approached that of a Third-Class Elite Patrol, it was only because Boke was bound by electromagnetic handcuffs and leg irons, unable to even adjust his own genes—his power was effectively neutralized.

Without this advantage, he wouldn’t have needed to rush into the prison to kill him outright.

Moreover, he must now lie low for a while.

Otherwise, if he immediately applied to become a Second-Class Elite Patrol, exposing his Instinct-Level Zizai Body technique would be manageable—but the critical issue would be revealing his Bloodline Level Four ability; others would immediately suspect him as the killer.

Especially after realizing extraterrestrial civilizations’ attitude toward Earth humans, he could never afford to act openly.

“After a while, once my gene awakening is complete and I become a Second-Class Elite Patrol, it won’t be so conspicuous.”

Lin Qing made his decision: “Once I repay my current debts and pre-empt the Level Four core ability of the Celestial Sovereign, I can begin gene awakening.”

With his current Gene Optimization Index of 132.4%, gene awakening would be effortless.

Since he could no longer perform other Level Four gene optimizations, after pre-empting the Level Four core gene ability “Wings of the Heavens,” he could begin gene awakening.

“For now, I’ll quietly earn points.”

Lin Qing immediately asked: “Chen Guang, what’s the fastest way to earn points without exposing my strength?”

A streak of white light flew out, forming before him a white-dressed, expressionless little girl.

“Points?”

Chen Guang understood his meaning and said: “There are three methods.”

“Three?” Lin Qing looked at her.

“First, earn them yourself—you must become a First-Class Elite Patrol first.”

Chen Guang said: “Only Elite Patrols can take on individual missions. Then you can hunt down Red List fugitives; I’ll filter the information and have Zhao Jia use her telekinesis to search—efficiency will be very high.”

“Red List fugitives?” Lin Qing nodded slightly.

Normal patrols and Gongan Bureau’s highest wanted notices were only S or SS class, yielding only First-Class Merit.

Red List fugitives, however, carried at least Special-Class Merit; their strength varied, but all were at least First-Class Elite Patrol level, with those near the top reaching Third-Class Elite Patrol level.

Above them were the Black List fugitives, whose capture earned Honor-Class Merit, even the highest honor: “Flame of Civilization.”

The Patrol Headquarters also awarded extra points for resolving Red or Black List fugitives.

This point reward functioned like a bounty.

“But this method has drawbacks.”

Chen Guang said: “First, you can’t expose your true strength, so you can’t capture the strongest Red List fugitives. Second, if you capture too many, people will naturally suspect you have telekinesis.”

Lin Qing nodded and asked: “What are the other two methods?”

Chen Guang said: “The second method is to pretend you got lucky and accidentally discovered some research or invention the Patrol Headquarters needs, and donate it to Earth’s civilization—like the Energy Stabilizer.”

“Do you have any extra?” Lin Qing asked.

“Yes.” Chen Guang nodded slightly. “But this method should only be used once or twice at most.”

“Sounds good.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly, then asked: “What’s the third method?”

Chen Guang analyzed: “The third is to secretly reveal your Instinct-Level Zizai Body technique to a few high-ranking Headquarters officials; they will naturally grant you certain resources—but keep it as limited as possible.”

She said: “Zhi Xing Group is also searching for Earth geniuses. Once they confirm your potential is immense, they will force you to sign a servitude contract.”

“Force?” Lin Qing frowned.

“Yes.” Chen Guang said: “Unless you reach the Primordial Level or assume a Starry Office, you cannot resist Zhi Xing Group’s forced contract—even Earth’s civilization cannot help you.”

Lin Qing frowned slightly.

So that’s why Headquarters helps geniuses conceal their strength?

“Does Zhi Xing Group only care about combat technique geniuses?” Lin Qing asked.

“You could say that.” Chen Guang nodded. “Mainly because the number of Starry Office appointments is limited, and the key to appointment is combat technique. If anyone finds out you have the Transmission Star Tower, it becomes even more problematic—training with the Transmission Star Tower greatly increases the chance of successful appointment.”

Lin Qing understood.

After all, the Transmission Star Tower was designed to cultivate candidates for Starry Offices.

“Where are Starry Offices assumed?” Lin Qing asked curiously.

Chen Guang didn’t hide it: “Doesn’t the Patrol Headquarters have three Forbidden Zones? Those three Forbidden Zones are where Starry Offices are assumed.”

Lin Qing paused slightly, then realized: “So that’s it…”

“The number of Starry Office appointments is limited and highly significant; Zhi Xing Group takes them very seriously.”

Chen Guang said: “Perhaps due to cosmic civilization regulations, Zhi Xing Group only competes fairly with Earth’s civilization—giving Earth a chance.”

Here, she shook her head slightly: “But absolute fairness doesn’t exist in the universe. Zhi Xing Group proactively courts Earth geniuses who might assume Starry Offices and signs them to servitude contracts.”

“So that’s how it is…”

Lin Qing fell silent for a moment, then gave a wry smile: “Even willing to sign a servitude contract—that’s already Zhi Xing Group valuing talent.”

!.

“Perhaps.” Chen Guang said: “The exact situation is known only to the very top few figures of Earth’s civilization.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly, knowing she meant Qi Lingxiao, founder of Chaoyang Martial Arts, and Chu Hongjun, founder of Liming Group.

He pondered for a moment, then asked: “If word gets out that I’ve reached the Instinct Level with the Zizai Body technique, what’s the probability Zhi Xing Group will approach me for a contract?”

Chen Guang said: “100%.”

“100%?” Lin Qing was slightly startled.

“Of course, it’s only an invitation to join Zhi Xing Group.”

Chen Guang said: “Merely a basic technique isn’t enough to force a servitude contract—but the benefits offered in the contract are enough that almost no one can refuse.”

Lin Qing nodded slightly.

He’d heard that most Earth geniuses discovered by Zhi Xing Group ended up joining them—their appeal was obvious.

Chen Guang continued: “But if you later master a Primordial-Level technique, like the Star-Undying Body, Zhi Xing Group will definitely force you to sign a servitude contract to prevent you from succeeding in your appointment.”

“But if I hide it, Zhi Xing Group won’t know, right?” Lin Qing asked doubtfully.

Chen Guang shook her head: “It’s an open strategy—you’ll understand later.”

“In that case…”

Lin Qing pondered, then asked: “Which method do you think is most practical?”

Chen Guang said: “You have a personal connection with Patrol Envoy Tang, correct?”

“A bit.” Lin Qing said.

Chen Guang said: “From what I know, Tang Wanqiu has assumed a basic Starry Office and refused Zhi Xing Group’s invitation—she must belong to the ‘Autonomy Faction’ or the ‘United Faction.’”

Lin Qing’s interest stirred, but he didn’t interrupt, continuing to listen.

“You can meet Tang Wanqiu privately, reveal to her that you’ve reached the Instinct Level with the Zizai Body technique, and give her two research inventions.”

Chen Guang said: “Although points can’t be gifted, she can buy the resources you need for you, and you’ll gain a solid patron.”

Lin Qing nodded thoughtfully and said: “This method works. You mentioned the Autonomy Faction and United Faction—what are they?”

These are two of the three major factions formed after Earth’s civilization connected with the stars; the third is the “Vassal Faction.”

Chen Guang explained: “The Autonomy Faction wants Earth to remain solely under Earthlings’ control—even if alien civilizations arrive, they must abide by Earth’s laws. My father belongs to this faction.”

“The United Faction seeks a compromise: co-development between Earthlings and alien civilizations, but Earth must hold sufficient influence.”

Finally, she said: “As for the Vassal Faction, they believe Earth is too weak to survive without clinging to powerful civilizations—purely placing alien civilizations at the center.”

Lin Qing understood.

In the end, it was all about survival.

He didn’t dwell on it and said at once: “Then I’ll seek out Tang Wanqiu, the Patrol Inspector, privately.”

……

One week later.

In a villa within the core zone of the island where the Patrol Headquarters was located.

“Don’t be nervous. Sit down.”

Tang Wanqiu sat on the living room sofa, set down the silver-gray device in her hand, then looked up at Lin Qing with a smile: “You said on your phone you had something important to discuss?”

She wasn’t wearing her Patrol Inspector uniform today, but a simple casual outfit, her hair tied in a ponytail—adding a touch of everyday warmth.

“Patrol Inspector Tang, please take a look.”

Lin Qing pulled out two pre-printed documents from a file folder, placed them on the coffee table, and pushed them toward her.

“What’s this?” Tang Wanqiu casually picked up the documents and glanced at them—then froze slightly, her expression growing serious as she studied them closely.

After a long while, she looked up, sizing up Lin Qing, and said softly: “If these two gene therapy drugs are genuinely effective, their value is considerable. Why are you showing them to me so freely?”

“They’re meant for you,” Lin Qing said. “Otherwise, I wouldn’t have given you such detailed data.”

“Oh?” Tang Wanqiu asked. “Where did you get them?”

“The source is hard to explain,” Lin Qing shook his head slightly. “Because I can’t account for the origin of these gene drug studies, and I’m unsure how many credits I’d earn, I hesitated for a long time—finally deciding to hand them over to you.”

Revealing even a small vulnerability makes you more trustworthy.

“Aren’t you afraid I’ll steal your credits?” Tang Wanqiu smiled.

“You’ve already done me a favor, Patrol Inspector Tang,” Lin Qing said earnestly. “Even if you do take my credits, I accept it.”

Tang Wanqiu laughed, shaking her head: “I wouldn’t cheat a kid like you over such petty gains.”

She set the documents down and said: “I can’t fully judge the value of these two gene drugs, but they’re worth at least a few thousand credits. Tell me what you want.”

“I don’t have any special requests.”

Lin Qing cut straight to the point: “I just need Energy Stabilizers and a Second Source—for cultivating the Bloodline Evolution Technique.”

He added hopefully: “If I can develop a fourth-tier ability, once my genes awaken, my strength should reach Third-Class Elite Patrol status. Then, when I join a Patrol Inspector branch, I won’t have wasted your guidance.”

“Third-Class Elite Patrol?”

Tang Wanqiu laughed in disbelief. “Elite Patrols are no easy feat—even if you develop a fourth-tier ability from gene awakening, you’re merely approaching the threshold, not crossing it.”

“That…” Lin Qing paused, then said: “Patrol Inspector Tang, I’ve reached the Instinct Level in my Zizai Shen combat technique.”

Tang Wanqiu was taken aback.

“What?” She sat up straight, fixing her gaze on Lin Qing. “Are you certain?”

(End of Chapter)