Chapter 46: Hidden Dragon Assembly

Zhang Jun and Lin Xue stood in the venue's corner, watching Xiao Lin on stage speak fluently about the "New Era Plan"—renewable energy, benefiting humanity—making Zhang Jun want to vomit.

This place is hardly a rich‑people gathering; it's practically a "concentration camp" of the Extraterrestrial Spiritual Sense.

Lin Xue gently tugged at his sleeve, her eyes signalling him to look around.

Zhang Jun took a deep breath and quietly activated the ability he had just acquired.

Without looking, one wouldn't know; but a glance almost made Zhang Jun jump out of his skin.

In that sea of people, seven or eight out of ten had a sickly purple glow all over them.

Those Extraterrestrial Spiritual Sense folks sure act fast!

Their getting in was thanks largely to Lin Xue's status as the young lady of the Lin Clan Group, which easily netted them two glittering invitations.

The Cloud Top Grand Hotel, built at the city's highest point, truly lives up to its name—it sits atop the clouds.

Taking advantage of the lack of attention, the two slipped into Xiao Lin's office.

This office—no mere decoration—Zhang Jun had never seen such lavish, money‑burning renovations in his life.

Even a casually hung painting on the wall would be enough to feed an ordinary person for a lifetime.

Splitting up, they carried out a carpet‑like search and finally found a document on an encrypted computer—"First Batch Purification Targets".

Upon opening it, Zhang Jun's and Lin Xue's faces changed.

It clearly listed the names of all the major ancient martial arts families and special‑ability individuals, none missing.

They're aiming to exterminate everyone!

Those Extraterrestrial Spiritual Sense bastards treat them as a thorn in the flesh, a splinter in the eye.

Just as the two were preparing to dig deeper, a sudden commotion came from the venue.

The two exchanged a glance and hurried back to the venue.

Only Xiao Lin stood on stage, beaming with spring‑breeze pride: "To liven things up, we've specially arranged a splendid martial arts demonstration! We've invited top martial artists from around the world to exchange skills!"

Zhang Jun's heart gave a "thump"—that old fox, what scheme is he cooking up now?

"First, please welcome our two young talents from China, disciples of the Ancient Martial Arts Master Mr. Wang Jun—Mr. Zhang Jun, and…"

The spotlight "snapped" onto Zhang Jun, chilling him to the bone.

Zhang Jun felt like a naked clown under the spotlight, unable to advance or retreat.

"And who?" he asked, forcing himself to speak, his voice somewhat fluttering.

"And… Mr. Wang Jun himself!" Xiao Lin's voice rose sharply, as if announcing some major news.

The venue instantly erupted; everyone was stunned by this sudden arrangement.

Zhang Jun felt even more like thunderbolts striking his head, his mind going blank.

Master? Wang Jun?

He mechanically turned his head, watching the figure stepping onto the stage from the other side.

It was him, no mistake—it was his master.

But…

Zhang Jun could clearly see that the purple mass inside Wang Jun had completely taken over.

He was no longer the master Zhang Jun knew.

Wang Jun stepped step by step toward Zhang Jun and stopped.

"Disciple, long time no see."

It was still that familiar voice, but the cold, alien tone made Zhang Jun's hairs stand on end.

"Master…… you…… "

"Don't be afraid, this is just a demonstration match." Wang Jun smiled, that smile making Zhang Jun's heart creep.

Before his words finished, Wang Jun suddenly moved.

A palm strike straight for Zhang Jun's chest.

This is no demonstration match—it's clearly meant to kill!

Zhang Jun had no time to dodge; he could only watch helplessly as the palm drew nearer.

At that critical moment, Wang Jun's voice suddenly sounded in his ear, soft and low, as if afraid of being overheard.

"Disciple, run… I… can't hold on… go find… Dragon Mountain Cave… there is… the method of liberation…"

Almost simultaneously, the force in Wang Jun's palm changed.

The palm originally aimed at his chest, at the last instant, abruptly veered, grazing Zhang Jun's shoulder and sending his whole body flying.

Zhang Jun felt like a torn sack, flying far away before slamming hard to the ground, his innards nearly displaced.

The venue filled with gasps; everyone was stunned by the sudden scene.

"What's going on?"

"Master Wang Jun's strike is way too heavy, isn't it?"

"This isn't sparring—it's outright murder!"

Amid the clamor, Wang Jun slowly withdrew his palm, a flicker of pain crossing his face.

He glanced at Zhang Jun lying on the ground, then at Xiao Lin below the stage.

A flash of resolve crossed his eyes.

"Disciple, I'm sorry…… "

He muttered to himself, then suddenly turned, lunging at Xiao Lin like an enraged beast.

That move left everyone dazed.

Xiao Lin was even more terrified, his soul fleeing as he scrambled backward.

"Stop him! Quickly stop him!"

Xiao Lin's bodyguards finally reacted, swarming forward to try to stop Wang Jun.

But it was already too late.

Wang Jun's speed was too fast; they couldn't react at all.

He was like a fierce tiger, breaking through layers of obstacles and seizing Xiao Lin's throat in one grip.

"You… you…" Xiao Lin's face turned purple, his eyes almost popping out.

"I… want… you… to… die… with me!"

Wang Jun gritted his teeth, mustered all his strength, and twisted hard.

With a "crack," the sound of breaking bones rang clearly in everyone's ears.

Xiao Lin's head went limp and drooped down.

The whole venue fell into dead silence; everyone was stunned by this bloody scene.

No one expected that this so-called "exhibition match" would end in such a way.

Wang Jun killed Xiao Lin, then slowly turned around and looked at Zhang Jun, who had fallen to the ground.

His gaze was complex—filled with guilt, reluctance, relief, and a hint of… comfort.

"My disciple… as your teacher… I can only… help you… this far…"

Wang Jun's voice grew fainter, his body began to tremble violently, and purple light burst from his seven orifices.

"No—" Zhang Jun struggled to get up, but he couldn't muster any strength.

He could only watch helplessly as Wang Jun's body, in the purple light, faded bit by bit, finally turning into a pile of ash…

"Master—!" Zhang Jun let out a heart-rending shout, his voice cracking.

He never imagined that his reunion with his master would end like this.

Master… actually… to save him, he himself…

Zhang Jun's heart felt as if a large hand had clenched it tightly, pain so intense he could barely breathe.

"Longshan Cave…" flashed in Zhang Jun's mind—the last words Wang Jun had spoken.

What… could possibly be there?