Chapter 924

The divine awareness of Jade Whale Emperor monitored him, making Xu Jin feel as if thorns pricked his back—deeply irritating!

Even though Xu Jin had raised the alert formation, Ming Qianchu’s Tiger Response Whip still trembled slightly.

This meant the alert formation could block Jade Whale Emperor’s divine awareness—of course, only if Jade Whale Emperor did not violently assault the formation with his divine power.

Second, it meant that even with the alert formation raised, Jade Whale Emperor was constantly monitoring his movements.

“It seems Jade Whale Emperor and his allies are desperate to deal with me.”

“They won’t dare confront me openly.”

“His timing will be the next Star Surge—when everyone must fight, and space scouts are thrust into the front lines, where the Star Surge region severely suppresses divine awareness.”

“When he kills me then, blaming it on the alien race will be unquestioned.”

“Even if someone investigates, what could they possibly find?”

“Even if, by terrible luck, there’s a witness, that witness will likely become a corpse.”

Xu Jin continuously deduced the scenario; after a long while, everything became clear.

He even figured out the true purpose behind Jade Whale Emperor bringing his two top subordinates.

One powerful eighth-realm True Person might serve as support—or even clear the battlefield.

And the seventh-realm space True Person, Shen Zhenxuan, was likely sent to scout and corner Xu Jin.

After all, Xu Jin’s space combat prowess was exceptionally formidable.

All of this confirmed one thing: Jade Whale Emperor was desperate to kill him and wanted absolute certainty, no room for error.

That’s why he’d sent such an overkill force—like using an anti-aircraft gun to swat a mosquito.

Once he deduced their intent, Xu Jin began formulating countermeasures.

He didn't know the Jade Whale Emperor's exact strength, but the emperor had walked the Emperor Dao for over a hundred years, so he was certainly no ordinary minor emperor—likely a mid-level emperor; a great emperor was improbable.

Based on this, Jade Whale Emperor was far beyond Xu Jin’s ability to oppose.

No chance of luck could save him.

Quickly, Xu Jin listed numerous arrangements—or rather, strategies.

First, in the short term, he must avoid the Star Surge.

Because once a Star Surge occurred, he would be forced to fight.

Once he entered the chaotic space of the Star Surge, it would be his death sentence.

Xu Jin’s layered armors and space-translocation star arts were extremely potent for survival, but whether he could survive before an Emperor—he truly had no confidence.

Second, he must meet with his Master, Fenghua Emperor, to discuss this and decide whether to fight or flee.

As for his senior, Kongyuan Emperor, Xu Jin believed that unless he obtained ironclad proof, Kongyuan Emperor would not help him against Jade Whale Emperor.

Third, he must claim his Merit Art reward as soon as possible; after contemplating the Wordless Heavenly Stele, who knew what new possibilities might arise?

Fourth, as always, he must increase his combat power—every increment raised his chance of survival.

Fifth, Zhu Linxiao!

Previously, Zhu Linxiao had volunteered to support the Star Ruins to deliver books and message discs to him; now she couldn’t return directly, but if she stayed on the Star Island, she’d be forced to fight in the Star Surge—and become Xu Jin’s weakness.

Sixth, he must leave as soon as possible, because the Star Surge could happen at any moment.

After deep thought, Xu Jin suddenly sent a starlight message to Guan Laohei: [Laohei, can you arrange to send Zhu Linxiao away?]

Zhu Linxiao’s issue must be resolved properly and legally.

Simply put, if Xu Jin fled alone, Zhu Linxiao’s Jade Hall Prince’s Mansion couldn’t escape.

Guan Laohei, now Deputy Garrison Commander, stared at Xu Jin’s starlight message, startled and grave: [Great Saint, has it really become this serious?]

[I can’t say for sure, but if this isn’t handled well, she’ll be my weakness. You know military regulations—do you have a proper placement?]

[Yes.] Guan Laohei gritted his teeth and agreed.

[Will it affect you? Be honest!] Xu Jin suddenly asked via voice transmission.

[Not much—it’ll just anger Jade Whale Emperor. If things are as bad as you say, when he investigates later, I’ll be squarely on his opposite side.]

[Aren’t you afraid?]

[Afraid of him? Pfft—I’m a ninth-realm True Person now, about to advance further; he can’t just manipulate me like that.] Guan Laohei laughed and cursed.

[How will you arrange it?]

[Simple. Just now, Jade Whale Emperor issued some military orders. From today, all True Persons and all space scout squads fall under his direct command, but all civilian affairs involving Star Juniors and garrison troops—including daily logistics—remain under my supervision.]

He’s probably tired of the hassle, so he dumped all the trivial tasks on me!

Perfect—your wife is a Star Junior. I’ll assign her a long-term mission. Even if he finds out, what can he do? And can he recall it?] Guan Laohei said.

This piqued Xu Jin’s curiosity: [I thought military orders could be revoked—can there be orders you can’t recall?]

[Not within a short time!]

[What kind of order is that?]

[It’s to return the remains and relics of fallen heroes to their homeland.] Guan Laohei said.

Xu Jin’s expression hardened, and he immediately gave a thumbs-up—Guan Laohei was truly slick and cunning.

This arrangement was perfect.

[But Great Saint, to make it believable, there must be actual remains and relics to return, and family members must sign off after delivery.] Guan Laohei added.

[Don’t worry—that’s no problem.]

Half a bell later, Zhu Linxiao received an order signed by Deputy Garrison Commander Guan Laohei to return remains and relics, along with three sets of fallen hero relics and a travel military pass.

When Xu Jin received this order, he exhaled in relief—now only one step remained to complete the perfect loop.

[Lao Bai, request aid from the Dark Ruins Hall—make up your own reason, but you need a Dark Ruins Hunter to support you.] Xu Jin sent a starlight message.

[Is it you, Great Saint? Yes, I desperately need it, right now, right now! Hahaha, just what I needed!] Bai Changshan laughed aloud in text within the starlight message.

Xu Jin didn’t know the exact mechanics, but half a bell later, he indeed received a query from the Dark Ruins Hall: a support mission was available, his location was nearby—would he accept?

No need to ask.