Chapter 289 - 288: The Incident Ferments, Linglong Transforms

In the blink of an eye, three days had passed.

The matter of Joseph caused a great stir among the present world humans after Ji Youyu reported it.

Those in the Western Alliance who had been to the sealed space felt threatened.

The tension was unbearable, both on the front lines and at the rear.

All the powers of the Western Alliance began an urgent internal investigation with high-ranking personnel lining up to have their own researchers conduct comprehensive medical checks to ensure their health.

The Supreme Church, lacking medical and scientific resources, had to seek help from various factions.

Their lives were at stake, so the high-level members of the Supreme Church dared not be careless.

Others, such as the church’s charlatans, may not have cared.

But when it came to cherishing their lives, they surpassed anyone else.

The entire investigation process took more than a day.

The results were unsettling for all who had been to the sealed space.

Regardless of the factions or the Supreme Church, no abnormalities were found during the check-ups.

Did the lack of abnormalities mean they were safe?

Not at all.

Even the members of the Supreme Church knew that if there had been a Joseph, there must be others who had been secretly targeted.

If not, Joseph would not have been sacrificed so easily.

Even if he was only used as a puppet and could not be fully controlled, there was no reason to dispose of him so casually.

Tension and panic spread rapidly.

Not only were the upper echelons of the various nations of the Western Alliance affected, but the impact was also significant at the middle and lower levels, leading to intense conflicts between the base-level personnel and the higher-ups of several factions.

Because they were in the Big Secret Realm, medical and scientific resources were limited. A "comprehensive physical examination" was impossible for everyone.

The upper-level personnel received priority.

Then came the middle-level.

The base-level personnel were too numerous, so they were not able to enjoy these benefits.

This disparity in treatment became a source of conflict.

Although they knew that no problems could be detected and resources were limited.

But in the face of life-threatening dangers, the true human nature was revealed.

The treatment disparity led to various problems within the Western Alliance, and many of the restless seized the chance.

But this internal class conflict was just the tip of the iceberg.

All kinds of rumors and denigration of the higher-ups abounded.

Even some people were caught trying to overthrow the upper echelons...

The most baffling of all was the Supreme Church.

When it came to panic-stricken sentiments, the church was at the top of the list.

They were most likely part of the "disaster area".

At this critical juncture with chaos ensuing, a message spread amongst the church members.

God would bless them.

As long as they had sufficient faith, no evil could harm them.

This was purely a bullsh*it.

But the rank and file of the church sincerely believed it.

Even within the church, a surge of enthusiasm emerged to prove one’s faith was devout enough, with three meetings being held in a day.

Bishops who hadn’t been to the sealed space promoted the teachings of God.

The believers listened devoutly, hoping for salvation.

This self-deception operation strangely made the Supreme Church the most stable group amongst the rest.

One word: absolute.

Two words: utterly absolute.

What’s even more absurd was the subsequent events.

After stabilizing the internal situation, the Supreme Church dispatched several bishops, saintesses, and priests to move among various factions of the Western Alliance to pray and baptize their believers.

Only believers could benefit from this treatment.

After receiving blessings and baptisms, you had to pay.

If you wanted the "honorable" bishops and saintesses to bless and baptize you, you had to pay extra.

If you only had devout faith, sorry, you can only endure the baptism of male priests.

It was clear money-grubbing, but it was highly successful.

Not only were there people who believed it, but there were many of them.

Money was poured into the church’s leadership and the chaotic situation in the various factions stabilized miraculously.

Even some cultivators who didn’t have any belief system fell into desperation and chose to be believers of the church, emptying their pockets only hoping to receive blessings and baptisms.

With the forced preferential treatment by various factions and dissatisfaction with the higher-ups, the popularity of the Supreme Church even overshadowed those who should have been in charge.

As for the threatened high-ranking personnel, they let things slide completely.

As long as there were no disturbances, anything was allowed.

Who cares about anything else!

This episode was truly eye-opening.

However, Li Jing didn’t care much about all this.

Before his transmigration.

The Earth was facing a global crisis, and he had seen a lot.

When nothing was wrong, even the air outside seemed fragrant.

But once a problem arose, one would realize that demons, monsters, ghosts, and beasts were everywhere.

What happened in the church had indeed happened in another world.

Vast amounts of wealth flowed into the pockets of some charlatans.

The believers who thought they received god’s favor used up their entire fortune and perished in the crisis; they were even told they would be granted salvation and enter heaven upon death.

Some things.

If you haven’t experienced them, it’s hard to comment on.

Only when you’ve experienced them will you understand.

The seemingly beautiful things are just illusions crafted with deliberate effort.

Li Jing reserved judgement on the actions of the Supreme Church.

What truly vexed him was...

He’d anticipated that turmoil within the Supreme Church would distract them from causing more trouble.

But reality had dealt him a cruel blow. Not everything developed in the direction he had anticipated.

The Church had, through absurd maneuvers, somehow managed to stabilize.

Having stabilized, they were naturally more thoughtful.

They hadn’t forgotten Quan Chang.

The high-ranking Church members who had been to the sealed space were especially mindful of Quan Chang.

The crisis caused by the soul imprint could be said, in some sense, to originate from her.

Slander and defamation against Quan Chang soon followed.

If neither medical nor scientific research could find any anomalies, on what basis do you accuse Joseph of being covertly attacked by the Winged People?

Someone has to be held accountable for Joseph’s death!

Unless you can prove that everything indeed happened!

How to prove it?

It’s simple.

Submit to the church’s jurisdiction, find someone within the church who carries a soul imprint, and resolve the issue.

This move is very characteristic of the Church.

It also successfully shifted the internal conflicts of various forces.

Even when highly advanced medical and scientific methods cannot find any problems, why should we trust what an alien species says?

Are you a spy from the God-Human Race?

Are you here to sow discord?

Once this argument gained momentum, high-ranking individuals from various forces, regardless of whether they were influenced by the church or not, chose to go along with the flow.

On one hand, they needed a scapegoat to divert the internal conflict and stabilize the situation.

On the other hand, they also desperately wanted Quan Chang.

Quan Chang had publicly stated that noticing the activation of the soul imprint was beyond her capabilities, and even if she could notice it, she couldn’t resolve the situation.

But that was not important.

What mattered was their desire to control her.

Temporarily, Longyu became the target of public criticism, and the high-levels of Longyu felt immense pressure due to the outcry for releasing Quan Chang unconditionally for Western Union to handle.

Would Longyu hand her over?

Of course not.

Having Quan Chang was like having meat in their mouth.

If handed over, her treatment would likely not be friendly.

Given the style of the Western Union and the church, she would most likely be quietly killed after being milked for all her worth...

Furthermore...

After the shift in the breese, there was already a voice within the church claiming that Quan Chang was a witch and needed to be trialed.

What is a witch trial?

Those who know, know.

...

At noon, Li Jing stood woodenly at the border of the Longyu base.

Not far from the periphery of the base, a vast number of people had gathered, shouting at Longyu to hand over Quan Chang.

These people...

A part of them was from the church, part blindly followed the church.

More often, they were dispatched by high-ranking individuals from various forces with ulterior motives.

The Eastern and Western Alliance, which formed the United Front in the current world, was in a confrontational stance.

The front was still well-intact for the time being.

However, it will collapse with even the slightest spark.

This was, honestly, ridiculous.

The Winged People’s plot to incite chaos within the human ranks should have failed due to being exposed, but the situation had turned out to be a major success.

The current situation was probably something even the God-Human Race had not anticipated.

The current situation poses extreme challenges to both Longyu and Quan Chang herself.

Adding fuel to the fire.

The fence-sitter Daohe Alliance from the Eastern World, unsurprisingly, chose to stand on the other side.

The most vociferous one at the moment was Daohe’s people.

Even the leader who Li Jing was familiar with.

Imai Xiang.

Honestly, seeing Imai Xiang shouting like a shrew amidst the crowd from Daohe Alliance, Li Jing felt disbelieving.

She had clearly already discredited herself and quietly killed the influential person she had seduced, so how could she still be jumping around?

Regard to Imai Xiang, Li Jing had to express his admiration.

Gazing at the crowd of protesters who had run over, Li Jing was sincerely relieved.

Longyu was strong enough.

The Northern God Kingdom, as a loyal ally during the crisis, dutifully stood up with the entire Northern Major League.

However, proceeding like this obviously wouldn’t work.

With the full support of the Northern Major League, Longyu can hold on.

However, the chaos had already lasted for three days.

The entrance to the Big Secret Realm hadn’t shown any signs of instability yet, but according to the standard cycle, all forces would organize an exit within two or three days.

Before leaving the Big Secret Realm, both the church and other forces will do everything they can to get their hands on Quan Chang, the "sin-laden" woman.

Otherwise, once they leave the Big Secret Realm, they will not have any opportunities.

After all, once in the modern world, they will have to step foot onto Longyu’s territory if they want someone.

Would they dare to do so?

No, they wouldn’t.

The current deadlock could not last much longer, a direct confrontation might happen at any time.

What’s even more pressing is.

Once Joseph stepped out, the Alien Species hadn’t made any move. They remained hidden, watching the spectacle from the dark without revealing themself or activating the next soul branding.

For the God-Human Race hoping to return to the Big Secret Realm, the biggest obstacle right now is undoubtedly the missile defense line set up at the only entrance of the sealed space.

They’ve been stationary, clearly waiting for an opportunity.

Waiting for an opportunity that could completely disintegrate the missile defense line.

The church, as the catalyst for the current situation, continues to swing the balance of power in favor of the God-Human Race.

The logic is clear to the church.

They, however, would not back out of an opportunity to profit directly.

This makes the situation quite a headache.

Li Jing doesn’t worry about the grand scheme of things.

But as the one targeted by the High Priest of the God-Human Race, he knows some things will come straight at him.

After the recent losses of the God-Human Race, it’s doubtful they would think about a direct confrontation with the human camp, which may withdraw from the Big Secret Realm at any time.

With the entire human camp about to leave, wouldn’t it be more attractive to save their strength to gather Ancient God’s Descendants?

But the issue is.

The anonymous weapon in Li Jing’s hands holds symbolic significance for the God-Human Race. The High Priest of the God-Human Race will definitely try to retrieve it.

The God-Human Race has captured many powerful people from the Western Union and apparently realized that the present World People aren’t as strong as they thought. Li Jing is an exception.

He has to think of a way to change this situation.

Otherwise, not only will Longyu be targeted, but the God-Human Race will also seize the appropriate timing, delivering a devastating blow against him.

As the saying goes, it’s easier to dodge a gun than an arrow in the dark.

Li Jing was far from certain that he could get through the upcoming chaos unscathed.

In that case, all he could do was try to change things.

Gazing at the crowd clamoring in protest outside the base, a long-awaited notification rang in Li Jing’s ear.

"The nurturing progress of the Linglong Tower has reached one hundred percent, the quality has improved, upgraded to level one Immortal Item."

He’d finally been waiting.

A smile appeared on the corner of Li Jing’s mouth.

Under the 104-level Spiritual Power Intensity of the half-step Seventh Realm, the nurturing progress of the Blue Edge, which had already transformed into an Immortal Item, hadn’t shown any growth.

Li Jing, however, wasn’t bothered by this.

Because no progress was normal.

Nurturing was accomplished through the power within one’s body.

Upon becoming an Immortal Item, the Blue Edge already bore a heavy celestial spirit.

In contrast, he was still in the Six Realm.

Though he had the aura of celestial spirits within him, that was brought by the Blue Edge.

The celestial spirits within him were temporarily weak and couldn’t nurture the Blue Edge, which had more celestial spirits. How could he nurture it then?

The growth of the celestial spirits needed to be achieved through cultivation.

Li Jing wasn’t even cultivating, and even if he wanted to, there wouldn’t have been much progress so quickly.

To make the celestial spirits grow, he needed to step into the Seventh Realm and continue to level up.

Discounting the Blue Edge, the current nurturing efficiency of his Spirit weapon had truly taken off.

In just a short span of three days, the Linglong Tower had crossed three stages and transformed into an Immortal Item.

What Li Jing had been waiting for was indeed the transformation of the Linglong Tower.

Given the crucial situation, it was difficult to step away.

If he wasn’t there, the Heavenly King Group might encounter some problems.

Considering the Blue Edge was not good at concealing itself and wasn’t appropriate to take out in public, and he himself was planning to leave and attempt to change the situation, he needed an Immortal Item by his side. Otherwise, he might be offering himself on a silver platter.

Having not yet reached the Seventh Realm, his combat strength was still somewhat weak.

People wouldn’t foolishly stand there and let him prepare a full-strength World Thunder Punishment...

Facing the God-Human Race’s "freaks," Li Jing had a fair understanding.

Being a young man, he knew he had to protect himself. Otherwise, he might end up being used as a tool for the creation of a new species.

Pulling his gaze from the crowd outside the base, Li Jing turned around.

Following him, the delicately crafted Linglong appeared behind him, peeking out mischievously from behind his shadow.

Transforming into an Immortal Item, the Spirit Weapon Linglong had become more "criminal."

That chubby little face, as if a squeeze would make it leak.

Those gem-like eyes, filled with a glimmer like water, fascinated people with their charm.

This glimmer was none other than the rich aura of celestial spirits within Linglong, who had now become an Immortal Item and merged with its own body.

Linglong didn’t disappoint Li Jing, its formidable presence as an Immortal Item was completely restrained without leaking the slightest bit.

Smiling, Li Jing reached out and tousled Linglong’s little head, signaling with his nod.

Understanding his intentions, Linglong turned its head, took a step out with its short legs and disappeared in a blink, heading towards the camp of the Heavenly King Group.

Since he would be away for a while, he had already informed Chen Yuran and the others about it when he came, and Quan Chang was also being looked after by the three women now.

Now that Linglong had metamorphosed, it was time for him to make a move.

With a thought, Li Jing maxed out the not yet full gamble on God’s Hidden Truth.

His opportunities to use God’s Hidden Truth were relatively limited.

If he had to use it, level 19 would be more or less enough.

So after leveling up, he hadn’t been in a rush to max out this Forbidden Skill, intending to wait until he got to the outer world to learn some more practical skills. But under the current circumstances, he needed to ensure he had more capability for self-preservation.

After maxing out God’s Hidden Truth, Li Jing took a moment to feel it out.

Not bad.

The original God’s Hidden Truth, which only took about ten seconds to complete the Spell Formula assembly, drastically improved its assembly efficiency when maxed out; it could be completed within five seconds!

Five seconds!

This was almost as fast as an instant.

Though it wasn’t a Forbidden Skill that could be launched, for him, who was used to acting alone, God’s Hidden Truth would be a lifesaving skill.

Collecting his thoughts, Li Jing activated Silent Shadow and shot towards the White Hawk’s base as fast as lightning.

If he wanted to change the situation and find the Alien Species hiding in the dark, he didn’t have a clue at the moment.

Starting from the church, finding a reliable way out was an option.

However, he - who was still at Six Realm - was not sure he wouldn’t be discovered.

Even if he wasn’t discovered, he didn’t know who or how many dared to go in the sealed space among the church’s high-ranking officials.

He needed to use this connection with Serlina.

...

Not long after, Li Jing arrived above the White Hawk’s base.

As soon as he arrived, a tent curtain in the center of the area opened, and Serlina, with slightly furrowed brows, walked out.

After the sealed space was closed, as the strong one who replaced her friend and came to the White Hawk base, she retreated to the Secret Realm entrance, not on the front line.

When Li Jing arrived in the Silent Shadow, Serlina, who had constructed a spiritual world, could hardly avoid noticing.

Seeing Li Jing hovering in the sky outside the tent, Serlina made a hand gesture indicating for him to come down and talk, then she retreated back into the tent.

Seeing this, Li Jing quietly landed and entered the tent without lingering outside.

The White Hawk had hoisted the flag on the frontline and was playing the role of the big brother, but it was not without cost.

Their power in the Six Realm near the Secret Realm entrance was limited.

But, if they were face-to-face, Li Jing’s presence might or might not be discovered.

Entering the tent, Li Jing looked at Serlina who seemed slightly tired, waiting on a bed.

"You don’t seem to be doing well these days?"

"Aren’t you more aware of the situation than I am?"

Serlina forced a bitter smile, grumbling.

"Not only did my interaction with you and the valuable messages I brought to the White Hawk not get me much preferential treatment, but the high-ranking officials also pressured me to find you, hoping to bring the High Priest over for the White Hawk’s supervision."

As she spoke, Serlina suddenly blurted out a curse referring to the people of Longyu.

"Damn it! The high officials of the White Hawk are nothing but ungrateful incompetents! They’re using me as a tool! If I wasn’t outside their system and they couldn’t harm me, they probably would have made me deliver myself to your bed, whispering you sweet nothings."

Li Jing was speechless at her words.

Deliver herself to his bed... and whispering sweet nothings....

This...

Wasn’t this a bit exaggerated?

But considering the eccentric high-ranking officials of the White Hawk who often behaved differently, it seemed like a real possibility.

Not knowing what to say next to a sullen Serlina, Li Jing was at a loss.

At this moment, Serlina gave him an apologetic look.

"I’m sorry, I haven’t been able to help with the pressure from Longyu lately."

Seeing her apology, Li Jing chuckled.

"For situations like this, you shouldn’t worry about getting involved. White Hawk has been at odds with both Longyu and the Northern God Kingdom for quite a while, and some even use their opposition to the two as a stepping stone to higher positions. You’re not even a part of the White Hawk team, how could you influence them?"

Saying this, Li Jing sat down.

"Enough of this, I need your help with something."

Serlina understood.

She knew.

Now that Longyu is in a tough spot, Li Jing wouldn’t come looking for her just because they haven’t seen each other for a few days.

"What do you need me to do?"

After asking, she added.

"I’ve had a significant conflict with the White Hawk’s high-ranking officials these past few days. My personal freedom is not restricted, but if I leave the base, I’ll be found out."

"Understood."

Li Jing replied, saying.

"The main reason I came to see you was to ask for your help in finding out which and how many church officials went to the sealed space. The White Hawk’s high-ranking officials should have all this information. Can you get it?"

"That’s easy, I just need to access the internal database."

Serlina replied, taking out a tablet and smiling, "While I may not be part of the system, I do have some privileges. You made the right choice asking me. Others might not be able to, but when it comes to quietly collecting other people’s information, the White Hawk certainly is the most diligent."

Li Jing, of course, understood this.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come straight to Serlina.

The White Hawk was a unique nation.

Their actions did not match their words, and they were adept at it.

Throughout Blue Star, the White Hawk people valued privacy more than anyone.

Yet, when it came to intelligence work, they were the most diligent in all of Blue Star.

Privacy?

In intelligence work, did that count as privacy?

Meanwhile, after operating the tablet for a while, Serlina handed it over.

"Here they are, the high-ranking church officials who have entered the sealed space are all here, the data is quite complete."

"Mhmm."

Li Jing received the tablet.

Just one glance, oh boy.

The data not only detailed the church officials’ personal information, but also specified their cultivation levels, what Holy Arts they were good at, and even when they joined the church, what they did after joining, how they were promoted, their current lovers, whether they had children, etc.

Each document, at a glance, had no less than 100,000 words.

It was truly all-inclusive, including things it shouldn’t have, like the underwear of the high-ranking church officials was the only thing missing...

Ignoring the largely useless information, Li Jing recorded all the names and faces from the data and returned the tablet to Serlina.

"Thanks, I owe you one."

"It’s a trifle, we are friends, aren’t we?"

Serlina received the tablet with a smile, then curiously asked.

"Those church guys are now jumping around happily at Longyu. You suddenly want to find the people who have been to the sealed space, do you have a way to counter them?"

"Do you think I would put my heart on a bunch of religious fanatics?"

Li Jing countered.

Serlina’s eyes twinkled, then her eyes lit up.

"You want to find the winged people hidden in the shadows?"

Li Jing smiled without answering, then stood up and said,

"I’ve got the information, I should go."