Inside a civilian house by the street.
Over the past two days, Landys felt as though he had been filled with boundless energy. He felt he had found his true calling. The meaning of life is, at any time, being able to dedicate oneself to one’s most beloved work.
Even before the end of the world arrives, he will still love this job.
“The linguistic classification of the codes in this document is basically these six types. Next, we need to convert all their codes into the markers of our target language. “
Beneath the explosion-proof lamp—adorned with an inverted funnel-shaped protective cover—the circularly diffused light cast a ring of illumination, pushing back the surrounding darkness.
The group gathered around the table, cheerfully resting their hands on their hips as they gazed at the papers scattered across its surface.
This was the fruit of their labor, the result of endless day-and-night shifts over the past two days.
“In the future, the ‘Silent Sages’ of our nation—those guarding its most critical secrets and technologies—will each match their own words and tags accordingly. “
“By creating such a table, even if a certain language is lost someday, we can use this coded key to restore the technological heritage of that lineage. “
Such was the clandestine “Fuse ” plan that these individuals were executing. Landys didn’t even know which country they came from.
Luoyisha, standing beside Landys, frowned her delicate brows and said, “Although the initial intention of this plan is good… But, by doing this, are we reconnecting the natural isolation between the languages created by our ‘Silent Sages’? “
Several people looked up and smiled:
“Well, that depends on how our most outstanding Mr. Landys solves the problem of preventing code-breaking between these code groups. “
“This is even a secret meant to deceive the next ‘era’. ” Landys picked up the documents in his hands and examined them closely.
This was a plan that could only be carried out by himself.
This was not to say that there was no one more excellent than him in the world.
Rather, once he set this code, it would forever exist only in his own mind. He could only pass the code down to future generations for them to preserve.
How could one deceive the next era, descendants with ulterior motives, and the code-breakers of the future?
Suddenly, a commotion broke out at the far street corner, along with two gunshots fired into the air. The security patrol had arrived.
One person inside the house immediately walked to the window, took a look, drew the curtain, turned around, and said to the others:
“We’ve been gathered here too long over these two days. If we stay any longer, it’s hard to avoid attracting people with ulterior motives. “
They nodded, and two men turned to look at Landys.
“Respected sir, we must trouble you next. In a couple of days, we will take turns coming to your residence to assist you with this work. “
“Very well. While it’s not too late, I’ll take these things and head back. “
Several of them carefully packed the valuable documents into his briefcase. From outside the house came the sound of hard leather-soled footsteps—a sound they knew all too well.
Knock, knock, knock!
“You go first. ” One man, with graying hair but a sturdy build, pushed Landys toward the back door. “We’ll escort Ms. Luoyisha back later. “
Luoyisha immediately walked to the table and took out a deck of cards, disguising the scene as a small private party. She was originally a professional interpretation translator, who had once performed simultaneous interpretation at important conferences, but now it was hard for her to find suitable work.
If it were merely ordinary-looking men playing cards here, the officers would likely have interrogated them at length. But a small gathering of foreigners sharing similar interests and professions would raise fewer questions.
In the darkness, Landys strode quickly, clutching the briefcase as he returned to the house these people had just rented for him.
After safely passing two streets, he heard several hurried footsteps behind him. The man turned his head, and the next moment, a wooden stick struck him right on the forehead.
Stunned with a dull pain, the man collapsed to the ground, and the briefcase fell as well. Two figures picked up his briefcase.
“Quick, check if he has anything valuable on him. “
Landys felt dizzy, the whole world spinning around him. He sensed a hand reaching into the inside pocket of his coat, pulling out a few coins. His struggling eyes, swollen, tried to open.
“Don’t… give the documents back to me… “
The two figures paid no attention to his faint groans, clutching the bag as they fled nervously down the street.
About ten minutes later, Luoyisha, returning with a man, was shocked to find her husband, having lost his coat, lying bleeding on the ground at the street corner; his shoes and belt had even been stripped from him.
……
In the hospital room, Yang Zicang took a breath of fresh air by the window.
-｛Distributor April • Odyssey expresses his emotions with fervent passion.｝
He frowned, turned to look behind him, and Yao Xiaoqin closed the door as she walked over.
“I can take you back to the hotel now. Do you want to go? “
“Do you still consider me your friend? “
“I consider you a member of my tour group. “
Yao Xiaoqin stood by the window, supporting herself on the sill, and hummed contently, breathing in the cool night breeze.
“I want to give it another try. “
“Another try? ” Yang Zicang tilted his head to look at her.
“I’ve discovered some secrets, but I’m not sure yet. And I’m also considering how to maximize its impact. “
They gazed out at the dark, looming silhouette of the Blackenthracite capital, with its uneven skyline of buildings.
“I know what you’re guessing. Actually, I’m not as pathetic as you think. I… just want to rely on myself and see if I can obtain a glory and radiance—or even a glimmer—that’s truly mine. “
Yao Xiaoqin turned around. “Sorry, President. When the time is right, I will definitely disclose what I’m doing. “
“No need. “
Yang Zicang stuck his hands into his pants pockets and spoke to her solemnly:
“You’ve been here for two days now. Please begin this persuasive mission of yours right away. Otherwise, I will proceed with my own matters. “
The woman smiled, then grew crestfallen and sighed:
“President, I… wish to represent the Grand Duchy and invite you to come to our nation to invest in and protect the Scientific Vein. We have already gathered all our country’s people who are connected to you. They are eagerly awaiting your arrival. “
The young man with a strong, sharp physique changed his expression.
“What did you just say? “
Yao Xiaoqin said, “What I mean is, from the seaside to White Violet City, anyone connected to you will, because of your visit, be able to go to a safe place before the end of the world. But… you know what this means, don’t you? “
“Whose plan is this? ” Yang Zicang stared at her with a cold gaze.
Her lips moved lightly three times, and then she took two steps back.
“If I don’t go back before noon tomorrow, everyone will soon know that you have kidnapped… the Grand Duchess Consort of the Grand Heir. And that you want to use this to create a… Mistfolk ‘hobby’ as an example. “
She turned her head away.
A car stopped outside the yard. An enraged Yang Zicang turned his head to see several diplomats from the Grand Duchy getting out of the car, along with a young man he had once seen in the rental area, who stepped down with a large, protruding belly.
Just as they were about to enter the courtyard, a sudden “whoosh ” of wind came from afar.
BOOM!A translucent, huge mass abruptly appeared in mid-air in front of the second floor.
……
Downstairs. In the courtyard, the envoys and nurses stared in shock at the technological demon that had suddenly emerged amidst a howling wind.
“This is… “
“That demon from the technology of the lost era! “
Those below dared not take another step forward and scrambled for cover behind various obstacles.
The floating train outside the window slowly edged forward. On the window appeared Zhao Xuemei’s beaming face, and beside her was the young man who had once summoned the demon train and visited this place for a few days.
“Hey, boss of the great client! My name is Wang Zhi. ” The young man excitedly waved his hands from inside the demon subway.
“It’s just amazing to have miraculously appeared in this world and traveled for so many days. Many thanks to Chief Huo’s summon! “
Zhao Xuemei covered her mouth with her hand and laughed.
Yang Zicang was astonished to find that the young man was now dressed entirely in local-style coats.
He even had several pieces of jewelry on his hands, with two swords slanted across his back. Yang Zicang also noticed a wooden box behind him, filled with all kinds of swords, knives, and temporal weapons.
In just a few days, this guy had managed to reap so many benefits.
{Old Boss, A-Mei said she’s going back and asked if I want to go with her. So I’m leaving. }
The train buzzed as it spoke, opening its doors at the same time.
Zhao Xuemei stepped out and handed a weapon to Yang Zicang.
“Bu Chen, take this sword and use it for now. I hear it’s still a very valuable weapon even here. “
“Thank you for your concern, but how could I use Anlong’s token of love? Where is he? “
Yao Xiaoqin looked at Zhao Xuemei’s graceful and distinguished figure.
This was the woman she had seen in the grim scenes of the Demon Hero Hall.
This woman had even been her own spiritual inspiration. From the moment she saw the woman daring to raise her sword against the Demon King, Zhao Xuemei had already become an idol and spiritual pillar for many girls.
But now, standing before the real person, Yao Xiaoqin felt a reluctance towards this woman who had handed her sword to Yang Zicang.
“He just said goodbye to me. I hear a giant beast has appeared on the sea, and he’s going to create his own glory. Hmm… “
Zhao Xuemei nodded and said, “Starting tomorrow afternoon, from five to seven every day, he’ll be at the Travel Hotel, waiting for you to come find him for business. “
This kid, clearly aware of the critical situation on the continent, is still putting on airs.
Yang Zicang glanced at the diplomat below and felt no desire to communicate at all.
He turned to Yao Xiaoqin and said, “I need to go out for a bit. Are you coming with me, or staying here to continue your plan? “
Yao Xiaoqin, meeting the curious gaze of the beauty checking her out, raised her chin slightly and replied,
“President, I won’t let us down. “
Yang Zicang leaped from the window onto the train, and in an instant, it began to speed away.
The young man inside exclaimed excitedly, “Captain, where are we heading? “
The young man suddenly looked down at the bracelet, ring, pendant, belt buckle, and brooch on his chest, and exclaimed, “Wow, so many people are staring at me! “
-｛Distributor Loki Tata Mingqi says, “Hold on. “｝
“No time to hold on. ” Yang Zicang’s eyes glinted with a cold light as he said, “Head to White Violet City, the farthest point east of the continent. “
{Oh? I still have to work overtime before I leave? }
Wang Zhi, upon hearing these words, showed an even more excited expression.
Zhao Xuemei let out a breath, tightened her grip on the holy sword, and her body immediately assumed a battle-ready posture.
-｛Distributor Tata Mingqi says, “Nice form. “｝
-｛Tata Mingqi says, “Thumbs up. “｝
Yang Zicang slapped his forehead.
“We’d better go back and pick up the rest. “
He grasped the golden pendant on his chest and adjusted his perception of the distributors to about seventy percent. “Tata Mingqi, head to the back and find a less crowded spot to stop. “
-｛He says, “Understood. “｝
The train made a high-speed turn, turning into ethereal mist that shuttled through the air, appearing at the base of a wall behind the hospital. After waiting about a minute, the boy’s figure swiftly vaulted across the rooftop, fell with a vertical thud onto the ground, and with a single bound, leaped into the train’s tangible, re-solidified door.
“Wow! This thing is just too awesome! ” Tata bounced around excitedly inside the train.
Yang Zicang, spreading the radiance of the Musing Night to sense his surroundings, noted that Yao Xiaoqin had already boarded that other car.
In the distant perception, the woman who had been speaking suddenly shut her mouth. Yang Zicang abruptly opened his eyes and looked over, only to see the cold, brownish-yellow brick wall before him. But in that very instant, he perceived that an extra hand had gently patted the woman on the back.
The train, once again speeding up and transforming into wind-like energy that pierced the air, spoke strangely:
{What’s that new thing that came up? Why does it seem a bit odd? }
“No, it’s not odd. Let’s continue and pick up the others… “
……
Not long after, Yang Zicang had already picked up the two girls who were out looking for someone to lend a hand.
But at this moment, he was filled with hesitation.
“What’s wrong with you? You seem to have lost that drive you had moments ago, ” Zhao Xuemei said, sitting down beside Yang Zicang.
Hua Mi and Xue Qi, who were wearing uniforms without shoulder patches, also stopped their conversation and looked over.
“I bet it’s because of that woman, ” Xue Qi grunted, folding her arms.
“Over at the Grand Duchy, they want me to invest in their preparatory committee. You all know about this. But… “
“But what? ” The young man asked, his eyes wide.
Yang Zicang could almost feel the five or six pairs of eyes staring from behind Wang Zhi’s shoulders. This guy was really lucky. Just by piggybacking like this, he’d probably stock up on several Radiance charges, wouldn’t he?
“Who’s this brother here? ” Xue Qi asked, looking over at him.
“I’m Wang Zhi, but that’s not the point, Captain Huo. But what? “
Yang Zicang was silent for a moment, and in the gradually lightening atmosphere, he continued:
“But it seems the Grand Duchy has already detained many people connected to me. They intend to use this to threaten me.“
“What!” Wang Zhi sprang up in anger and defiance as soon as he heard this.
“Fuck them! Those dumb bastards, don’t they know how you, Captain, took down those Demon Hero Hall legion fucking monsters with just a few men?! And they actually think they can blackmail you with this!“
As soon as he said this, Wang Zhi immediately sensed the shock from the distributors on the other end of the communicator, which translated into several price increases and “Favorable Reviews” for him popping up one after another.
He said excitedly, “Let’s go kick their asses! There are three members from the Demon Hero Hall Hero Group here—that’s more than enough.“
Someone even gave him some kind of advance investment from Yuehua Radio. This got Wang Zhi even more riled up.
It figures—he’s the boss of Radiance Grounds. Even if he was only recognized after Yang Zicang left.
“Calm down, Wang Zhi,” Zhao Xuemei said. “The world here is a civilized society with rules and order. Don’t talk like that all the time. A peaceful resolution is best.“
“You’re right, Sister Xuemei.” Wang Zhi immediately quieted down, switching to a gentle, bead-like state.
“So, tonight… are we going to find a way to get those who were locked up out?” he asked.
Yang Zicang sighed. “That was indeed my original intention just now. But now… it seems Xiaoqin is being coerced. She leaked this information to me. If I react immediately, the people there might harm her.“
“This is… ” Wang Zhi scratched his head.
Xue Qi frowned and stepped back two paces, then sat down on the long subway-style bench against the wall:
“Well then, why don’t we just go get Yao Xiaoqin and bring her over? Why does she have to stay there and mess around on her own? “
“Xiao Qi~ ” Hua Mi complained, “She has her own ideas. How do you know if she hasn’t come across some special intel and is willing to take a big risk? “
As for Yang Zicang, what surfaced in his mind was… the phrase… “Crown Prince Consort of the Grand Palace “. He took a deep breath:
“So, let’s discuss exactly what to do. Should we go pick her up tonight, bring Yao Xiaoqin along, or think of another plan? “
Tower Inscription Talisman was crouched silently on the sidelines. Catching Wang Zhi’s curious glance, he looked away, then suddenly thought of something and turned back: “Friend, do you already have a piece of jewelry for the first level? “
“The first level? ” Wang Zhi beamed with joy, “I heard before I left that a distributor from the first level was coming, but I hadn’t even met her before I had to rush off. “
“Then I’ll give one to each of you, as long as you sign a contract with me. “
Yang Zicang ignored the boy, who was peddling his fancy jewelry to two people who still didn’t really understand. Zhao Xuemei browsed and picked out a nice silver bracelet. After thinking for a moment, she muddled her way through and signed the contract.
Anyway, Anlong said that low-level distributors could be signed without any issues, and moreover, this one said they can custom-make beautiful jewelry and necklaces.
Yang Zicang and Xue Qi whispered to each other, while Wang Zhi yawned and put a belt on his wrist, saying, “I feel more and more tired. “
Hua Mi couldn’t help it and looked up, saying, “Wearing too many of these things does consume mental energy. You have to understand that you are simultaneously connecting spiritually with multiple people. “
Wang Zhi instantly stood frozen on the spot.
Zhao Xuemei walked over and sat at the other end of the chair, saying to Yang Zicang, “I just thought about it—we should still go tonight. “
“Yes, I think they must be rescued. Otherwise, it will be more troublesome once you leave. “
“Right, that’s what I meant, but I believe we should try the polite approach before resorting to force. “
“Try the polite approach before resorting to force? ” Xue Qi and Hua Mi looked at her, one as if unconvinced, the other as if seeking advice. “So, what do you think we should do? “
This woman with naturally light blue hair slowly exuded a chilling coldness like icy wind and snow.
“I suggest we make a public appearance in the Grand Duchy, using the heroic identity of Brother Bucheng—based on what you’ve recently done—to specially recruit one or two thousand citizens and transport them tonight to a safe area in the southern part of the mainland. “
The two ladies, along with Wang Zhi beside them, immediately stared at her wide-eyed.
Yang Zicang also straightened up, lightly patting his knee, and said, “Yes, your plan is correct. This is exactly what we should do—openly and legitimately take people away. “
1, 2, 3! Tatamingchi, who had been sitting on the ground, clapped his hands.
“Mm-hmm, that removes any issue at all. ” Wang Zhi said, shaking his clenched fist.
Xue Qi let out a hum through her nose.
She tapped her crossed leg in frustration against the wooden frame by the subway seat where the weapons were stored.
“Where did you get all those Chrono Weapons from? How are there so many, decades old ones? “
Wang Zhi laughed heartily. “I traded it all for Ray of Grandeur. With just one Ray of Grandeur, they were practically begging to buy weapons from me, sending me pairs and triples for free. So many people were dragging me along to farm Rays through missions; it’s been incredibly satisfying these past few days. “
“……“
Inside the car, the small group stared with wide, astonished eyes at this gaunt, sallow-skinned man who couldn’t stop grinning foolishly.
Tatamingchi tugged frantically at his own hair.
Yang Zicang sighed and pressed a hand to his forehead.
As Zhao Xuemei frowned, Hua Mi’s lips trembled as she spoke. “How much did you earn? You… could you please write down all your distributor names? “
“Why? ” Wang Zhi looked at her in confusion, the atmosphere hinting to him that something might be wrong.
“We want to avoid any mistakes, ” Hua Mi admitted enviously.
……
Grand Duchy of Herzog Hohenzollernburg, the southeastern coast.
In the village, all who could leave have taken to the sea. No one knows how many days they can last; but, at least human fear for survival instills in them the belief that they would rather die than return to the land.
But there were still many people who couldn’t leave.
They had no large ships and feared the turmoil in the city, so the old, weak, sick, and disabled decided to wait here for death.
In the dim light, village women stood weakly in front of their houses muttering to each other, while some men played cards outside and others sawed trees together, working day and night, nailing together low- railed large rowboats that looked like rafts.
“With just these things, how many lives can we save? ” an old man said, watching with tears in his eyes.
“Every one wecansave counts. “
“Well, I’m not getting on, for one, ” an old woman with graying hair said, standing under the eaves and looking at the nocturnal labor, “I’m not going. ” Her little grandson looked up with a puzzled expression.
Suddenly, a sharp whoosh of wind cut through the air.
People’s eyes were stung by the violently swirling wind.
“Wh-what?! “
They raised their arms to shield their eyes, and when they looked, their eyes widened in fear.
What appeared was a terrifying demon that looked like a deformed train!
“Don’t be afraid, folks! ” Yang Zicang shouted from the side of the train door. “It’s me! Yang Buchen! I’m sorry, I can’t take too many people. Please pick some people out right now; I can only take about a score of you. “
Yang Buchen? The people looked on in confusion for a moment, until one of them remembered what had happened in a neighboring village a few months ago.
“It’s you! Oh my god, it’s our hero, sir! “
“The hero is back! “
More villagers began to shout, their voices echoing across the coast amid the sound of the waves.
“Hero is back! He’s going to take… take some of our people away! “
The entire small village instantly boiled over.
Many people quickly crowded around, but in the current situation, they could only take a maximum of a little over twenty people. Any more, and Yang Zicang wouldn’t have a good place to settle them.
But no one said anything was wrong. Young wives wiped away their tears and pushed their own children forward.
“You older brothers and sisters, take good care of the younger ones. “
“Be good, Xiaobei. Mom will come see you in a few years. “
Yang Zicang watched this farewell scene. Unanimously, people chose to send the teenagers and children, who had more future potential, onto the dark train stopped in the village.
Twenty-six in total.
“Let one or two more people come on, ” Zhao Xuemei glanced at Yang Zicang and said, “Two adults, that way they can take care of the kids. “
Everyone in the carriage nodded, looking at Yang Zicang expectantly.
“That’s a very reasonable proposal. Come on, hurry up. We still have many places to go tonight. “
After two more people came aboard, Yang Zicang told them what to do next. The train sped along the coastline, dropping people off one after another. He told them to contact the residents of those villages. The subsequent quotas weren’t so generous; at most, each village could only take about seventeen or eighteen people.
An hour later, Yang Zicang said to Hua Mi and Xue Qi, “Ladies, which one of you would be willing to be my station liaison? “
As it turned out, both of them chose to implant the Thought-energy Station.
Amidst the curious gazes of the villagers, a massive illusory structure appeared by the seaside. The hero condensed it into a dotted line and absorbed it into his palm. Then, Hua Mi entered the empty carriage and used the key, while Xue Qi stepped down from the train.
Three minutes later, Yang Zicang patted the side of the train and said, “Let’s be ready to begin. “
{Alright, then let’s proceed with the investment. }
Yang Zicang felt the depletion of his million-year lifespan as a single year was consumed.
｛Midnight Train’s next stop: Huami Station. Estimated arrival time: one minute.｝
Rumble~!
The train, carrying a smiling Tatamikin seated cross-legged amidst three hundred people behind him, suddenly accelerated. It transformed into a ghostly wavering energy—like a shadowy arrow launched by a deity across the earth—piercing straight through the now-illusory mountains and land. Amidst the terrified gazes of countless buildings and landscapes, it arrived before a villa in the aristocratic district of the capital, Talk City, within the kingdom of Heiven Consultation.
Hua Mi, who had just stepped out of the house, was startled into taking two steps back. She watched as the train, with a swoosh, materialized like a teleport right before the living room where she stood, dizzied by the sudden event.
Then, under the surprised eyes of the auntie who was cleaning the pillar in the villa and the butler who rushed out from another room, over three hundred children and teenagers—dressed like refugees—along with a small number of adults, disembarked from the train, their heads and mouths agape in disbelief.
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