69novels Page 711
Page 711
"After all, the 'core area' is home to seventh, eighth, and even ninth-tier Great Evil Gods. Even humanity today cannot contend with them. Let alone the Second Sanctuary back then."
"Therefore, in order to protect the hundreds of millions of humans in the 'core area,' Zhu Tianwang, the leader of the Second Sanctuary at the time, directly and voluntarily defected to the evil god organization, becoming a traitor."
"He and the core members of the Second Sanctuary willingly became lackeys of the evil god organization, gradually gaining their trust by betraying human intelligence and oppressing the people of the 'core area.'"
"The evil god at that time didn't care much about the human race. So after testing them, he accepted them and used humans to control other humans."
"Thus, Zhu Tianwang and the core members of the Second Sanctuary successfully infiltrated the evil god organization. They endured hardship and humiliation, learning the application of 'Cataclysmic Power,' growing stronger step by step. And through the knowledge gained within the evil god organization, they secretly cultivated their own elite warriors."
"The Third Sanctuary, however, is completely different. Because it was built in the 'Fringe Zone,' although it faces external enemies, they are only Tier 3 or 3 Cataclysmic Creatures and Evil Gods. In addition, the Third Sanctuary is built on top of an armory, giving it ample weaponry."
"Therefore, although the third shelter was in a difficult situation in the early stages, it was still able to barely hold on."
"Therefore, the faction in power at the Third Shelter did not embrace the catastrophe approach so quickly, but instead continued with the technology route of the Great Cataclysm period. They wanted to solve this disaster through technology."
"Thus, in the first 30 years of the Cataclysmic Era, the two sanctuaries developed along completely different paths."
"During this period, some people in the Second Shelter gradually broke through to level 7 and established a foothold in the 'core area.'"
"And the Third Sanctuary has finally regained control of the core technology that our human race now uses to fight against the evil gods: nuclear weapons."
"Originally, according to this development plan, the two major shelters should have developed different civilizations in two different regions, and both barely managed to survive."
"As a result, 30 years ago, the boundaries of the 'Isolated Mountains' were finally broken, allowing the 'Edge Area' and the 'Core Area' to communicate. The two sanctuaries, now firmly established, also made their first contact during this major exchange."
"As a result, the Second Sanctuary was surprised to find that its compatriots were in a much better situation than it had imagined, and that they had a key weapon to fight against the evil god: nuclear weapons."
"And the Third Shelter was also surprised to discover that it seemed to have gone astray. This world possessed a power even more powerful than nuclear weapons. They were simply trapped inside the 'Isolation Mountains.'"
"Therefore... the two shelters began to exchange resources and technologies."
"After that, both shelters began to develop significantly. The Second Shelter, equipped with nuclear weapons and various other weaponry, became completely independent within the 'Boundless Heart Sea,' possessing its own territory."
"With the acquisition of cataclysmic materials such as 'Yamane' and information on cataclysmic pathways, the Third Sanctuary began to vigorously cultivate skilled individuals and... aggressively research cataclysmic power. They also withstood the first wave of impact from the exchange between the two major regions."
"However, despite the cooperation, the two shelters have always been wary of each other over the years because of their different paths."
"The Third Shelter has always suspected that there might be traitors among the higher-ups of the Second Shelter. Furthermore, the suffering the Second Shelter inflicted on humanity over the past 30 years cannot be simply erased with a mere 'bearing of humiliation.'"
"Shelter 2, on the other hand, always found Shelter 3's 'technological burstism' terrifying."
"Especially since the 'Boundless Sea of the Mind' is a spiritual world, and the spirit can in turn influence reality, such radical ideas could very well bring extraordinary and enormous disasters to humanity, and even to the entire world."
"Therefore, the two sides cooperated while remaining vigilant. They also worked together to build a new shelter."
"The Fourth Shelter, for example, was established by Li Feng, the daughter of 'Weaving Flame King,' who was in charge of the Second Shelter."
“The Fifth Shelter was supported by the two major shelters working together.”
"After that, Shelter 4 became Shelter 2's agent in the 'Fringe Area.' Shelter 5, on the other hand, became the lubricant between the two factions."
"And the 6th, 7th and 8th shelters were mostly established with the support of these shelters."
At this point, Guan Xiao concluded, "Therefore, the relationship between the two shelters is indeed very delicate."
Qiu Tu had seen the intelligence that Guan Xiao mentioned in his intelligence reports before.
So he slowly opened his mouth and said, "Yes."
"Over the years, although the two shelters have been wary of each other, they have also maintained restraint."
"So this time, Lin Xi suddenly escalated the conflict between the two. Obviously, she also had her own purpose."
Guan Xiao was taken aback upon hearing this, then looked at Qiu Tu and asked curiously, "Purpose? What purpose?"
Qiu Tu had clearly already deduced this. Therefore, he calmly stated, "The 'Northwest Region' is independent."
"The Northwest region is independent?" Guan Xiao blinked, a little confused.
Qiu Tu said with a deep gaze, "Xiao Xiao, I've always said I'd return to the 'Northwest Region,' haven't you ever wondered how I'll come back?"
Guan Xiao was slightly taken aback upon hearing this.
To be honest, Qiu Tu's development in the past two years has been too rapid, and he has created too many miracles, so in her mind, Qiu Tu has always been omnipotent.
This also led Guan Xiao to believe that even with the "isolation mountain range" blocking the way, Qiu Tu had a way to bypass the "isolation mountain range" and return to the "Northwest Region".
Therefore, Guan Xiao had never really thought about how Qiu Tu would return to the "Northwest Region".
As a result, when Qiu Tu asked her, she immediately realized what was going on.
She was stunned for a moment, and then all sorts of information flashed through her mind like a revolving lantern.
After a moment, she had the boldest, yet most likely, guess in her mind.
She looked at Qiu Tu in shock, then hesitated and said, "It's not that you, Speaker, can return to the 'Northwest Region,' but... everyone can return to the 'Northwest Region'? So... the Isolation Mountains will collapse?"
Qiu Tu nodded slightly.
After obtaining the crucial intelligence, Guan Xiao suddenly understood everything.
She looked shocked and suddenly realized, "This news... Shelter No. 2 knew about it too! But they deliberately concealed it, wanting to exploit the information gap to reap the benefits from the 'fringe areas'?"
Qiu Tu nodded slightly.
Guan Xiao remained shocked, "But Speaker, your 'overseas enclave' bill could very well lead to an explosive growth in the Third Asylum."
"Furthermore, because Shelter 3 possesses the largest number of nuclear weapons, Shelter 2 dares not easily turn against them. That's why Shelter 2 wants to nip the 'overseas enclave' bill in the bud!"
"So... they contacted Lin Xi and the Kou family, wanting to cooperate in expelling the Third Shelter!"
Qiu Tu nodded slightly, then continued, "If I'm not mistaken, the Kou family and Lin Xi probably already have some guesses about the merging of the two regions because of some of my actions."
"As a result, the second shelter delivered itself to their doorstep, giving them the final piece of the intelligence puzzle. This allowed them to completely obtain this crucial intelligence."
Guan Xiao's eyes were slightly glazed over, then she began to reason and analyze.
"And because the 'core region' and the 'peripheral region' are about to merge, a true era of great competition is about to begin."
"They can no longer remain aloof as before, nor can they sit on the fence; they must choose a side to join."
"After careful study and even discussion, they felt that neither the second nor the third shelter was a good option for refuge."
"then......."
At this point, Guan Xiao looked at Qiu Tu with a shocked expression.
Although this speculation seemed utterly absurd to her, after eliminating all other possibilities, the remaining possibility, however absurd, was likely to be true.
"So... Speaker, they ultimately chose you?"
Hearing Guan Xiao's words, Qiu Tu nodded slightly and said, "If we're not mistaken, perhaps this is the truth."
Guan Xiao fell silent for a moment...
Even though in her heart, Qiu Tu was the most promising person she had ever met. But it must be said that potential is not the same as ability.
Compared to the Second Shelter, which boasts three Heavenly Kings, and the Third Shelter, which possesses the most comprehensive arsenal and the largest nuclear arsenal in human history, Qiu Tu is indeed too weak.
How much courage would Lin Xi and Kou Xuan need to choose Qiu Tu under these circumstances?
Especially considering that the two of them also possessed such a vast business empire.
For a moment, Guan Xiao admired the two's courage in taking such a do-or-die approach.
It's important to know that both Lin Xi and Kou Xuan lied or took action multiple times during this incident.
They've offended both Shelter 2 and Shelter 3.
Once the "core area" and the "peripheral area" merge, Qiu Tu will be unable to protect them, and death will be the only outcome awaiting them!
This was essentially entrusting their lives to Qiu Tu.
More importantly... in order to make the acting realistic, the two of them never actually communicated with Qiu Tu.
In order to clear Qiu Tu of suspicion, they even imprisoned Yan Yan after Qiu Tu left the "Northwest Region".
In other words, Qiu Tu, with his strategic planning, saw through everything in just a few words.
If Qiu Tu hadn't been so perceptive and had only judged things superficially, he might have misunderstood the two, or even turned them into enemies...
Unless, they have other tricks up their sleeve?
Thinking this, Guan Xiao paused for a moment, then pondered for a second before saying, "Speaker, Yan Chen... is very likely involved as well."
Upon hearing Guan Xiao's words, Qiu Tu looked at Guan Xiao, deliberately said "Oh?", and then asked, "What do you mean?"
Guan Xiao said, "Although you saw through Lin Xi and Kou Xuan's scheme at a glance, ... given their prudent nature, they certainly wouldn't place all their hopes on you."
"Therefore, they most likely found a middleman as a last resort."
"To avoid them working so hard for so long only to be turned into enemies by you."
"And that person should be connected to both of you. That can only be Yan Chen. Yan Chen has worked with you for many years and is now an official in the same court as Kou Xuan, and his daughter Yan Yan is with Lin Xi."
"Furthermore, Yan Chen is Yan Yan's father. He should be the most anxious about Yan Yan's arrest. We need to inform him in advance."
"Therefore, I think Yan Chen may have played a role in conveying messages and as a last resort."
At this point, Guan Xiao paused, then added, "Moreover... Yan Chen's current position in the entire 'Northwest Region' is also quite awkward."
"Now that the two regions are merging, he also has to choose a side. Even if he may not like you, but... I have to say, you are probably the best choice."
Hearing Guan Xiao's words, Qiu Tu nodded slightly.
Guan Xiao's analysis was similar to his own.
This matter is very likely not just Lin Xi and Kou Xuan's plan.
After all... given their previous life-or-death relationship, it would be extremely difficult for them to cooperate so seamlessly immediately.
One of them must have acted as a lubricant.
And this person must also be related to Yan Yan and Qiu Tu's Sizhou Group.
Therefore... Yan Chen's name is obvious...
'Kou Xuan....Lin Xi....Yan Chen....'
As he silently murmured the three names, a smile involuntarily appeared on Qiu Tu's face...
It must be said that these three people were among the most intelligent and resourceful in the "Northwest Region" in his opinion.
Unfortunately, because of their exceptional intelligence, these people were not so easily subdued. Furthermore, they had all been Qiu Tu's enemies in the past, thus maintaining a considerable rift with him.
Unexpectedly, the "isolation mountain range" broke, and the second shelter forced them all to Qiu Tu's side.
This is a somewhat unexpected and pleasant surprise.
Thinking this through, Qiu Tu, having figured everything out, slowly got up.
Then he looked at Guan Xiao and said, "I need to go see Lin Xi."
"Some things, some issues, still need to be discussed face-to-face..."
Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Guan Xiao was about to remind him that he had already "left" the Northwest region. But then she thought about it again. Now that everyone had guessed that the "isolation mountain range" had broken, they had probably also guessed that Qiu Tu hadn't left.
Thinking this, she didn't say anything more, but simply lowered her head and responded with a soft "yes."
"Yes."
......
It was late at night. The night was as dark as ink, pressing heavily on the earth. The cold wind was like a knife, howling across the empty fields with a mournful roar.
The 6th Shelter, Youzhou.
The reformist army's continuous barracks loomed in the darkness, like lurking giants, exuding a cold and majestic aura.
In the center of the camp, inside the main tent, Princess Xi, dressed in military attire, was reviewing intelligence reports. Her exquisite face was etched with exhaustion, and her once milky-white skin appeared somewhat rough.
Suddenly, a cold wind blew by, and the next second, the shadows around the tent condensed into a ball, then stood upright and transformed into a tall and unfamiliar black shadow.
Seeing the dark figure, Princess Xi wasn't particularly surprised. She looked up from her intelligence report, gazed at the figure, and asked, "Qiu Tu?"
Upon hearing Princess Xi's words, the shadowy figure chuckled and then teased, "It seems the Princess has been thinking of me day and night."
Upon hearing Qiu Tu's words, Princess Xi chuckled and then teased, "I just think that no one but you would be so bold as to break into my tent in the middle of the night."
Qiu Tu shrugged noncommittally, then deliberately said, "But didn't you invite me here?"
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Actually, there's a long storyline following this move; it's a smooth ending with a plot twist (related to Zhao Ji and the Heavenly Trial). It should provide a great reading experience.
But I've been writing later and later lately, I'm just too tired. I have to go to sleep now, I'll write the next chapter later. I'll try to update earlier tomorrow.
I'm so sorry...