The Ancient Gods' Whisper

On the projection screen, Chen Bojun once again scrutinized the newcomers seated before him and spoke lightly, "I believe all of you are aware that the Qilin Immortal Palace is on the verge of opening. To ensure the stability of Peak City and uphold the order between the Super Ancient World and the real world, we will be conducting a comprehensive purge across the entire province."

Someone noticed the key term.

The entire province!

"Thanks to the emergence of the Qilin Immortal Palace, you are all Transcendents who have entered the Immortal Palace—whether through consciousness traversal or physical traversal. From different perspectives, you have all experienced the vastness and primitiveness of that world."

Chen Bojun said, "From then on, your souls ascended, entering the world of Transcendents."

Gu Jianlin noticed that almost everyone revealed expressions of trembling fear upon hearing this statement.

Except for Tang Ling, who kept her head down in the corner, her face obscured.

Gu Jianlin was now certain that almost all Ascenders had entered another world prior to their awakening.

What the others saw in that world, he had no idea.

As for himself, the moment he entered, he found himself trapped in a tomb chamber—and he hadn't left since.

"This mission will bring you closer to re-entering the Immortal Palace than ever before. We will head to Peak City's East Coast and carry out a large-scale operation in the Forbidden Zone. Six Captain-level leaders and six Deputy Captain-level commanders will each guide seven squads in full mobilization. Your target is the survivors of the Blood Moon Slaughter Incident."

"Through our extensive investigations, we've pinpointed an organization, highly active in the Forbidden Zone, codenamed the Grave Digger. Behind them may lie a Superdimensional-level entity—or possibly even a member of the Ancient God Clan from the Qilin Immortal Palace."

"Two thousand years ago, Xu Fu constructed an underwater palace directly beneath the Forbidden Zone; now, something has gone awry deep within the palace. Investigators need to be sent in for reconnaissance."

"The Ancient God Clan of Qilin Immortal Palace is naturally beyond your capability to confront, but the mission will introduce numerous unpredictable variables."

"This operation is fraught with risks; a single misstep can lead to death. If anyone wishes to withdraw, now is the time."

Gu Jianlin froze. It seemed the Ether Association had keenly picked up on the presence of that Ancient God entity—with high probability of being the Kui!

Evidently, whether this was a show of force or a warning, no one chose to withdraw during this segment.

Some feared death, others didn't believe they would die.

Still others were simply reckless, blissfully unaware of the danger.

Yet as soon as the Blood Moon Slaughter Incident was mentioned, many people turned to glance at the black-haired boy sitting in the corner.

Gu Jianlin maintained a blank expression, thinking to himself, "What does this have to do with me?"

Moments later, everyone's phones displayed a prompt from the Deep Space Network—a martyrdom confirmation agreement.

Without hesitation, everyone signed.

Gu Jianlin did as well.

"Very good."

Chen Bojun looked on with satisfaction as this scene played out, and a photo appeared on the projection screen.

"This is the leader of the Grave Digger organization. He was formerly one of the frontline surveyors for the Immortal Palace project."

"Hasegawa Shinichi, a native of Ying Province. Thirty-two years old, follows the Samurai pathway, a Third Rank Wandering Warrior, and a survivor of the Blood Moon Slaughter Incident. He possesses highly deformed abilities and has since founded the Grave Digger organization, engaging in criminal acts within the Forbidden Zone. His threat level is comparable to that of the Joker. According to the confirmed intelligence we have, he is not equipped with a Mythical Weapon."

"This individual's mind has already been corrupted, and he is responsible for seventeen confirmed murders."

"Your mission is to assist the Captains in eradicating all Grave Digger members within the Forbidden Zone."

"As for Hasegawa Shinichi, if circumstances allow, attempt to capture him alive."

Gu Jianlin fixed his gaze on the photo displayed on the projection screen.

The face was unmistakably that of a typical officer: small eyes, thick mustache, disheveled hair.

Gu Jianlin memorized the face—this was his primary target in the upcoming sweep operation.

A survivor of the Blood Moon Slaughter Incident.

An accomplice to the Joker.

Perhaps he knows more about my father's past.

"Now, I appoint Yan Ye, a C-level investigator, as team leader for this operation," Chen Bojun said flatly. "Can you shoulder the responsibility for the success of this mission and the safety of all team members?"

Seated at the very center, Yan Ye slowly rose, placing a hand over his chest and bowing, "I am capable."

No objections arose; it seemed this second-ranking newcomer's appointment as team leader was broadly endorsed.

However, Gu Jianlin noticed a faint shake of the head from the white-haired girl in the corner.

Hasegawa Shinichi's portrait vanished from the screen.

On the projection screen, Chen Bojun's face reappeared, his expression satisfied. He spoke, "Very well. I'll now distribute the operational plan for this mission. Hmm… You must all keep one thing in mind: This mission will take you to the Forbidden Zone. Proceed discreetly. The area is a chaotic convergence of Wild Ascender groups and criminal syndicates."

"There's a rebel faction you must stay vigilant against. It comprises individuals who defected from official associations. Their leader is a Fourth Rank Alchemist who went rogue six months ago, having absconded with Ancient Documents. He likely ventured deep into the Qilin Immortal Palace. At present, he is highly likely hiding within the Forbidden Zone, maintaining connections with various Wild Ascender groups."

"I will supply you with the available data on this individual—keep your guard up."

"If you identify any trace of him, report immediately to your superior. Do not act independently. Although the Alchemist pathway lacks inherent combat capabilities, it is remarkably adept at recruiting powerful allies—not an opponent you can handle alone."