408: Chapter 408 Good Cop, Bad Cop

No. 9 Civilization Ruins.

In front of a certain Portal.

"Senior Grace, this Junior takes his leave."

"Mm, go ahead."

Xiao Weiqing stepped into the Portal and disappeared.

"Great Sage, do you think so highly of Xiao Weiqing?"

"Yes, to comprehend a Domain at the Third Stage makes him an outstanding figure even among the many civilizations of the Universe. In the tens of thousands of years of Kuhn Civilization history, only three people have ever achieved this." As the voice sounded, the figure of the aged Great Sage appeared.

"But, giving a Star Lord Realm Nirvana Warrior to Xiao Weiqing means we have already violated the agreement with the Human Race civilization. If discovered, I'm afraid it will be hard to explain."

The Great Sage shook his head and said, "Something must have gone wrong with this Incubation Ground; we cannot be too bound by tradition.

Furthermore.

I have a bad feeling that the entire Fifth Universe Civilization will face a catastrophe."

"..."

"Great Sage, I feel like you'd better stop having feelings," Grace said.

...

...

At the same time.

Inside a Secret Base in the Vermilion Bird Empire.

Xiao Weiqing, who had just stepped out of the Portal, was surrounded by a group of fully armed soldiers.

"Who goes there?"

Xiao Weiqing did not make a move because those across from him were the Vermilion Bird Army.

"One of your own, don't attack."

Xiao Weiqing smiled, indicating he meant no harm. His Mental Energy extended, scanning the surroundings, and he found himself inside a base.

Inside the base.

There were five Eighth Realm Peak Powerhouses.

Xiao Weiqing sent a telepathic message: "Come and see me."

Inside a certain room.

Ruan Zhan, who had been stationed at the No. 9 Civilization Ruins base for years, was currently cultivating. He was startled by the voice in his mind; he couldn't even determine the location of the person sending the message.

"The ruins entrance."

Whoosh— Whoosh—

Five figures soared into the sky, then descended rapidly, landing in front of the ruins entrance.

"General Ruan."

The soldiers in the standoff bowed one after another upon seeing Ruan Zhan.

"All of you, stand down."

"Yes."

Ruan Zhan carefully observed Xiao Weiqing. He hadn't seen such a young face before, but anyone who could emerge from the No. 9 Civilization Ruins must have at least the strength of the Eighth Realm.

"Your Excellency, may I ask who you are? I recall every Powerhouse who enters the No. 9 Civilization Ruins daily, but I don't believe I've seen you before."

Hearing this.

Xiao Weiqing knew where he was.

This No. 9 Civilization Ruins was the entrance that the Vermilion Bird Empire kept open year-round.

"Greetings, General Ruan. My name is Xiao Weiqing."

"If it's convenient, could you let me speak with Marshal Ruan?"

Ruan Zhan frowned. "You know my fifth uncle?"

Xiao Weiqing nodded. "Yes."

Ruan Zhan dialed his Wristband with a skeptical attitude. If it were anyone else, he would have apprehended them long ago.

He couldn't see through this young man's strength, and the confidence and composure radiating from him were not fake.

"Ruan Zhan, what is it?"

"Marshal Ruan, a young... man named Xiao Weiqing just came out of the ruins entrance. He says he knows you."

"Xiao Weiqing?!"

Ruan Zhen's voice suddenly rose. "He's with you?"

"Yes, he seems to have just come out of the ruins."

"Drop whatever you're doing. Now, immediately, bring him to the Vermilion Bird Palace."

"Understood."

Ruan Zhan was very surprised by his fifth uncle's attitude.

"Xiao Weiqing, Marshal Ruan said I should take you to the Vermilion Bird Palace."

"That was my intention. I'll trouble you, General Ruan."

Soon.

The two boarded an aircraft.

Ruan Zhan personally escorted Xiao Weiqing to the Vermilion Bird Palace.

...

In front of the Vermilion Bird Palace gates.

Deng Yue was already waiting.

"Mr. Xiao, you're finally back."

"What's wrong, Brother Deng?"

Deng Yue said, "The Empire suffered heavy losses in the ruins this time. Fortunately, you're alright."

Xiao Weiqing knew what Deng Yue was talking about; four of the six people who entered from the ice mountain side had died.

"Mr. Xiao, please follow me. The Elders are already waiting, and even people from the Great Xia Embassy have arrived."

"Alright."

Inside the conference room.

Palace Master Yun Shu Yun Shu sat in the main seat.

Ever since Xiao Weiqing entered the conference room, Palace Master Yun Shu Yun Shu's gaze had not left him.

To the left was Yin Zong, to the right was Ruan Zhen, and there were several other elderly men wearing the same attire as Yin Zong—presumably, they were also Elders.

Yin Wenzheng was also there, sitting next to Yin Zong.

On the other side sat a man and a woman in their forties, both possessing Eighth Realm strength; they were from the Great Xia Embassy.

Everyone there was powerful. As soon as Xiao Weiqing entered the room, they knew he had already reached the Eighth Realm. They were secretly shocked; the two from Great Xia who entered the ruins had both successfully achieved Constructing a Divine Body and entered the Eighth Realm.

In contrast, not only did no one from the Vermilion Bird Empire enter the Eighth Realm, but they had also suffered heavy losses.

"Xiao Weiqing, you're finally out. If you had gone missing in the ruins, it would have been my fault," Yin Zong spoke first, seemingly joking.

"Old Master Yin, you exaggerate. Didn't I tell Brother Yin not to wait for me?" Xiao Weiqing replied, looking toward Yin Wenzheng.

Yin Wenzheng took over, "Old Master, didn't I tell you? You just wouldn't believe me."

"Call me Elder, we are in the Vermilion Bird Palace." Yin Zong glared at Yin Wenzheng.

Yin Wenzheng curled his lip, then said loudly, "Elder Yin, I already reported the situation of the No. 9 Civilization Ruins when I came out."

"Why are you shouting so loud? I'm not deaf yet."

Yin Zong snapped.

Then.

Yin Zong changed his expression and said with a smile, "Xiao Weiqing, is it convenient for you to talk about your gains in the Civilization Ruins this time?"

"Brother Yin, didn't you tell Old Master Yin?" Xiao Weiqing said playfully, throwing the question back.

"I did," said Yin Wenzheng.

"Then why is the Old Master still asking me?"

Xiao Weiqing crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. He wanted to see what Yin Zong was up to, feigning ignorance when he clearly knew.

Yin Zong glanced at Yin Wenzheng, looking a bit frustrated that he wasn't more helpful.

"Oh... it seems you did mention it. Oh my, look at my memory." Yin Zong slapped his forehead. "Getting old, I'm becoming more and more useless."

"Xiao Weiqing, if I may ask..."

"Old Master Yin, if it's an imposition, it's better not to ask."

Yin Zong: "..."

"Pfft—"

Yin Wenzheng couldn't help himself and accidentally let out a laugh.

"Is it funny?"

Yin Zong said coldly.

"In response to Elder Yin, it's not funny at all."

Yin Wenzheng sat up straight, pinching his thigh hard.

Seeing Xiao Weiqing playing dumb, Yin Zong stopped beating around the bush. "I heard you entered the Fourth Gate and went inside the volcano to seize treasure."

"That's right."

Xiao Weiqing's brow furrowed slightly. So that was their aim.

"What was the result?" It was Ruan Zhen who spoke.

Xiao Weiqing did not answer.

"Young man, Marshal Ruan is asking you a question. Answer him quickly," an Elder scolded.

"Elder Zhang, mind your tone. We are allies with Xiao Weiqing." Yin Zong waved his hand. "Xiao Weiqing, according to the Empire's records, there is a Great Treasure inside the ice mountain, even involving the Ninth Realm. Since you entered the volcano's interior, did you not obtain anything?"

Xiao Weiqing's smile faded. Were they playing good cop, bad cop with him? A Great Treasure involving the Ninth Realm? They were just making things up as they went.

He placed his hand on the conference table, his index finger lightly tapping.

"Tap... tap... tap..."

The sound wasn't loud, but it made everyone's body tense up.

His slender fingers seemed to be knocking inside their minds, making them feel mentally unstable.

Everyone was horrified.