119: Zhou Tianren

"Other academy students?!"

Hu Fei's body stiffened, his emotions clearly agitated. At this moment, he completely lost consciousness, his eyes closed, and he fainted.

Patrol Bureau.

Tian Ce Operations Meeting Room.

More than twenty students from Tian Ce Academy had come this time, but now—in the meeting room, there were only two figures.

Gu Xiwun, and a female student who was operating a computer, compiling and exchanging information.

At this moment.

The student received messages from other students of the academy, speaking very quickly: "Hanmei City has undergone a major change."

"Some classmates discovered a large explosion in the eastern part of Hanmei City. The entire city has now entered a state of martial law."

"Many Patrol Bureau personnel are approaching that area."

"News from Yuan Shen and his team indicates that the Patrol Bureau seemed to have taken action earlier."

She relayed the information gathered by the students, one by one, looking at Gu Xiwun on the side: "What do we do now?"

"Qin Jin and Han Miao from Martial Abyss also seem to be no longer within the Patrol Bureau.

"The Shi Lv students are still nowhere to be seen."

"But now it seems the Patrol Bureau has already engaged with the Evil God Sect. If we don't get involved, our academy mission's evaluation—" Gu Xiwun rose from his seat, walked to the window, and looked at the busy figures crisscrossing below in the Patrol Bureau, his brows slightly furrowed: "This is my problem."

"My estimation of the Patrol Bureau's progress was wrong."

"I originally thought there would be at least a few days of buffer time. If we discovered anything, we could try to communicate with the Patrol Bureau and thus participate in the core event."

"But now, it seems the Cold Plum City Patrol Bureau is very capable, and their progress has exceeded expectations. While we were still in the preparatory stage, they had already gained a lot and taken direct action."

"After returning to the academy, I will take responsibility for this academy mission. My judgment has affected everyone, but it will not affect your evaluations."

Upon saying this.

He stepped towards the door.

"Gu Xiwun, what are you going to do?"

From behind, a question rang out.

"The battle has begun, but whether it will end directly, no one can be sure."

"I'm going to try and see if I can salvage our final evaluation."

"Contact the other classmates, return to the Patrol Bureau. From now on, any action will only be collective action."

After he finished speaking.

He walked out of the meeting room.

Patrol Bureau.

Director Song Shulin's expression was serious, his gaze fixed forward.

In front of him was a panoramic map of the entire Hanmei City.

At this moment, on this map, two locations were circled.

One was the timber processing plant, and the other was the explosion site.

Beside him.

Other personnel were conducting analyses.

"Our understanding of Mi Sect rituals is limited."

"Currently, we cannot determine the connection between these two ritual sites, or if they follow any pattern."

Song Shulin heard this and said in a deep voice: "In any case, proceed with the idea that there might be other ritual sites."

"According to the information provided by the Mi Sect experts, two ritual sites have now been destroyed. At least their initial goal cannot be achieved. We have gained an absolute advantage. Since we have come this far, let's strive for a beautiful victory, not miss any clues, and uproot them."

"Yes!"

A response sounded.

Just then.

A staff member approached, quietly reporting a few sentences.

Song Shulin raised an eyebrow, nodded, and said: "Let him in."

Soon after.

A figure, led by a staff member, entered the area and came before Song Shulin.

Gu Xiwun.

"Student Gu."

P

Song Shulin's tone was calm: "You've come to me now, is there anything you need help with?"

"Director Song."

Gu Xiwun's voice was neither obsequious nor arrogant: "Let's be direct. I hope to join your advisory team to assist in this operation. At the same time, our other Tian Ce students hope to join the Patrol Bureau's action teams and participate in all subsequent operations."

"Oh?"

Song Shulin's expression remained unchanged: "Give me a reason."

"We are from Tian Ce Academy."

Gu Xiwun's gaze was serious: "My classmates have sufficient ability to carry out any tasks you assign."

"As for me—"

He pointed to his head, his voice devoid of any emotion: "My Martial Artist talent is at best above average, far from top-tier. The reason I was able to enter Tian Ce and become the commander of this student team is because of this."

"I believe I can play the greatest role in the advisory team."

Song Shulin scrutinized him.

The other party's expression was calm, as if stating a fact.

The Director of the Patrol Bureau, thinking of the information he had received about the academy students during this period, shook his head slightly.

"Gu Xiwun."

"If it were before today, I would have refused you without hesitation."

"However—"

"The surprises you students from top academies have brought me today are too great."

"I agree to your proposal."

"Have your classmates return to the bureau to receive equipment. You may have coordination among yourselves, so I won't split you up. Form your own team and cooperate with other action teams."

"As for you—"

Song Shulin raised his hand and pointed to the other end: "Now, join them. Relevant intelligence will be opened to you for joint analysis. I hope you can bring me a surprise."

"Go."

His voice fell.

Gu Xiwun, however, did not move.

The Tian Ce General-level student looked at him, a flicker in his eyes, as if he had understood something, and said: "Director Song, has Qin Jin from Martial Abyss come to see you?"

"That's right."

"It seems you are indeed smart enough."

Song Shulin nodded: "Currently, we have destroyed two Evil God Sect strongholds."

"One of them—"

He shook his head: "It's not an exaggeration to say that Qin Jin, as you call him, destroyed it single-handedly."

Gu Xiwun did not ask any more questions.

Under the guidance of a staff member, he joined the Patrol Bureau's analysis team and began to review the many pieces of information currently compiled.

As he continuously reviewed and understood.

Around him, spiritual power clearly became active. On the glasses he wore, the latest acquired intelligence was displayed one by one, visible only to him. He seemed to have entered a very peculiar state.

Explosion site.

After that battle ended, Qin Jin began to delve into this area.

Along the way, he encountered almost no enemies.

This sudden explosion directly destroyed the ritual here, and the Secret Sect Disciples in the core area were probably killed as a result.

The remaining sect members, after confirming the culprits, frantically pursued the Shi Lv Academy trio until they were completely annihilated.

When Qin Chi arrived at the explosion site, the flames had been brought under control and were gradually subsiding.

The entire explosion area was a scene of wreckage.

Qiu Dongyan stood at one end, her eyes now glowing faintly, quietly observing the wreckage.

Beside her, members of the Patrol Bureau provided protection.

"Qin Jin."

Not far away, a call sounded.

"Team Leader Yan."

Qin Jin looked over: "What's the situation now?"

"These two strongholds are considered completely eliminated."

Yan Yan said in a deep voice: "Old Qiu has confirmed that the situation here is largely consistent with her predictions. The unexpected influx of spiritual power into this place caused the already unstable ritual power to completely lose balance, triggering this large explosion."

"Fortunately—"

"Perhaps to avoid detection or for some other reason, both of these strongholds were located on the city's outskirts. This explosion also made the Evil God Sect followers suffer their own bitter consequences."

"Old Qiu is currently confirming if there is any other information remaining."

"Unfortunately, both ritual sites were almost completely destroyed. Otherwise—with Old Qiu's ability, she might have been able to confirm how many other rituals there were."

"However, if there were some remnants, it might have led to other unforeseen complications."

Qin nodded.

"What now? Does the bureau have a next action plan?"

"The bureau is currently compiling intelligence and analyzing possible ritual locations."

"The Director's intention is that since the entire city has entered a state of martial law, we might as well clean it up completely in one go."

"However, a city-wide martial law is no small matter, and time is limited. Once the bureau's analysis results are available, we will have to act immediately. We don't know how many targets there are, or if we need to split up."

Hearing this.

Qin Jin seemed to be deep in thought.

"Team Leader Yan, once the analysis results are out, perhaps I can perform a secondary confirmation."

Yan Yan suddenly looked at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember the feeling of aversion I mentioned earlier?"

Qin Jin's voice was calm: "Since these locations are all part of the ritual, collectively forming the Mi Sect ritual, then—I should also have a feeling for other ritual sites."

"Hanmei City is too vast. If I were to explore it on my own, the time cost would be incalculable. But if I only need to analyze some suspicious locations and then approach them alone to identify them, the progress would be much faster."

"I understand."

Yan Yan nodded, "I'll report this immediately."

He walked to the side and immediately began communicating, without the slightest doubt.

Having fought alongside Qin Chi and witnessed his performance, he now had absolute trust in him.

Soon after.

He put down the communicator, called someone over to give a few instructions, then returned to Qin Chi's side: "Director Song has approved your plan.

"Currently, we cannot determine how many potential ritual sites there are. The first analysis results will be transmitted shortly, and they include seven locations."

"I'll drive you; we'll act alone."

As the two conversed.

A special Star Shuttle rapidly approached, stopping beside them, and the driver jumped out.

Qin Jin and Yan Yan boarded.

Sitting in the driver's seat, Yan Yan looked back and suddenly asked, "Qin Jin, how close do you need to be to feel that aversion towards the Evil God Sect?"

Qin Jin pondered for a moment, recalling the location where he first felt it when assaulting the factory, and said, "I'll probably need to get a bit closer."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Yan Yan's brows furrow sharply.

"Trust me."

Seeing this, Qin Jin's voice was steady as he said in a deep tone, "When you drop me off nearby, don't come with me. That will only increase the chance of exposure."

The Star Shuttle started, ascending into the sky.

Yan Yan turned his head, and after a moment of silence, said, "Student Qin Jin, please be careful.

"With two strongholds having been compromised one after another, if the Evil God Sect has any other strongholds, they must already be prepared."

"As soon as you confirm the situation, immediately return and await the assembly of the main force."

"Qin Jin."

His voice softened slightly: "Your performance this time has been outstanding. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I wouldn't believe someone your age could achieve all this."

"Ultimately, this is the responsibility of our Patrol Bureau, yet it might put you in danger."

He was about to say more, but Qin Jin interrupted him.

"Captain Yan."

Qin Jin's voice was steady: "I know my capabilities."

"Besides."

He smiled peacefully: "Eradicating the Evil God Sect isn't about responsibility; everyone can contribute."

The Star Shuttle ascended into the high sky, and silence fell within.

Approximately a few minutes later.

Yan Yan's voice rang out.

"The first analysis results are in."

Hanmei City Central Hospital.

Inside a special ward, An Ning lay in a treatment pod, her breathing steady, and a touch of color returning to her face.

Outside the ward.

Lu Jinfeng stood against the wall, accompanied by several Patrol Bureau members.

Just then.

In an instant, Lu Jinfeng clearly perceived that everything around him had fallen silent. The hospital floor tiles beneath his feet had, at that moment, transformed into a sea surface. Ahead, a male figure stood with his back to him.

It was a male figure, dressed in a special combat suit, standing with his hands clasped behind his back, his hands wrapped in black combat bandages.

Seeing this scene, Lu Jinfeng showed no panic; instead, he was somewhat surprised: "Teacher Zhou."

The newcomer turned his head.

He had thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a mustache, appearing to be middle-aged.

The leading teacher of Shi Lv Academy this time.

Zhou Tianren!

He was named Tianren.

Because he was truly a Martial Artist of the Heaven-Human Realm!

This Zhou Tianren was quite unique. Rumor had it that in his past, after breaking through to the Innate Realm, he renamed himself "Zhou Xiantian."

Subsequently, he changed his name with each realm: Master Zhou, Martial Saint Zhou, until Zhou Tianren!

Meeting Lu Jinfeng's gaze, Zhou Tianren's voice was deep: "After the mission ends, as the leading mentor, I will give you all a score."

"As of now."

"I will give you all zero points."

Hearing this, Lu Jinfeng's expression darkened, but he immediately said, "Teacher Zhou, Hu Fei he—"

"He's fine, just seriously injured. He won't be able to move for a while."

"Of your three-person team, only you are left to carry out the mission."

Hearing this, Lu Jinfeng's expression grew even dimmer, and he lowered his head, saying, "We have disgraced the Academy."

"Whether it's disgraceful or not isn't important."

Zhou Tianren's tone was calm: "I only hope that after this incident, you can learn your lesson."

"I understand."

Lu Jinfeng's voice was even lower: "If we had gone directly to the Patrol Bureau, none of this would have happened."

"It seems you don't understand."

Zhou Tianren shook his head, and as the leading teacher, he did not spare his words: "If the three of you, after An Ning first noticed something amiss, had immediately turned back to notify the Patrol Bureau, I would have given you the highest evaluation this time."

"But you didn't."

"Actually, further investigation isn't the problem. Your mistake was never considering whether you had the ability to handle the consequences if something went wrong."

"Doing what you want to do isn't a bad thing."

"But doing it without the sufficient ability to bear the consequences, that's where the problem lies."

At this point, he waved his hand.

"Your mission on this trip is to cooperate with the Patrol Bureau in investigating and eradicating the Evil God stronghold."

"Now, of the three-person team, only you remain."

"Go to the Patrol Bureau."

"You are here to carry out a mission, not for a vacation."

The next instant.

Lu Jinfeng's figure disappeared from here.

The familiar hospital reappeared before him. Lu Jinfeng looked through the window at the sleeping An Ning inside, then began to communicate with the Patrol Bureau members beside him.

At the same time.

Zhou Tianren stood in place, the sea beneath his feet churning with surging waves, as if he were in a peculiar space.

Just at this moment, a streak of inky blackness entered this area.

The inky blackness outlined a human figure, armored and wielding a blade—it was Gu Huang!

Gu Huang's expression was calm as she looked at Zhou Tianren: "As a leading mentor, actively participating in an Academy mission, isn't that against the rules?"

"No choice."

Zhou Tianren sighed slightly: "My students are too disappointing. What was originally an opportunity for merit turned into such a mess. I really couldn't stand by. Anyway, our Shi Lv Academy has already lost enough face this time, so one more won't hurt."

"Whether to do it or not was fine, but they ended up doing the worst."

"As for Wu Yuan Academy—"

He changed his tone, looking at Gu Huang: "Qin Jin."

He spoke the name, lamenting, "Where did such a promising talent come from? Astounding, truly astounding."

"This Academy mission, Wu Yuan seems destined to take the lead."

"What a pity—"

He gazed at Gu Huang: "I originally thought I could fight alongside [Ink Blade] on this trip and witness [Ink Blade]'s first move after breaking through to the Heaven-Human Realm."

"Now it seems, that opportunity is highly unlikely."

"There's nothing to regret."

Gu Huang's voice was cold and clear as she stood holding her blade.

"The Evil God Sect's arrangements didn't take effect; that's a good thing."

Her figure once again transformed into an inky blackness, disappearing from the spot, leaving only a final sentence.

"If you wish to see me make a move so badly, Zhou Tianren, you can be that opponent yourself after the incident concludes."

The inky blackness faded.

Zhou Tianren stood in place.

"Ink Blade, Gu Huang."

"Tsk tsk."

"Truly, the younger generation is formidable."

Amidst his murmurs, he too disappeared from the spot.

Shi Lv and Wu Yuan, the leading teachers this time, were both Heaven-Human Realm Martial Artists!

This was due to the nature of the mission.

Evil God incidents, regardless of scale.

When traces of the Evil God Sect were discovered in Hanmei City and reported, the three major Academies designated this place as the location for an Academy mission. How could they possibly send only students?

Any incident involving the Evil God would not be taken lightly. While the Academies were indeed using this opportunity to temper their students, they had also made extremely ample preparations on a hidden level and in various aspects to ensure no accidents would occur.

In the sky, the Star Shuttle sped past.

Upon reaching a certain location in Hanmei City, the Star Shuttle slowly descended, landing on the ground.

This place was extremely far from the explosion site. Being night, it remained calm and showed no signs of abnormality.

Qin Jin nodded to Yan Yan, exited the Star Shuttle, stepped onto the ground, and proceeded alone towards the first suspicious location identified in the Patrol Bureau's analysis results.

As he advanced, he concealed his aura and hid his tracks.

At the same time, a single surge of Wind Spirit Power erupted from within his Spirit Ruins, encircling his body, forming a concealed barrier around him.

In his spiritual perception, he now felt as if he had transformed into a gust of wind.