Chapter 438 92: Breakthrough, Iron Thorn Body!

"Visitors from the Starry Sky..."

Beneath the night sky, two figures stood conversing under a street lamp on the empty street.

Lu Chao's expression gradually turned serious as his earlier speculations were confirmed. The flaming meteor he saw that day was actually a spaceship from the Klar Civilization. It even seemed related to Biotechnology.

"With your talent, stepping into the Non-human Level in the future is not impossible." Ji Lixian spoke softly, pulling his thoughts back. "Therefore, I personally suggest that you wait for a better opportunity to settle this grudge."

Oh? Hearing this, Lu Chao noticed some hidden meaning.

"The Starry Sky is vast. Other civilizations shouldn't be the only ones able to explore the universe and exchange ways of life," Ji Lixian said, his eyes profound as he gazed up at the galaxy. "As a civilization ourselves, our Earth Star should also have the opportunity to understand the world beyond our planet.

"Therefore, we need to cure our own chronic illnesses, surgically removing those malignant tumors one by one to gradually unify ourselves."

Lu Chao's heart trembled. He felt as if the man's figure was overlapping with the seven Starry Sky Heroes of the past. He understood the implied meaning and simultaneously recalled the words once spoken by Luo Xuan, a high-ranking official of Yao Capital and the Secretary-General of the United Committee.

The purpose of merging the city rings was to gradually reclaim the lost wastelands. This would solve the issue of warlord conflicts and allow Earth Star to truly become a unified entity, enabling it to find new development and better survival in the cosmic Starry Sky.

At this moment, Ji Lixian's words undoubtedly echoed the exact same sentiment.

"Mr. Ji, are you saying..."

"The Rebels have existed for far too long. They have bases in multiple city rings and wilderness regions, frequently launching malicious attacks to interfere with the Alliance Country's development."

Ji Lixian withdrew his gaze and looked Lu Chao in the eye. "The megacorporations are the same. The Starry Sky assistance from back then did not come without a price.

"As of today, we have gathered a considerable amount of intelligence. We are highly confident that we can eliminate the Rebels first."

His eyes were deep and bright, resembling the Starry Sky itself. "However, beyond that, there is one more thing we must do."

"What is it?"

"Force those turncoat warlords to make the best decision."

Several minutes later.

Dressed in a sharp black suit, Ji Lixian slowly walked away, disappearing into the darkness.

A gust of night wind blew past, rustling the roadside grass. Lu Chao stood rooted to the spot, instinctively checking his status panel again.

[Life Energy: ?]

Even now, despite having broken through the Exploration Level, he still couldn't see through the other man's Life Energy stats. It was obvious—Mr. Ji's Life Energy exceeded at least 360 points, making him a top-tier powerhouse even within the Non-human Level.

Thinking of this, he lowered his head slightly to look at his palm. Resting there was a black, leather-bound Alliance Country ID.

[Alliance Country Special Investigation Team]

[Special Agent: Lu Chao]

This was the item Ji Lixian had just given him. According to the man, Lu Chao's merits from the mission to intercept the Rebels were worth a hundred thousand contribution points, which he could claim at any time. Furthermore, he could choose to leave, living incognito from now on, completely severing ties with the Superpower Bureau.

But if he chose to stay, this new position as a special investigating agent was a promotion prepared specifically for him.

Its status was equivalent to that of a special representative of the Alliance Country's Yao City Committee, granting extremely high command and dispatch authority over the Superpower Sub-Bureaus in most city rings. It was a position arguably even a step higher than a Superpower Sub-Bureau Chief.

Regarding the subsequent pursuit by Biotechnology, they would also set up a flawless cover identity for him, eliminating any worries of exposure.

As for his associated duties, he would need to travel to Fortress Mountain City in the upper reaches of the Red River in three months. There, he would represent the Alliance Country to negotiate with the warlords and bring them under control.

"Fortress Mountain City..."

Lu Chao's eyes flickered; he naturally knew of this place. It was the former lair of Lu Shan, the once-greatest warlord of the upper Red River. Now occupied by multiple warlord factions, it was also the most famous wilderness city in the Red River Region. It was relatively close to several small and medium-sized city rings in the northwestern region of the Alliance Country, including Ring City.

Moreover, he remembered rumors stating that Brother Hao's Red Flame Army was located there.

At this thought, Lu Chao looked up at the night sky. Ji Lixian had given him half a month to consider, after which the man would leave Red Maple.

Subconsciously, he recalled the man's earlier words. The Alliance Country was about to wage an all-out war against the Rebels, and consolidating the warlords was preparation for exactly this.

In a daze, he seemed to see his past self. Back then, he was just a nobody who had recently left the orphanage and spent his days dealing with corpses. But now, progressing from the Patrol Department to the Superpower Bureau, he had unknowingly become involved in the decision-making of the highest echelons of the Alliance Country.

"Time really does fly," Lu Chao sighed, subsequently withdrawing his gaze.

He might have accumulated many grievances along the way. However, some things had already reached their natural conclusion, so why hesitate any longer?

WHOOSH!!

Suddenly, a gust of night wind swept past. He looked toward the distant venue. The messy lobby of the Storm Club came into view. He needed the intelligence networks of the Superpower Bureau and the Special Investigation Team to help him uncover exactly who was fishing in troubled waters. He also needed their help to continue protecting his friends and loved ones.

Since that was the case...

Lu Chao's eyes brightened. He had made his decision.

[Red Maple Daily: It is reported that the Special Management Group has uncovered multiple major issues within the Jinggang Chamber of Commerce. It has been discovered that the founding family—the Tan family—is suspected of colluding with the Rebels and secretly transporting supplies to the Iron Sand Army...]

[Alliance News: The Red Maple City Lord's Mansion and the United Committee have publicly announced that arrest warrants will be issued for Tan Shanzhong, Tan Yu, and other members of the Tan family...]

[Red Maple News: Large corporations including Primordial Oasis, Steel Fusion Machinery, and Star Peak Communications have voluntarily applied to undergo stationing audits by the Special Management Group...]