Without waiting for a response, he accelerated, “Cheng Ou is marginally qualified, but too cautious—adequate for maintaining stability, but lacking initiative. Professionally constrained from becoming the organization’s spearhead. Under him, the God Hall wouldn’t decline rapidly, but in the apocalypse, stagnation equals death. Slow extinction.”
Ah Xiu agreed with the analysis but still felt unqualified.
“You? Perhaps not the strongest, most ruthless, or popular, but precisely your mediocrity makes you perfect—you have no glaring weaknesses!”
Dizzy, Ah Xiu wondered if this was praise or criticism. Her mediocrity qualified her for leadership?
“Of course, ‘mediocrity’ is in quotes—highlighting your lack of flaws. Your advantage is irreplicable—you’re a pure, unmodified evolved. Our technology hasn’t touched you, giving you stable, predictable potential. If our tech advances, we can augment you later. If it proves obsolete, you’re unaffected. I’ve been grooming you as my successor from the start.”
Stunned, Ah Xiu gaped. She’d been the chosen heir all along?
“I have some time left. Don’t worry—I’ll teach you leadership. But remember these points now!”
Accustomed to obedience, Ah Xiu focused intently.
“First, our technology, however imperfect, remains our core. You must control it absolutely. Not being a researcher, you’ll need their absolute loyalty. Currently, that’s Dr. Ziche. I’ll secure his allegiance, but if I’m gone and he betrays you—kill him.”
Dr. Ziche—since Dr. He’s death, was the only peer to the Director. And her boss spoke of killing him so casually.
“Second, take this.” The Director produced a box containing several hard drives. “Our core technology. The third drive has my hypotheses and preliminary models based on… certain inspirations from there. Future research directions. If you lead, don’t let others sway you.”
He pointed skyward—the technology originated from space.
“Third, start cultivating loyal, talented subordinates. Here are two eight-star evolution potions for winning loyalty, and two soul-binding scrolls—use wisely.”
More items filled Ah Xiu’s hands, deepening her confusion.
“Fourth, this is the Lifeblood of the Heavenly Speech Demon Vine. When necessary, claim it.”
Ah Xiu recoiled, refusing.
This was the Director’s personal battle beast—no lab product, but painstakingly cultivated, an exceptionally rare plant-type battle beast ranking just below Beast Villa’s Chisel Tooth on the battle beast charts.
“Take it!” The Director’s voice hardened. “Use it when I die or disappear.”
“Finally, most crucially—remember you’re my chosen successor. Anyone opposing you is your enemy, even if I recant. Eliminate all enemies by any means!”
Rising, the Director gazed into the distance. “Naturally, I won’t oppose you. I mean any surviving ‘brothers’ post-battle, those who support you may live. Those who don’t—die. Remember this, Ah Xiu.”
“Boss, what exactly…” She had to ask. Everything felt surreal.
After hesitation, the Director admitted, “I am preparing for my end, but not because I’ll die. I’ve received something that may take me… elsewhere. Whether I survive there is uncertain. Just precautions.”
“What did you receive?”
“An admission ticket.”
“I’ve said enough. Perhaps when you’re strong enough, you’ll receive one too.”
As he spoke, the Director’s body began emitting a deep, subdued glow.
“I don’t know if the Great Chairman or Wen Yan will go all-out against Ye Zhongming, but I intend to. If I can’t handle a regional opponent, what hope do I have against unknown future adversaries?”
“Come, Ah Xiu. Let’s meet this legendary King of Cloud Peak! Perhaps I’ll die today—then the God Hall is yours!”
Taking her hand, the Director laughed heartily at teasing his subordinate. In a flash, they vanished—along with the twin-bodied elephant and its exquisite pavilion.
………………………………………………
The golden bowl had enlarged by the time it reached Ye Zhongming, now big enough to engulf a person.
Though unfamiliar with this high-grade equipment—his past life’s experience didn’t extend to such rarities—Ye Zhongming recognized its threat.
The eyeballs were fragile, immobile, easily destroyed. Yet their slowing beams persisted.
Even slowed, Ye Zhongming’s speed allowed him to shatter most eyeballs quickly. But the golden bowl descended too fast—before he could eliminate all debuffs.
A gold-grade artifact demanded respect.
Unavoidable, so Ye Zhongming braced himself. Ye Zhongming stood still; as long as he didn’t move, the slowing effect became negligible.
He stowed the Undead Sand Moon Blade, drawing Wind and Thunder instead—the secret realm’s divine weapon to counter this unknown threat.
Yet before he could strike, the bowl teleported, encapsulating him instantly!
Simultaneously, Vice-Chairman Yang’s vomited zombies surrounded the bowl, spewing dark green fluid that obscured its golden glow.
“Meet the Human Refining Furnace, King of Cloud Peak!” Tong Lu sneered viciously.