"Azure Emperor... Longevity..." An ancient and noble name, like a flash of lightning, streaked through the depths of Ling Chen's cold consciousness!
His memories from his previous life were instantly activated; the unique characteristics of that mighty life force were crystal clear!
【Azure Emperor's Longevity Physique】!
Legend has it that this physique governs the Eastern vitality, presides over the revival of all things, possesses an endless source of life, can nourish all things, and can also purify all filth, making it the natural nemesis of all death and undead-type abilities.
No wonder!
No wonder she could possess such terrifying healing abilities at such a tender age!
【Revival of All Things】! It turns out it wasn't just an ability!
It originated from this legendary supreme physique!
No wonder she could purify that trace of primordial energy residue from the Soul Jade Physique!
Although it was only an extremely minute wisp!
Its essence was a rule-level existence, transcending ordinary energy!
Ordinary healing abilities simply couldn't shake it! Only a life force of the same level or even higher could dissolve it!
So that's how it is!
A tempest raged in Ling Chen's heart instantly!
But the expression on his face remained unchanged! He still looked gentle and slightly fatigued!
He even managed to show a perfectly timed hint of confusion! He looked at Bai Zhi, who had suddenly stopped and slightly furrowed her brows, seemingly sensing something!
"Dr. Bai? What's wrong?" Ling Chen's voice carried just the right amount of concern.
"Ah? No... nothing..."
Bai Zhi snapped back to reality, a hint of bewilderment flashing in her pure sapphire eyes, then she smiled, blooming like a spring flower!
"I just feel the life aura in the garden is so rich and comfortable! Maybe I consumed a lot of energy treating Old K Captain just now, and my body is instinctively absorbing to replenish it!"
She seemed completely unaware of the special nature of her physique!
She just thought it was normal recovery after treatment!
A cold glint flashed in the depths of Ling Chen's profound dark eyes!
An ignorant lamb!
Possessing such a treasure yet completely unaware! Like a child carrying a precious gem, walking through a bustling market!
This was simply a heaven-sent opportunity for him!
"Yes, the life aura here is indeed very comfortable..."
Ling Chen echoed, a gentle arc forming at the corner of his mouth, his gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the vibrant ecological garden.
But the cold will of the Soul Jade Physique, like the most greedy venomous snake, was fixated on the pure and vast life fluctuations constantly emanating from Bai Zhi!
An even bolder, crazier, and more precise plan instantly formed in his cold mind!
Old K was a pawn!
Bai Zhi was an invaluable pawn!
Approach her! Gain her trust! Utilize her abilities! And even, when the time was right, devour the essence of her Azure Emperor's Longevity Physique!
This would be the key for him to break through the shackles of the Soul Jade Physique and ascend to a higher level!
One cannot possess two physiques, but they can devour each other!
Shengjing Underground City, Central Special Task Force, Xuan Niao Guard, Hunter Guild...
This seemingly impenetrable fortress actually contained such a huge loophole!
A pure, kind, and unsuspecting strategic-level healer!
A little loli with the Azure Emperor's Longevity Physique, yet ignorant of it!
This was simply a prey tailor-made for him!
"Brother Lin Chen? Are you alright?"
Bai Zhi's pure voice, tinged with concern, interrupted Ling Chen's thoughts.
Ling Chen instantly snapped back! A gentle, slightly apologetic smile appeared on his face!
"I'm fine, just a bit tired these past few days and got distracted. Dr. Bai, I really owe you a lot this time. I'll have to trouble you to take more care of Old K Captain in the future."
"Don't worry! Leave it to me!"
Bai Zhi patted her small chest vigorously! Her pure sapphire eyes were full of confidence and responsibility!
"I will definitely make sure Old K Captain makes a full recovery!"
Looking at Bai Zhi's unsuspecting, trusting gaze, the arc at Ling Chen's mouth deepened.
"Mm, I believe you."
He said softly, his voice gentle and sincere.
Deep within the cold will of the Soul Jade Physique, however, was a chilling coldness and greedy calculation.
Pure lamb...
Do you know...
What kind of...
Wolf in human skin...
You saved?
The thrilling storm at the Central Medical Center finally temporarily subsided.
Under the incredible revitalizing power of the 【Azure Emperor's Longevity Physique】, Old K Captain's injuries stabilized.
The trace of Soul Jade Physique energy residue within his body, which had been classified as an A-level threat, also gradually dissipated under Bai Zhi's continuous purification, and its threat level dropped below C-level.
Although the Xuan Niao Guard Security Department lifted Ling Chen's isolation and the highest level of surveillance, the cold suspicion and pervasive covert monitoring did not disappear.
Ling Chen's name, Lin Chen, along with his "Mud Swamp Domain" ability, was tagged as "potential risk" and entered into the Central Special Task Force's secondary observation list.
Ling Chen was fully aware of this; the cold will of the Soul Jade Physique, like the most precise radar, clearly sensed the prying eyes and energy fluctuations hidden in the corners.
But his face always wore a gentle, humble smile, expressing his most sincere gratitude for Associate Chairman Tieshan's arrangements and Bai Zhi's treatment, maintaining an extremely low profile, like an ordinary member who had survived a catastrophe and was full of gratitude to the organization.
Leaving the Medical Center, Ling Chen and Tang Yinmeng, under the "escort" of two Hunter Guild members, returned to Dawn Plaza on B1, where the Hunter Guild headquarters was located.
The plaza was still bustling and prosperous, neon lights flashing, people flowing like a river.
But Ling Chen keenly noticed that in some of the gazes directed at him, besides the previous admiration (stemming from the arena battle), there was also a hint of subtle scrutiny and... aloofness.
Clearly, the turmoil at the Medical Center was not completely airtight.
"Lin Chen! Tang Yinmeng! You're back!"
The bald giant Leimeng's booming voice came from afar! He strode over, his face showing unconcealed concern and a hint of relief!
"Damn it! I heard things got pretty rough at the Medical Center? Those birdmen from the Security Department didn't make trouble for you, did they?"
Leimeng's large, fan-like hand slapped heavily on Ling Chen's shoulder! The force was so great! If Ling Chen hadn't secretly diverted the force, he might have been dislocated!
"Brother Leimeng!"
Ling Chen's face showed a perfectly timed weariness and a bitter smile of lingering fear!
"It's alright... Thanks to Associate Chairman Tieshan and Dr. Bai's mediation, it was a close call but no real danger. It's just... Old K Captain was implicated..."
"Nonsense!"
Leimeng glared!
"Old K is tough! With that little girl Bai Zhi around, he won't die! But you! Kid! You've got guts! You almost got yourself killed saving Old K! I admire that loyalty of yours!"
He clapped Ling Chen's shoulder hard!
"Let's go! First, we'll see the Associate Chairman! He's waiting!"
The group walked through the bustling plaza and once again entered the Hunter Guild hall, which resembled a steel fortress.
Another match seemed to be underway in the arena, with deafening cheers, but Ling Chen could feel that as they passed, many eyes focused on him, carrying various complex emotions.
Associate Chairman Tieshan's office was on the top floor of the Guild Hall, with an open view, overlooking the entire Dawn Plaza through large floor-to-ceiling windows.
The office decor was simple yet grand, with various files and crystal core samples on thick alloy bookshelves, and the air was filled with a faint scent of cigars and a steady pressure.
"Associate Chairman! Lin Chen and Tang Yinmeng are back!"
Leimeng pushed the door open casually!
Associate Chairman Tieshan was standing by the floor-to-ceiling window, his back to them, and slowly turned around upon hearing the sound. His vigorous face showed a hint of fatigue, but his eyes were still as sharp as an eagle's.
His deep gaze lingered on Ling Chen for a moment, as if trying to see through him from inside out.
"It's good that you're back."
Associate Chairman Tieshan's voice was steady and powerful, betraying no emotion.
"Sit down."
Ling Chen and Tang Yinmeng sat down on the alloy chairs opposite the desk as instructed.
Leimeng, on the other hand, unceremoniously pulled over a large armchair and plopped down, making a dull thud.
"I know everything that happened at the Medical Center."
Associate Chairman Tieshan went straight to the point, his gaze fixed on Ling Chen.
"The Security Department's matter has been temporarily suppressed. But Lin Chen, that trace of energy residue... what exactly happened?"
The cold will of the Soul Jade Physique instantly tensed! Ling Chen's face showed a mix of confusion, lingering fear, and a hint of grievance.
"Associate Chairman... I really don't know! The situation was too urgent at the time! I just wanted to suppress the volcanic eruption energy within Old K Captain! Maybe... maybe it really was an abnormality that occurred due to over-exertion of my ability... I... I couldn't control it..."
His voice trembled slightly, perfectly conveying the bewilderment and fear of an "innocent person."
Associate Chairman Tieshan's deep gaze lingered on Ling Chen's face for a full ten seconds!
The office was silent! Only Leimeng's heavy breathing and the faint clamor from outside the window could be heard!
Finally, Associate Chairman Tieshan slowly nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation, or... at least, not wanting to delve deeper for now.
"Mm. It's rare, but not unprecedented, for ability users to have an outburst of potential and occasionally experience mutations in life-or-death situations. Dr. Bai also confirmed your statement. This matter... will stop here for now."
He paused, then changed the subject!
"However, Old K was severely injured this time and won't be able to recover in a short period, let alone lead a team on missions. The Ashes Squad... cannot be without a captain."
Ling Chen's heart stirred! The cold will of the Soul Jade Physique instantly caught the subtext in Associate Chairman Tieshan's words!
"Associate Chairman, you mean..." Ling Chen's face showed a perfectly timed surprise and a hint of... anticipation?
"The few members of the Ashes Squad are not yet strong or experienced enough to take on the responsibility of captain."
Associate Chairman Tieshan looked at Ling Chen calmly.
"Your performance in the arena was evident to all. Extremely strong crowd control! Meticulous thinking! Your escort of Old K this time also demonstrated your responsibility and... ability (he deliberately emphasized these two words). Although you haven't been in the Guild for long, in extraordinary times, extraordinary people are needed."
He stood up, walked to the desk, and picked up a metal nameplate engraved with a burning flame shield emblem!
"Lin Chen! In the name of the Hunter Guild's Associate Chairman, I appoint you as the acting captain of the Ashes Squad! Effective immediately! I hope you can shoulder this responsibility! Lead the Ashes Squad! And serve the Guild!"
Acting Captain!
Although it was only acting!
But this meant that Ling Chen officially gained a foothold within the Guild!
He now possessed a force that, while of moderate strength, was completely under his control!
A cold excitement flashed deep within the cold will of the Soul Jade Physique!
But Ling Chen's face showed incredible surprise and a hint of apprehension!
"Associate Chairman! This, this is too sudden! I... I am still young in experience! I'm afraid... I won't be able to command respect..."
"What are you afraid of!"
Leimeng slapped his thigh suddenly!
"I'm rooting for you! Your Mud Swamp Domain is damn good! Being a captain is more than enough! If those kids in the Ashes Squad dare to disobey? I'll deal with them for you!"
"Leimeng is right."
Associate Chairman Tieshan handed the nameplate to Ling Chen!
"Ability is the foundation! I believe you can do it! This is your identity nameplate and authorization chip! It contains team member information, Hunter Guild mission system permissions, and... your residence permissions in the B3 level 'The Boulder' district."
Residence permissions!
Ling Chen took the nameplate and chip! They felt cold in his hand!
The cold will of the Soul Jade Physique instantly scanned the chip's interior! Confirming no tracking or backdoor programs! The information within the chip flooded into his mind instantly!
B3 level 'The Boulder' district!
That was the residential area for core Guild members and high-level team captains! Excellent location! Strict security! Complete facilities! Much better than their previously arranged temporary residence!
"Thank you for your trust, Associate Chairman! Lin Chen... will definitely do his best! And live up to your expectations!"
Ling Chen stood up! He took the nameplate with both hands! His face was full of excitement and gratitude! His posture was respectful and humble!
"Mm." Associate Chairman Tieshan nodded slightly!
"The residence has been arranged. Tang Yinmeng, as your assistant, will also move in with you. Leimeng, take them over. And... help Lin Chen get familiar with the environment."
"Alright! Leave it to me!"
Leimeng grinned! He stood up!
"Let's go, let's go! Brother Lin Chen! I'll take you to see your new home! Then... hehe... let's have a good drink, you and I! To celebrate your promotion!"
Leaving the Associate Chairman's office, Leimeng took Ling Chen and Tang Yinmeng down to the B3 level 'The Boulder' district via the high-speed elevator.
Unlike the hustle and bustle of B1, the environment here was quiet and secluded, with wide and bright corridors, and on both sides were thick alloy doors, exuding a steady aura.
The air was filled with faint energy field fluctuations, indicating an extremely high level of security.
Leimeng led them to an alloy door numbered "B3-07."
He swiped his ID card, and the door slid open silently.
"There! This is it! How about it? Much better than where you were living before, right?"
Leimeng boasted proudly!
The interior of the room was spacious!
The decor was simple and modern! A living room, bedrooms, a training room, and even a small meditation room!
All living facilities were complete! The walls were covered with sound-absorbing and heat-insulating special materials! The floor was laid with soft synthetic fiber carpets!
Most striking was the training room! It was equipped with basic physical training equipment and a miniature shooting range fortified with an energy shield!
"This... Thank you so much, Associate Chairman and Brother Leimeng!"
Ling Chen's face showed genuine surprise! This residence indeed far exceeded his expectations!
More importantly, the security and privacy here were perfect for him to conduct some secret activities!
Tang Yinmeng also curiously surveyed the new environment, a hint of novelty and... imperceptible tension in her pupils.
She instinctively felt that this place was safer... but also colder... than their previous temporary residence?
"Haha! It's nothing!"
Leimeng waved his big hand!
"From now on, we're family! If you need anything, just ask! Oh, right! Put your stuff down! Let's go! Let's go drinking! I know a great place! It's right by the plaza! Their 'volcanic eruption' is absolutely amazing!"
Without another word! Leimeng pulled Ling Chen out the door!
Tang Yinmeng hesitated for a moment, then Ling Chen gave her a reassuring look, signaling her to stay and organize the residence.
The restaurant Leimeng mentioned was called "Earthfire Furnace," located in a relatively secluded alley on the edge of Dawn Plaza.
The storefront was small, but inside it was a world of its own! Thick alloy walls were etched with flame patterns, and the air was filled with the rich aroma of roasted meat, ale, and a faint... sulfurous smell!
The atmosphere was lively and rugged! Most of the customers were bounty hunters and some powerful ability users with fierce auras!
Leimeng was clearly a regular here! As soon as he entered, he yelled: "Old Hei! The usual! Two barrels of 'volcanic eruption'! Ten catties of roasted Rift Rhinoceros meat! The fattest cut!"
"Alright! Boss Leimeng! Coming right up!"
A dark-skinned, burly owner wearing a greasy apron shouted back!
Leimeng pulled Ling Chen to a corner booth and sat down!
Soon!
Two large barrels of bubbling, lava-red strong liquor and a large platter of sizzling, aromatic roasted Rift Rhinoceros meat were brought over!
"Come on! Brother Lin Chen! Try it! This is a specialty of our Shengjing Underground City! Brewed with volcanic geothermal spring water! It's potent!"
Leimeng poured Ling Chen a large glass! The reddish liquor swirled in the glass, emitting a rich aroma of alcohol and a hint of scorching heat!
Ling Chen raised the glass! The cold will of the Soul Jade Physique instantly analyzed the composition of the liquor!
Extremely high proof! A full 78 degrees! Containing a faint trace of fire-elemental energy! But for his mutated physique... it was like drinking water!
He showed a hearty smile! "Good! To Brother Leimeng! And to the Associate Chairman's trust!"
"Cheers!"
Leimeng laughed heartily! He tilted his head back and chugged a large glass of strong liquor! His Adam's apple bobbed, and he let out a satisfied sigh!
"Refreshing!"