Above Destiny

Chapter 622 Mending the Fence After the Wolf Is Gone
boom!.!
Just ten seconds later, the celestial fire, fully ignited, crashed down, its magnificent crimson flames engulfing everything.

The thick, viscous flames spread outwards.

The dilapidated village, the countless spiders, and even the enormous monstrous beasts slumbering beneath the ground—everything was burned to ashes.

There were no more bones to be seen, only desolation.

Just like the White Kingdom, just like the Central Plains.

"Since arriving, the thing I've been doing most is actually this kind of thing..."

Tong Shan shook his head: "Let's go."

Ji Jue started the car, paused for a moment, and then suddenly said, "Brother Shan."

"Ah."

Upon hearing this, Tong Shan, sitting in the back seat, looked at him with a half-smile: "You're not trying to say that this isn't my fault, are you?"

Ji Jue shrugged: "You've already given me all the words. I'm not very emotionally intelligent, and I don't have many good sentences. Just consider this my way of comforting you."

"Thank you, I feel comforted. You're so kind."

Tong Shan sighed softly: "Don't worry, I'm not so arrogant as to think that I have a responsibility for all of this. I just feel regret... watching helplessly as everything that could have been salvaged was destroyed."

"True Heavenly Primal."

Ji Jue sighed.

"Yes, an inexplicable sense of mission and an incurable sense of responsibility, as well as a deep-seated desire for control—that's Tianyuan."

Tong Shan shrugged and gave a self-deprecating laugh: "Don't look for a wife from Tianyuan in the future, I find them all repulsive."

"That's right, that's right."

An Ning nodded frantically: "Bai Lu is great, Brother Ji Jue. As long as we can have fun together, I don't care what we do."

"hehe--"

Ji Jue rolled his eyes. One of them said not to look for Tian Yuan, but he was a meddlesome old woman who wanted to worry about everything. The other said Bai Lu was good, but he was a feline who only thought about playing with his feline friend every day...

Tired.

So, after closing one order, we set off again.

As dusk deepened, the storm struck again, and the calves galloped freely, disappearing into the wasteland. Then came new wastelands, new ravines, new mudflats…

I gradually got used to the lifeless desolation.

In just two days, they almost circled around Bai Bang, mostly to no avail. On the rare occasions they managed to eliminate a few calamity beasts, but they received no gratitude in return.

All that could be seen were desolate towns, dilapidated villages filled with vigilance and caution, and nomadic camps that could be seen from several kilometers away with guns raised in their hands.

In this desolate and turbulent wilderness, the chaotic and barbaric ecology of four hundred years ago still persists, devoid of generosity and kindness, only indifference and hostility.

Fortunately, Tong Shan didn't have many tasks on his hands.

Most of the time, it's just about personally verifying the situation and checking for hidden terrorists and wolves. For the former, a telekinetic scan from dozens of miles away is enough.

As for whether he harbored terrorists, the answer could be found by asking a couple of questions. After all, Tong Shan came from a family of ethers, so distinguishing lies was purely instinctive for him.

As for the wolf in the latter case, there's also An Ning, who was brought here to work.

Unfortunately, there were very few terrorists and not a single wolf.

Ji Jue felt that this trip was mostly in vain.

Just treat it as sightseeing.

They even took a detour, driving their little bulldog off-road across Baibang's highest mountain, to see the millennia-old ice and snow-capped peaks.

Even the dilapidated temple at the pilgrimage sanctuary on the mountaintop.

After four hundred years of neglect, it had long been exposed to wind and rain, and was in ruins, leaving only a foundation.

Naturally, nothing was gained.

It has been looted countless times over the past four hundred years. If the foundation were more immovable, it probably wouldn't even have survived...

"It is said that when the Eternal Dynasty still existed, those who were not qualified to enter the imperial city were allowed to bathe and fast, climb barefoot, and after making achievements, they could see the imperial city and tower in the very center of the Central Plains from here."

Tong Shan stood on the dilapidated paving stones where faint patterns still remained, looking up at the distant land covered by gray haze and a sea of ​​dark clouds.

All that could be seen was a gaping black hole that stretched from the sky to the ground.

Like a broken and twisted crack.

That was the last remaining remnant in the world left by the Tower of Heaven when the former dynasty fell. To this day, that crack still stands in the very center of the present world, refusing to fade away.

The emperor and the Tower of Heavenly Pillars fell into the vortex from this very spot.

When the absurd dream of dominating everything dissipates, it leaves indelible scars on the real world.

"It's quite spectacular, isn't it?"

Ji Jue took two photos with his phone to mark the check-in, then An Ning dragged him to take a selfie. After dealing with that, he patted his butt and prepared to leave.

He wasn't a literary figure; he couldn't even recite many ancient poems, so he really lacked any refined taste for reflecting on the past and present.

However, the thought of all the debts he was entangled with in the Eternal Dynasty made him feel a strong urge to become a deadbeat.

Unfortunately, there's no way to deny it.

"..."

In the silence, he turned back for one last look.

What appeared as a winding, broken crack to An Ning and Tong Shan was entirely different to Ji Jue…

After a moment of disorientation, he seemed to see the grotesque outline of a broken tower beyond the rift. The tower's shadow, like a tide, writhed and gradually seeped into the world through the rift.

But in the shadow of the tower, in a deeper, more secluded place, there seemed to be something else.

The only thing that could be clearly discerned was a pair of eerie eyes.

Its ever-changing silhouette sometimes resembled a stillborn embryo, and sometimes a skinned beast. No matter how it changed, the hunger and greed in its eyes never diminished.

The shadow of the tower and the wolf's spy.

Even after being away for a long time, Ji Jue's mood was still slightly heavy and he found it hard to relax. On the contrary, Tong Shan, who had gotten used to the bumpy ride, fell asleep again.

It is extremely sweet.

After opening his eyes and looking at the road outside, he regained his senses: "This isn't the way, is it? Did I go the wrong way?"

Their final destination, Yongquanji, should be to the north.

"If you go north, the daylilies will be too cold."

Ji Jue shook his head: "The place where Yongquanji is located is not there."

"Is there something wrong with the Security Bureau's map?" Tong Shan immediately became alert.

According to intelligence received by the Security Bureau, members of the White Bang Restoration Front would be present at the local nomadic market held every few years. Therefore, they were sent here in person to confirm the presence of these individuals before making any arrests.

If even the map is faulty...

"No, strictly speaking, that's correct. However, the one on your map is the location of the last Yongquan Market."

Ji Jue explained, "The reason it's called Yongquan Market is because this market is set up to follow the flow of springs in the earth, and the location and time are different each time."

When groundwater will gush out from underground, how long it will last, and where it will gush out are all unpredictable.

That's why the market is held only once every few years, and its location keeps changing. Only nomads who have lived in nearby settlements will pay attention to this information. Outsiders can't find the way even if they want to go.

Your informant is probably not a local; they just overheard something and are trying to exchange money with you. Even if someone did know, they probably wouldn't tell you 'Federalists' this kind of information.

Tong Shan was momentarily bewildered: "Then how do you know so much?"

"As long as you maintain a good relationship with the Chongguang Church, it will always be easier to find out something."

Ji Jue grinned, patted his chest, and the Chongshan badge gleamed: "Elder Longge knows many people. He only needs to ask one question and he will immediately know the truth about this matter."

Besides, the person he asked about is making lighters in my factory.

"..."

For a moment, Tong Shan was speechless.

A long sigh.

I fully realized just how unconventional Ji Jue's methods were.

In this godforsaken place, the Security Bureau's status is practically a negative buff. Not to mention him, even among the locals, Lin Shouyi's words probably don't carry as much weight as Director Ji's.

Even the most foolish locals would know who to trust: the Federal Security Service or the Chongguang Church.

That's what you call word-of-mouth!
"Anyway, don't mention your identity in the Security Bureau later, just watch me do my job!"

Ji Jue whistled, "Once we find the people from the Restoration Front, let's try not to make a move in the market. The locals have been so accommodating; let's not make things too chaotic."

"Don't worry, I understand."

Tong Shan sighed: "The local nomads are basically supporters of the Restoration Front. Why would I be stupid enough to expose my identity?"
If things really come to a head, it's hard to say who they'll side with.

Ji Jue shrugged and didn't say anything.

While it may be surprising that such a rotten thing as the Revolutionary Front can have supporters, if you put yourself in their shoes, if you were a powerless local, who else could you support besides the Revolutionary Front?
Is that shitty provisional government of the White State, or the Federation and the Empire?
When faced with several disadvantages, who can't choose the least harmful one?
Moreover, when faced with suffering, people always seek the reasons.

Those who deceive themselves are ultimately a minority. Besides, surely everyone understands where suffering comes from.

For the poor and nomads, life was tough when the White State still existed, but they could still barely make ends meet. However, after the Federation and the Empire came, even the extra hardships were not enough to feed them.

Faced with forced labor in the mines and the exploitative practices of the provisional government, how could they not harbor resentment?
The nomads in the wilderness don't care about anything else; they'll just grab a gun and start fighting. If they're really forced to the brink of despair, everyone can join the national restoration front...

boom! ! !
The ground suddenly trembled, and amidst the roar ahead, a jet of scorching water shot out from the steaming crack in the rock and soared into the sky.

Amidst the rising mist, a rainbow appeared in the sky.

"Oh--"

An Ning's eyes widened, she raised her phone and snapped a series of photos, and after a long pause, she finally managed to squeeze out, "Beautiful!"

So this is what happens when you're uncultured; you don't even know how to give a compliment.

Ji Jue shook his head and didn't say anything.

Because even those who are educated don't have many words to say...

On the contrary, Tong Shan was in high spirits and recited a few lines of poetry, but was ignored and isolated by Ji Jue and An Ning.

Ha, Ether, showing off now!

So the calf and horse continued forward, and after rounding the mountain ridge, the roar grew louder and louder.

Just below the gap between the two mountains, in a sheltered depression, a brand new lake has appeared. In the very center of the lake, a huge column of water rises high, like a fountain, splashing out countless points of light and rainbows under the rare sunlight.

In just a few days, a refreshing green has spread from the lakeside. Large herds of cattle and sheep graze lazily on the grassland, basking in the sun and bleating constantly.

The once barren land quickly sprouted life under the nourishment of the spring water.

Even the withered old trees have sprouted a few patches of green.

Birds kept swooping down from mid-air, skimming across the water, catching the small fish that spewed out of the underground river.

It's as if even natural disasters, which are commonplace, rarely occur when a geothermal spring appears.

Amidst a vibrant scene, the lakeside market was bustling with activity.

Having grown accustomed to desolate and dilapidated landscapes, witnessing this oasis before me was so breathtakingly beautiful that I was speechless.

"Take a picture, take a picture! Brother Ji Jue, take a picture for me!"

An Ning shoved her phone into Ji Jue's hand, jumped out of the car, grabbed a passing lamb, and held it up, posing happily.

After taking the photos, he pulled Ji Jue to take a selfie together.

Overjoyed.

Dressed in Middle-earth-style robes and disguised by deliberately worn-out, tattered carts made of oxen and horses, they blended in with the various vehicles modified by junkyard workers, and somehow managed to infiltrate the market. The market was bustling with people.

The surrounding tents were densely packed, vaguely dividing the area into several different zones.

Nomadic settlements have always been on horseback, constantly moving with the changing pastures and water sources. The appearance of the geyser was undoubtedly a grand event, drawing together all the nearby settlements to exchange resources and goods.

Even the goods they sell are nothing more than second-hand goods from various places, inferior medicines and digital products, and even lumpy rice and flour.

It was less of a market and more of a grand event.

Every sun-scarred, dark face wore a smile, and traditional Bai Bang dance music blared from a broken loudspeaker. Children ran between the stalls.

As new customers arrived, he shouted even more enthusiastically.

Ji Jue remained silent and did not speak.

Wandering through the market, looking around, I felt like a newcomer.

But the smile gradually froze on her face.

Until, until, I could no longer laugh.

He remained silent, but subconsciously gripped An Ning's arm tightly, not allowing the girl, whose hair stood on end, to erupt in anger.

"Brother Ji Jue!"

An Ning stared wide-eyed, but there was no smile, only a serious expression.

Ji Jue did not speak.

He looked up and gazed at the smiling faces.

He opened his mouth, wanting to speak, but no sound came out.

All that could be seen was a bustling and noisy scene, with people coming and going, and on every smiling face, there were strands of scarlet.

It is entangled in the soul of every person.

Without exception.

A hidden malice gradually emerged from beneath the smiling faces, and an unbearable hunger surged within every empty soul, like a thorn in one's back.

The thorn made Ji Jue feel cold all over.

Snapped!
The running child bumped into Ji Jue and fell.

After getting up, I looked back at his face and was stunned for a moment.

"Big brother……"

The young child looked up in confusion, scrutinizing his slightly twitching expression, and asked with some fear, "Are you alright?"

Ji Jue remained silent, looking down at him.

After a long while, I tried to smile, but I couldn't manage to tug at the corners of my mouth.

Yes, I'm fine.

He should have said that, but no matter what, he just couldn't bring himself to say it.

Stop being hypocritical, Ji Jue.

Deep inside, a cold voice told him again and again: Don't pretend!

So, Ji Jue closed his eyes.

A silent, hollow laugh.

"Kill them all."

He said, "Kill them all, leave no one alive."

In that instant, Ji Jue finally let go, and the shackles disappeared without a trace.

Snapped!
An Ning decisively waved her hand, and the stunned child froze on the spot, his confused and fearful expression frozen, a scarlet bloodstain appearing on his face.

Blood gushed out only after he fell backward.

Immediately afterwards, An Ning flicked her hand again, and beams of light shot out from her fingertips, flying away as fast as birds in flight.

In an instant, dense crowds fell like wheat.

Screams rang out, one after another.

Terrified screams, terrified cries, and heart-wrenching calls echoed as they called out the names of the deceased.

The vast market was instantly transformed into hell during the massacre.

Is it really only now that it has become hell?

Or perhaps, even earlier...

Amid screams and cries, Ji Jue bent down, reached out, and touched the child's corpse in the mud, from which the familiar scarlet color gushed forth.

Not just the blood, but also the poison gradually seeping out from the dissipating spiritual matter...

So familiar.

"Thirstiness..."

Ji Jue twirled the blood on his fingertips, staring intently, as if suddenly realizing something, and chuckled softly: "You really are a genius, Sheikhi—"

No one responded.

Only amidst the wailing, a low echo gradually emerged, like teeth grinding and thirsty gasping for breath.

Amidst the crimson blood and corpses scattered on the ground, one by one, the bodies that should have been silent no more began to convulse inexplicably, spasming violently, and once again, rose from the ground!

His eyes were white, empty and desolate.

There was only a crimson expanse.

They trembled violently, crawling on the ground, their rapidly mutated gums protruding from their mouths, sharp teeth and nails growing rapidly, revealing their true form in an instant!
The third stage of hemothrombosis!

—A mutant creature—a ghoul!

At this very moment, under the observation of the Hanxiang Mirror, the entire market was already shrouded in crimson.

Amid the celebrations and trade of the past few days, beneath the seemingly normal surface, the incubation period of the hemothrombosis virus has been silently spreading and proliferating, affecting the elderly, children, men, and women alike.

All the diseases had progressed to the point of being incurable, penetrating deep into the bone marrow.

Flesh and soul were completely devoured, leaving only the 'shell' that was deliberately preserved on the outside.

Now, the moment the fragile 'shell' is shattered, the so-called 'self' vanishes without a trace, like an illusion.

The virus has completely broken out!

Before the dense crowd could even scatter and flee, a series of shattering sounds rang out throughout the market.

Beneath the old corpses, ghouls burst forth!

They gnawed hungrily at the remains on the ground, rapidly mutating, their scarlet, hollow eyes locking onto any living creatures present, before swooping down upon them!

Then, it shattered into pieces again and died completely.

An Ning flicked her fingers again.

Yet, amidst the shattered corpse, wisps of crimson blood meandered and writhed, like living things, winding their way away, their countless threads falling upon other creatures.

Whether it's humans, cattle, sheep, birds, or beasts...

In the mud, a lamb wandered by aimlessly, looking left and right.

Gradually, as more and more blood gathered, a wolf-like gleam began to emerge in his innocent eyes!

Now, Ji Jue finally understands.

What exactly is the catalyst in the wolf-transformation ritual, a catalyst whose nature remains unknown...?

If we want to awaken the White King's wolf blood oath, what could be more suitable than the endless poison that spread when the White King fell?
Under the infection of blood thirst, as long as there is enough bait and food, the host can grow and mutate at a rapid speed.

The poison left behind after the fall of the White King, a terminal illness that terrifies countless people, can, when necessary, completely awaken the wolf blood oath within everyone's soul, turning them into tools of wolves!

Just like now.

In the vast marketplace, demons danced wildly in an instant. One by one, the fallen corpses were resurrected, turning into ghouls. Driven by uncontrollable hunger, they went completely mad and devoured each other.

Beneath countless shattered corpses, a sharp whistling sound erupted.

The withered old man, covered in arms like a centipede, bathed in the blood of his kin, roared to the sky, and clumps of jet-black hair rapidly grew all over his body.

Transform into wolf!

Then came the second, the third, the fourth...

In an instant, amidst the deaths of tens of thousands of people, the howls of wolves rose and fell.

Ji Jue raised his hand expressionlessly.

Outside the market, Longshan Armored Vehicle knelt on the ground, and from the huge launch pad behind it, streaks of iron light shot into the sky and roared down.

Cluster bombs rapidly exploded in mid-air, sowing seeds of destruction and engulfing everything.

Flames erupted.

The scorching wind whipped up the stalls and the remains of the corpses, howling and sweeping in all directions.

The once vast market was completely destroyed in the blink of an eye.

The flames rose, illuminating his eyes, and in that endless darkness, the dim, menacing flames of the fire rose once more.

On the scorched earth, hissing sounds continued, sharp whistles and wails spread, and the heavily injured ghouls were rapidly reborn in the flames, gathering together, and their transformation was accelerated under the crisis!

So, Ji Jue raised his hand once again.

But someone reached out and gripped his hand tightly.

bare hill.

"Leave it to me, Ji Jue."

Tong Shan pressed down on his hand and whispered to him, "That's what the Security Bureau does."

He patted Ji Jue on the shoulder and told him:

"Just leave it to me."

Tong Shan strode forward, drawing his brush.

Step by step, it ascended to the heavens, the pitch-black ink flowing out from the blade, swirling and covering, transforming into endless dark clouds.

A genuine natural disaster manifested under the reconstruction of mental power, covering this once lush and green oasis and bringing destruction.

Transparent flames, like raindrops, fell from the sky.

Every little thing, covering everything.

Amidst the silent clatter of shattered corpses, only the screams and howls of ghouls and newborn wolves echoed, their futile struggles piercing their skulls and disintegrating them into dust.

The ashes rose with the wind and drifted into the distance.

An Ning paused for a moment, then suddenly turned around.

All that could be seen behind Ji Jue was that wisps of dust suddenly gathered together and transformed into a blurry human figure. Then, sharp claws swept across, aiming for his head!

Wolf!
Those are wolves hiding in the market, spreading the virus!
Bang!
In that instant, the invisible wolf, Flying Ash, grinned savagely, its claws flashing like lightning. Under the Bloodthirsty Technique, its speed exploded once again, so fast that it was difficult to detect with the naked eye.

dead!
But in that insignificant instant, in a time that was almost frozen in time.

He saw it.

The craftsman who had been left behind by his teammates actually sided with him...

A disdainful glance back!

(End of this chapter)