I slay evil in the Department of the Supernatural

Twenty minutes later.

In a ruined mining laboratory site, people gathered among the rubble.

All around were shattered experimental chambers, charred instrument wreckage, and dark medicine spilled all over the ground, mixed with dust and the smell of burning, making the scene even more chaotic in the dim light.

Most of the experimental data had been destroyed, with only a few scattered sheets of paper and damaged storage equipment lying on the ground.

A group of newly rescued lab personnel huddled in a corner, their expressions still tinged with fear, yet their gazes towards the crowd were filled with gratitude and a sense of relief at surviving a near-death experience. A faint stench of blood and a sense of oppression hung in the air.

Several members of the three teams were injured, including Dong Qing and Xie Zhou, though their injuries weren't too serious and they each had their own methods to treat them. The strength of a Sequence Seven expert was indeed astonishing. If it weren't for Huang Feng, a dual cultivator, acting as the main force, the opponent would likely have already seized the opportunity to escape. With the abilities of a Celestial Child, a mere moment's gap was enough for him to become ethereal and disappear at low altitude, leaving no possibility of being killed. Even so, this Sequence Seven expert was still completely annihilated.

Huang Feng himself was completely unharmed, demonstrating his strength as one of the top fifty on the Prodigy Ranking.

Xu Lindong observed everyone's condition and silently compared them in his mind.

"With my current mastery of the three paths, the refinement of the three phases of power, and the unlocking of the foundation of the first of the eight gates of the human body, ordinary Sequence Eight cultivators are no match for me."

"Only someone like Xie Zhou, ranked eighth on the Prodigy List, with numerous methods and incredibly powerful, solidified extraordinary strength, might be difficult for me to defeat. However, I should be able to hold my own and contend with him..."

As for Sequence Seven, it's definitely no match for them...

He gathered his thoughts and looked around.

At this moment, with half of the undestroyed materials in the laboratory sorted and packed, the personnel inventory gradually came to an end.

The Heavenly Pride Tokens of the crowd have begun to settle the mission status and merit rankings.

"Buzz!"

The Heavenly Pride Token trembled, and Xu Lindong picked up the token to check the updated details.

[Tianjiao Order - Team Performance Brief]

(Operation Lizard Hunt - Phase Three: Decapitation)

Operation codename: Lizard Hunter (Elimination of the Ash Hand Evil Society)

Main results:

Killed Sequence 7 "Shepherd" x1 (Main Killer: Huang Feng)

Eliminate 6 targets in Sequence 8 (including priests, modified experimental subjects, etc.)

One gene lab was destroyed, and a number of experimental data that were not destroyed were seized.

Rescue 42 prisoners

Mission Merit Ranking

N01: Huang Feng (Sequence 8, Humanity), Merit Points: 28400, Contribution Points: 32000

Rating: Excellent; Notes: Dominates the execution sequence of the seventh-ranked shepherd, and is the primary force for tactical breakthroughs.

NO.2: Xie Zhou (Sequence 8 Heavenly Dao - Mountains and Rivers), Merit Points: 17600, Contribution Points: 20000

Rating: Excellent; Notes: Provides crowd control and support, breaks through multiple defenses, and assists in defeating the Sequence 7 Shepherd.

NO.3: Yang Rui (Sequence 8, Law Enforcement Captain), Merit Points: 14800, Contribution Points: 17500

Rating: Excellent+, Notes: Laws seal off the battlefield, assist in decapitation.

NO.4: Xu Lindong (Cultivating Three Paths Simultaneously, Sequence Nine), Merit Points: 13300, Contribution Points: 15000

Rating: Excellent; Notes: Independently killed a Sequence 8 priest, led the kill of a Sequence 8 experimental subject, ranked second in battlefield clearance efficiency. NO.5: Dong Qing (Sequence 8, Criminal Judge); Merit: 11200; Contribution Points: 13800

Rating: Excellent; Remarks: ...

Divine Bureau of Extraordinary Abilities - Pride of Heaven Terminal (Verification Time: 23 minutes after the operation ends)

After reading the message in the Heavenly Pride Token, Xu Lindong felt somewhat surprised and delighted.

His ranking was surprisingly set at fourth, just below the three group leaders.

A total of 13,300 merit points were earned, mainly from killing members of evil guilds and bonus points awarded based on the overall mission assessment. In addition, 15000 contribution points were also credited to the account.

Contribution points are similar to merit points.

It can be used to exchange for supplies, including equipment, resources, and intelligence, from the Chief of the Divine Bureau, the Commander's Office, or the Extraordinary Research Institute.

In comparison, contribution points are actually more practical, while accumulating merits helps in getting promoted within the Department of the Supernatural.

After all, even the merits that have been used up will be recorded and taken into consideration during promotion evaluation.

At this time, new merits were accumulated and battle records were updated.

Xu Lindong's ranking on the Prodigy Ranking also jumped from over 400th to 197th in an instant.

This time, he once again jumped more than two hundred places, a remarkable and eye-catching leap.

Even the group leaders, including Xie Zhou, were surprised by Xu Lindong's performance in the Heavenly Pride Order.

They never expected that Xu Lindong would be able to kill a priest of Sequence 8 on his own.

If the first time was a fluke, then the subsequent killing of another experimental subject comparable to Sequence Eight was an even more powerful testament to his achievements. Only at this moment did they truly regard Xu Lindong as a strongman on the same level as themselves.

Some even believed that with Xu Lindong's talent, if he advanced one or two more extraordinary powers, his strength would likely surpass theirs quickly, and his ranking on the Prodigy Ranking would reflect that.

The only thing that limited him was that "he succeeded by cultivating multiple paths, and he also failed by cultivating multiple paths."

After all, those who cultivate multiple paths are indeed well-rounded and powerful at the same level, but they may also miss out on the scenery of higher sequences due to the complexity of their power and limited energy. "Xu Lindong, you truly deserve to be called a cultivator of three paths. With your current strength, you can practically do whatever you want in the lower sequences."

Huang Feng looked at Xu Lindong and smiled in praise.

Xu Lindong shook his head and smiled, "I'd rather take things one step at a time, than walk sideways and trip over things."

Everyone laughed upon hearing this.

Afterwards, the group began to clean up the bodies of the slain members of the evil cult.

If these corpses are not handled properly, the extraordinary substances inside them could leak out and cause trouble.

For example, if ordinary people come into contact with it rashly, they are prone to mutation and become monsters.

Xu Lindong, carrying the stove fire, was the perfect candidate to destroy the evidence.

He immediately volunteered to take on the responsibility of cleaning up the body.

He turned around and piled up the experimental subjects and the corpses of priests and other people in the other passages together.

He was skilled; he first piled up the corpses and then lit a fire to burn them.

While no one was paying attention, they quietly sent the druid monster corpse at the innermost part and the remains of the Sequence 7 "Celestial Child" into the Tower of Babel to serve as nourishment.

This can be considered an extra bonus.

At the same time, the updated information on the Prodigy Ranking quickly attracted the attention of many prodigies and forces in the outside world.

Xu Lindong's name has once again come into the public eye.

His rise to fame was so rapid that it was impossible for him to go unnoticed.

After all, he is the only person on the list who cultivates all three paths.

Moreover, he has now become the only one who, despite not being a Sequence 8, has broken into the top 200. His record is even more terrifying; he has successively killed several powerful enemies who were Sequence 8, demonstrating astonishing cross-rank combat power.

Such practitioners of multiple paths were rare in the past.

Nowadays, although those people have not reached the high ranks, they are almost all in important positions and have great power.

Jiangcheng, inside the East District Commander's Office.

Wearing a white shirt and black stockings, Yi Qianxun was secretly slacking off, browsing border news on the internal network, hoping to see if there was any update on Xu Lindong.

However, the battle at the border had only ended a day ago, and the intelligence had not yet been synchronized. She searched for a long time but couldn't find any clues.

Just then.

"Xiao Xun".

A gentle male voice sounded from beside me.

Yi Qianxun's hand trembled, and almost instinctively switched the phone screen.

She recognized the voice all too well; it was the director who usually kept a close eye on her.

Caught slacking off at work?

Her heart tightened, and when she looked up, Director Liu seemed not to have noticed her little movement, and said with his smile, "Xiao Xun, you've been doing well lately. The director has praised you several times."

He said with a smile, "I think with your current abilities and state of mind, you're perfectly capable of taking on a higher position. How about it, are you interested in being a team leader?"

"Huh?" Yi Qianxun didn't react for a moment, her pretty face blank, which made her look rather cute.

The director praised me? Several times?

She subconsciously felt something was wrong, but the thought of getting a promotion instantly overwhelmed her doubts. At least she wouldn't have to be watched while she worked all day!

"Thank you for your recognition, Director! Thank you for your guidance, Chief!"

She immediately stood up and thanked him crisply and decisively.

Hearing this, the surrounding colleagues all looked over, their eyes flashing with envy and jealousy, but on the surface they all immediately smiled and congratulated them.

The director glanced around, nodded in satisfaction, then called Yi Qianxun to the tea room and asked in a low voice:

"Your younger brother, Xu Lindong, is a squad leader in the Eastern District's Supernatural Division, right?"

Yi Qianxun was just about to offer a rare act of hospitality by pouring tea when she heard this, and the smile on her face suddenly froze.

It turned out to be the case.

She suddenly understood.

It seems that Dongzi exerted his influence behind her.

That push she received was quite forceful!

Has Dongzi's performance at the border really been that outstanding?

Thinking of this, she became even more anxious. All she wanted to know was how Dongzi was doing and when he would be able to return safely.

"Director, are you aware of my brother's situation at the border?" she asked immediately.

Director Liu's face immediately lit up with a satisfied smile: "Your brother performed exceptionally well at the border."

These days, when people talk about the most outstanding talents in Jiangcheng, he and Team Leader Xie from the headquarters of the Divine Bureau are the most prominent.

Xiao Xun, having a younger brother like this will make your future much smoother.

Despite saying that, he couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness.

Why doesn't he have a younger brother like that? Yi Qianxun is usually a troublemaker, she doesn't have much emotional intelligence, or rather, even if she does, she doesn't want to use it on them. She doesn't flatter or fawn over them, and she leaves work on time every day.

This kind of person, who originally had no hope of promotion, has now risen to the top in one step thanks to his younger brother.

Sigh, comparing yourself to others is just plain frustrating.

Yi Qianxun, however, had no time to think about these things.

She cared more about her husband Dongzi's safety than about getting a promotion.

The more assertive Xu Lindong is on the border, the more enemies he kills, and the more dangerous his situation becomes. He'll definitely be targeted by many enemies. "Dongzi, when exactly will you be back?"

At this moment, in the capital city.

A set of photos taken in San Francisco was quickly transmitted back to the highest command.

In the photo, above the quarantine zone on the outskirts of that bustling city, a burly figure wearing a red cloak and blue battle suit is suspended in the air, like a god descending.

He spread his arms as if he were giving a passionate speech.

The many refugees gathered below had different expressions; some looked doubtful, while others had fanatical eyes.

The fanatics, like believers who had rediscovered their faith, bowed and worshipped the figure in the air.

The remaining photos show that some refugees were "selected" to enter the quarantine area.

They were even allowed to enter the city.

Inside the command post, the people at the conference table silently flipped through the video footage.

Until the last page.

In the video, the figure, seemingly both god and demon, has appeared near the border in the northwest.

With a casual wave of his hand, he wiped out a large number of otherworldly monsters, and even blasted the fifteen-meter-tall "Divine Might Behemoth" away with a single punch. As a result, a large number of refugees on the border rekindled their hope for survival and cheered wildly.

The same name resounded from all directions:

"The God of the Federation... Owen!"

A voice spoke in a low, sarcastic tone from beside the conference table:

"These otherworldly monsters were all orchestrated and released by them. When there is no crisis, they create one, with one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, making ordinary people live in fear of survival."

"Then they send people out to 'rescue' them, cloaking themselves in the guise of saving the suffering and showing compassion for all beings... This trick is truly disgusting." Another man wearing black-rimmed glasses chimed in, his voice equally cold:

"These people in the Federation have always been like this. They're just putting on a show, acting like Oscar-winning actors."

"But despite such poor acting skills, many people actually believed it, and even turned around to slander us, accusing us of being ignorant and not giving them any hope of survival."

These four words have flashed through the minds of many, but no one has said them aloud.

Human nature is greedy, yet it is also the easiest to satisfy.

The Xia Kingdom has repelled countless invasions of otherworldly monsters at its borders and has also provided a large amount of supplies to refugees, fulfilling its humanitarian obligations. Yet, there are still many dissatisfied people complaining that the Xia Kingdom does not open up checkpoints and prevent them from entering safe zones to survive.

This is already a case of wanting more after getting what one already has.

Clearly, someone is deliberately stirring up trouble behind the scenes.

Think about those so-called "Federal Gods"—they're nothing more than taking a stroll around the border, putting on a show, and clearing out some otherworldly monsters.

Even those monsters might actually be under his command, and could be driven away with a single order.

Besides that, has he ever provided refugees with a real place to live?

Yet, precisely because of this, many have become obsessed, chanting his name and expressing gratitude, completely forgetting who brought them the suffering in the past. In the conference room, a new voice arose:

"This is Owen's plan. If he is allowed to win people's hearts and gather faith in various borders and cities, he may actually touch the threshold of the non-existent Sequence One of the Heroic Spirits with the help of the evil god."

"Since there was no Sequence One, he forcibly created Sequence One; only after there is one can there be two, and that's how paths are forged."

Suddenly, a deep, resonant voice came from the inner room:

"Sequence One is not that simple; it cannot be achieved solely through faith, at least not for Irving."

Even if he could, it would only be igniting a false divine fire. He might have already fallen into the trap of the evil god Quentin and become a pitiful sacrifice. The moment this voice rang out, the conference room fell silent, as if an extraordinary pressure enveloped the room.

Everyone showed absolute respect and trust to the person whose voice came from inside the room.

Because the person speaking in the inner room is the second most powerful being in the Xia Kingdom's human path, second only to the God of Humanity, the "King of Humanity" of the second rank. Such a being naturally has the right to comment and speak.

After the room quieted down, the voice inside continued, "But we really must be wary of Owen's actions; we can't let that evil god succeed again." Following this statement, hushed discussions arose within the room.

"Your Highness, given this situation, what should we do next? Should we consider requesting assistance from other Sequence Two masters to stop it?"

"That would probably play right into their hands... These people are masters at weaving conspiracies and traps."

The voices from the inner room came again:

"Ignore it. As long as things stay stable domestically, no matter how turbulent the world is, we will still be at the center of the storm."

"His Majesty the God of Man is the pillar of stability."

"Continue to accelerate the cultivation of national prodigies, especially those capable of cultivating multiple paths simultaneously. Advance the 'Transcendence Plan,' striving to see results within five years." A head of the Extraordinary Research Institute immediately rose and bowed in response.

One day later.

Border outposts in Daxing.

After completing the Ash Hand Cult's laboratory mission, Xu Lindong and the others returned to their base for a short rest, waiting for the special plane to be repaired before returning home.

Huang Feng, munching on a piece of braised duck, walked over to Xu Lindong, who was getting hot water in the boiler room, and invited him with a smile, "Brother Xu, why don't you come with me to the capital this time? We can also visit the Extraordinary Research Institute. Have you been to the capital before?"

Xu Lindong put down the thermos in his hand and said, "I haven't been there yet, but after this mission is over, I have to go back to Jiangcheng first. I'll definitely visit you again when I have time to go to the capital."

In fact, he received a text message from Yi Qianxun this morning, cautiously inquiring about his situation.

After replying, he also promised Sister Xun that he would go back after completing the task and handing it over.

As for the capital city and the Extraordinary Research Institute, he really has no plans to go there right now.

For the next period of time, he prepared to comprehend the power of the "Earth" pathway.

Upon returning, based on the merits he has accumulated this time, he will likely be transferred or promoted at work, and he needs to prepare in advance for promotion to "Land". In addition, he also needs to make breakthroughs in both the human and underground channels, and he feels that he is already struggling to allocate his energy.

Huang Feng laughed heartily upon hearing this, tossed the duck bone into the trash can, and said, "Alright! When you arrive in the capital, feel free to contact me anytime. I'll make sure to arrange a proper welcome dinner for you."

He really thought highly of Xu Lindong.

After all, everyone has witnessed Xu Lindong's performance and potential in this mission.

Not every prodigy will be able to enter the high ranks in the future.

Even if you're ranked in the top 100 of the Prodigies List, it would be considered good if 15 of them were to advance to the highest level.

The vast majority of exceptional talents, throughout their lives, only reach the middle ranks.

However, someone like Xu Lindong, who cultivates all three paths, will have enough combat power to rival high-level experts if he advances to the middle ranks in two or even all three paths in the future, and his future position will certainly not be low.

Building a good relationship with them now is definitely the right thing to do.

Xu Lindong, carrying a thermos, walked out of the boiler room chatting and laughing with Huang Feng.

After a brief chat with the other comrades, I went back to my room to pack my luggage.

Soon after, the special plane was repaired.

The group boarded the plane in batches, preparing to return to their respective cities.

The plane took off quickly and flew inland along the border.

Outside the porthole, as the altitude increases, the border fortresses gradually recede into the distance and become smaller in the field of vision.

Xu Lindong gazed at the blurry outline in the distance and suddenly remembered Grandpa Liu's son, who was also said to be guarding the border of Daxing. Unfortunately, the border was vast and he did not meet him on this trip.

Sitting to the side, Lu Qian looked at Xu Lindong and said, "Adong, your current ranking on the Prodigy Ranking has far surpassed mine, and your strength is also..." Her tone carried a hint of admiration, then she said seriously, "When I go back this time, I'll start preparing for my promotion to Captain. If you have time then, could you come and protect me?"

"Is a breakthrough imminent?"

Xu Lindong was surprised, then smiled and said, "Sure, no problem."

He seemed to remember something and casually asked, "By the way, you mentioned before that your sister arranged a blind date. How's it going?" Lu Qian's heart skipped a beat, but she pretended to be surprised and raised her eyebrows with a smile, "Why are you suddenly concerned about this? Are you trying to ask if the blind date went well?" As she spoke, she secretly watched Xu Lindong's reaction.

Xu Lindong chuckled: "I'm just a little curious. I heard your sister has a good relationship with Captain Jiang; she must be quite skilled too, right?"

"Hmph, are you interested in my sister?"

Lu Qian glanced at him, her eyes darting around. "But if you really want to get to know her, I can introduce you two later. She's really strong." Her tone softened slightly as she whispered, "My family is considered a high-ranking official family. My parents died in a sinkhole accident years ago, and my sister raised me single-handedly. She's currently... at Sequence Seven."

Sequence seven?

Xu Lindong's heart stirred slightly.

He had never heard of a female master of the seventh rank in Jiangcheng before.

If he is not from the Commandery, then he is likely a high-ranking official at the Spirit Control Station.

Lu Qian continued, "My sister doesn't pressure me to go on blind dates anymore. I told her... I already have someone I like."

She spoke frankly and with an air of magnanimity: "Marriage is about fate, and ultimately, you have to decide for yourself."

Xu Lindong's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at her, but swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

Lu Qian waited quietly for him to ask further questions.

But then he closed his eyes to rest, and a sense of loss welled up in my heart, and even a little self-doubt flashed through my mind.

Just then.

A sense of oppression suddenly spread from the direction of the border not far away!

The extraordinary substances within everyone's bodies suddenly surged violently without warning, as if they had been placed in a place with extremely rich extraordinary energy.

This anomaly came out of nowhere.

Almost simultaneously, everyone became alert and suddenly looked out the window.

Above the border, a figure surrounded by golden arcs of light floated silently.

The light shimmered and flickered, its allure dazzling, and a powerful, transcendent energy surged forth like a tidal wave, covering the entire sky and sending chills down one's spine.

Even though only one person was suspended in mid-air, the oppressive aura was like a mountain collapsing.

"Who is that?!"

The same thought simultaneously popped into everyone's mind.

A chill ran down my spine and up to my head, making the hairs on my body stand on end.

This is definitely not a high-ranking expert from the Xia Kingdom.

How could a top-tier entity in the Federation be so close to the border?

What is he trying to do? Provoke me?!

Before anyone could think about it further...

A resounding voice, as powerful as a celestial bell, came from the figure enveloped in arcs of light.

Like a divine decree, it swept across the entire border in an instant, and even Xu Lindong and the others, who were already far away, could hear it clearly...