Reborn as a lotus, she initially refuses to hand it over to the state.

On the other side, outside Heilong Mountain, the night wind howled, and the area outside the blockade was brightly lit.

A black transport plane bearing the logo of the Ninth Bureau was already parked on the temporary tarmac.

As Zhou Zhenshan descended from the night sky, Lu Cang and Su Wan immediately came to greet him with respectful expressions.

"Chief."

"Chief."

Zhou Zhenshan simply nodded.

"Return to Linjiang City Branch."

The two were taken aback, for they noticed that Zhou Zhenshan's expression was very serious. It was even more solemn than when he had faced the Lord of the Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone earlier.

Lu Cang's heart tightened, and he dared not ask any more questions. The three of them quickly boarded the plane.

The hatch closed, the propellers roared, and the transport plane slowly took off.

Inside the cabin, the lights were dim.

Zhou Zhenshan sat in the innermost seat, his hands clasped together, his eyes closed and silent.

Lu Cang and Su Wan exchanged a glance, both seeing unease in each other's eyes.

After a long while, Lu Cang finally couldn't help but speak.

"Chief, is the situation in the Qinglian Forbidden Zone more serious than we imagined?"

Zhou Zhenshan did not answer. The only sound in the cabin was the low roar of the engine, and the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Suddenly, Zhou Zhenshan frowned.

puff!

A mouthful of blood spurted out of his mouth without warning, and the blood that fell to the ground had a faint golden sheen.

Lu Cang's expression changed drastically.

"Chief!"

Su Wan suddenly stood up.

"Medical team!"

However, Zhou Zhenshan raised his hand to stop him.

"Don't make a fuss."

As soon as he finished speaking, the unfathomable fifth-order aura emanating from him receded rapidly like a tide.

Fifth tier, peak of fourth tier, finally stopped at the late fourth tier, the entire cabin instantly fell silent.

Lu Cang's eyes widened, and his voice changed.

"Chief, what's wrong with you? Didn't you already break through to the fifth rank?"

Su Wan's face was equally pale. If Zhou Zhenshan wasn't a fifth-tier cultivator, then weren't they walking a tightrope the whole time they faced the Lord of the Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone?

Zhou Zhenshan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, a bitter smile appearing on his face: "The real fifth rank isn't that easy to break through."

Lu Cang's heart sank.

"What happened to you just now?"

Zhou Zhenshan leaned back in his chair, his voice sounding somewhat tired: "Pseudo-fifth rank."

"A peak fourth-tier cultivator forcibly burns his origin to pull his aura into the fifth tier for a short time, but can only maintain it for half a day at most."

"The backlash will occur in half a day."

Lu Cang and Su Wan were completely stunned. They never expected that the bureau chief who had just walked on air and made all the strange beasts of Black Dragon Mountain submit to him would be like this.

It turned out he had only managed to reach the fifth rank through sheer force. Lu Cang clenched his fists, his eyes slightly red: "Why, Director? You knew perfectly well that the Lord of the Forbidden Zone was a true fifth rank, so why did you still take this risk?"

Zhou Zhenshan looked out at the dark night sky outside the cabin.

After a long pause, he finally spoke: "Because I must go, and I must go in a fifth-tier manner; otherwise, we don't even have the right to talk."

Lu Cang's breath hitched, and Zhou Zhenshan continued, "This world is very realistic; when the weak try to reason, no one listens."

"Only the strong speak the truth, that's what rules are. If I enter Black Dragon Mountain as a fourth-tier cultivator..."

"That blue lotus may not kill us, but it will never truly value humanity. Only when it realizes that there are beings among humans who can engage in dialogue with it on an equal footing will it be willing to sit down and talk."

The cabin was silent, and Lu Cang felt a tightness in his chest. Su Wan bit her lip even tighter; she finally understood that every seemingly calm word Zhou Zhenshan had spoken was actually a gamble.

He was betting that the Lord of the Azure Lotus didn't want war, betting that the Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone was rational, and even more so that his own half-step fifth-tier aura could hold out until the negotiations ended.

Zhou Zhenshan laughed: "But it's alright, we won the bet."

Lu Cang said in a deep voice, "But what if we lose the bet?"

Zhou Zhenshan calmly said, "Then die there."

"If I die on Black Dragon Mountain, at least it will prove that the Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone is not negotiable. At that time, headquarters will immediately activate the highest war plan. The people of Linjiang City will be evacuated, and nuclear strike preparations will be made. No matter the cost, we must contain the danger in Lingnan."

Lu Cang's face turned pale.

Su Wan's voice trembled: "But Director, that would be..."

Zhou Zhenshan glanced at her: "Many people will die, so I'd rather talk. As it turns out, that green lotus was more rational than I imagined; it wasn't a mad beast, nor was it simply a demon."

"It has its own rules. As long as we don't cross the line, it won't become an enemy in the short term."

Lu Cang remained silent for a long time before finally saying in a low voice, "But what if it knows you're not at the fifth rank? Won't it cause some kind of disturbance?"

Zhou Zhenshan suddenly laughed: "It might not be unaware."

Lu Cang suddenly looked up: "What?"

Zhou Zhenshan's eyes were deep: "When the pressure collided just now, its spiritual power swept over me."

"At that moment, I had a feeling that it saw through me, or at least that it could tell that my breathing was unstable."

Su Wan's expression changed: "Then why didn't it make a move?"

Zhou Zhenshan said, "Because it's also testing us."

"It wants to know if humanity has any bottom line. It also wants to know if I, the head of the Ninth Bureau, am worth talking to."

He exhaled, "The Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone is more dangerous than we imagined, but it is also more valuable than we imagined."

Lu Cang frowned: "Value?"

Zhou Zhenshan nodded: "A fifth-tier forbidden zone master who is rational, abides by the rules, and can suppress a region."

"If handled well, it is not a disaster, but a barrier."

Su Wan's heart skipped a beat; she suddenly understood Zhou Zhenshan's meaning. Black Dragon Mountain, nestled deep within Lingnan, could, if the Lord of the Azure Lotus didn't actively attack the cities, actually shield humanity from a large number of strange beasts. Furthermore, in the event of a future beast tide, the Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone itself would serve as a natural defensive line.

Zhou Zhenshan closed his eyes and said in a hoarse voice, "Notify headquarters to revise the Qinglian Forbidden Zone files again; the danger level remains unchanged."

"But the note has been changed to 'Intellectual Exchange Forbidden Zone'."

"Furthermore, the matter concerning my cultivation level is classified as a state secret. We will maintain a consistent narrative to the outside world: I have already reached the fifth level."

Lu Cang and Su Wan stood up at the same time.

"yes!"

The transport plane sliced ​​through the night sky, heading towards the Ninth Bureau branch in Linjiang City. Meanwhile, in Kyoto, at the Ninth Bureau headquarters...

Inside the highest conference room, 300 meters underground, the lights stayed on all night.

A top-secret report from Linjiang City was brought to the center of the conference table.

[Revised Archives of the Qinglian Forbidden Zone]

[Danger Level: S]

[Life Level: Tier 5]

[Race: Unknown intelligent plant-based life form]

Code Name: Azure Lotus

[Note: Can communicate, possesses a complete personality, has a strong sense of territory, and has not yet shown a tendency to actively attack human cities.]

[Recommendation: Provocation, assault, and any approach by civilian forces are prohibited.]

[Additional Assessment: If handled properly, the Qinglian restricted area could become a natural barrier for the Lingnan region.]

Inside the meeting room, everyone stared at the report in silence for a long time. Finally, the old man sitting at the head of the table spoke: "Zhou Zhenshan has confirmed that the Azure Lotus Forbidden Zone is temporarily negotiable, but this does not mean the crisis is over. On the contrary, it shows that the true era of spiritual energy has truly arrived."

As soon as the words were spoken, the giant screen lit up, displaying a map of the entire country. Red dots flashed continuously.

Qinling Mountains, Changbai Mountains, Kunlun Mountains, Taihang Mountains.

Shennongjia, the northwestern desert, the coast of the East China Sea, and the depths of the South China Sea. Each point of light represents an abnormal area. A researcher reported with a trembling voice: "According to data from monitoring stations across the country, since the lunar anomaly, the concentration of spiritual energy in the heavens and earth has increased by an average of thirty-two times."

"The improvement is more significant in mountainous areas, coastal areas, and ancient heritage sites. Some areas have already exceeded the urban average by more than 100 times."

"The rate of animal mutation is far exceeding expectations, more than 27,000 cases of abnormal plant growth have been recorded nationwide, and cases of human awakening are growing exponentially."

The atmosphere inside the meeting room was oppressive. This wasn't just a problem with a particular restricted area; it was a matter of reshaping the entire nation, and even the entire world.

The old man was silent for a moment before finally speaking: "Activate the new era emergency plan. From now on, the entire country will enter a Level 1 control state for the revival of spiritual energy."

"First, establish the Extraordinary Strategy Committee, jointly composed of the Ninth Bureau, the military, the Academy of Sciences, and the Martial Arts Association."

"Unified management of all Awakened Ones, Beast Forbidden Zones, Psionic Resources, and Relic Exploration."

"No civilian force may privately occupy spiritual veins, spiritual mines, or spiritual fruit resources."

"Those who disobey orders will be punished for endangering national security."

Everyone's expressions hardened; this meant that the nation was about to officially take over the order of the Spiritual Era.

The old man continued, "Second, establish a national restricted area classification system, dividing all abnormal areas into seven levels: D, C, B, A, S, SS, and SSS, according to their degree of danger."

"Category D cases will be handled by local armed forces."

"C-level is now under the control of the Ninth Division."

"Anything above Grade B must be reported to headquarters."

"Establish a buffer zone around cities surrounding the Class A restricted area."

"Class S restricted area, military-held, with civilian evacuation plans to be activated at any time."

"SS level and above are classified as national life-or-death risks."

On the screen, the Qinglian restricted area was marked in red.

Grade: S.

Note: This is a restricted area for exchanging ideas.

Next to the Qinglian restricted area, there are several more glaring black and red areas.

[Qinling Mountains: Unknown giant ape activity, suspected to be at the peak of the fourth tier.]

[Changbai Mountain: A tiger-like beast that rules over its herd, possibly of the fourth tier.]

[Kunlun: A spatial rift has appeared; level unknown.]

[East China Sea: A giant deep-sea shadow is frequently approaching the coastline; its size is unknown.]

Many people felt their scalp tingle as they watched, and the old man's voice was low and somber.

"Third, launch the Spark Cultivation Program."

"Select talented individuals from the national military, armed police, martial arts schools, and universities."

"Establish the first National Awakened Academy."

"One base will be established in each of the six major war zones: Kyoto, Shanghai, Lingnan, Sichuan, Chang'an, and Northeast."

"All awakened individuals are registered. Those willing to accept state training will be provided with cultivation methods, resources, training, and opportunities for real combat."

Those who do not wish to register may retain their free status.

"But no armed organizations may be established without authorization, and no social order may be disrupted."

At this point, the old man paused, "In addition, martial arts sects have been formally incorporated into the national cooperation system. Bajiquan, Xingyiquan, Taijiquan, Baguaquan, Shaolin Martial Arts Academy, Wudang Association, and others have all been invited to Beijing."

"The national martial arts system cannot be abandoned. After the spiritual energy recovers, those who can adapt to combat the fastest are often not ordinary awakened individuals."

"But rather, these are old martial artists who have practiced boxing their whole lives."

Inside the meeting room, many high-ranking military officials nodded in agreement, noting that ordinary awakened individuals possessed superpowers but lacked combat experience.

But those martial arts masters are different; once they receive the blessing of spiritual energy, their combat power becomes extremely terrifying.

The fourth order was issued quickly.

"Establish a merit exchange system."

"You can earn merit by slaying alien beasts, protecting the city, exploring ruins, handing over spiritual items, and providing important intelligence."

"Merit points can be exchanged for cultivation techniques, spiritual medicines, weapons, protective gear, and cultivation slots."

Resources are no longer allocated based on status.

"It is distributed according to contribution."

"Anyone who dares to embezzle psionic resources will be dealt with according to wartime military law."

These words sent a chill down many spines. They all understood that the old man was giving a warning to those aristocratic families in advance.

After the spiritual energy recovers, the most likely source of chaos will not be the mythical beasts, but rather people's hearts.

The fifth plan is even more burdensome.

"Initiate the City Fortress Project."

"Establish psionic defense lines around key cities nationwide."

"Build underground shelters."

"The military-industrial complex has fully shifted to the research and development of psionic weapons."

"Traditional firepower will be retained, while psionic munitions, rune armor, and mind shielding devices will be developed."

"All counties and towns near high-risk restricted areas are to be prepared for phased relocation."

Someone couldn't help but remark, "The scale of the migration will be enormous."

The old man glanced at him: "Even if you're big, it's better than dying on the spot when the beast tide comes."

The meeting room fell completely silent. The old man finally raised his head and looked at the national map on the screen.

"Sixth, establish a future disaster simulation team."

"It is jointly managed by the Academy of Sciences, the Ninth Bureau's Intelligence Department, and the Military Strategic Department."

"We must admit that past experience is no longer sufficient to cope with this new era."

"From now on, a file must be created for every beast tide, every forbidden zone, and every intelligent alien beast."

"Especially the Qinglian Forbidden Zone."

At this point, the old man's gaze sharpened.

"That blue lotus knows many things it shouldn't know."

"It may possess future intelligence that we do not have."

"But before confirming its true position, it must not be coerced or have its bottom line tested."

"Zhou Zhenshan will be in charge of the coordination."

"If necessary, low-threat personnel can be deployed to the perimeter to attempt to establish long-term communication channels."

Inside the meeting room, someone immediately thought of Lin Qingxue from the Linjiang City branch.

Young, clean-cut, without a prestigious family background, and without strong aggressive tendencies.

Perhaps, she will become the first human to truly enter the forbidden zone of the Azure Lotus once again.

The old man stood up: "Gentlemen, the old era is over. From now on, we will face not only strange beasts."

"There are also Awakened Ones going out of control, powerful families expanding their influence, competition for psionic resources, unknown risks associated with relics, and the real monsters in the depths of the ocean."

"The state must establish order before everyone else."

"Otherwise, the revival of spiritual energy will not bring about evolution."

"But rather, destruction."

Everyone in the meeting room stood up at the same time.

"yes!"

Countless orders were sent from Kyoto to the rest of the country during that night shift.

The Ninth Bureau was expanded, and the military entered a state of combat readiness. The Academy of Sciences established the Psionic Research Institute, and the selection of sites for the first batch of Awakened Academy students began.

All major martial arts sects received the highest-level invitations, and the restricted area lockdown order spread throughout the country.

At the same time, various cities began to publicly establish Awakened Academy, including Lingnan.