Tonight, Alice joins the hunt.

Before he could finish speaking, Zheng Zha's voice suddenly came from the corridor next to him.

“I think this is a good idea. You should already have a plan in mind, Xiao Honglu.” Zheng Zha laughed heartily as usual, straightening his slightly crooked collar as he walked out of the corridor. He glanced around the hall and smiled with satisfaction when he saw that all the newcomers and main characters were present.

then……

He saw a shadow appear at the side of his line of sight.

................................................

Watching Zhao Yingkong put away her tablet and disappear like a shadow after he appeared, Zheng felt as if a breath had gotten stuck in his chest. All the words he wanted to say were instantly blocked by this breath, and even breathing became difficult. It took several seconds to recover.

"...Did I do something that made her dislike me?" Zheng Zha asked with a wry smile, looking at Xiao Honglu for help. "Or did I say something wrong?"

Xiao Honglu suddenly felt like giving a bitter laugh.

He shook his head slightly and let out a long sigh.

“Brother Zheng Zha…you woke up a little late today. Usually, when you’re in the Main God Space, except for the first two days after you returned and the days before you set off, you rarely sleep this late.” Xiao Honglu gently tapped his forehead, trying to keep his tone as casual as possible.

"Did you not sleep well last night? After all, in this kind of environment, once you're on guard, it's hard to let your guard down."

Zheng Zha's expression immediately froze, and then he let out a deep sigh.

“Some things… are complicated, not as they appear on the surface.” He reached out and gently patted Xiao Honglu’s shoulder.

The next moment, Xiao Honglu's pupils suddenly contracted almost imperceptibly!

A voice echoed in his mind.

Do not reveal any flaws, do not act rashly, and do not answer in your head. I am Zhan Lan, this is one-way telepathic communication, please listen to my explanation.

[There's been a problem within our team; a few people are behaving strangely. I'm forced to contact you this way. Currently, we can confirm that you, me, and Zero are harmless. The others require further investigation.]

[From the very beginning of this storyline, someone has been making underhanded moves. Although I can't pinpoint exactly who did it, through the Eldar prophet's predictive abilities, I can deduce that someone sabotaged the previous US attack.]

We must be very careful. That's why I had to resort to this method.

Xiao Honglu shook his head slightly, revealing a helpless expression. "Okay... I know this is complicated. I shouldn't interfere, but Brother Zheng Zha, you should at least think about Sister Luo Li, or at least think about everyone in the team."

Everyone in the team...

[The information Zhao Yingkong provided might be incorrect, especially regarding the prophecies. Those diviners foretold more of a future apocalypse than she stated. During the previous chase, I used mental scans to examine many people. From those disseminated brainwaves, I learned that the US government is already preparing for the apocalypse… they already know what the end times will be in six days. However, Zhao Yingkong didn't tell us.]

[Saito Kazuya has been acting strangely. Before leaving the city, he evaded my mental scans several times. Also, I could hear clear hints from Alice's conversations with him that something was wrong with Saito, and Alice knew it too, but she didn't tell us.]

Alice should be harmless to us, but Miss Patchouli might be... I prepared a little something in the Main God Space that can help me detect changes in the magnetic field around me. Last night, my instrument told me that the magnetic field inside this church had been artificially interfered with. Women's emotional thinking was amplified, while men's dormant nerves were activated, and their initiative was greatly reduced. This is why you fell asleep... and also why I think you're okay.

[Besides, Zhang Heng's actions are also somewhat unusual. Several hours ago, he contacted Zero and expressed a desire to explore the outside world together. He claimed it was to probe for Death's weaknesses… I think this reason is extremely flimsy, and he shouldn't be so foolish. Therefore, he must have other plans.]

Xiao Honglu sighed. "It was still too reckless. This kind of thing... forget it, I know nothing about this. Brother Zheng Zha, you'll have to rely on yourselves to solve this problem."

Do you have any plans yet...?

One of them is abnormal, and I don't think that person can keep up the act for long. Zheng Zha and I will continue our charade during this time, while Lingdian is also playing along with Zhang Heng.

What we need to do is find that guy and get him or her back to reality. I think he might be under the influence of 'Death.' Let's try our best to save him.

But if that doesn't work...

Xiao Honglu gently raised his head, his gaze meeting Zheng Zha's melancholy yet resolute eyes. Then, he saw Zheng Zha laugh loudly, revealing an air of nonchalance.

"There's nothing we can do now that it's already happened. We can only try our best to salvage the situation."

Section 41 Critical

The two pretended to discuss things for another two minutes. Naturally, because of Zhan Lan's sudden attack, Xiao Honglu's original plan to use advanced technology to outmaneuver the United States was temporarily shelved. After all, in the current situation... both internal and external troubles were equally deadly.

[It's a real pity we lack someone among us who can deliver the decisive blow... Originally, Brother Zheng Zha should have been the strongest, but after the last mission, he didn't have enough side quests to fully utilize his points. The others, on the other hand, have significantly increased their power and mastered it within the Ju-on world... In a real fight, one-on-one or even one-on-two wouldn't be a problem, but if they want to subdue the others... the outcome is somewhat unpredictable.]

Alice is strong enough, and with Patchouli, who, though lacking presence, is definitely on par with her in terms of combat power, supporting her from behind, it wouldn't be difficult for her to subdue others. But...

[...She's a Westerner.]

Team Zhongzhou is a Chinese team, and the new recruits are mostly Chinese. Chinese people are a very close-knit group, and while Alice, being a Westerner, might be able to secure an important place in the team, be respected, and even be seen as a crucial figure, becoming a leader... would be difficult.

After all, China had been a powerful empire for thousands of years, and then struggled and suffered under the iron heel of foreign invaders for hundreds of years. Now, it has risen again, though it presents a peaceful and friendly image on the international stage. But the phrases "Those who offend our mighty Han, though far away, shall be punished" and "Those who are not of our race will surely have different hearts" are almost engraved deep in the blood of every person in the Central Plains. To change that... is impossible.

Xiao Honglu blinked.

[Tsk... I really was thinking about some pointless things. At least we can't go to Zhongzhou in this horror movie. Besides, we're too busy dealing with our own problems right now. We should focus on resolving these internal issues within the team, getting everyone on the same page... at least preventing everyone from having their own agendas.]

He pondered, and because he had mastered the skill of multitasking, Xiao Honglu did not directly reveal his thoughts to others. Around eight o'clock, the newlyweds all woke up. After washing up, they appeared quite refreshed. It seemed they had slept well the night before.

After everyone woke up, the group of fourteen people set up a makeshift meeting room in the preaching hall using benches. They ate breakfast and discussed the current situation.

Xiao Honglu hadn't originally planned to involve the newcomers, but Zheng Zha felt they also had the right to listen and offer opinions. Therefore, he didn't dwell on this detail. A few minutes later, the Zhongzhou team members present filled their stomachs with safe food brought from the Main God Space. And the discussion then began.

"Let me start by summarizing," Zheng Zha said, tapping lightly on his chair and clearing his throat as he used to do when he was a supervisor. "Yesterday we were attacked by the American army and lost one of our new recruits. But everyone else is fine, the losses were minimal, and no one was injured. Moreover, Margot Lloyd's strategy seems to have worked since we arrived here; Death may have stopped attacking. So, at least for now, we're in good shape."

As soon as he finished speaking, Zheng Xue, a lawyer among the new recruits, led the applause, followed by Huang Lilin, Li Laoshi, and other salaried workers. However, after only a few claps, they noticed that the other experienced colleagues were all watching without moving, some with smiles, others expressionless. None of them showed any inclination to applaud. So the new recruits could only smile awkwardly, carefully lower their heads, and place their hands down.

The atmosphere suddenly became very tense.

Zheng Zha's lips twitched, but he sighed inwardly. The unsettling atmosphere within the team was evident even in such a small detail. In the past, at least Zhan Lan would have joined in the clapping to liven things up. Saito Hajime and Zhao Yingkong would probably have done the same, but now…

[There's nothing we can do about it... Zhan Lan really shouldn't be too cooperative right now. But the others... tsk, why is it that after just one or two horror movies, everyone seems to have their own agendas?]

[No. Everyone...already had their own thoughts. They just hadn't expressed them before. Margot's arrival not only strengthened the team, but also liberated everyone's minds. After all...she's always asked everyone to 'think,' hasn't she?]

With a weapon in hand, the will to kill arises. The thoughts and ideas of an ordinary person just entering a terrifying world, barely possessing a sliver of power, and a superhuman who rises to the top in one step, possessing combat strength dozens or even hundreds of times greater than an ordinary person, will naturally differ. After all, humans are inherently insatiable and greedy creatures; with greater power, they naturally harbor greater desires.

His mind raced, but the only reaction on his face was a brief pause of less than half a second. He quickly resumed describing the current situation as if nothing had happened.

“Margot and Norrell are not here, but I think they shouldn’t need to worry.” He glanced at the twin apple trees standing in the center of the sermon hall. “At least for now, Margot’s ‘Garden of Eden’ seems to be working. And since we haven’t been attacked, we naturally don’t need to worry about them as the casters.”

"So I think what we need to decide right now is what we should do before Margot and Norrie return."

"Alice repeatedly emphasized to us not to go outside when she left the church," Zhao Yingkong said calmly. "She emphasized twice that we shouldn't touch the trees or the snakes. She emphasized three times that we shouldn't leave the church before she returned."

“I don’t think her strategy is wrong, and it’s a fact that we haven’t been attacked by Death in this church. So I think what we need to do now is stay in this church, observe and wait, and not make any rash moves.” She rested her chin on her hand and said clearly, word by word, “Our ultimate goal is to get through this horror movie safely. Since Alice has found a way to survive that may allow everyone to survive, there is no need to leave it easily.”

"But we may not be safe here."

Before Zhao Yingkong could finish speaking, an unexpected voice raised an objection.

It was Zhang Heng, the wind sprite archer, leaning half his body against the back of the bench, one hand resting on the back of the bench, the other hand lightly tapping on the table in front of him.

"We've been attacked by the US military, and it's a government attack, not some weak local armed group. Their ruthless destruction of a city confirms that there's no possibility of peaceful coexistence with them. They have satellites, PRISM systems, and they even have 'Apocalyptic' beings who can predict the future. I highly doubt that the town we're currently hiding in has been discovered by them. Perhaps an army is already on its way, or perhaps a missile loaded with a nuclear warhead is about to fall over the town. Under these circumstances, I don't think it's a good idea to hold out here."

“Your worries are unnecessary, Zhang Heng.” Zhao Yingkong glanced at the man dismissively. She took out her tablet and tossed it onto the table. “The American troops are stuck in their barracks due to the aftershocks of the hurricane. More than a dozen of their missile bases have been destroyed since last night. Countless fighter jets, attack helicopters, and gunships have been destroyed. Clearly, this is Alice’s doing. She has obviously provided a great deal of help for our temporary stay, and I don’t think we should waste her efforts.”

“How come I didn’t know about this?” Zhang Heng frowned, his gaze sweeping over Zhan Lan and Zheng Zha, who also looked surprised. “No one else knew either.”

“You didn’t ask,” Zhao Yingkong said calmly, her fingers lightly tracing the tablet on the table. “And I have no obligation to report every little detail to you.”

The tension between the two instantly escalated. Zhang Heng instinctively raised the hand that was leaning against the back of his chair, and Zhao Yingkong leaned forward slightly as well…

Xiao Honglu immediately responded.

"I'm sorry, it was my oversight." He quickly stood up and extended his hands apologetically to the two of them. "Sister Yingkong told me about these things this morning. I was distracted and forgot to share this information with everyone. It's my fault."

Zhao Yingkong glanced at him indifferently, then sat down and continued fiddling with her tablet. Zhang Heng gave a soft 'humph,' but eventually quieted down as well.

The newcomers breathed a sigh of relief, exchanging glances filled with worry about this clearly conflicted group of veterans. Some of the newcomers who had initially planned to chime in, offer a comment, or try to curry favor with the veterans obediently kept their mouths shut. They all acted like ostriches burying their heads in the sand—"I can't see, I can't hear, don't worry about me."

"Alright, let's leave it at that." Zheng Zha slammed his hand on the table, the corrosive blood spurting from his fingertips instantly turning the entire long table to ash. "We're a team, and teams should help each other, not..." He shook his head vigorously.

"Let's put the topic of leaving here aside. Zhao Yingkong is right, the 'Garden of Eden' created by Margot Lloyd is indeed effective. At least for now. So we shouldn't leave it casually before it's proven ineffective. Margot Lloyd won't be gone for long, and I hope no one does anything foolish before she returns."

"Alright, that's all I have to say. If anyone else has any other opinions, please feel free to offer them, but please also state your proposed solutions. If there are no feasible alternatives, then I oppose anyone leaving this church before Margot Lloyd returns."

"What if we are attacked?" Zhang Heng asked.

“That kind of thing won’t happen,” Zheng Zha replied decisively, then looked at Zhan Lan.

Zhan Lan nodded slightly and said, "I can use my mental power to scan precisely at a distance of one hundred kilometers. If detail and accuracy are not required, I can continuously scan moving objects within a three-hundred-kilometer radius of this town. If a large army or a high-speed flying object approaches within a three-hundred-kilometer radius, I will immediately issue an alert, ensuring that everyone has ample time to respond."

“…In that case, I have no objection.” Zhang Heng nodded and replied.

The brief meeting ended in this strained atmosphere. Saito Hajime and Zero, who had remained silent from the beginning, returned to the second and third floors respectively. The newcomers stayed in the preaching hall. The other senior members also left one after another, and when Zheng Zha returned to his room, he heard Zhan Lan's voice.

There's a high probability that Zhang Heng has a problem. He's become irritable and aggressive. I suspect he's been influenced by something, perhaps 'Death,' or something else entirely.

Her communication is one-way; she speaks unilaterally without providing any feedback. This is to ensure the secrecy of the conversation. As a Spirit Prophet, she possesses the skill to encrypt her thoughts, allowing only specific beings to perceive them; however, telepathic communication from others carries the risk of exposure. After all, telepathic communication is ultimately just the flow of information. And within the current Central Plains team, there is no shortage of individuals capable of capturing and analyzing projected messages.

Zheng Zha turned his head and glanced in the direction Zhao Yingkong had left.

The possibility that Zhao Yingkong has problems has decreased because she has chosen a conservative stance, which is completely opposite to Zhang Heng's emphasis on change. Conservatism implies stability, so unless the person influencing her aims to keep us in this church, I think she is trustworthy.

Of course, this doesn't rule out the possibility that she has other plans in mind.

Zheng Zha lowered his eyes and remained silent.

Zero is on our side, but Saito Hajime… I'm sorry, I can't see through him. I can only sense that he's very strong, but I can't quite define how strong he is. Perhaps he could easily defeat both of us, or perhaps even Zhang Heng could defeat him. However, besides strength, I can't sense anything else.

My suggestion is to put it on hold for now. Because I've discovered another noteworthy individual.

[I think I detected that woman named Zhu Wen when I scanned her. Furthermore, her brain development seems to be abnormally advanced; in terms of mental strength, she's at least twice as strong as the other top recruits. Yes, the top recruits, including Wang Ren, whom you're particularly concerned about.]

I don't know if she'll be another newcomer like Alice. But I think... you should get to know her better. I'll take the opportunity to probe her mind and determine if she's of any use to us.

Zheng Zha nodded.

"Hmm." He stretched, seemingly talking to himself, "The others should be fine. Maybe I should get to know those newcomers. Hmm... I haven't paid much attention to them before. Now that I have time, I hope one or two useful talents will emerge from among them."

He then left his room.

However, just as he and Zhan Lan were secretly communicating, on the other side of the balcony on the second floor of the church, where Saito was not present.

Zhang Heng was staring blankly out the open window. His gaze was unfocused, yet it seemed as if he wanted to take in the entire world outside, scanning everything he could observe.

He stretched his hand out the window.

Section 42 True Knowledge

Meanwhile, over Massachusetts...

Alice changed into light, modern clothing and descended from a thousand kilometers above the orbital plane. She was fast and cautious, and when she broke through the clouds and returned to the North American land, her arrival went unnoticed.

The weather in Massachusetts was also terrible, with overcast skies and a light drizzle. Due to the disruption of civilian networks caused by Alice, almost all major cities in the state were paralyzed. Most people couldn't make phone calls, watch television, or access the internet. This was undoubtedly a heavy blow to a nation that had already entered the information age. Fortunately, terrestrial base stations and shortwave communications were still operational, so basic order could be maintained for the time being.

After all, it's only 2009, not 2019 when internet communication dominates the nation. The spiritual lives of people in the Americas aren't as impoverished as they would be ten years later. Even without internet access or phone calls, life goes on as usual. Although it's much more troublesome than usual, and the crime rate is skyrocketing, at least with the tear gas and rubber bullets from the military and police, major cities aren't in complete chaos.

[If I were to bring down the mechanical army right now, this world could immediately be renamed Terminator 3. Tsk... if only that were possible.]