Two muffled coughs came from the bed. Ye Huai slowly opened his eyes.
Tong Yang poured a glass of warm water, walked to the bedside, and asked, "How do you feel?"
Ye Huai's face was pale, his lips dry. His gaze fixed on the ceiling, his voice hoarse. "I'm fine. And you?"
"Alright. Have some water."
"That's good." Ye Huai sat up, took the glass, and drank a sip.
Noticing the medicine box on the bedside table out of the corner of his eye, he put down the cup and asked, "Have you met with him?"
Tong Yang said, "Yes."
Ye Huai looked up at her. "Were you hurt?"
Xu Junyue walked up to the two of them, resting an elbow on Tong Yang's shoulder. "We were hurt, but it had nothing to do with the parallel world version of you."
"The boss and I infiltrated the Maynard villa and encountered a trainee soldier."
Ari Buckley explained, "Trainee soldiers are those eliminated in the selection process for the 'Forerunners.' They are highly skilled and very troublesome."
Ye Huai pressed his lips together. "Was it serious?"
"Manageable."
Ye Huai fell silent for a moment and didn't press further.
Tang Li said, "The plan to implicate the guests is progressing smoothly; all suspicion is directed at the parallel world. However, Tong Yang's identity has been exposed."
"Exposed?" Ye Huai frowned.
Tong Yang sat down on the edge of the bed. "It was exposed that I'm working for Wu Pingxue, but Wu Pingxue is from the parallel world."
"So, apart from Tong Yang being forced into the parallel world's camp, the objective was still achieved."
"Correct."
"What do you plan to do?" Ye Huai asked.
Tong Yang said, "Things have come to this. My stance is already with the parallel world, so we might as well play along. From now on, whatever I do to them, the consequences will fall on the parallel world and Wu Pingxue."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
Tong Yang continued, "The energy terminal should be in the Maynard villa. Only you can get us inside. We all need to return to the real world before they succumb to the poison for the plan to proceed."
Previously, Ye Huai had heard about the energy terminal from Tang Li.
"Right. Understanding the magnetic field energy is crucial for us."
Tong Yang looked at the group. "Let's put on another act."
"What?"
"Just follow my lead."
"Then we'll do as you say."
"Miss Ari, where is the place connected to the island's broadcast system?"
"The underground base."
"Can you take me there?"
"I can only get you to the entrance. You can't enter the underground base without an ID card."
"I have an ID card. S-class."
After entering the parallel world, the voice on the broadcast changed to a mechanical female one, no longer that of Tong Yang from the First World.
Tong Yang possessed the S-class ID card of Yan Qing from the parallel world. Back in the First District, this allowed smooth entry into the base, and researchers would even follow her orders.
"I'll go with you," Xu Junyue said.
"Okay."
After a short rest, Ye Huai's condition improved. The seven of them split into two groups and left the restaurant.
The underground base was located near the helipad.
Unlike the situation in the First District—where Tong Yang had actively entered the parallel world and been hunted—this time they were passively drawn into the game. Their identity information and location wouldn't be exposed, so entering the underground base with the parallel world Yan Qing's ID card shouldn't be difficult.
"Will we encounter any 'Forerunners' there?" Xu Junyue asked.
"The probability is low. The base is likely the place controlling satellite signals and power, including the switch for the glass dome over the helipad. But the energy terminal is most probably at the Maynard villa, so they have no reason to guard this place. Moreover, the rules didn't mention anything about not entering the Maynard villa or the underground base. Otherwise, we would have broken the rules just by entering the villa last night. The result was only being driven out by trainee soldiers, which has nothing to do with the rule procedures."
Xu Junyue suddenly understood. "So even if we meet 'Forerunners' in the underground base, they can't easily attack us."
"Exactly."
Arriving at the underground base, Tong Yang took out the ID card and opened the base's password-protected door.
As she expected, it was the same as in the First District.
The parallel world Yan Qing's ID card granted unimpeded access.
Meanwhile, the guests waiting in the banquet hall finally saw Mr. Maynard appear.
"Mr. Maynard!"
"Mr. Maynard, how is your health?"
"The First World is utterly despicable! To attack Mr. Maynard, who trusted them so completely!"
"What should we do, Mr. Maynard?"
"Who would have thought Tong Yang was working for the First World? It's truly outrageous!"
...
Maynard wore a deep red suit and a golden mask. The skin visible was extremely pale, like that of a seriously ill man.
Amidst the crowd's agitation, Maynard bowed deeply to everyone. "My sincerest apologies for causing you all such distress."
"Please don't say that, Mr. Maynard!"
"It's not your fault, Mr. Maynard. We were all deceived."
"It's all because of the First World! So everything was related to Tong Yang, yet they fed us false information. She was clearly already in M Country, but her location data kept showing Z Country. If we had known earlier, we could have been prepared!"
"The First World is not to be trusted!"
"But, Mr. Maynard, we will always believe in you!"
"Without the Maynard family, there would be no us today."
"I am deeply grateful for your trust. It is an honor for me and the Maynard family," Maynard said solemnly.
"I and the Maynard family have been deceived. All recent events were staged by the First World themselves. We received information that Tong Yang is still being hunted in Z Country, yet all the disrupted transactions during this period were her doing."
Maynard's tone grew heavy. "They are not the agents we imagined, but a few seventeen or eighteen-year-old students. Ask yourselves, could ordinary students accomplish this?"
"Impossible!"
"The First World is too terrifying!"
"They must have altered their genes!"
"But we were unaware of this. We still regarded the First World as our greatest ally, heeding their suggestion to host this banquet. Little did we know their intentions were so sinister, attempting to completely control us."
The emotional turmoil was too great. Maynard's breathing became labored, his body swaying. Those nearby quickly supported him, preventing a fall.
"Mr. Maynard!"
"Mr. Maynard, you must take care of your health!"
"Black Storm is our shared paradise. We will absolutely not allow anyone to harm it!"
"But the First World is too powerful. We simply can't..."
Maynard sighed. "Most critically, all means of transport to leave Hawk Island have been taken by them. We are now... completely isolated."
"Mr. Maynard, could you lift the information blackout and let us contact the outside world immediately?"
Maynard shook his head. "They used more advanced technology to block all signals. The only way to call for help is via satellite signal."
"But you should know, all devices currently capable of receiving satellite signals are under military jurisdiction."
"What? That's outrageous!"
"The military? Don't tell me we have to ask the military for help?"
"How did it come to this?"
"That's like walking right into a trap!"
"There must be another way."
"Beep—"
"Beep—"
Suddenly, an ear-splitting electric current sound reverberated across the entire Hack Island.
The piercing noise made everyone in the banquet hall instinctively cover their ears.
"Idiot, the volume is way too high."
"Huh? How do I turn it down?"
"Try twisting it that way?"
"Let me try... Got it!"
A conversation came through the broadcast system, the volume gradually returning to normal.
Then, a female voice switched languages, speaking in very standard British English.
"Hi, good afternoon, everyone. I'm Tong Yang."
"Tong Yang..."
"She really is on the island!"
"The ones who trapped everyone in the game are the First World!"
"How do you like the game we prepared for you?"
"Speaking of which, it seems you've caught my companion. Since you already know the First World's secret, there's no need to hide it any longer."
The voice sighed with feigned regret. "If you knew nothing, perhaps I could have let you leave here unharmed. What a pity."
The voice echoing from the speakers undoubtedly fueled the anger of the crowd in the banquet hall.
"Why is the First World doing this to us?"
"Aren't we supposed to be trusted allies?"
"To think the First World is the traitor!"
"The First World is despicable! Unforgivable!"
...
"I know you're probably angry, but I suggest you hold that thought. After all, there's still much you don't know."
"Since you're all about to die, allow me to clear up your doubts and see you off."
The girl's words carried a hint of laughter, as if mocking their stupidity and ignorance.
"That's right, I am from the First World—that is, the parallel world."
"Curious why I appeared in Country Z?" The girl scoffed. "Because my superior, Dr. Wu Pingxue, pretended to break with the First World and defected to Country Z. In fact, it was all just a deception."
"Who knew you'd be so easy to fool? Offer a few petty benefits, and you treat us like gods."
In the banquet hall, Tang Li and He Jingjing exchanged a glance.
Tong Yang was clever, rationalizing everything and cutting off the parallel world's retreat path.
Even if they later informed the 'Black Tempest' members that Wu Pingxue had betrayed the parallel world, with Tong Yang's words as a precedent and Country Z as a cautionary tale, no one would easily believe it.
"Damned First World..."
"Damn it! I will never let you get away with this!"
"Country Z was actually deceived! And the information the First World gave us about Tong Yang, telling us to hunt her down..."
"By the way, the 'Tong Yang' you've been chasing all this time is just a poor, innocent student. Guess why we did that? Surely the Z government won't just ignore this, right?"
"Sowing discord?"
"The First World wants to worsen the relationship between the Z government and the 'Black Tempest'?"
"Oh my God!"
Given what had happened before, and the absolute control the energy field had over NPC identities, none of the guests present doubted Tong Yang's words.
After all, the First World seemed capable of easily taking their lives.
"I think you've already guessed it. What a shame. The Z government probably already holds a grudge against you. What to do?"
"Yes, what to do?"
The girl's tone was relaxed. "But it doesn't matter. No one will be leaving Hack Island alive anyway."
"Mr. Maynard, what should we do?"
"Could it really be as she says? Deliberately driving a wedge between us and Country Z?"
Maynard's expression was grave. "The black market has always been a gray area. Our relationship with the Z government has never been friendly."
"Country Z's regulations are quite strict, so it's hard for the black market to extend its reach there. They haven't opposed the 'Black Tempest' either, but in the future, I'm afraid..."
Maynard continued, "The urgent matter isn't that. It's how the Maynard family can ensure everyone leaves Hack Island safely."
"Our transportation has been taken, and we can't contact the outside world. Do we really have to use a satellite signal to call the military for help?"
"More than that, I'm more concerned about what to do with the guests whose identities have been designated as NPCs?"
"And, about the gene serum..."
Mention of the gene serum brought silence to the banquet hall crowd.
The healing and restorative effects of the gene serum were too attractive to them; they still clung to a sliver of hope.
"The gene serum... I bet you all still remember it."
The girl's voice sounded again from the broadcast.
"Don't be naive. If I had something that good, why would I give it to you?" The girl laughed mockingly twice. "A bunch of fools, believing whatever you're told. Stupid, greedy, vicious!"
"Let me tell you the truth. The gene serum is real, and its effects are real too."
The woman's voice turned colder. "But only the high-quality gene serum has that effect. We don't even have enough for our own people, so why would we sell it to you? Therefore, I would only give you the failed, inferior gene serum. Do you know what 'failed' and 'inferior' mean?"
"Ladies and gentlemen, those things contain deadly poison."
As soon as these words were spoken, an uproar swept through the banquet hall.
"Poison?"
"The inferior gene serum is poisonous?"
"Oh God! Thankfully no one has injected it."
"The First World is too malicious! They actually wanted to sell us inferior gene serum!"
"Not just that! Didn't they attack Mr. Maynard and try to control us too?"
...
However, what the woman said next was truly earth-shattering.
"Do you know why I said no one can leave Hack Island alive?"
Everyone held their breath, sweating nervously.
"You don't actually think the virus only exists in the bodies of creatures injected with the gene serum, do you?"
"On the contrary! The virus not only exists in those injected with the gene serum but also spreads on a large scale."
"What?"
"Could it be..."
"Oh my God! Mr. Maynard injected the tiger with gene serum right in front of us!"
"Have we all been infected with the virus?"
"What should we do?"
It was as if, through the sound, the girl could sense their panic.
"The time until the poison takes effect is roughly two hours. I hope my dear friends enjoy the last moments of your lives."
"Until we meet again, farewell."
"Beep—"
After one final sound, the broadcast fell completely silent.
The guests in the banquet hall were as pale as paper, silent as the grave.
Poisoned?
They were all poisoned by the gene serum virus?
The First World has gone too far!
To orchestrate and act out this whole scheme, playing them like puppets in the palm of his hand, was utterly despicable!
"Mr. Maynard, are you saying we've all been infected with the virus?"
Maynard hung his head, his voice hoarse. "Yes, that's correct."
"The reason I was attacked was because I accidentally stumbled upon their secret." Maynard looked up, his lips pale. "Everyone here, including myself, has been infected with the genetic drug virus."
Maynard's identity and his villa existed outside the rules. In fact, Ye Huai had no designated role and was not compelled by the energy field to follow the crowd's commands.
Therefore, he could lie.
"I gathered everyone here to tell you this very thing."
Clutching his chest, Maynard bowed deeply and solemnly to the crowd. "Maynard failed to discern in time that the First World was an enemy, not a friend, leading everyone and the Maynard family into grave danger. For this, on behalf of the Maynard family, I offer you our most sincere apologies."
"The Maynard family will spare no effort to ensure everyone leaves Hake Island safely."
"Mr. Maynard, you mustn't say that! This is not your fault, nor the Maynard family's!"
"No one could have seen their true nature. Everyone in 'Black Tempest' has been deceived!"
"We should join forces with Mr. Maynard and the Maynard family to overcome this crisis!"
"My family doctor is on the island. He's a very renowned physician. He can surely cure the virus in our bodies!"
"Wonderful!"
...
Hearing their words, Maynard remained bowed, motionless for a long time.
"Mr. Maynard..."
"Mr. Maynard, you're..."
Maynard let out a long sigh. "I'm terribly sorry. After learning of this, I immediately had my condition checked. Even the world's top scientific researchers would be unable to develop a cure for the genetic drug virus in a short time."
As Maynard spoke these words, a collective gasp swept through the banquet hall.
The authority wielded by the Maynard family within "Black Tempest" was beyond imagination.
No one would doubt Mr. Maynard's statement.
If the world's top researchers couldn't produce an antidote, it meant they were doomed.
They only had two hours left before the toxin took effect.
"We're doomed..."
"No wonder Tong Yang told us the whole truth. It's because everyone will die on this island."
"We'll all die?"
"Mr. Maynard... you must save us..."
"It's too horrible... the First World..."
Maynard straightened up and asked, "Have you heard about the incidents that occurred in Country Z some time ago?"
"Incidents in Country Z?"
"I heard from a friend that a strange virus broke out in Country Z. Although the news was tightly suppressed, quite a few rumors still leaked out."
Tang Li said, "I know about this. I was in Country Z at the time. A government official hinted to me that the military was stationed undercover in the virus-infected areas, and the infections were all on a large scale."
Maynard nodded. "After the human organ trafficking bases were dismantled, I've been monitoring the situation in Country Z. Tong Yang has been active in those infected areas. However, all those infected were completely healed overnight, and the Country Z government also lost contact with Tong Yang."
"Tong Yang was originally cooperating with the government. Not long after the virus outbreak, she vanished into thin air, losing contact with the military."
"Did Tong Yang release the virus on a large scale in Country Z back then?"
"The person we've been hunting isn't Tong Yang at all? She's just an ordinary student from Country Z?"
"No wonder her photos were blocked on all our devices. We were chasing the wrong person?"
"If the virus that broke out in Country Z is the genetic drug virus, does that mean they've already developed an antidote?"
"Excellent! Country Z has developed the antidote. We just need to ask Country Z for help and we'll be saved!"
"No, Country Z is too far from here. It would take at least nine hours by flight, but we only have two hours left!"
"...Heavens!"
"Are we really destined to die here?"
"I refuse to accept this! Damnable First World, they deceived us all! Unforgivable!"
"The First World are the real traitors of 'Black Tempest'!"
"There's no way... we can't go back now..."
"It's all over... completely over..."
Maynard's gaze swept over the crowd below the stage. He sighed, "We can go back. We definitely can go back."
"Mr. Maynard..."
Maynard said, "I'm sorry. Last night, after discovering this, I immediately used satellite signals to send a distress call to the military of Country Z."
"Mr. Maynard... why are you apologizing?"
"Will the Country Z government be willing to save us? Will they save us?"
Maynard said, "We have no other choice."
"Fortunately, the Country Z government agreed to my request, but they have conditions."
"What conditions?"
"I'll agree to any conditions they have!"
"My wife and children are on the island. I can't let them die with me."
"The Country Z government has already collaborated with the M Country government to thoroughly investigate all industries related to 'Black Tempest'." Maynard lowered his head dejectedly. "I'm sorry. I took the liberty of agreeing to their conditions."
"Mr. Maynard, please don't think that way. Any condition is acceptable, as long as Country Z is willing to save us!"
"That's right! Mr. Maynard, don't feel sorry about this. Nothing is more important than our lives!"
"It's all the First World's fault! We are all victims!"
Maynard gave a bitter smile. "It's not that simple."
"They have more conditions?"
"What conditions?"
"From today onwards, 'Black Tempest' will be permanently shut down, never to be restarted. The Maynard family will act on behalf of all 'Black Tempest' members and hand over all affiliated industries to the governments of both countries."
"Wha... what?"
"All of the Maynard family's industries?"
"Mr. Maynard! How can we let you take the fall for us..."
"'Black Tempest' shut down, Maynard family assets handed over to the national governments... Mr. Maynard, you alone are bearing all the losses!"
"Mr. Maynard..."
Maynard's eyes grew exceptionally gentle, and he said softly, "This is the joint decision of myself and the Maynard family."
"In my view, 'Black Tempest' is one complete, large family. All of you are precious members of this family. The Maynard family and I genuinely consider you our kin. Therefore, for your safety, the Maynard family and I are willing to do this. It's merely starting over from scratch."
"Mr. Maynard, why would you..."
"It's not your fault, Mr. Maynard!"
"Thank you... thank you..."
"Mr. Maynard, you are our family forever! I will always love and revere you! Follow you!"
"Mr. Maynard is the kindest man in the world."
Maynard continued: "After the Black Tempest is suspended, the Maynard family will no longer participate in any matters related to black market dealings. From now on, the 'Black Tempest' ceases to exist. Once you leave Hake Island, everyone will have their own identities. No matter where you are, please do not identify yourselves as members of the 'Black Tempest' anymore."
"Mr. Maynard! Is this absolutely necessary?"
"The existence of the Black Tempest isn't just about conducting illegal transactions, it means more than that to us!"
"The Black Tempest cannot be dissolved! Mr. Maynard, please reconsider!"
"We could pretend to suspend it, and then you could just create the next 'Black Tempest'!"
Maynard's expression turned serious as he said, "This is a deal that purchases the lives of everyone in the 'Black Tempest.' Would you go back on your word in such a transaction? A merchant who acts in such a manner will never have allies."
"No matter what the 'Black Tempest' means to you, the Maynard family's original purpose in establishing it was to conduct illegal transactions. Things that operate outside the law will eventually fall into the abyss one day."
"Such things happen once, and they will happen again. If the Z government is unwilling to lend a hand, no one will escape death."
"You are right."
"Mr. Maynard, thank you. You are our guiding light."
"Mr. Maynard, after the 'Black Tempest' is suspended, will we still have a chance to meet you?"
Maynard said, "Do not seek to uncover the true faces behind each other's masks. I hope that one day we can remove our masks and stand before each other. After the 'Black Tempest' is suspended, I will destroy all member information."
"However, once the Z and M governments arrive on Hake Island, please cooperate with the investigation as much as possible. Do not complicate matters. Nothing is more important than preserving your lives."
It's likely that none of the guests invited to Hake Island are completely innocent. Since they chose to seek help from the military, they will inevitably pay a corresponding price. As for how and by whom this price is borne, that will be up to the guests themselves.
The complete confiscation of the Maynard family's enterprises is just one of the conditions for requesting the Z government's rescue.
They are all aware of this.
Yet, at this moment, they have no other choice.
"Mr. Maynard, let's toast to the 'Black Tempest' one last time!"
"A toast to the 'Black Tempest'!"
"A toast to Mr. Maynard!"
"A toast to the Maynard family!"
The performance by Maynard and Tong Yang was a complete success.
The "Black Tempest" was destined to be suspended, making all actions against black market dealings appear justified.
All blame was directed towards the First World.
This time, the operation by Tong Yang and her team was a great success.
"That almost moved me to tears," Tang Li remarked with emotion.
"You two, one playing the good cop and the other the bad cop, have truly mastered the art of division of labor and mutual benefit."
"Who would have thought, President Ye, a 21st-century PUA master, swindling them out of everything they have, only to have them thank you with tears of gratitude."
"Tsk tsk tsk! Whose heart could be blacker than yours?"
"You've played the 'going with the flow' card masterfully."
"These shrewd entrepreneurs being manipulated by you so effortlessly, it's simply... hard to watch."
"Boss, President Ye, all I can say is that the Oscars are missing a little golden statue for each of you. It fits your character settings perfectly—one a born villain, the other a born PUA master."
"Those people, even with ten brains, couldn't figure out the twists and turns within."
"Wu Pingxue and the others are already prepared."
Tong Yang ignored their teasing, lifting her head from her phone.
Ye Huai said, "Mm, we just need to re-edit the energy terminal before they die."
Xu Junyue sighed, "I hope it goes smoothly. Otherwise, before we finish editing, those people might succumb to the poison."
Tong Yang shook her head, "We need to wait for them to show symptoms of poisoning."
"Huh??" Xu Junyue looked completely puzzled. "Why?"
Tang Li stretched lazily, "Are you dense?"
"How would you know?"
Ye Huai explained, "Although we've stirred their emotions, before they actually experience the poisoning symptoms, some still won't believe it. So, it's best to return to the real world three or four hours after the symptoms appear."
Tang Li said, "During this time, they will not only be poisoned but also feel the full impact of the virus on their bodies."
"So that's why!" Xu Junyue nodded. "I thought it would be better to go out earlier."
"Let's go, to the Maynard villa."
To avoid drawing attention, they didn't go directly. Ye Huai and Ali Buckley went first, followed by Tong Yang, Xu Junyue, and Tang Li, and then He Jingjing (Sister) and A-World Chu Shiyu. The three groups headed to 1120, the Maynard villa, from different locations.
Tong Yang and the other two made their way through the woods. As they passed near where they had rested the previous night, they saw someone already waiting on the path.
"Sis, that man from the other day was also looking for you this morning," Xu Junyue whispered as a reminder.
The person appearing before them was precisely the man who had been intimate with Tang Li that day.
"Miss, I've been looking for you for a long time," the man said, looking at Tang Li.
Tang Li frowned and whispered, "Why is this guy sticking to me like a plaster?"
"My apologies, I actually understand Chinese."
Tang Li: "..."
She crossed her arms in front of her chest, impatiently asking, "What do you want with me?"
The man raised his hand to straighten his tie.
Tong Yang noticed there was no mark on the back of his hand.
This meant he was not a member of the "Black Tempest" or an accompanying guest.
Therefore, his identity could only be one thing.
"I seem to be having a hard time forgetting you," the man said. His slender fingers touched his mask and removed it, revealing a handsome, deep-featured face with blue pupils like an ocean.
"My name is Armand Brad. Now that I've shown my sincerity, may I have your name in exchange?"
Seeing the face beneath the mask, Tang Li's eyes visibly brightened for a moment.
"What would you do with it?" Tang Li asked.
Armand Brad smiled and said, "I admire a mature and beautiful lady like you. If possible, I'd like to do things adults should do with you. However, now is not the time."
Tang Li's expression remained unchanged as she continued, "And after we're done?"
"That would depend on your choice. If you are willing to be mine, I will treat you well."
"And if I'm not willing?"
"You will still be mine." Armand Brad lowered his gaze with a smile. "Though, I prefer you alive."
Tang Li seemed somewhat amused, a smile curling at the corner of her mouth as she sighed, "What a pity."
"A pity for what?"
"What a pity we're not on the same side. Though, I don't really care who you are. Having a face like that to play with in the real world would be enough for me."
The man pursed his lips. "Miss, if you say such things, I will get angry."
Tang Li chuckled, "To tell the truth."
Xu Junyue poked Tong Yang's shoulder and asked in a low voice, "Are they flirting?"
"Flirting?" Tong Yang raised an eyebrow, "Aren't they trying to kill each other?"
Xu Junyue: "?"
"What are you talking about?"
Tong Yang asked, "So, you helped us last night?"
The man lifted his eyelids slightly, "Just wanted to help this young lady with her troubles."
"So, you don't plan to make a move against us, Armand Brad?" Tang Li asked with a smile.
The man's eyes held a hint of amusement as he said, "Yes."
"I never planned to from the beginning."
Tang Li nodded and said to the two behind her, "Let's go."
The three of them walked forward, with Armand Brad standing in place watching them.
As they passed by each other, Tang Li hooked her arm around his shoulder and gently planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Tang Li."
She extended a slender finger, lifting Armand Brad's chin, "The next time we meet, it will be a fight to the death. Don't you dare hold back. I'm not as fragile as you think."
Armand Brad's eyes curved into a smile, "My dear Ms. Tang Li, I know you are strong. Next time, I will kill you."
"Farewell."
"Have a safe journey."
The three of them walked around Armand Brad and continued on their way. After putting some distance between them, they looked back. The man was still standing there, thoughtfully stroking his cheek.
"Those 'Forerunners' never intended to move against us from the start," Tong Yang said gravely.
Tang Li scoffed, "They're all a bunch of lunatics. They don't care how things develop; they even enjoy watching it unfold."
Tong Yang nodded, "We achieved our goal, and they were secretly fanning the flames from the shadows."
Xu Junyue clicked her tongue, "Are they insane?"
"Perhaps they aren't simply obeying the Parallel World's orders. That could be a good thing for us."
Tang Li said, "I hope they stay like this in the future. Each one is more troublesome than the last."
"If they could be like Wu Pingxue, then everything would be fine, but that's unlikely."
"You're right."
Xu Junyue thought for a moment and said, "The others might not have any particular aims, but Xu Siyuan is different."
"If she has any goal, it can only be you. Watch your back."
Tong Yang and Tang Li continued walking, but Xu Junyue suddenly paused, watching their retreating figures with a dazed expression.
"What are you doing?"
"Hurry up."
Xu Junyue snapped out of it and quickly caught up to them in a few strides.
"Boss, if I'm ever in danger and you can't save me, or if saving me would implicate you guys, then don't bother," Xu Junyue said.
Tong Yang shot her a sidelong glance, "Do you think I'd listen to you?"
Xu Junyue said seriously, "I mean it."
"You definitely can't defeat Xu Siyuan, and besides..." Xu Junyue's voice gradually trailed off.
"And besides what?" Tong Yang raised an eyebrow.
Xu Junyue mumbled for a long time without getting to the point, "Anyway, that's how it is, got it?"
"Fine, we won't save you," Tong Yang said dismissively.
Xu Junyue threw an arm around her shoulder, "No! You still have to save me under normal circumstances! I'm talking about when it's truly impossible!"
Tong Yang said lazily, "Got it."
"That's more like it."
The three of them walked on. Not far behind them, several figures appeared soundlessly.
"Tong Yang? You just let them go like that?" Xu Siyuan crouched on a rock, looking displeased.
Armand Brad said, "Tong Yang has no intention of interfering in this matter, and neither do I."
Ye Huai covered his chest, feeling the beat of his heart, "No need to make a move. Something interesting shouldn't end too soon."
"No intention of interfering? You even told them about the Energy Terminal."
"Even if I hadn't said anything, that Ye Huai should have guessed. He saw it back in the First District."
"Boring! No fun!"
Armand Brad glanced at her, "Don't the Officers have special privileges? The Energy Terminal's rule protocols don't apply to you. You can do whatever you want; no one will stop you."
"Forerunners" who have been injected with the premium gene serum are Officers.
Xu Siyuan jumped down from the rock. Her irises had already changed from jade green to brown.
"You guys go ahead. The eye she can still use looks pretty good. I'll take it."
"As you wish."!
