Merging with Demon Spirits-Chapter 362 - 269: Apostle Mission

"Heard of it, but don’t know much." Lin Feng said.

The Pure Land is recognized as the world’s number one organization, attracting global attention, yet it remains quite mysterious.

When it was formed, who founded it, and where its base is located are all unknowns.

Of the Twelve Celestial Kings, only six identities are known, and the other six remain a mystery, with the organization rarely appearing in public.

But whenever they do appear, it’s earth-shattering news.

In a previous life, even though Lin Feng had become an Eighth Grade Martial Arts Grandmaster, he didn’t even qualify to be a guard for the Pure Land. So it’s not strange he knows little about the Apostles.

Seeing Lin Feng’s puzzled expression, Bu Zheng explained: "The Pure Land has Twelve Celestial Kings, each king can have two Apostles.

The identity of an Apostle is equivalent to the subordinates and spokespersons of the Celestial King, assisting the Celestial King in handling matters. After all, not every trivial matter can have an Emperor personally appear.

In the Pure Land, an Apostle’s status is second only to the Celestial Kings. If a Celestial King falls, the Apostle has a chance to take the Celestial King’s place, and one third of the Pure Land’s Twelve Celestial Kings ascended in such a manner."

"Able to replace one of the Twelve Celestial Kings?"

Lin Feng’s eyes lit up: "So does that mean an Apostle’s strength is at least King level, possibly even Emperor level?"

Bu Zheng shook his head: "You could say that, but it’s not absolute.

Currently, among the 24 Apostles, those who have broken through to the King level should not exceed 15, but each Apostle has special abilities or trump cards. Never judge their strength by their realm; an Apostle with just Grandmaster level power can easily kill a Martial King, such instances aren’t rare.

Apostles all have combat strength comparable to King levels, though there are exceptions!"

"Exceptions?"

Bu Zheng said: "For Demon Fiends that are invincible at the Same Tier, even if their realm and strength haven’t reached King level, they have the chance to become Apostles. Of course, their strength can’t be too weak; it should at least be comparable to a Ninth Grade Martial Artist."

"What does this have to do with me?"

Lin Feng asked, though he vaguely guessed the answer.

The Pure Land had always been his goal.

As it gathers the world’s top combat power and talent in scientific research, joining it would surely boost one’s prowess rapidly; and more importantly, one could gain some scientific advancements.

The crisis of Nightmare might find a solution there.

But in Lin Feng’s plans, that was something for after becoming at least King level, now seemed premature.

Bu Zheng continued: "Among the Twelve Celestial Kings, two are from Hua Country, one is Celestial King Ye, and the other is Celestial King Hai. Celestial King Ye has a volatile temperament while Celestial King Hai has good relations with the higher-ups. One of his Apostles has fallen, leaving a vacancy, and no one has filled it yet. Someone recommended you."

"How did they fall? Who recommended me? What is their purpose?"

Lin Feng asked, one after another.

Lin Feng’s calm demeanor surprised Bu Zheng. Normally, hearing the opportunity to join the Pure Land would leave one ecstatic or fearful, but rarely so composed, evaluating the situation from another perspective.

"I don’t know how they fell.

The Pure Land’s missions are confidential, and while one’s strength can enhance rapidly there, the mortality rate is also high. It could be a mission, or infighting between Apostles, as for who recommended you, you needn’t know. It’s not harmful to you; this indeed is an excellent opportunity, but whether you’re willing to compete for it is your own choice."

Bu Zheng stated.

There were additional circumstances he didn’t disclose to Lin Feng.

For Lin Feng to compete for the Apostle position, just the slot is extremely valuable, and it’s not just talent and strength that’s required; loyalty is also tested.

Many geniuses joined the Pure Land, became Apostles, and then totally cut ties with their country.

Such individuals are of zero value to the higher-ups, possibly even harming the nation’s interests in the future.

The nation allowing Lin Feng to join the Pure Land naturally hopes Lin Feng can gain a Celestial King seat in the future. By then, there would be another powerful figure, and it might sway the direction of the Pure Land.

Aside from his demonic talent and blockading an entire city’s feat, Lin Feng’s growth experience played a significant role.

Lin Feng’s identity as an illegitimate child is no secret among the higher-ups.

The strength of the Yang Family among the Ten Great Clans of Shangjing is beyond doubt.

Faced with an olive branch from the family, Lin Feng, without any power support, chose to refuse it. To some extent, this proves Lin Feng’s pride and internal resolve.

This is quite an advantage in the eyes of the higher-ups.

Sometimes, persistence matters more than talent.

"Compete?"

Lin Feng frowned slightly; does he actually need to compete?

"Yes, don’t underestimate the Apostles. An Apostle is a title, not just a subordinate of a Celestial King. Even the Celestial Kings cannot dispose of their Apostles as they please.

The Pure Land has unique training plans and benefits for Apostles. Those Apostles who become Emperors frequently have contact with Emperors, and even a casual pointer also provides immense benefit. Many people are eyeing the position; but ultimately, only five can compete for the slot. It’s not unique for someone like you to be invincible at the Same Tier. Some possess special abilities even comparable to Kings. Your talent might be excellent, but your strength doesn’t hold an advantage and might even be the weakest!"

"The Apostle assessment is cruel. An organization like the Pure Land does not follow conventional logic — sometimes to the point of extremity, and elimination can mean death. There are countless such examples."

"The assessment will likely be in half a year, but no specifics are known yet; only one slot remains. If you agree, by then, there’ll be no turning back."

Lin Feng pondered for a moment, then nodded: "I agree."

"You can think it over for a couple of days; there’s no rush to give an answer."

Bu Zheng advised.

Becoming an Apostle undoubtedly holds many benefits, but the danger is immense. Lin Feng, though possessing monstrous talent, faces contestants with superior strength, even near King level.

As always, if a genius falls, they become nothing.

Of course, high risk yields high rewards, and should he become an Apostle, Lin Feng’s power would soar rapidly.

"No need to consider, I agree." Lin Feng stated directly.

In half a year, his strength should also near King level, and with Nightmare as his trump card, he won’t have to worry.

Upon seeing Lin Feng’s determination, although Bu Zheng felt a bit uneasy, he said no more.

After talking a bit about Space Rings, Lin Feng soon returned to his room.

The news about sealing off an entire door and massacring a city was still fermenting, and the sky-high bounty attracted numerous assassins. Even Bu Zheng advised Lin Feng to keep a low profile these days.

While Bu Zheng conveyed that Lin Feng agreed to compete for the Apostle slot, outside Shangjing Base City, a young man in his mid-twenties was pursuing a three-meter-long pitch-black leopard.

The leopard, crowned with a single horn, was indeed the Ninth Grade Shadow-Hunting Leopard.

The Shadow-Hunting Leopard, dubbed a death dealer, was now fleeing like a stray dog while the man behind it lightly tapped his toes against the ground, gliding tens of meters through the air, unhurriedly following behind the Shadow-Hunting Leopard.

"Buzz."

At this moment, the young man slightly frowned, feeling his phone vibrate mildly in his pocket. However, he didn’t stop; he appeared before the Shadow-Hunting Leopard in an instant, extending his hand slowly.

Boom!

With a muffled sound, the Shadow-Hunting Leopard’s body sank violently with a muted roar but quickly twisted into a ball as the young man turned his right hand, accompanied by the sound of shattering bones and hissing, becoming a massive bloody meatball.

Only then did the youth take his phone out. It was a text message comprising merely eight words: "Apostle Mission: Kill Lin Feng."

The young man put away his phone, frowning slightly.

He knew who Lin Feng was!

He’s the super-genius who killed Hai Wei and Tian Qing, forcing the Alien Race to lock down Jade Seal City.

He also knew Lin Feng was one of the candidates for this slot, but never expected that he was not only a candidate but also the mission’s target.

No doubt it’s just like the Pure Land Organization, not playing by conventional rules.

It’s not just this youth; three others received the message simultaneously, one of whom was in the lobby of Lin Feng’s hotel.

She was a woman in her early thirties, with characteristic almond-shaped face, light eyebrows, dressed in a pale pink gown, her long lithe legs bare; her glossy hair was like cascading ink. Her elegant demeanor and speech, every smile or frown revealing a naturally noble aura, captivating the attention of many men.

Beside her sat a middle-aged man in a suit, appearing high in status, with people occasionally approaching to greet him, fawning and respectful in their manner.

"Yulin, I dreamt about you last night." The middle-aged man said leisurely to the woman.

"What did you dream?"

"Dreamt of us getting married, and then..."

At that moment, the woman’s phone rang, the special ringtone causing her expression to change slightly before quickly returning to normal.

"Let me check a message."

She said, taking the phone from her purse, soon displaying a playful curve at her lips.