Worldwide Awakening: My Soul Kinds Are Lost-Chapter 530: Gather Together, The First Clash of Two Individuals at the Pinnacle of Martial Power_1
"How can this wretched peasant be so ungrateful?" The Grand Secretary looked at the encampment outside the Capital with an involuntary scowl, his expression dark.
They even dared to feign an attack from the east to strike west. He originally thought they wanted to expand their territory but never expected they would come straight for the Capital. He had no time to respond.
What’s more, they dared to seize some of the human offerings. This risked a shortage for the upcoming sacrifice to the Heavenly Luo Million Paths Dog Deity, which would be disastrous.
"Let’s not discuss the Rebel Army for now. Li Qinglian entered the Capital yesterday. After several Demon Gods fell, only a Qinglian Seal was found at the scene," spoke the Minister, his tone rigid.
This was a grand event for the Demon Gods, naturally attracting many Demon Gods and Temple Masters hoping to share in the spoils of this grand ceremony of millions.
Who would have thought they would become prey themselves?
"It’s not just Li Qinglian; something else has slipped in as well." The Ministry of Punishments lowered his eyelids, his tone chilling.
This grand ceremony of millions had drawn out so many deeply hidden elements that it sent shivers down his spine. He had no idea how to resolve the situation.
Moreover, many Demon Gods were not content to remain peaceful—they were stirring up trouble, aiming to usurp the Heavenly Luo Million Paths Dog Deity and elevate themselves to supreme godhood.
Everyone was aware of their intentions but chose to maintain the pretense, to preserve a superficial harmony, lest everything be irreparable if the facade shattered.
"Increase patrols within the city. Let the Imperial Guard deal with the Rebel Army outside. Also, notify the Royal Family to contribute. Those secretive people are undoubtedly problematic; perhaps they are even backed by some Demon God." As a Temple Master, the Grand Secretary naturally sensed something strange about the Royal Family.
He had investigated before but to no avail, eventually having to give up.
Now that the situation was so dire, he refused to believe the Royal Family would continue to hide whatever they were concealing unless they wished for mutual destruction.
Otherwise, they would definitely lend a hand.
"Yes, I’ll see to it right away!" An official nearby quickly began to act according to protocol.
As for Li Qinglian, he was certainly not someone they could handle. When he struck, his sword light flashed so brilliantly that his victims were beheaded before they could even react.
Furthermore, he was unfazed by numbers, agile, and cunning. Once targeted by him, death was certain.
It was fortunate he was targeting Demon Gods now. If he ever turned his attention to them, they would be utterly doomed.
Thus, they could only intensify patrols within the city.
"Is there anything else?" The Grand Secretary massaged his temples. If he weren’t the Temple Master of the Heavenly Luo Million Paths Dog Deity, he would leave the Capital immediately.
He had a persistent feeling that something major was about to happen.
"Yes. Gunpowder from the Human Association has been found in many places."
Hearing this, the Grand Secretary was shocked. What was going on? How could there be gunpowder? He certainly knew its power and had no desire to experience it firsthand.
"What is happening? Aren’t there round-the-clock patrols and numerous safeguards in the city? How did those thieves from the Human Association infiltrate? Besides, wasn’t the Human Association already disbanded?" The Grand Secretary’s questions came like a barrage, rendering the reporting official speechless.
"We don’t know yet, but we can confirm it most likely involved the aid of some Temple Masters," he quickly responded.
Most who became Temple Masters for Demon Gods weren’t good people, so bribing them was simple. If the price was right, helping to bring in some items was all too easy.
Besides human sacrifices, Temple Masters were the most numerous group in the Capital.
"Strengthen supervision, locate these Temple Masters, and have the Court issue official inquiries." The Grand Secretary had no intention of using his status as the Temple Master of the Heavenly Luo Million Paths Dog Deity to handle this. Letting the Court manage it was sufficient. After all, if trouble arose, the Court would bear the responsibility, not him personally.
He also wanted to stop it, but such things were unstoppable. With so many Temple Masters, how could he possibly control them all? Besides, many wouldn’t even listen to him. Temple Masters only needed to be responsible to the Demon Gods they worshipped. Even though he was the Grand Secretary, his official position was useless against other Temple Masters.
His status as a Temple Master was the only thing that held any sway. Yet, since they were all Temple Masters, what gave him the right to be above them and issue orders? Such actions would only make him a target.
There was nothing more he could do. Since he couldn’t control the Temple Masters or restrict them, he could only reinforce management.
Since he couldn’t exert control externally, he had to compensate by being more stringent internally.
"Yes, Grand Secretary." The official who answered was calm. He had anticipated this outcome. Without the involvement of Temple Masters, they could have conducted a thorough investigation. But now, it was essentially over at this point. All they could do was be more cautious and try to discover the gunpowder sooner.
After further discussion, the group dispersed.
Meanwhile, Li Qinglian was hiding in the rafters, listening intently.
The simulation has progressed to this point, and with all the various changes, the convenience brought by my numerous prior insights has almost vanished. But I don’t need it anymore. My renown as the God-slaying True Monarch has already spread throughout Great Heng. This Heroic Spirit will undoubtedly be of Unparalleled Quality.
However, to exit the simulation, I still need to live out this life completely. And I feel that even in death, I can’t die unknown. At the very least, it must be world-shaking.
He had also figured out the timing of their meetings, so he would hide here and eavesdrop whenever they convened, allowing him to grasp the Court’s movements.
As for the Demon Gods’ movements, there was no way to track them. They were inherently chaotic, each belonging to different factions. Monitoring all of them was impossible unless he could watch every single Demon God, which was meaningless. Focusing on the Court was a better choice.
Normally, he would have left by now. But today, he sensed something amiss. It felt as if someone else was nearby, eavesdropping just like him.
No, in my perception, that’s not a human. It’s some kind of beast, lying in ambush, having concealed its aura and killing intent.
"Friend over there, why don’t you show yourself?" Li Qinglian spoke first.
However, instead of a response, he was met with an attack carried by a vicious gust of wind.
Fortunately, Li Qinglian was prepared. The instant the attack came, he drew a sword with a Qinglian engraving to block it.
But before he could clearly see what had attacked him, the assailant melted back into the darkness, vanishing without a trace in the next moment.
The exchange was brief, lasting only a single move, yet Li Qinglian’s expression turned unprecedentedly grave.
Theoretically, with my God-eating Spirit Body having reached Fulfillment, no one should be my match. Yet, I’ve just encountered one.
Another God-eating Spirit Body?
No, impossible! Even if they possess a God-eating Spirit Body, they wouldn’t have the techniques to develop it!
So, there must be some other possibility.
Though puzzled, Li Qinglian didn’t give chase. He had other matters to attend to. As long as this individual was willing to oppose the Demon Gods and the Court, they were on the same side. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺
There was no need for conflict between them.
Silently leaving the rafters, he glided through the air like a large bird, eventually landing in a deserted alley. He then merged into the crowd, completely unnoticed by anyone—except Wang Linchi.
So, they’ve already met and clashed. Wang Linchi’s figure slowly materialized. Two sets of marks remained on the rafter: one was the claw prints left by Meatball when it exerted force, and the other was clearly the sword mark made when Li Qinglian drew his sword to parry.
He’s a bit beyond the standard parameters. Wang Linchi mused. The "beyond the standard parameters" he referred to wasn’t Meatball. Given its extraordinary origins, its strength was expected. Li Qinglian, however, was different. He was still human, and his so-called God-eating Spirit Body had theoretically reached its limit; its upper threshold was fixed.
Yet, he had fought Meatball to a standstill. This clearly showed how different he was.
But it’s not a huge deal. Nine Extremes, after all, managed to slay gods as a mortal. It’s not entirely out of the question for him to be a bit beyond the parameters himself.
Wang Linchi wasn’t particularly surprised.
Unfortunately, both Meatball and Nine Extremes have nearly exhausted their value. I hope these two can still give me a bit of a surprise. The reason Wang Linchi wasn’t intervening was to see how much hidden potential Meatball could force out of Nine Extremes—Li Qinglian—to provide him with additional data.
If it didn’t work out, so be it. Wang Linchi could wait for the next Nine Extremes.
Meatball, naturally, would be used as enhancement material for his game character. Dead or alive, Meatball still had final utility. Unlike Li Qinglian, who truly didn’t have much left.
