Chapter 283: Chapter 226: An Immortal’s Abode Forged by Heaven and Earth (Middle)

Yi Beidou’s sudden disappearance was something the Japanese people had grown somewhat accustomed to, sparking only a certain degree of discussion. For Japan’s top leaders, however, it brought immense panic.

Including Japan’s number one figure, all the main high-level officials of the Japanese cabinet temporarily put aside their work and gathered at a military base in Tokyo.

Beneath this military base was an underground fortification that could be called a "doomsday fortress." It was built to guard against a full-scale nuclear strike from hostile nations, or even the end of the world, and could be described as impregnable.

The base’s steel doors, at least a meter thick, descended, capable of sealing off all incursions for an extended period.

Not even a Saint Expert could smash through the gates or dig through the ground in a short amount of time, making it an absolutely secure area.

It wasn’t just the key figures in Japan’s government; it was said that even the Japanese Imperial Family had hidden away in a secret bunker the moment they received the news, not daring to show their faces.

The terrifying power and fierce attitude Yi Beidou had displayed had already turned them into frightened birds.

The upper echelons of society always cherish their lives. None of them wanted to suffer the same miserable fate as Tensun and those commanders from the Military Department.

It was hard to imagine the leaders of a developed nation, the former hegemon of East Asia, acting in such a manner. Their reaction was almost comparable to facing a full-scale attack from another country.

In fact, in the eyes of these leaders, Yi Beidou’s threat was no different from a nuclear strike.

In a nuclear strike, they would most likely die. If Yi Beidou attacked, they would also very likely die.

Therefore, Yi Beidou equaled a nuclear bomb.

As for everyone else, they weren’t part of the consideration.

Inside the secret bunker’s conference room.

Japan’s top leaders were all gathered, and the atmosphere was somewhat oppressive.

"Sir, is there still no news of Yi Beidou? We can’t let him continue to roam freely. At the very least, we must resolve his hostility toward us. Otherwise, forget Tokyo—the entire country will grind to a halt!" someone said in a low voice.

"If it were so easy to find Yi Beidou’s tracks, would we be this helpless? But don’t worry. All of you stay here for two days, and the matter should be resolved."

"By then, a photograph of Yi Beidou’s head will be displayed at the press conference, and all this chaos will vanish like smoke."

Japan’s number one, however, had the calmest expression of them all.

"What kind of strategy have you come up with, Sir?" someone asked, finding this strange.

There were many things that even high-level figures like them couldn’t know in depth. Only those who reached the very pinnacle of the country’s power could come into contact with the hidden truths.

"Me? You all think too highly of me. He simply provoked an existence he shouldn’t have. The world isn’t as simple as you imagine."

Japan’s number one smiled and shook his head. He gestured to an aide by his side, who immediately understood. The aide left the conference room, and soon, service staff entered pushing a cart. They placed fragrant matcha tea and exquisite pastries in front of the assembled leaders.

"Everyone, just treat this as a rare vacation and enjoy the leisure time."

For a moment, the various high-ranking officials could only look at each other in bewilderment.

「Meanwhile.」

「The eastern coastline of Tokyo.」

Yi Beidou, Cheng Zhihong, and Yuna stood at the edge of the beach, gazing into the distance. 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

"Let’s head in this direction," Yi Beidou said. "The opponent’s location seems to be an island, but in my senses, the target is moving slowly."

This was a rather incredible sign. If it were a real island, its position would be fixed, necessarily connected to the seabed and the continental shelf.

In the ocean, there was only one type of sufficiently massive island that could float: an iceberg.

But clearly, given the temperature of these waters, it was impossible for an iceberg to exist for long.

"It seems the rumors are true," Cheng Zhihong said in a low voice. "The Secret Realm controlled by the Alchemists must be one of the legendary Three Immortal Mountains Overseas, Penglai Immortal Island."

Back then, the Alchemist Xu Fu set sail under the First Emperor’s orders, precisely to journey to the Three Immortal Mountains Overseas in search of the Elixir of Immortality.

"According to legend, there were originally three Overseas Immortal Mountains: Penglai, Fangzhang, and Yingzhou," Yuna said softly. "Later, the islands of Fangzhang and Yingzhou sank into the sea for unknown reasons, leaving only Penglai. The Three Immortal Mountains Overseas are very special and difficult to find. One reason is that they are shrouded in a unique magnetic field that blocks and isolates all senses. The other is that the Three Immortal Mountains are not fixed islands, but existences that move continuously with the ocean currents."

"The Overseas Immortal Mountains really exist?" Yi Beidou asked.

"We’ve said it before: many legends aren’t just legends. This is also from some ancient records we saw within our organization," Yuna explained.

"The Three Immortal Mountains Overseas could be strange creations of heaven and earth, but they could also be unknown ancient ruins. We don’t know what miraculous properties they might possess. If it truly is ’Penglai,’ I’m afraid it might not be a good thing for us. Mr. Yi, if things go wrong, please reconsider and plan for the long term."

Cheng Zhihong’s expression was tinged with worry.

"Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing. There’s no time to lose. Let’s go."

Yi Beidou nodded. Then, with a light tap of his foot, his figure leaped high into the air, landed on the surface of the sea, and began to race toward the horizon.

Seeing this, Cheng Zhihong and Yuna exchanged a look, their expressions heavy as they gave a slight nod.

This journey had unexpectedly involved a legendary ruin like the Three Immortal Mountains Overseas. Whether it would bring fortune or disaster, life or death, was now impossible to predict.