CHAPTER 143: CHAPTER 143: CRISIS-LADEN EAST RING (ADDED FOR THE LEAGUE LEADER WHO GOT ANGRY)

After Lu Luo’s sparring session with Lu Shan ended, Qiao Xing took to the podium.

After all, as the swordsmanship instructor and the Archbishop of the East Ring, he had to say a few words to summarize this year’s swordsmanship course.

"Okay, your one-month East Ring swordsmanship instruction has come to an end. In this past month, you should have learned quite a few things. The materials taught probably belonged to the advanced section of the Church’s Holy Radiance Cross Swordsmanship, and each of you must have gained some insights, right?"

The students nodded in agreement below; Qiao Xing’s skill was unquestionable.

"Don’t thank me too much; each year, a group of people like you come here, and it’s just my job. Plus, don’t dwell on these things. My requirement for you has always been understanding, not imitation. Learning is about making your journey less tortuous, not dictating your future path. The future ahead may not necessarily be the one I have walked. Swordsmanship is different for everyone; each person’s enlightenment is unique. So, pack up your things, roll up your bedding, and off you go."

"Yes, Teacher!" they responded in unison.

The swordsmanship course was over. As they looked at the old swordsmanship Training Ground in the Fourth Ring district, many felt sentimental.

Among those feeling nostalgic was Lu Luo, who wanted to say farewell to Qiao Xing. After all, Qiao Xing had been giving him private lessons every night for the past month, fulfilling the duty of a true master.

But before Lu Luo could leave, Lu Yang specifically sought him out, seeming to have something to say. He patted Lu Luo on the shoulder and began to praise him.

"Xiao Luo, you are very powerful now; even I am no match for you."

"Big brother, you don’t need to praise me so much; it’ll make me proud."

"Heh, you rascal. So, what are your plans next? Hmm, regarding your future development."

"Talking about the future feels a bit too distant for me, but for the near term, I’m thinking of going outside the Outer Wall to practice for a while."

Lu Yang seemed to hesitate. Lu Luo, two years his junior, already possessed a talent worthy of top-tier forces’ recruitment. As Lu Luo’s elder brother, shouldn’t he take his brother’s future prospects seriously?

"Xiao Luo, beyond the Wall is a very dangerous place. Actually, the Alliance has many good directions for development; outside the Wall might not be the best choice."

"Big brother, I know it’s dangerous outside the Wall, but I still have to go."

Hearing that Lu Luo was insistent on going outside the Wall, Lu Yang didn’t quite understand. He felt that Lu Luo hadn’t grasped what being outside the Wall meant.

"No, you still don’t understand. Even for high-order Transcendents, there is the risk of falling outside the Wall. Although many areas are marked with danger levels, if an Exotic Species of a super grade emerges, our limited strength simply won’t be able to react in time. Just like the one that appeared in Zone C13 not long ago, the Nightmare Demon called Black Horse—if we encounter one, even someone as powerful as Mr. Qiao Xing would be in danger. Xiao Luo, you’re only 20 years old. With your current talent and abilities, even if you went to the Inner Ring, you’d be among the top geniuses. Countless factions would throw olive branches at you, and you could join any of these groups at will. Moreover, the Multiplication factor of Dark Energy in the Inner Ring is the same as outside the Wall, and it’s much safer and more stable. Resources, wealth, status, women—whatever you want, you can easily obtain in the Inner Ring. I am your big brother, and I won’t harm you. Trusting me is absolutely the right choice. For a Transcendent, life inside the Wall is truly much better than life outside."

Lu Yang meant well, but he didn’t understand the significance of being outside the Wall to Lu Luo. Not to mention anything else, there was one reason he simply couldn’t develop in the Inner Ring—there are no Exotic Species there. He needs to devour Exotic Species, many of them, more and more. He needs Exotic Species to enhance his own attributes and needs Sequence Value to strengthen his Sequence. Therefore, he must frequently venture outside the Wall, and before he is powerful enough, the Fourth Ring will be his best hiding place.

"Big brother, I understand what you’re saying, but I’ve decided to stay in the Fourth Ring. I’ve always had a natural longing for what lies beyond the Wall. Do you remember what I said during the speech? I want to expand my own boundaries. I don’t want to be controlled by others, so I yearn for life beyond the Wall."

Lu Yang was silent for a while. For countless Transcendents, heading to the Inner Ring was the path of their dreams because the Inner Ring meant stability and safety. Everyone wants to live such a settled life. Even in cultivation, isn’t it better to grow strong steadily rather than being on tenterhooks outside the Wall?

"Are there any other reasons? That reason isn’t very convincing!"

"Restoring the glory of the Fourth Ring is our inescapable duty."

Your big brother is clearly convinced by your act.

Looking at the determined Lu Luo, Lu Yang was both surprised and taken aback. Of course, he was also somewhat shocked. Perhaps it’s people like Lu Luo who truly have courage.

"Er! Okay then, you’re not a child anymore, and you can make many decisions for yourself. If you’re in the Fourth Ring, take some time to look after Lu Yu. Even though we’re not biological siblings, our relationship will never change."

"Don’t worry, big brother, I’ll take good care of our little sister."

I’m practically the boss of a company now, after all, Lu Luo mused. I can find a cushy job for my sister. Or maybe even arrange for her to become a civil servant in the Wasteland Security Bureau. All feasible, minor things.

Lu Yang glanced at Qi Xinzhu, who was standing behind Lu Luo. Although she kept some distance, it was clear she was waiting for Lu Luo.

Ever since Lu Luo brought his girlfriend home that night, their relationship seemed to have become a bit odd, Lu Yang thought. This guy... he wouldn’t have forced himself on the girl, would he? That would be too much. As a big brother, he had to say something.

Lu Yang put his arm around Lu Luo and lowered his voice.

"Lu Luo, it’s not that I want to scold you, but I’ve been there too. I’ve been through the Inner Ring, had a few women. In a relationship between boyfriend and girlfriend, you’ve got to progress slowly. No more resorting to force in the future; it’s despicable, really. Look at your little girlfriend; she clearly likes you a lot. Don’t hurt her. All right, enough talk from me. Everyone has dreams, and their own ways to shine. Big brother is leaving. Take good care of her, ah!"

Lu Luo: "???"

What’s going on here? What did I force?

...

After the brothers parted, Lu Luo headed over to Qiao Xing’s house.

Qi Xinzhu silently followed behind him, maintaining this silent demeanor for over twenty days.

Lu Luo felt it was necessary to talk to Qi Xinzhu about what would come next. As they walked, he said, "I’m planning to make a trip outside the Wall."

"Ah? Um."

Qi Xinzhu was momentarily taken aback but quickly nodded. It was evident she had been distracted.

"If you’re troubled, you can stay inside the Wall to rest for a while, to settle your thoughts, and to adjust your state of mind. This time, don’t follow me."

Lu Luo truly meant it. He felt that Qi Xinzhu, who seemed to be somewhat absent-minded every day, was not suited to accompany him outside the Wall. On this trip outside the Wall, he might even venture into a Third Tier high-risk zone. Without sufficient concentration and vigilance, going there would be tantamount to courting death.

"No, I must go. I need to follow you."

Qi Xinzhu’s voice suddenly became a bit louder, and her reaction a bit more intense, causing other people in the district to look over at them.

Is this a ’love ’em and leave ’em’ situation? Such incidents have been quite frequent recently. Hey, isn’t that Believer of Light Qi Xinzhu and Lu Luo? Time for some gossip!

Realizing that her reaction had been a bit excessive, Qi Xinzhu lowered her head, then said in a softer tone, "I will maintain a good state of mind. My combat ability is very strong. My skills as a Healer or my Illusion ability can provide you with great assistance. So, if you need to go outside the Wall, I will be an indispensable asset."

Qi Xinzhu’s voice became more composed, which surprised Lu Luo somewhat. However, it was also a relief to see her regain her sanity. A rational Qi Xinzhu was indeed what he needed.

"Fine, then we’ll go together."

"Hmm, alright." Qi Xinzhu seemed a bit happy but then, seeming to think she shouldn’t be so pleased, she lowered her head again.

The two arrived at Qiao Xing’s home, where Li Lan had already prepared dinner for them. Bai Yuetong hadn’t returned, so there were only four adults and one child eating.

Sitting at the dinner table, after hesitating for a while, Lu Luo finally spoke up.

"Lord Qiao Xing, we’ve come to say goodbye."

"Have you developed a terminal illness?"

Can you talk like a normal person? Lu Luo thought. Well, Qiao Xing is still the same.

"No."

"Since you haven’t developed a terminal illness, and we’re all here in the Fourth Ring’s East Ring, why say farewell?"

Lu Luo was left speechless by the rebuttal. It seemed like Qiao Xing had a point, but he was still irritated inside. Why was this person so annoying?

"I’m planning to spend some time outside the Wall; that’s why I’ve come to say goodbye."

"Outside the Wall?" Before Qiao Xing could reply, Li Lan was the first to express her surprise.

"Lu Luo, the area outside the Wall is very dangerous. You’re so young; why go to such a place outside the Wall when there are better options?"

From Li Lan’s tone, Lu Luo’s intention to go outside the Wall seemed as outrageous as a husband announcing he was going out for a fancy seafood dinner right in front of his wife—utterly preposterous.

Not just Li Lan, but Qiao Xiao Mi also gazed anxiously at Lu Luo.

"Big Brother Lu Luo, if you die outside the Wall, there won’t be anyone to tell me the story of Journey to the West."

Damn,

Lu Luo thought. Why does Qiao Xiao Mi always talk as if I’m going to die out there? Is this whole family so harsh?

Compared to the mother and daughter, Qiao Xing’s reaction was the most normal.

He picked up his new glass, slowly nodding his head, as if contemplating the feasibility of Lu Luo going outside the Wall. As for why it was a new glass, that’s because the old one had been broken by Qiao Xiao Mi.

"If you want to go outside the Wall, you could head to the Southern Ring, Northern Ring, or even the Western Ring. Just avoid leaving from the East Ring for now."

Lu Luo’s expression turned grim. Qiao Xing, as the Archbishop of the East Ring, certainly had access to Church-exclusive intelligence channels. If he was saying this, it must mean that the current danger level outside the East Ring’s Wall was exceedingly high.

"Is it because of that Eighth Order animal, the Nightmare Demon?"

Qiao Xing took another sip of his tea and slowly nodded his head.

"Yes, the emergence of the Nightmare Demon has brought significant volatility and activity to the original Zone C13. Many Exotic Species have undergone new mutations, and the Inner Ring has re-evaluated the danger level of Zone C13. It has been definitively assessed as Grade S, and it remains to be seen whether an investigation team will be dispatched to conduct a survey of Zone C13. However, with the presence of Eighth Order Exotic Species, such an investigation would be almost meaningless, amounting to a death sentence. A catastrophe is a catastrophe, not something a few people or even a few teams can handle."

This information allowed Lu Luo to avoid the risks outside the East Ring’s Wall in advance, but it also confirmed that he could no longer go to the Maternal Marsh in Zone C13.

"Mr. Qiao Xing, since Zone C13 is so dangerous now, why hasn’t the Church issued a warning?"

"Why issue a warning?"

"If there’s no warning, those Scavengers, mercenaries, and even Hunters will still go out, won’t they? People will die, right?"

Qiao Xing nodded as if it were a matter of course.

"Yes, Scavengers need to survive, mercenaries have missions to earn money, Hunters go outside the Wall to train. Do you think imposing martial law would stop them from going out? Their living expenses and energy consumption—would you cover those? Moreover, as long as there are people going outside the Wall, there will naturally be those who come back alive; it’s impossible for everyone to die. The living will bring back the latest information from outside the Wall, and this information is also something the Church and the Council need. So, if they can continuously bring new information, then why impose martial law in the East Ring?"

You make so much sense, I’m actually speechless.

The Inner Ring’s disregard for the lives of people in the Fourth Ring was not an isolated incident, and Lu Luo wasn’t surprised.

"Alright, I will keep in mind Mr. Qiao Xing’s reminder and will choose another area when the time comes. The Nightmare Demon appeared in the central area of Zone C13. Does that mean the other two areas in the north and south of the East Ring are also dangerous?"

"The division of areas outside the Wall is determined by the Circular energy barricades and the territories of Lord-level Exotic Species," Qiao Xing explained. "Once Exotic Species truly reach the Lord level, the Circular energy barricades can no longer restrict them. What truly keeps Lord-level Exotic Species mutually in check are their established territories. However, Eighth Order Exotic Species are different. Eighth Order signifies the apex for Exotic Species. Under normal circumstances, nothing can stop their movements. Although the Nightmare Demon appeared in Zone C13, as long as it wishes, it can freely enter other areas. Therefore, to be safe, the other two adjacent areas of the East Ring will also be listed as danger zones."

Qiao Xing’s explanation undoubtedly greatly expanded Lu Luo’s understanding of high-order Exotic Species, and he nodded while eating his meal.

"Alright! I understand."

"When are you planning to leave?"

"It should be very soon. I need to sort out my equipment in the next couple of days, and my weapon is gone; I’ll need a new weapon."

When Lu Luo said this, he stared straight at Qiao Xing, the implication quite clear. Your outstanding disciple doesn’t even have a sword. As his teacher, shouldn’t you gift a hero a precious sword or something?

But even after the meal was finished and Qiao Xing sent Lu Luo away, he still hadn’t received a sword from Qiao Xing.

In the evening, Qiao Xing stood at the window watching Lu Luo leave, and curled his lip.

That’s it? Not a single practical action, and he still wants my sword?

Li Lan, who was tidying up clothes, looked on disdainfully.

"The swords in the storage room are growing moldy. What does it matter if you give him one?"

"That’s a woman’s shortsighted view! Those are my trophies, symbols of my personal honor. How could I just give them away? If he wants one, he should go and seize one himself!"