CHAPTER 404: CHAPTER 404: ENVOY OF THE WORLD DEVOURER - KANE

Hmm? Sola was about to retort, but her instincts cautioned her it would be better not to argue at this time. The fact that this person could arrive at her side without a sound meant they could just as easily kill her silently, almost without a trace. So, I shouldn’t argue. Their strength must be incredible! Very dangerous, definitely a dangerous individual.

"Sorry, it was rude of me to laugh just now," she said.

Sola turned to look at the owner of the voice. When she saw Lu Luo for the first time, she was slightly surprised. This person is so young! But very soon, she realized something. He’s young, just like Qi Xinzhu, and he appeared here... There must be a connection between him and Qi Xinzhu; my intuition can’t be wrong.

"Is this lord looking for Lord Qi Xinzhu?" she asked.

She’s calling me ’lord’ already? Lu Luo looked at this punk-style lady and nodded slightly. Although she might be somewhat nonconformist, she’s sensible. Truthfully, since I’m still starting out, I really need some sensible Imperial citizens to help me with tasks.

"Yes, I came specifically to find her," he replied.

"Oh! I see."

Sola still didn’t ask why Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu, both evidently so strong, would come here looking for work, nor did she inquire about Lu Luo’s other objectives. She would just respectfully refer to Lu Luo as "Lord."

Because she believed she had found an even more powerful backer, one far more formidable than before. Betrayal? How could pursuing the strong and aspiring to a grander stage be called betrayal? This is called a wise bird choosing a sturdy branch.

"What is your name?" Lu Luo asked. Despite his youth, his identity and strength lent an air of authority to his voice. This aura didn’t seem out of place on him, which made Sola bow her head even lower.

"My name is Sola."

"You’re very smart!" he commented.

"You flatter me, Lord," she responded.

Lu Luo smiled and said no more, because Qi Xinzhu, on the ground below, was already preparing to save people. The beating had been real, and now the rescue was genuinely about to begin. With her Healer abilities and Holy Radiance, saving a bunch of nobodies was easy for Qi Xinzhu.

As Qi Xinzhu approached the injured, ready to use her Healer abilities on them, she suddenly heard Lu Luo’s voice.

"Don’t use the Sequence."

Qi Xinzhu’s fingers hesitated for a moment, and the Healer Sequence she was about to release also stopped.

"Holy Healing Technique!"

Holy Radiance replaced the Healer ability. The energy, filled with a luminous aura, made it impossible for the injured to harbor any resentment towards Qi Xinzhu. However, a few people were still left disabled—probably the price for provoking a higher-tier Transcendent. Although Holy Radiance’s healing effect wasn’t as powerful as the Healer’s, it was enough to save their lives for the moment.

Once the injured individuals’ conditions stabilized, Qi Xinzhu ceased her healing. She wasn’t a Good Samaritan, after all; these people had brought this upon themselves. It was already quite generous of her to lend them a hand. As for healing them completely? Out of the question—being a do-gooder didn’t extend that far.

After Qi Xinzhu stopped, she raised her head as if sensing something. Upon looking up, she naturally saw Lu Luo and Sola standing together on the platform.

Lu Luo actually standing with Sola... heh. Qi Xinzhu mused. Lu Luo’s true combat record within the Inner Ring was actually known by only Qi Xinzhu and Bai Qingshuang. Therefore, Qi Xinzhu was very curious about what Lu Luo would say to Sola, that woman with a face full of piercings.

「Later.」

Sola carefully led Lu Luo to her office. If nothing unexpected happens, Qi Xinzhu will return soon, and Lu Luo undoubtedly came for her. I have to seize this opportunity.

"This gentleman..."

"Just call me Lu Luo."

"Lu Luo, is there anything else you need? Like a drink or something to eat? Or if you want any information, you can tell me."

Sola was smart; she didn’t bring up Transcendent resources. For a Fourth Tier Transcendent to be looking for an ordinary job, it was clear Lu Luo’s group wasn’t lacking resources. The most likely reason they were seeking employment was for intelligence gathering.

Intelligence? Sounds meticulous and important. But once you have certain ideas, intelligence and information don’t mean a thing. Lu Luo thought. Sola’s sensible demeanor reminded him of some online sycophants from his past life. I don’t even know you, yet the way you desperately fawn over me is still amusing.

"Before Qi Xinzhu arrives, tell me about your position within the Kane Secret Society. Your society’s standing in the Imperial, the extent of its influence, and the upper limit of your strongest fighting force."

Although they were both young, the impression Lu Luo gave Sola was clearly different from Qi Xinzhu’s. His questions were also much more commanding and sharp. Faced with Lu Luo’s inquiries, Sola’s first instinct, both physically and mentally, was to flee.

I could be killed... But I can’t run. Although Lu Luo is dangerous, he’s also my opportunity.

Sola quickly gathered her thoughts and began to answer Lu Luo’s questions one by one. "My name is Sola, and I am one of the preachers of the Kane Secret Society. Spreading darkness and proclaiming our Lord, the Dark Messenger Kane, is our doctrine. Our Lord Kane is a great deity, one of the seven messengers of the World Devourer, Xu. However, our society isn’t very powerful right now. In the GuiXi District, we’re considered a top society, but on a nationwide scale..."

"Wait," Lu Luo interrupted. "You just said your Lord Kane is a messenger of whom?"

The World Devourer, Xu, one of his messengers. Are your ears blocked with wax?

Lu Luo had certainly heard, but the problem was... The World Devourer is gone! The current World Devourer, Xu, has already been incorporated into the Doomsday Disc, becoming Sequence S-02, the Devourer. It’s one of the powerful Sequences within my body. Why do I suddenly feel like the joke’s on me?

"My Lord Kane is one of the seven messengers of the World Devourer. Is there a problem?"

"Uh..." Lu Luo was somewhat at a loss for words; he still hadn’t processed this news. It seems some past actions of high-ranking Imperial officials are closely related to the Wasteland Alliance. Is the Wasteland Alliance truly a godforsaken place?

Seeing Lu Luo silent for a long time, Sola grew anxious and couldn’t help but ask, "Lord Lu Luo, should I continue?"

"Oh, don’t worry. You’ve passed. Continue."

Hearing Lu Luo say this, Sola felt as if she had survived a disaster. The pressure Lu Luo unconsciously exerted on her was simply immense.

"Oh, good! The Kane Secret Society’s position within the Imperial is quite awkward, neither high nor low. We’re lingering in the middle ranks, needing to consider pressure from above while also being wary of rising organizations below. Currently, the strongest in our society is our Chairman, a top-notch Sixth Tier expert. However, he rarely reveals his identity and keeps some things hidden from us."

Hearing this, Lu Luo nodded thoughtfully. The Kane Secret Society’s current state seemed quite suitable as a stepping stone. But if I infiltrate and manage the Kane Secret Society, do I still need to continue infiltrating the Wings of Blazing Sky?

As Lu Luo pondered these questions, Qi Xinzhu, having finished her bath, came upstairs. Upon entering, Sola greeted her with great respect, "Madam Qi Xinzhu."

Qi Xinzhu nodded. With Lu Luo present, she naturally didn’t need to overthink things. She walked over to Lu Luo, sat down beside him, and leaned into his embrace.

Watching this scene, Sola thought, It’s just as I expected. Only someone as powerful as Lu Luo could make an outstanding woman like Qi Xinzhu submit.

"I’ll go get some drinks for you both."

"Ah, coffee."

"Orange juice."

Both of them were very relaxed, brimming with confidence.

After Sola left, Qi Xinzhu whispered into Lu Luo’s ear, "Why didn’t you let me use my Sequence? Is there a problem?"

"Indeed, a small problem has arisen. Before coming here, I killed two individuals who claimed to be from the Imperial Inspection Department. Their strength was quite decent, both Fourth Tier. Such strength would be considered high-level in Dong’an City. They had an artifact that could detect Sequence Power, called the Sequence Compass." As he spoke, Lu Luo took out the Sequence Compass he had obtained.

The moment Qi Xinzhu saw it, she exclaimed, "The Dawn Disc!"

"Yes, this thing is quite similar to the Disc. However, given that it appeared in the hands of individuals of their level, it’s unlikely to be a precious item. It’s probably mass-produced. Maybe the output isn’t high, but it’s definitely not very rare."

Qi Xinzhu picked up the Sequence Compass and toyed with it. The object did hold some interest. It was carved similarly to the Dawn Disc but lacked the refined Sequence runes found on it.

"How does this thing work?"

"To be honest, I haven’t figured it out yet."

Forged from 42 grams of Spirit Stones, some alchemical materials, and metal. The exact principle is unclear. You can try using it yourself to find out.

Lu Luo didn’t try it, as he wasn’t sure if the device had any tracking capabilities. The Imperial’s technological development was clearly ahead of the Wasteland Alliance’s. This was something he needed to be wary of.

"Alright, so does this mean we can’t use our Sequences anymore?"

Lu Luo pondered for a moment, then shook his head. "It shouldn’t be like that. The Sequence detection isn’t as powerful as we imagined. They were likely able to detect my presence because I used the Thousand Eyes Demon at the Half-Mountain Villa. However, these are just my conjectures; nothing is certain yet."

"I see. Then we still need to be careful."

As they spoke, Sola returned with two drinks. "Here are the drinks you requested."

"Thank you, Miss Sola." Qi Xinzhu nodded politely towards Sola.

Compared to her, Lu Luo seemed more arrogant. He directly picked up the coffee and looked at it: no sugar, no cream. Hmm, this, at least, pleased Lu Luo very much. In his view, adding sugar and cream to coffee was practically heretical.

"Miss Sola really understands my preferences, not carelessly adding sugar or cream."

"A personage like Lord Lu Luo would certainly tell me if you had any specific requests," Sola replied.

Lu Luo was praising Sola’s intelligence, while Sola’s response implied she would never speak or act out of turn. This satisfied Lu Luo even more. Even the negative impression from Sola killing a subordinate earlier had now largely dissipated.

"Is Miss Sola planning to invest in our Xinzhu?" Lu Luo asked.

"Not invest, but pledge allegiance. Both Lord Qi Xinzhu and Lord Lu Luo represent far brighter prospects than the Kane Secret Society."

Lu Luo nodded again. Talking to intelligent people was so much easier.

"Alright then. I’ve heard the Kane Secret Society is quite powerful in the GuiXi District and Dong’an City. Since you’re pledging allegiance, let me see your sincerity, Miss Sola."

"Certainly. I will make sure Mr. Lu Luo sees my sincerity. Mr. Lu Luo, what do I need to do now?"

"What you need to do now is simple: investigate the Half-Mountain Villa, especially the owner of the mountaintop villa. If an appropriate opportunity arises, try to contact the owner of the Half-Mountain Villa. Ask if they have any intention of selling."

Sola hesitated slightly upon hearing Lu Luo’s request. The owner of the Half-Mountain Villa... their identity is quite special. Approaching them like this...! However, this is the first task Lord Lu Luo has given me. No matter what, I have to find a way to do it well.

"Rest assured, Lord Lu Luo. I will definitely accomplish the tasks you entrust to me," Sola said confidently.

"Very good. I’m also very optimistic about Miss Sola’s sincerity. I hope our first collaboration will have a very pleasant outcome."

Lu Luo left with Qi Xinzhu. Sola naturally didn’t ask what Lu Luo was doing with Qi Xinzhu; that was their private affair.

After Lu Luo and Qi Xinzhu departed, Sola removed her Kane Secret Society emblem, clutching it in her hand.

Oh, my Lord Kane, I am going to spread new darkness.

「The following noon.」

Lu Luo arrived at the Wings of Blazing Sky headquarters feeling refreshed. Clocking in for work at noon naturally attracted Luo Yi’s attention. In her eyes, Lu Luo was a very special existence. Such people, though highly capable, also posed significant risks—like usurpation!

"Where did Lu Luo go yesterday?" she inquired.

"Went out drinking and clubbing. What’s up?" Lu Luo replied with no psychological burden, but his acting was so poor it almost made Luo Yi laugh.

"Fine, if you don’t want to talk about it, let’s drop it."

"What do you mean, ’if I don’t want to talk about it’? I really did go drinking and clubbing. But let me tell you, Miss Luo Yi, I may smoke, drink, and go clubbing, but I’m a good boy."

Luo Yi was speechless. If she didn’t actually have something important to do today, she wouldn’t want to deal with this theatrically poor actor.

"I called you here today for serious business."

"Okay, Miss Luo Yi, please speak. I’m all ears."

"The owner of the mountaintop villa in the Half-Mountain Villa wishes to meet you!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Luo’s eyes narrowed slightly.