CHAPTER 396: EVIL INFANT FOG FORMATION

"……"

Jiang Ye naturally understood that Salvation didn't actually need to consult him about whether to grant special access.

However, that so-called Alliance Leader Fu Li...

And the other powerful figures infected with Lightburn...

They clearly still held some illusions about the Luminox Larva.

Salvation was worried these people might target Jiang Ye, hence he came to notify him.

This was to prevent these individuals from damaging the fragile friendly relationship he and Jiang Ye had painstakingly built.

Jiang Ye knew in his heart that Salvation was extremely interested in that so-called powerful figure who had been infected with Lightburn since the Seventh Day.

So when Salvation asked for his opinion, it was merely a gesture of respect—he probably already had an answer in mind.

Jiang Ye thought for a moment but didn't offer any advice. Instead, he asked curiously:

"Aren't you suspicious that Alliance Leader Fu Li might be deceiving you?"

However, Salvation directly shook his head: "That's unnecessary."

"With his strength, forcibly breaking into the Apartment Rooftop wouldn't be difficult at all. So he has no reason to deliberately lie just to get my permission."

Jiang Ye felt startled upon hearing this and immediately asked: "Is Alliance Leader Fu Li much stronger than you?"

"……"

Salvation remained silent for a moment before explaining:

"At this late stage of the Doomsday Apartment, it's already very difficult to compare strength among us powerful players."

"For example, as you might imagine—if Alliance Leader Fu Li and I were to truly confront each other, regardless of our actual strength, both sides would inevitably suffer heavy losses."

"Speaking of which, being infected with Lightburn actually has one small benefit..."

At this point, Salvation let out a self-mocking chuckle before looking at Jiang Ye again, speaking succinctly:

"Because... those with nothing to lose fear nothing."

Jiang Ye instantly understood.

When powerful figures at this level decide to fight, it would be like gods battling.

Not only would both combatants inevitably suffer heavy losses,

But other small fry might also get caught in the crossfire.

So under normal circumstances, they wouldn't fight.

Just like how countries with nuclear weapons don't actually nuke each other.

No one wants to bear the consequences of that.

However...

After Salvation was infected with Lightburn, the situation changed.

He could be considered a "dying man," making the "those with nothing to lose" analogy quite appropriate.

Originally, "mutual destruction" meant destruction between two wealthy individuals—both would have to carefully consider it.

But now, "mutual destruction" means destruction between a wealthy person and a wealthy person with a terminal illness...

No wealthy person would want to trade one-for-one with someone who has a terminal illness.

They might even psychologically avoid provoking such a person.

There's actually a term for this online called the "Happiness Avoidance Principle."

And now Salvation is that unfortunate "terminally ill" powerful figure.

Other powerful players would have to give him some leeway, more or less.

This might also be why Alliance Leader Fu Li, despite having the strength, still sought Salvation's permission.

Having figured this out, Jiang Ye understood Salvation's confidence.

He was also extremely curious about that Lightburn-infected powerful figure who had survived since the Seventh Day...

Thinking this, he tentatively asked Salvation:

"Could I send a clone with you to the rooftop to watch the drama?"

"……"

Salvation was rendered speechless by his use of "watch the drama"!

Did he think the power struggles between these powerful figures were like neighborhood gossip?

But thinking about it, it was actually quite similar...

Their situation was also about talking tough without actually daring to fight.

Though their tough talk was more refined, unlike the crude insults during street arguments.

Whatever...

Salvation nodded: "It's possible, but a light clone would definitely not work."

"And your Jiang Ye clone, because of the Luminox Larva matter, would likely attract attention."

That wasn't a problem—Jiang Ye had already thought of this: "Don't you have plenty of mecha clones? Couldn't you lend me one?"

Salvation cursed internally: I've already given you ten mecha clones and you still want more?!

Jiang Ye could tell what he was thinking and said directly:

"Then I'll use one of the mecha clones you gave me—"

"I'll convert one of those ten mecha clones into my own clone, then you take it back and bring it to the rooftop."

When Jiang Ye had asked Salvation for his mecha clones, he had considered trying to turn them into his own clones.

But this matter probably wouldn't escape Salvation's notice.

Now he had a legitimate reason to do it.

However, while Salvation's mecha face showed no emotion, his voice carried subtle fluctuations.

He restrained himself slightly and spoke more tactfully:

"The Moon Phase Clock anomaly probably won't wait much longer. Alliance Leader Fu Li on the rooftop is also waiting for my response."

"There's probably not enough time for you to convert my clone into yours."

But Jiang Ye raised an eyebrow: "As long as you agree, this can be done in seconds!"

What a joke!

For players unwilling to become Jiang Ye's clones, he could still find ways to turn them into his clones.

Now in this mutually consenting situation, converting Salvation's clone into his own would literally take seconds!

If he couldn't handle such a small matter, how could he live up to his X-tier Ability [Infinite Clones]?

Salvation was quite speechless and still didn't want to agree to this.

But seeing Jiang Ye's exaggerated confidence, he compromised:

"Fine, I'll designate one mecha clone and give you half a minute."

"After thirty seconds, I'll retrieve that mecha clone. If it becomes yours, then I'll consider it a gift..."

"But if you fail to convert the mecha clone into yours, don't blame me for taking back a clone."

Jiang Ye didn't care: "Fine, then go notify your mecha clone."

After all, this light clone's activity range was still filled with mist gas, remaining disconnected from clones outside.

Message transmission could only rely on Salvation.

However, communication between Salvation's mecha clones was quite convenient.

He quickly transmitted the message to one of the mecha clones given to Jiang Ye.

After waiting another half minute, he retrieved that mecha clone.

As soon as he retrieved it, he saw the mecha clone touching its face, raising its arms, and walking around him in a strange posture.

It looked like someone just learning to walk...

Salvation could clearly see—

This mecha clone of his had truly been taken over by Jiang Ye!

This was Jiang Ye adapting to the mechanical body!

Whatever...

The mecha clones Salvation had given Jiang Ye were already medium to low quality anyway.

Using Jiang Ye's description for clones, they were practically at the "discarded clone" level.

Of course, Jiang Ye's discarded clones started at level 0.

Whereas Salvation's "discarded clones" were still the best among Salvation members.

So even his "discarded clones" could dominate in beginner zones like the Novice Apartment.

Salvation ultimately didn't make an issue of it and brought the Jiang Ye-version mecha clone to the rooftop.

Fu Li on the rooftop had been waiting for a while.

His initial focus had indeed been on the Moon Phase Clock.

But as time passed, he suddenly glanced toward the Blood Pool and asked abruptly:

"Might I ask what Lord Salvation has thrown into the Blood Pool?"

Salvation naturally didn't answer.

The long mechanical arm extending from the Blood Pool suddenly clenched its fingers.

From between the clenched fingers came Salvation's somewhat weary voice:

"Since Alliance Leader Fu Li has offered such a tempting bait..."

"Then let me take this opportunity to meet that powerful figure infected with Lightburn since the Seventh Day."

As he spoke these words, the mechanical arm slowly retracted into the Blood Pool.

Until the entire mechanical arm was completely submerged beneath the bloody water of the Blood Pool.

Then two Salvation mecha units appeared around the Blood Pool.

Most Salvation mecha units looked identical in appearance.

These two that suddenly appeared naturally looked like twins, completely identical.

But internally...

One had changed fathers, now controlled by Jiang Ye.

The other was the genuine Salvation mecha.

Jiang Ye knew he had to impersonate a Salvation mecha now.

So his entire mechanical body stood rigidly still, not even daring to let his eyes wander.

Then he heard the authentic Salvation mecha beside him continue speaking to Fu Li, following up on the mechanical arm's words:

"Out of respect for Alliance Leader Fu Li, I can reserve three slots for operating the Moon Phase Clock for other powerful figures infected with Lightburn." 𝑅𝓪₦ő𝐛Ě𐌔

"As for the allocation of these three slots, I hope it won't cause difficulties for the Alliance Leader."

Jiang Ye now, following Salvation's lead, secretly looked together at the dark purple figure.

Unfortunately, the thing was completely wrapped in a long robe, only revealing a pair of profound eyes...

But these narrow, elongated eyes also revealed shrewdness and youthfulness.

As he was thinking this, Jiang Ye suddenly noticed those eyes abruptly making eye contact with him.

Then they directly addressed him: "No trouble at all."

With these words, the dark purple figure suddenly raised a hand and made several gestures toward the distant sky.

Like lightning bolts, several flashes abruptly split the night sky.

Three terrifying auras emerged from the tears created by the "lightning," darting through!

After several swift movements, they quickly arrived around the Blood Pool.

However...

Jiang Ye secretly glanced again.

He saw that the three figures were all wrapped in large masses of black gas, making their forms indistinguishable and preventing any sound from emerging.

Then Fu Li sighed toward the two mecha units:

"These seniors are still suffering terribly from Lightburn torment."

"They've wrapped themselves in black gas to maintain their dignity..."

"Speaking of which, that Lightburn is truly despicable! These seniors maintaining mobility while infected with Lightburn is truly remarkable."

After speaking, he sighed lightly again.

Fu Li then said to the mecha units: "Since Lord Salvation has obtained a method to suppress Lightburn, I wonder if you could also help these seniors?"

This time, he was still speaking toward Jiang Ye's mecha unit.

This made Jiang Ye feel extremely uneasy, seriously suspecting whether his identity had been discovered?!

He instinctively wanted to look at the authentic Salvation.

But then he thought—he currently represented Salvation, and looking at Salvation now would expose him?

So, regardless of whether this person had truly seen through his identity, he simply acted as if he were Salvation and spoke:

"If it's only temporary suppression of Lightburn pain, that's not difficult."

Saying this, he actually took out three pieces of black cloth.

Those were originally prepared for the apartment bosses...

Now he was openly producing them.

Fu Li looked at the black cloth with profound eyes.

The three masses of black gas also showed some fluctuation.

However, none of them tried to seize it by force.

Clearly because seizing it would be useless!

With the Luminox Larva in Jiang Ye's possession, these black cloths could only be used through Jiang Ye's control.

He could give them, but he could also take them back at any time!

Of course, since Jiang Ye currently represented Salvation, he imitated Salvation's tone:

"However, Alliance Leader Fu Li understands the Luminox Larva's situation better than I do."

"I can provide this black cloth. But whether it can be used long-term on these seniors isn't something I can decide..."

Saying this, he unceremoniously threw the three pieces of black cloth over.

He originally thought that after doing this, the three black gas masses would immediately scramble for the black cloth to suppress their Lightburn pain.

Unexpectedly...

None of the three black gas masses reached for the black cloth.

Instead, the dark purple figure casually raised a hand and caught the three pieces of black cloth.

At this point, from within his dark purple full-body robe emerged pale, slender fingers that meaningfully stroked the pieces of black cloth.

Jiang Ye naturally watched this scene and saw that the pale, slender fingers each had long, narrow nails painted with bright red nail polish.

It looked quite eerie.

Actually, within the Doomsday Apartment context alone, such bright red nails wouldn't be considered eerie.

But the problem was—

According to Salvation, this Alliance Leader Fu Li was the leader of the Defenders' Alliance.

He should be a Defender, meaning a non-dark-type creature.

Why would a non-dark-type creature adopt the style favored by dark-type creatures?

However, he didn't ponder this deeply.

Then he saw the dark purple figure shoot another glance toward him.

The meaning in those eyes was unclear, but the voice carried admiration:

"To produce this 'premium fabric' so soon after obtaining the Luminox Larva—truly impressive～"

Those narrow eyes squinted slightly, the voice now more meaningful:

"No wonder Lord Salvation would rather endure Lightburn pain again to switch sides :)"

Saying this, the floating figure threw the black cloth toward the three black gas masses with his pale fingers.

Only then did the three black gas masses dare to reach for the black cloth.

In an instant, the three pieces of black cloth were submerged within the three black gas masses.

Just witnessing this scene made Jiang Ye secretly alarmed—

He had previously speculated that the Defenders' Alliance probably used the black ribbon like a drug to compel those Lightburn-infected powerful figures to submit.

He had indeed considered that now that the Defenders' Alliance had lost the Luminox Larva, this chain of controlling powerful figures had been severed.

And he might be able to use the Luminox Larva to replace them!

But now it appeared things weren't that simple!

The black cloth had clearly come from his hands, yet the three powerful figures hadn't tried to seize it!

Instead, they only dared to use it after the Defenders' Alliance leader threw it to them...

It seemed the Defenders' Alliance's methods of enslaving these powerful figures probably went beyond just the Luminox Larva!

Jiang Ye had been thinking too simply before!

While secretly alarmed, he heard Alliance Leader Fu Li say to him with a smile:

"However, this 'premium fabric' still has many flaws."

"When Lord Salvation has time, perhaps you could pass a message to Jiang Ye—"

"The Defenders' Alliance masters the most perfect Cryptobiosis offspring larva cultivation techniques."

"The black ribbons we produce don't merely suppress Lightburn."

"If he's interested, the Defenders' Alliance would be happy to recruit such talent."

With these words, the three black gas masses gradually dispersed.

Revealing three figures.

A slightly plump middle-aged man with a receding hairline, looking quite honest;

A beautiful young woman with enchanting, silky eyes and revealing clothing;

And another...

Who appeared to be a child of about ten years old, with chubby baby-faced cheeks that looked incredibly tender, and utterly innocent eyes.

These three distinctly featured "seniors" now bowed respectfully toward the dark purple figure:

"Thank you, Alliance Leader, for saving us."

"……"

Watching this scene, Jiang Ye really wanted to retrieve the black cloth from them and let them enjoy Lightburn pain again!

But the other authentic Salvation mecha nearby, clearly concerned he might actually retrieve the black cloth and expose his identity, stepped forward proactively:

"Might I ask how these three seniors should be addressed? And is it true that you've survived from being infected with Lightburn on the Seventh Day until nearly the Ninth Day?"

However, the three acted as if they hadn't heard.

Only after receiving an affirmative glance from the dark purple figure did they look at the two Salvation mecha units.

They showed utmost respect when facing Alliance Leader Fu Li.

But now looking at Salvation, their expressions were quite cold.

In fact, the beautiful woman and middle-aged man didn't even introduce themselves.

Only the child-like figure spoke indifferently: "I was the one infected with Lightburn on the Seventh Day..."

"Speaking of which, the Salvation organization has existed for quite some time."

"I wonder if you've heard of—Evil Infant Wulie?"