Pay to Redeem the Captives, Harvest Time / Ander's Death, The Final Battle Begins
Lu Jun replied politely, "Thank you for the compliment."
Suddenly, a female monk approached from a distance. She looked haggard, looked at the two of them earnestly, bowed deeply at a ninety-degree angle, and apologized, saying, "I'm sorry, it was my careless words that tarnished your image."
"I, Zu Huiyin, hereby apologize."
Caught off guard, Mo Fan exclaimed in astonishment, "Councilor Shao, what is she doing...?"
Shao Zheng glanced at it indifferently and said, "You don't need to panic. You both deserve this courtesy. You'll just have to bear the consequences of your own words."
Lu Jun was quick-witted; upon hearing Zu Huiyin's name, he immediately guessed what was going on. He sneered inwardly, thinking that this flea clown was not worth paying attention to.
Zu Huiyin was in a terrible predicament, attacked by people all over the country. She had no choice but to swallow her pride and apologize to the two people in public and at the end of the live broadcast. She then directly announced her resignation.
Only by stepping down in such a disheveled manner could she quell public anger.
The Zu Family's power shrank further, but there was nothing that could be done. It was all because Zu Huiyin was stupid.
After Mo Fan left to recuperate, Shao Zheng discussed serious matters with Lu Jun, specifically the demand to release the one hundred National Government members who had been suppressed.
Chapter 411 Redeeming the Person with Money, A Time of Harvest
With Shao Zheng's help, Lu Jun was able to engage in direct dialogue with bigwigs from various countries.
In the VIP room of China, he looked around and saw that the representatives of the Fifteen Countries were sitting upright with serious expressions.
Lu Jun showed no fear whatsoever. Not to mention that he had captured athletes from various countries and was on the moral high ground, he also had Shao Zheng backing him up.
The Greek representative, an elderly lady-in-waiting from the Parthenon Temple, spoke in a frail voice, calmly saying, "Member Lu, just say what you want."
Surprisingly, the attitudes of the Super Rank- powerful individuals from various countries were not aggressive or pressuring. It wasn't that they were treating the younger generation as superiors; rather, it seemed more like an exchange of interests among peers.
Lu Jun pondered for a moment. Before the people from various countries arrived, he had already discussed the matter with Shao Zheng. The other party had excellent insight and pointed out the bottom line of the Fifteen Countries, which led to a preliminary plan for ransom.
He can't possibly hold back nearly a hundred young, top-level players; otherwise, what's the point of holding the third-stage finals?
Although Treasure Hunt Competition, everyone knew that the Venice Competition was dead in name only, the champion was already decided, and the final showdown was just a formality, at least the formalities had to be completed.
Lu Jun said, "One hundred million per person, and then you guys need to find a way to get an admission spot to the [Void Altar] at the Australia Sacred Altar of Kai Magic Association."
Upon hearing this, the representatives from various countries felt that the conditions were acceptable and readily agreed. High-level negotiations are always clear about each other's goals, so there's no need to waste words; everyone gets what they need.
The next day, 10 billion was deposited into Lu Jun's bank account, along with a [Void Token], which could be used at any time to go to the Void Altar to cultivate for a month, enough to help a High-Order Mage break through to the Super Rank.
Buzz buzz buzz!
Lu Jun, true to his word, controlled the star in front of the representatives of various countries. The void Netherworld Opens blew, and a Hell Furnace, black and red and marked with a spider's mark, appeared.
The Hell Furnace trembled slightly, and dozens of figures tumbled one by one from the dark furnace opening.
Star players like Zhe Luo, Yake, and Ruidi looked dejected and pale, clearly having lost all their spirits.
Inside the training room in Venice, a hundred people sat scattered about, their faces filled with shame and indignation as they looked at the representatives from various countries. They were almost too embarrassed to show their faces.
Lu Jun didn't bother with the feelings of the crowd. He left them there, telling them to go back to their own homes, and then he left.
Back at his base, he tallied up his spoils. Once he sold all the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures had collected in the Treasure Hunt Competition, his total funds would reach [20 billion]. He almost became unrestrained, but at least he wouldn't lack resources for the early stages of the Super Rank.
Good news followed one after another. The Chief Court Mage, Pang Lai, paid a visit, and there was news about the purchase of [Star Sea Vein] that he had previously given him for two billion.
Pang Lai, holding a box, chuckled and said, "You're quite lucky. Recently, the European space agency [Starry Wings] organized several Wind Element forbidden spellcasters to go to space and collect a large amount of [Star Sand]."
"The European St. Paul Magic Association has used its crafting techniques to create the latest batch of [Star Sea Vein] and [Star River Vein]."
Lu Jun noticed the blind spot and asked in surprise, "The heavens?"
"Yes," Pang Lai casually explained, "Otherwise, where do you think the Star Sea Vein and the Star River Vein came from? There must be a source."
He then added indignantly, "The persistent exploration of outer space by all nations is not, as some people believe, a vanity project that wastes resources and is driven by a desire for quick success; on the contrary, it is closely related to the development of human magical civilization."
"Unfortunately, combination-type super Magic Tool that can fly are too rare, and there aren't many people who can use forbidden Wind Element spells either. Our progress has been hovering Plane Crystal Wall."
Upon hearing this, Lu Jun learned about knowledge not found in the original work, which broadened his horizons. The Magic Plane and the technological Earth of his previous life seemed quite different, and naturally, there were some modifications regarding aviation.
He recalled the legend of the Summoning World Tree and was quite moved. The level had changed; he was beginning to access many of the world's deepest secrets and unfamiliar knowledge.
Buzz buzz buzz!
Lu Jun opened the box, and a dazzling halo of light slowly rose, hovering in mid-air, about the Size Change a fist, like an ancient star.
Similar to the Star Sea Vein Star River Vein is like an immortal diamond. Through its crystal-clear exterior, one can see countless star points inside, a vast star sea rising and falling, and an endless flow of immense energy.
After a moment, he put away the Star Sea Vein and said gratefully, "Thank you for your trouble, Elder Pang."
Then Lu Jun said rather embarrassedly, "I have something else I'd like to ask for your help with. I have 10 billion here, and I'd like to ask you to acquire as many Thought Stone as possible, any amount is fine, you can spend all 10 billion without any problem."
Pang Lai opened his mouth, then smiled helplessly, "I've become your personal butler."
"Never mind." Pang Lai shook his head and said, "You young people are the pillars of the nation. Resources like this are indeed hard to find. Thought Stone are already exhausted. Every one used is one less available. Most of them are privately hoarded by a few Super Rank mages."
"I'll reluctantly lend you a hand, even though I'm an old man."
After bidding farewell to Pang Lai, Lu Jun stayed in his room, observing the Star Sea Vein and the Void Token in his Portable Space. He was extremely excited, as these two items represented a guaranteed minimum of two Super Rank!
Of course, he's not in a hurry to refine it right now, for fear of being banned from the National Mansion Competition if he becomes Super Rank.
Furthermore, Lu Jun wasn't entirely confident; his skills in Curse, Water, and Summoning had only recently reached the High-level Completion, and he still needed to hone them further.
After all, the success rate of Star Sea Vein is around 50%, and even though his was just refined and of perfect quality, it definitely didn't exceed 70%.
After dealing with these post-match matters, Lu Jun breathed a sigh of relief and finally had time to visit his teammates.
Mo Fan, Mu Ningxue, Jiang Shaoxu, and several others went into seclusion to digest the resources, while two unlucky ones were lying in bed with serious injuries.
Inside the ward, Lu Jun looked at Guan Yu and Dongfang Lie, who were wrapped up like mummies and lying in a miserable coma. He couldn't help but shake his head, draw a Star Chart, and summon the Mermaid maiden to treat the two.
Ring! The Mermaid Holy Spirit aura, the sunlight from the crown of sun, moon, and stars above her head intensified, her entire body was bathed in milky white radiance, and her luminous dress transformed into a pure white gown.
Sunlight Mode!
With a splash, the Mermaid exuded a strong Life Aura, and milky white water soaked into the two broken bodies, instantly turning flesh and bones back to normal. The white bandages were gradually untied, revealing intact skin.
Moreover, Lu Jun sensed that a corner of Guan Yu and Dongfang Lie's severely damaged Spiritual World had been repaired, as Healing Ability had seeped into it!
He seemed to be deep in thought. The Mermaid Holy Spirit had reached its peak, and its healing effects had improved even further. It was only a matter of time before it acquired the same Healing Ability as the Chongming Divine Fire of Rejuvenation.
Lu Jun quietly left the ward and returned to his residence to cultivate silently, awaiting the start of the great battle.
Since he promised Jiuzhou he would win the championship, he would do whatever it takes to fulfill that promise.
At this moment, the National Government team was in a real bind. Due to the unexpected turn of events in the Treasure Hunt Competition, the China Team was undoubtedly number one, while the other fifteen National Team had plundered almost nothing.
In the end, a compromise had to be reached: anyone who managed to plunder even a little bit of resources could be ranked in the top eight. For example, Ailin, who followed Mo Fan, was included in the British Team.
Chapter 412 The Death of Ander, The Great Battle Begins
Several days have passed in the blink of an eye.
The organizers have finally arranged the Top Eight, with traditional powerhouses such as British Team, the United States, Greek Team, and Germany all advancing to the final stage.
The last spot was filled by the Egypt Team, who had been quietly developing their strength in the Treasure Hunt dimension.
As the day of the grand finale draws ever closer, a major event occurs: Essendel has been captured by the Holy Court and subjected to the [Dark Judgment]!
The symbol of the Greek God of Death, the Supreme Monarch of the Dark King, Haila and directly slew the Dark Lord Essendel.
Immediately afterwards, Ander, one of the four Saintess of Parthenon, fell from the peak and committed suicide.
Upon receiving the news, Lu Jun thought to himself, "It's here; the prelude to the Parthenon Rebellion has begun."
He opened his phone and looked at the videos that were all over the internet: Black Wheel occupying the sky, a colossal shadow tearing Essendel apart and dragging him into Dark Abyss to devour him. He couldn't help but think to himself.
Each region has its own Death God based on mythology and legends, such as the European Death God Haila, and the Egyptian Death God, the Sphinx.
In reality, these supreme beings do not truly wield the Death Authority; they are merely given a symbolic Death Authority. What is terrifying is what lies behind it.
Lu Jun realized that the Undead Emperor in each region all had their own gatekeepers: Pharaoh of Egypt had a gatekeeper for the Sphinx, the Dark King had Haila for the Skeletons, and even the Corpse of the Mountain Peak had a gatekeeper under his command.
However, at Haila peak, Hai La was estimated to have the strength of Sub-Emperor. Its previous descent was to execute Wen Tai, but it was severely injured and thus fell to the level of Supreme Monarch.
Even so, it doesn't stop Lu Jun from complaining that Essendel truly deserves his reputation as the weakest forbidden spell, having been killed by the Supreme Monarch.
Of course, he also knew that if a forbidden spell could not be cast independently and had not comprehended [Divine Talent], there was not much difference between its regular combat strength and that of a top-tier Half Forbidden Curse Peak Ranker.
Those at the Peak Ranker can only fight against Supreme Monarch.
"The Haila ..."
Lu Jun whispered, "In the original story, after the National Mansion Competition, Xin Xia was subjected to the Dark Judgment, Mo Fan transformed into a demon to fight against her."
Just as the members of the National Government were discussing the deaths of Essendel and Ander, Feng Li, the National Government's mentor, walked in with a solemn expression.
Feng Li approached him and said in a low voice, "Come out for a moment, there's something I need to tell you."
Lu Jun was puzzled. After following Feng Li out of the meeting room, he saw Shao Zheng standing at the door.
Shao Zheng said in a deep voice, "You need to go to the Holy City to make a statement regarding the death of Cardinal Salang. This is a request from the Holy Court."
Upon hearing this, Lu Jun frowned slightly and asked, "Can I not go?"
"I'm afraid not," Shao Zheng sighed. "The Holy City is not to be trifled with. This time, it was a Grand Judge who specifically requested it."
"Furthermore, if you don't go, they will declare that they don't recognize you for killing Salang, which will damage your honor and that of Kyushu."
Lu Jun continued to ask, "What did Han Ji say?"
Shao Zheng said, "He also went there and is reporting the whole story. It's just a pity that Salang died too cleanly; his soul, body, and even his belongings were all shattered into powder, making it difficult to produce conclusive evidence."
"So they might want you to be a witness."
Seeing Lu Jun's serious expression, he comforted him, "Don't worry, I'll put in a good word. The Holy City won't make things too difficult for you. Besides, the Cardinal's crimes are heinous; we must confirm that he's 100% dead before we can feel at ease."
"Otherwise, if people ignore it and then suddenly it comes out and stabs the world in the back, that would be bad."
Lu Jun asked one last question, "Who was that Adjudicator?"
"Durank!"
Shao Zheng left, but Lu Jun, who was standing there, was extremely uneasy, and a sense of foreboding welled up in his heart.
Durank is Yi Zhisha's man, the one who did everything in his power to slander Xin Xia as Salang in the original work, and the one who decided to use the Dark Judgment to execute Xin Xia. He is a master of the Super Rank.
"I hope it's just my imagination; I don't really have any connection with Parthenon."
Lu Jun scratched his head, perhaps it was the coincidence that Ander's death and this matter happened together that made him overthink.
Meanwhile, Magic City, Hangzhou, and the Tarim Basin.
The three people closest to Lu Jun already knew that the National Mansion Competition finals were approaching.
Unfortunately, they were all tied up with other things and couldn't make it to Venice.
Magic City Ding Yumian from Shanghai cannot leave Pearl Academy. As Calamity Bringer, she has run to the very doorstep of the Holy City. There are many dangerous situations, and prudence is the best policy.
As for Tang Yue, she frequently participated in Adjudication Court proceedings in various places, keeping her extremely busy.
Lu Mei became a cultivation fanatic, repeatedly venturing deep into the Tarim Basin and obtaining great opportunities. She is currently in seclusion for cultivation. If it weren't for Nine Nether Queen's occasional care, she would probably have died several times over.
Time flew by, and the day of the grand finale arrived in the blink of an eye.
The third stage of the competition is very complicated. Each of the Top Eight countries needs to play three rounds, and they are divided into a best-of-one group, a best-of-two group, and a best-of-three group based on the results of the three matches.
If the three-win group consists of one team, then they automatically advance to the finals, waiting for the other team to emerge from the two-win group to meet in the finals. If there are two teams, then they will directly compete against each other in the finals.
Lu Jun remembered that in the original story, only the Egypt Team won all three games, while the China Team, the Greek Team, and the United States team all lost one game, tying for the best-of-two group. It was a three-way melee that finally determined the Egypt Team's opponent in the final.
"This time is different!"
He whispered something and led the National Team onto the arena.
The first match is between China Team and Germany.
When Zhao Manyan saw the grim faces of Germany's three key players —Qiaosen, Parker, and Ruidi— he couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Old Lu, you've given them a psychological scar."
Lu Jun remained indifferent. He had lost to his opponent, so there was nothing more to say. He just wanted to finish the competition as quickly as possible, win the championship, and receive the Parthenon's Divine Seal Praise.
The referee then announced, "The match begins."
In an instant, the starting five players of the China Team came out in full force, their dazzling Magic Radiance illuminating half the sky, their overwhelming destructive energy ravaging the field and destroying large areas of forest and rocks.