The simulated blockade barrier for non-game areas disappeared, which meant that artifacts could be used again. Before the Spring Thunder members even realized the barrier had vanished, Dou Shengnan had already made her move, as if she had known in advance exactly when it would disappear. The passive Defense Artifact was destroyed, and several Spring Thunder members paid for it with their lives.
Strangely, Dou Shengnan didn't leave. She didn't even try to break out of the encirclement; instead, she returned to the hotel.
She had openly provoked Lichuan City's government and military district, giving the law enforcement team grounds to intervene openly. But as their people rushed toward the hotel, several miniature devices suddenly flew out from inside. They circled the building and projected holographic images into the sky.
It was a short film, apparently made for promotional purposes. It showed a family: a couple preparing dinner together while five children ran around them, their laughter echoing over the city.
Judging by the logos on the items in the projection, the advertisement represented District 008. That meant whoever could appear in it had to be an important political figure from District 008. So, the moment the law enforcement team saw the people in the sky, they halted their operation. Even the Spring Thunder members were ordered to retreat.
At the same time, the military district's liaison hurried away. It was unclear whether he had gone to verify the footage.
What was this supposed to be? A hostage?
Ordinary people in Lichuan City weren't enough, so they'd switched to someone important?
They didn't even need to actually capture anyone. A vague, suggestive video was all it took.
No one knew what kind of deal the Ghastly Sound Knights had struck with the Tian Family, but even now, Dou Shengnan refused