Hidden Stakes

"Undercover?"

Li Yèlái understood. The authorities now needed a Second Awakening Spirit Ability User to act as a representative for the deceased member. He seemed to be one of the candidates to infiltrate the Ark.

"Yes, though we prefer to call them informants," Yin Huo said with a smile. "Every entry into the Ark requires the consent of a ticket holder. That's why we can't just kill someone and take their ticket. Once the holder dies, the ticket is void. Fortunately, we've managed to control the holders through certain methods.

So, we need a comrade to gather information from within the Ark and, at the opportune moment, cooperate with the major Giant Cities to take down the Ark. From the memories in that fellow's mind, those entering the Ark are projections of the passengers' Void Realms. If necessary, you can forcibly leave the Ark, and we'll be responsible for recalling your Void Realm projection from the Void Realm, so your safety is guaranteed."

"But why me?" Li Yèlái asked, puzzled. "Shouldn't you have more professional people?"

Li Yèlái wasn't afraid. No matter how strange the Ark was, he had Mr. Shadow to handle it. His personal safety shouldn't be a major issue.

In Li Yèlái's eyes, the force that caused this tragedy was far more detestable and damnable than any Ashes Church. Even for the sake of those fallen comrades, Li Yèlái felt it was worth making a deal!

But the authorities didn't know about Mr. Shadow's existence. Why were they still looking for him? Did they have too much confidence in him? He hadn't received any professional training. If he slipped up, while having the two options of leaving the Ark and dealing with Mr. Shadow, it would still be a problem. The authorities' plan would be completely ruined.

"Actually, we have quite a few candidates. Each Giant City, each branch, even every captain has different candidates. Seventy-nine people in total," Yin Huo said. "But considering personal strength and the curse, we chose you."

Li Yèlái was a little taken aback. Strength, fine, but was misfortune also to be used as a weapon?

"Didn't you say that in the worst-case scenario, one can directly leave the Ark? Why consider strength?" Li Yèlái asked. The Ark was like a platform that passengers from all over the world could use. Combat shouldn't break out there. As long as he wasn't exposed, what danger could there be?

"After joining the Ark, you'll need to fit the persona of that representative and trade information with the passengers above. We can help you perfect this. But they sometimes have offline activities. Just like this incident, it was planned and executed by multiple Ark passengers and their subordinates. So, you might interact offline. The stronger the informant, the better. Preferably, they'll grow stronger step by step under the Ark's watchful eye. Only then will they not be suspicious.

You currently possess two Facial Masks: the Spirit Eye path's Weakness Perception and the Nether Path's Shadow Army. Furthermore, you've been enhanced by the Heart of Slaughter for two hours. Your physical strength far surpasses a Second Awakening Spirit Ability User."

Yin Huo gave an example: "At the same time, we saw the footage of you fighting the cavalry formation and know your combat skills are very strong. Among Second Awakening Spirit Ability Users, you are already a top-tier powerhouse. Damn it, I'm really envious. I should have knocked out the champion back then and snatched you directly!"

Yang Chén glanced at him but said nothing.

Meanwhile, Li Yèlái pondered. He not only had to enter the Ark and gather information from its people but also cooperate with them offline. That was indeed more dangerous. From this perspective, it made sense to find someone strong.

Li Yèlái smacked his lips, thinking, It feels pretty good to have others praise me like this.

"Of course, there are risks involved, both within the Ark and in offline missions," Yin Huo continued. "But for you, the gains will be no less. It can even be considered an opportunity!"

"Opportunity?" Li Yèlái frowned, then tentatively asked, "You mean the Ark's trading?"

"Exactly!" Yin Huo nodded. "Although I don't want to admit it, the resources and knowledge possessed by the Ark are far greater than those of our Border City No. 3, or even other allied Giant Cities!"

"Since you need to fit the persona of that representative, you naturally need to use the Ark's characteristics to become stronger."

"Ark passengers come from all over the world, possibly even from within the forbidden zones. Their knowledge and intelligence are superior to our human authorities. As a representative of one of them, you can trade with other passengers or representatives to obtain various intelligence, potion recipes or materials, Psychic Weapons, or even Forbidden Items."

"To gain trust, we will do our best to help you fulfill the trading chips or mission requirements, allowing you to connect with multiple passengers or representatives."

"And this is your opportunity!"

Li Yèlái immediately understood the implications. For example, the potion recipes known to humans were limited. The Second Awakening potion for the Myriad Paths, for instance, was missing in Border City No. 3 and the surrounding Giant Cities. Without the potion, Spirit Ability Users of that path could only rely on luck during their second awakening. Just like Li Yèlái's Void Realm Beast Language.

Due to the Ark's special nature, perhaps through passengers from different parts of the world and with different identities, various potion recipes could be assembled there. One could obtain the corresponding recipes simply by trading. It was clear that this would enhance humanity's overall strength. Not to mention materials and Forbidden Items.

These were indeed significant benefits. As an informant, the authorities would assist him. Whether it was intelligence or missions, they would try their best to meet the requirements. Li Yèlái could then directly gain many benefits from the Ark's trading. Besides sharing with the authorities, he could also achieve effective self-improvement. Potions for Third, Fourth, or even Fifth Awakening. Obtaining high-quality Psychic Weapons would also be within reach. Of course, all this depended on the other party not discovering his identity.

"Next, there's your curse, misfortune!" Yin Huo continued. "From our research, your misfortune includes encountering strong enemies and being a vehicle killer."

"Are you saying that 'vehicle killer' can also work on the Ark?" Li Yèlái was stunned. That would be interesting. When there were enough people on the Ark, he could just unleash it. Wouldn't that catch them all? With the effect of 'vehicle killer,' if it were successfully triggered, how badly would the Ark be messed up?

"Based on the current analysis, that's a possibility. However, we can't test it," Yin Huo said. "So, for now, consider your curse your trump card. If things go south, trigger the curse directly and forcibly withdraw from Ark. Even if you don't get the intel, at least you'll give them a slap in the face! That's the worst-case scenario."

Li Yèlái nodded in understanding.

At this moment, Yang Chén, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke, "Everything carries risk. Your vehicle killer might be ineffective against Ark.

It's also possible that when you forcibly detach from Ark, your Void Realm projection could be captured or destroyed by the other party, leading to direct distortion or you becoming a vegetable.

Even more likely, your Void Realm projection could be attacked by other Void Realm creatures midway."

"Everything carries risk, Night General, don't force yourself. Reply after you've thought it through. No one will blame you even if you decide not to go."

Yang Chén looked at Li Yèlái, his expression shifting between emotions.

He naturally desired revenge; his teammates had died unjustly, all because of the chosen of Ark.

Therefore, when he heard Yin Huo's plan, he didn't object directly.

If the plan succeeded, everyone would be happy. Li Yèlái would gain strength and simultaneously avenge his teammates!

But if something went wrong, Li Yèlái would be in danger.

"I know, Captain," Li Yèlái nodded.

Recalling his deceased colleagues, the desire for revenge grew stronger in Li Yèlái's heart.

They could face danger and die. With Mr. Shadow as his trump card, why should he be afraid?

Moreover, he could help humanity become stronger through Ark, and strengthen himself.

Of course, there was also the worst-case scenario: perhaps 'Mr. Shadow' was no match for 'Ark'.

Li Yèlái fell silent, but the heroic figures of his teammates flashed through his mind.

After a long pause, he nodded in response, "I should be able to. This operation must be carried out by our First Team! It has to be us!"

In this incident, among the Spirit Ability Users of the official major branches, the First Team suffered the greatest losses. One-third of its members died, and the survivors were all injured, with a considerable portion unable to continue handling missions afterward.

It could be said that the First Team's strength was reduced by nearly half.

Such a grievance had to be avenged by the First Team themselves!

Yang Chén's eyes flickered. After a few seconds of silence, he spoke, "You are indeed a member of our First Team, but remember, safety comes first."

"Mm," Li Yèlái nodded, then asked, "What should I do next? When do I enter Ark? Do I need any training?"

"No rush. Every month on the fifteenth, Ark members gather inside Ark. It's only the twenty-something now, still a ways off, no need to enter Ark alone," Yin Huo chuckled. "As for training, that spokesperson has only appeared twice. Trying to imitate them forcefully will only create flaws. A Captain-level expert from Whisper Path will use suggestion on you then."

To board Ark as an inside informant on the fifteenth of every month? Li Yèlái nodded slightly. "So, it's confirmed it's me? Don't you need to discuss it with higher-ups again?"

Li Yèlái assumed that with four Giant Citys and each branch selecting candidates, even if his branch confirmed him, it wouldn't be enough, right?

"No, it's confirmed it's you," at this moment, the old man slumped in the sofa suddenly spoke.

As he smiled, he revealed his toothless gums.

He was truly ancient, but his voice was full of vigor.

The old man rose from the sofa, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Li Yèlái, as if seeing through Li Yèlái's secret. "Very good, you are very good. I look forward to your future growth."

Li Yèlái was a bit puzzled and looked at Yang Chén.

Yang Chén spread his hands and said, "This gentleman is indeed a big shot. If he agrees, then it's you."

Li Yèlái asked in a low voice, "Should I say something like, 'If you don't abandon me, I wish to be your adopted father'?"

The old man was taken aback, then laughed. "Then your seniority would be too high, hahaha! Alright, little Night General, since the candidate has been decided, you can go back. But remember, this operation is highly confidential. Do not tell anyone. Not family, not friends. Don't reveal anything. When the time comes, we will contact you."

"Okay, I understand," Li Yèlái nodded. After saying goodbye to everyone, he left the room.

Carrying the secret mission, Li Yèlái didn't feel any different.

Three uneventful days passed. Li Yèlái received a message from the equipment department stating that his Psychic Weapon and Heat-Melting Axe were ready.

Thus, Li Yèlái excitedly rushed to the branch.

He soon found his equipment in the equipment department.

A C-class Psychic Weapon, Qinglong Ji (Azure Dragon Halberd), or should it be Chilong Ji?

The haft was pure black, and the blade was reddish.

A golden coiled dragon was painted on the haft, and the dragon's eyes were a pair of rotating crimson eyeballs.

It is said that among the eighteen types of weapons, the saber is the soul of all weapons, the spear is the Wáng of all weapons, and the sword is the ruler of all weapons.

The halberd, however, is the overlord of all weapons!

Just by being placed on the weapon rack, this Chilong Ji exuded an aura of dominance and malevolence.

"Made with the spirit of the Forbidden Item tree and derivative materials from a black gargoyle as the main components, supplemented by the materials of three supernatural creatures. Working overtime, we finally managed to forge this Chilong Ji," a middle-aged staff member from the equipment department explained. "You mentioned before that weapons were too light and not to your liking, so we specifically added weight this time. However, neither toughness nor sharpness has been affected."

"I'll know once I try it," Li Yèlái picked up the Chilong Ji. The weight was indeed just right, and with Li Yèlái's current physique, it felt very comfortable to wield.

His previous long saber was also comfortable, but after his physical enhancement, his strength increased, and it felt too light when swung.

He tried swinging the Chilong Ji, lifting it at the end of the downward swing, causing it to curve with each strike.

Li Yèlái was somewhat satisfied, and then began to swing with increasing force. The arc of the Chilong Ji's haft also grew larger.

The middle-aged equipment department member's expression also turned serious.

He could naturally see that Li Yèlái was testing the resilience of the Chilong Ji. While smashing down with force, he simultaneously pulled back in the opposite direction. This immense force would cause the Chilong Ji to stretch to its maximum arc.

If the resilience wasn't enough, it would break in the middle after a few swings.

It wasn't until Li Yèlái's eighteenth pull that the Chilong Ji finally drew an arc and returned to its original shape.

He finally nodded in satisfaction, "Very good, I like it very much!"

The Chilong Ji felt great in his hands and allowed him to maximize the use of Single-Handed Eighteen Thrusts. Li Yèlái felt his close-combat strength had improved significantly.

Next was the Heat-Melting Axe, a foldable, portable model.

As Li Yèlái turned on the heat-melting switch, the axe blade began to emit a crimson glow.

Without much effort, he casually swung it, leaving a three-centimeter-deep gash on the metal cube.

"Not bad, it was worth the money," Li Yèlái thought. He then folded the Heat-Melting Axe and tied it to his back.

He took out the large black umbrella, which the equipment department had improved for free, and inserted the Chilong Ji into it.

Hmm, nice, it's well hidden.

After bidding farewell to the equipment department member, he shouldered the large black umbrella and left the branch.

At one of the exits of the branch, he saw the girl in the panda Puppet costume.

"Let's go," Li Yèlái said with a smile. Today was the day he was having dinner with the Puppet. He wouldn't forget about his benefactor's matter.

[Mhm mhm (≧ω≦)/]

(ps: Brothers, Old Lang is writing four thousand words a day, which isn't short, really.)