Entering the Ark

By the time <Li Yèlái> was sent back to the family apartment by <Cheese>, it was already dark.

As soon as he got out of the car, <Li Yèlái> opened the trunk. He took out the <Anti-spiritual power helmet> he had been looking forward to.

This special equipment came from Border City No. 1.

Because official <Spiritual power> users needed to be dispatched for the transport mission.

Therefore, the transportation fee alone cost ten <Merit Points>.

The <Anti-spiritual power helmet> looked more like a finely crafted multi-functional tactical helmet.

As <Li Yèlái> picked up the helmet, he felt his <Spiritual power> barrier weaken, his <Spiritual power> suppressed.

If he were to activate the <Facial Mask> at this moment, the <Spiritual power> consumed would likely be even greater.

"Is this the effect of anti-<Spiritual power>?" <Li Yèlái> was a little surprised, but more expectant.

"Yes, although they are very rare, occasionally humans are born with innate anti-<Spiritual power> effects. Because of their inherent anti-<Spiritual power> effect, they cannot use their own <Spiritual power> normally, but they are enough to give various <Spiritual power> users a headache. They are called anti-<Spiritual power> users." <Cheese> explained, "By studying them, <Giant City> developed this equipment with anti-<Spiritual power> effects. Some <Spiritual power> users also choose to carry this equipment to strengthen their defense."

"If you wear this <Anti-spiritual power helmet>, my <Suggestion> and <Hypnosis> effects will be greatly reduced, or even ignored. The power of <Spiritual power> attacks used against you will also be weakened." <Cheese> explained, "Similarly, your own <Spiritual power> will also be suppressed. Your <Spiritual power> barrier will weaken, and the cost of using abilities will increase significantly."

<Li Yèlái> nodded, then carried the helmet and got into the elevator with <Cheese>.

Watching <Li Yèlái> press the floor button, <Cheese> couldn't help but say, "Speaking of which, you're bringing a girl home late at night."

<Li Yèlái> nodded.

<Cheese> started pointing around and asked, "Tell me, was I the first girl to come to your house?"

"Uh, no. When I moved, <Puppet> came to help. She should be considered the first guest. You were preparing for a breakthrough then, so I didn't disturb you." <Li Yèlái> replied honestly.

"Tsk!" <Cheese> raised an eyebrow at his words, "Should I be complaining 'It was me who came first!' right now?"

<Li Yèlái> was somewhat immune to <Cheese>'s teasing.

Ignoring <Cheese>'s teasing, he led her to his door and asked her to wait outside for a moment.

"I hope your sister won't be scared of me after putting on the helmet," <Cheese> said softly.

<Li Yèlái> nodded slightly, then entered the room.

He found <Li Yúnyān>, who was still painting, and handed her the helmet.

<Li Yúnyān>, who was initially dazed, quickly reacted and snatched the helmet.

When <Li Yúnyān> put on the <Anti-spiritual power helmet>, she felt the oppressive feeling around her lessen significantly.

She couldn't help but feel a mix of surprise and anticipation.

"How does it feel?" <Li Yèlái> asked.

"It feels... much better. I want to go out and see," <Li Yúnyān> said, looking around, her voice filled with excitement.

She had waited for so long, and finally, she could stop fearing others.

She wanted to leave her room, leave this nightmare world, and return to the normal world.

"Don't rush, let me introduce you to my senior," <Li Yèlái> stopped <Li Yúnyān> and slowly opened the door, revealing <Cheese>, who was hiding outside.

From <Li Yúnyān>'s perspective, she saw a short-haired girl with a serene appearance.

Her already delicate features became even more captivating, accentuated by her peach blossom eyes.

<Cheese> was a little nervous. She had wanted to say something teasing like "Sister-in-law," but in her nervousness, she remained silent, only smiling at <Li Yúnyān>.

She was afraid of triggering the <Curse>.

<Li Yúnyān> silently looked at <Cheese> for a few seconds before exclaiming in surprise.

"She's your beautiful senior? And she's well-endowed too! Great, great! I want to see the <Shura Field>! I want to see rivers of blood!"

She blurted out nonsensically, overjoyed. She had finally escaped the terrifying <Curse>.

This made both <Li Yèlái> and <Cheese> happy. However, just as <Cheese> was about to step closer and join in <Li Yúnyān>'s excited ramblings.

<Li Yúnyān> suddenly stiffened. In her eyes, as the beautiful short-haired girl moved, countless tentacles and limbs spread from her body. Her delicate face instantly contorted into a ferocious and chilling expression.

This caused <Li Yúnyān>'s joyful expression to freeze, her face turning pale in an instant. Cold sweat broke out.

<Cheese> keenly noticed <Li Yúnyān>'s abnormality, immediately withdrew her foot, and quickly retreated, leaving <Li Yúnyān>'s line of sight.

<Li Yèlái> immediately stood in front of <Li Yúnyān>, blocking her view, for fear that she would be frightened by other creatures outside the door.

<Li Yèlái> pulled the stiff <Li Yúnyān> back into her bedroom.

After a long while, <Li Yúnyān> finally spoke softly, "How could this happen? I could clearly see her! I could clearly..."

Her words were filled with despair and helplessness.

She had clearly seen hope, but in the next second, hope had transformed into a thick wall of despair, shattering all her wishful thinking.

<Li Yèlái> also felt disappointed, but he still cheered up and said, "At least, in the beginning, you could see her. We can slowly find a pattern, don't be afraid."

"Okay," <Li Yúnyān> shook her head, "Please invite your senior in for a chat."

After repeated experiments by <Li Yúnyān> and <Cheese>, the three of them finally reached a conclusion.

The <Anti-spiritual power helmet> did have an effect, but it wasn't significant.

The helmet could indeed help <Li Yúnyān>'s vision of creatures escape the influence of <Curse>. At least for a short time.

However, once the target moved or made a significant motion, the <Curse> would reappear. Only when the target stopped any movement would the <Curse> be isolated again.

At the same time, the helmet couldn't block sounds affected by the <Curse>. In <Li Yúnyān>'s ears, the sounds <Cheese> made were indescribable, eerie whispers.

This conclusion left all three in a state of silence and disappointment.

But it wasn't all bad news. At least <Li Yúnyān> could now see others besides <Li Yèlái>.

"Your sister's <Curse> is very strong. The <Anti-spiritual power helmet> alone can only do so much. You might need other anti-<Spiritual power> equipment later," <Cheese> whispered to <Li Yèlái>.

"But other anti-<Spiritual power> equipment carries a significant risk of distortion," <Li Yèlái> sighed.

"Perhaps once your sister becomes a <Spiritual power> user and awakens a few times, you can try using them," <Cheese> comforted him. "Don't worry, at least she can see me temporarily, right? Even if she can't move, it's still good news."

<Li Yèlái> nodded. "Then we'll have to keep this helmet."

"Let's continue the trial for now. The captain applied for a three-month trial period," <Cheese> reminded him. "We'll see how things are after three months. Your most important task now is to prepare the <Potion>."

Although regrettable, there was nothing else they could do.

Afterward, <Cheese> came up with a plan. She sat at the dining table, with <Li Yúnyān> opposite her. The two communicated via communicator. <Li Yúnyān> would look up at <Cheese> from time to time. When she did, <Cheese> would remain perfectly still, allowing <Li Yúnyān> to observe her. Only when <Li Yúnyān> looked down to type would <Cheese> move again.

It was strange, but it allowed <Li Yúnyān> to interact with others.

<Li Yèlái> didn't know what they talked about, but the atmosphere between them improved significantly.

<Li Yúnyān>'s pale face even showed some smiles.

<Cheese>, on the other hand, commented with a strange expression, "I've met my match!"

Seeing that neither of them was willing to talk about it, <Li Yèlái> didn't press further.

After they finished chatting, they escorted <Cheese> to her car.

"Thank you for spending so much time chatting with my sister," <Li Yèlái> said earnestly. He felt like he was receiving kindness from others, yet he didn't feel like he had much to offer in return. He felt guilty.

"No need for thanks. Just consider it playing with a mannequin. But... my uncle would like to invite you over for a meal. Would you do him the honor?" <Cheese> asked hesitantly.

"Your uncle?" <Li Yèlái> remembered the middle-aged man he saw at the Wang family banquet when he took on a private job. "Why the sudden invitation?"

"His daughter, my cousin, was also a member of Team One," <Cheese> said softly. "So, he's very friendly towards his colleagues from Team One."

<Cheese>'s cousin? A former teammate from Team One? Former?

Recalling the fate of Team One, <Li Yèlái>'s expression shifted slightly.

Did that mean <Cheese>'s cousin had already sacrificed herself?

He nodded immediately. "Alright, but it will have to be after the 15th. I have other missions."

"Okay, goodbye." Seeing <Li Yèlái> agree, <Cheese> didn't pry about the mission. A slight smile appeared on her face as she drove away.

The next day, <Li Yèlái> received commendations for yesterday's operation.

The <West City Branch> sent fifty thousand <Giant City> coins and forty <Merit Points>.

The <West City Branch> was being too polite.

In yesterday's operation, the <West City Branch> had done the most work. <Li Yèlái> had only taken down twenty-odd people and knocked out four <Spiritual power> users. The rest were handled by the <West City Branch> personnel.

This brought <Li Yèlái>'s <Merit Points> to one hundred and sixty-five.

This was not a small amount, but it was still quite a way off from the three hundred points needed for the <Three Awakening Myriad Phenomena Potion>.

No wonder it took the handlers one to two years to accumulate points. The <Potion> was expensive. Without over a year of time, it was impossible to save up three hundred points.

However, this also allowed the handlers to calmly focus on breaking through, avoiding the risk of distortion.

Afterward, <Li Yèlái> spoke with the owner of the <Antique Shop>.

After yesterday's events, the owner of the <Antique Shop> had a clearer understanding of <Li Yèlái>'s identity.

Perhaps considering <Li Yèlái>'s official status, the owner was very excited, exclaiming that he no longer had to worry about scavengers causing trouble.

That made sense. If his employee was an official, then as long as he didn't break the law, he wouldn't have to worry about other issues.

Moreover, the people rescued from the <Red Dart Merchant Association> yesterday, although they had signed non-disclosure agreements, also knew <Li Yèlái>'s identity. This allowed the <Antique Shop> to receive many favors and open up new channels.

He also indicated to <Li Yèlái> that he could come to work when he had time, and it was fine if he didn't. His salary would still be paid.

This was good news.

In the following days, the members of Team One also recovered from their injuries and actively participated in missions.

Among them, <White Poplar> specifically came to find <Li Yèlái>. His arm had been successfully reattached.

He was now on a mission to leave <Giant City> and return to the <Night Watch>. He came to say goodbye to <Li Yèlái>.

In response, <Li Yèlái> wished him success.

<White Poplar> waved his hand. "Hurry up and get stronger. We need you as a teammate."

"You need me to draw aggro, right?" <Li Yèlái> quipped as he saw him off from <Giant City>.

Afterward, <Li Yèlái> noticed that there were many new recruits in the branch.

As a result, <Li Yèlái> encountered several unfamiliar faces. The newcomers all called him "senior," which felt quite novel.

Days passed until Darkfire reappeared. Li Yelai knew then that his "mole" operation was about to begin.

On October 15th, Li Yelai was brought to headquarters by Darkfire.

The Processing Department headquarters, located in the Upper City District, was the core area of the entire Border City No. 3.

Skyscrapers stood tall, and the lights were dazzling.

Expensive cars were a common sight on the roads, and the people walking along the sidewalks were all white-collar workers in suits.

Unlike the various branches hidden underground, the headquarters was a conspicuous building.

So conspicuous, in fact, that it was right next to the City Lord's Mansion. The City Lord's Mansion was the administrative center of the entire border city, and the headquarters was right beside it. Or perhaps, the City Lord's Mansion was beside the headquarters?

Li Yelai looked at the building before him, appearing somewhat taken aback. "Isn't it a bit too obvious?"

"It's fine. Even if it's obvious, no one would dare to cause trouble," Darkfire chuckled. "This is just for show, for certain people to see!"

Afterward, Li Yelai and Darkfire walked towards the headquarters. After presenting their credentials under the watchful eyes of several Spiritual Power users, they were allowed to enter.

Personnel immediately stepped forward to lead them. They escorted the two through the building and into an elevator heading to a lower level.

After passing through layers of security measures, they arrived in a room deep underground.

As soon as he entered, Li Yelai saw a massive cultivation pod.

Through the transparent glass, he could see a figure fixed by several chains inside the pod.

It was a middle-aged man with an unremarkable appearance, completely naked. Chains pierced his body, locking down all his ability to resist.

At the same time, numerous black spikes connected by fine threads were all inserted into the man's brain, rendering his gaze vacant.

Many people were watching this scene from outside the observation pod.

"This is..." Li Yelai looked at the scene, his heart filled with shock and uncertainty.

"He is one of the participants in the Illusion Band incident," Darkfire sneered.

"Then you're too gentle!" Li Yelai's expression turned cold. "Couldn't you have broken his limbs? Cutting him in half would have been fine too!"

For the participants of the Illusion Band incident, no handler would show any sympathy. How many people had they killed?

Any method used against them would be justifiable!

"If we had been discovered by the Ark, it would have alerted them," Darkfire replied. "So, after capturing him, we directly controlled his brain. This way, we can safely send you into the Ark through him."

"What should I do? Is there anything I need to pay attention to?" Li Yelai asked.

"I already told you on the way. Change your clothes, and once you enter the Ark, you will be the representative of 'Golden Armor', 'Bronze Mask'! Don't worry too much about the rest. According to the intel, they don't know much about Bronze Mask either. Just play your part well," Darkfire replied. "Now, change your clothes, put on the Bronze Mask, and prepare to enter the Ark."

Soon, Li Yelai put on the suit provided by the organization and put on a yellow Bronze Mask.

At the same time, he received a sturdy-feeling ticket.

A Spiritual Power user with a murmuring path then stepped forward and whispered, "Calm."

Li Yelai's nervous emotions immediately dissipated.

Seeing this, Darkfire gave a slight nod to someone outside the observation window.

The person nodded and flicked their finger.

Inside the cultivation pod, the few spikes on the middle-aged man's head trembled slightly.

The middle-aged man's body moved accordingly. He extended his left hand and pointed at the ticket in Li Yelai's hand.

Li Yelai felt a flash of light before his eyes, accompanied by a sense of weightlessness.

A few seconds later, the light in front of him dissipated, and when his feet touched the ground again.

Li Yelai had already arrived in a new environment.

He had arrived... inside the Ark!

In the brightly lit hall, there were ornate tables and chairs, upon which sat numerous blurred figures.

These were the chosen ones of the Ark, the culprits who had caused the deaths of so many colleagues were hiding among them.

Li Yelai suppressed the nervousness and malice that surged within him again, whispering in his heart, "Beasts, I'm here!"

And in a room deep within the Ark, a great existence...

At this moment, vaguely felt a sense of unease.