The End is Nigh

"I don't have time for your boring rocket launch program, I have a mountain of work waiting for me."

Judas slumped in a lavish sedan chair, carried aloft by eight Blood-Swaying bearers. As a religious icon of the Immortals Alliance, he had to maintain his dignity at all times.

"I have to leave tonight."

At the intersection of Changfeng Avenue in the Aizong Mausoleum region, Mr. Wood saw him off, not intending to go any further.

He wasn't going to tell the leader a single word about the war intelligence around the Baibei port area—including the scouts from the Gate of Wonders and Fast Knife, and the recent mysterious deaths of the Star Officials. He'd concealed it all, swallowing his words.

The old gentleman was filled with trepidation. Perhaps in a few days, the Unnamed, upon learning of Judas's whereabouts, would come knocking. If Judas continued to linger in the Aizong Mausoleum, his deep-hole drilling complex would be reduced to ruins—his ideals would be shattered, turning into an empty dream amidst the flames of war.

"That's not a rocket launch program, my leader." Although he wished the boss would leave quickly, he still retorted stubbornly, "That's a deep-hole drilling project. I didn't mean to correct you. It's just..."

"Who cares?!" Though his expression was hidden by the sub-gold mask, Judas's impatience was evident from beneath his cloak. "Aren't they all just money-burning, wasteful endeavors?"

"If only you'd put your energy elsewhere! Wood! Your Soul Power has immense potential, your intellect and talent could have created more valuable endeavors! Yet you've disappointed me time and time again."

"How many times has this been? How many times have you tried?"

"Tell me, from the surface to underground, from the selection of Sector Sixty-Seven to Sector Seventy-Seven."

"How much money have you spent?