Citywide Martial Law

"According to reports, the missing are between the ages of 9 and 18. They disappeared in surveillance blind spots across multiple areas of our city, and no obvious signs of a struggle were found at any of the scenes."

"The police urge residents with teenagers at home to remain vigilant. Please accompany your children whenever possible when they go out. If you notice anything suspicious, call the police immediately."

"A police spokesperson said that a task force has been formed to investigate the cases with all possible resources. The latest developments will be released through official police channels. The police have also published the specific times and locations of some of the incidents. Residents are urged to stay aware of their surroundings and take care."

The anchor then switched to another screen, where a concise table of case information appeared, clearly listing the confirmed times and locations of the incidents.

Chen Mochuan frowned slightly as he read the description, "No obvious signs of a struggle at the scene." He then saw that 14 disappearances had been reported so far. This was clearly unusual.

The good public order of the world he had lived in during his previous life could never have allowed such vicious crimes to happen. But on Blue Star, surrounded by Ferocious Beasts, while these cases weren't exactly commonplace, they weren't rare either.

The moment he saw the reports of the disappearances, the first culprit that came to mind was the Broken-Legged Ferocious Rat that had escaped. But he quickly realized the odds were slim.

Although most of the reported cases had occurred at night, several had happened during the day. Some had even taken place in busy downtown areas.

This went completely against the Ferocious Rat's habit of hiding in the dark and only daring to ambush isolated targets.

Especially with one of its legs broken, its strength had been greatly diminished. If it really were behind the crimes, it would be even more cautious, choosing only the safest targets and moments.

Could another, more cunning Ferocious Beast have slipped into the city? Or... could this be a man-made disaster? Chen Mochuan's thoughts raced.

Remembering some even more heinous cases he had heard about over the years—the bloody atrocities committed by inhuman followers of so-called evil gods—he felt a chill crawl over his scalp.

Even if a Ferocious Beast is responsible, please don't let it be cultists... he prayed silently.

But the good refused to come, while the bad came true. During afternoon boxing class, their homeroom teacher, Han Zhen, entered the Martial Arts Arena with a grave expression and announced an important notice: "We've received an urgent notice from our superiors. Effective immediately, Antu City is under citywide martial law!"

"Citywide martial law?"

When the students in the advanced class heard the news, an uproar broke out.

Even with their usually stern homeroom teacher standing before them, they couldn't hold back from whispering and speculating among themselves. The atmosphere in the Martial Arts Arena turned tense in an instant.

Han Zhen understood that the students needed to vent their shock. He didn't stop them right away, instead giving them time to digest the bombshell.

Unlike most of the students, Chen Mochuan didn't immediately join the discussion. He simply pondered in silence.

The scale of the martial law was clearly not aimed at a single unranked Broken-Legged Ferocious Rat. Even the recent disappearances weren't enough to justify it. In the past, more serious incidents had occurred without ever prompting citywide martial law.

Although Antu City was only a county-level city, it had Martial Artists who had broken through to the third or even fourth realm stationed there. What kind of threat could have the city authorities making such a huge show of force, as if facing a formidable enemy?

He thought of the worst-case scenario he had imagined that morning, and his heart sank.

A minute or two later, the hubbub gradually died down. One student ventured to ask, "Teacher, is the citywide martial law because of the recent disappearances in the city?"

Clearly, Chen Mochuan wasn't the only one who had watched the morning news.

"I know little about the exact reason for the martial law," Han Zhen said, sweeping his gaze across the class. His voice was steady and clear. "But I've received a definite notice that... signs of cultist activity have been found in Antu City."

"Cultists?!"

Those three words crashed into the advanced class like a boulder dropped into a still lake, setting off an even louder uproar than before.

Even Chen Mochuan's heart gave a jolt. He hadn't expected his earlier guess to come true.

This time, the discussion in the classroom continued for much longer before it gradually subsided.

Seeing the students slowly calm down, Han Zhen spoke again, reassuring them in a firm voice:

"Everyone, there's no need to panic. Even if cultists really are hiding here, the police and the Martial Arts Association will certainly bring all their strength to bear and eliminate them as soon as possible. They won't let the threat reach the school or put you in danger."

He then announced the school's response. "Starting today, all evening classes are temporarily canceled. After school this afternoon, go home as early as possible, and don't linger outside..."

"However, there are only seven months left until the College Entrance Exam. Your cultivation can't be neglected for even a single day. You can practice standing post and boxing at home as well. I hope you'll stay disciplined and not slack off just because evening classes have been canceled."

Then he gave them another particularly stern warning:

"Also, until the martial law is lifted, don't go out unless absolutely necessary! If you really must leave, make sure you go with someone. You must stick to brightly lit, open main roads. These routes are usually covered by municipal surveillance, so they're safer."

First the string of disappearances, then citywide martial law. A stifling sense of a storm gathering on the horizon weighed on everyone's heart.

At five thirty in the afternoon, regular classes ended. With no evening classes to attend, students from No. 8 High School left campus in small groups.

Li Biao clasped his hands behind his head and sighed. "Getting out of school this early feels kind of strange."

Chen Mochuan smiled and reminded him, "The midterm exam is tomorrow. Don't go home and completely let your guard down, or it'll affect your performance."

"Don't you worry!" Li Biao declared, thumping his chest. "I may not be as disciplined as you, but I'm definitely no worse than anyone else in our class!"

He had awakened his Spirit Talent a month ago and was itching to make a splash in tomorrow's exam.

"Good."

As they spoke, the two reached the school gate. A luxury flying car was parked in a conspicuous spot. Because of the citywide martial law, Li Biao's father had sent someone to pick him up.

"Brother Chuan, want a lift?"

"No need. My home's just a short walk away. I could use the exercise."

"Sure. See you tomorrow. I can't wait to see your ranking shoot up!"

After parting with Li Biao, Chen Mochuan didn't head straight home.

It was still early, and he planned to make the most of the time to improve himself. The Mingxin Martial Arts Hall, with its full range of facilities and a Martial Artist stationed there, was undoubtedly the ideal place.

Besides, with the entire city under martial law, even cultists wouldn't choose to target a place like a martial arts hall. It was actually safer there than alone at home.

And having learned his lesson from the Ferocious Rat incident, he was now determined to take the crowded, busy main roads, even if it meant going out of his way. That would minimize the risk as much as possible.