The meeting room fell silent for several dozen seconds.
Li Zhenguo was the first to steer the conversation back on track.
"The Zhao Family matter will naturally be investigated by the Provincial Capital. Right now, we have a much bigger problem."
He stood up and tapped the projector on the table.
A red holographic map appeared in the air.
Fifty kilometers beyond the Sixth Defense Line, a massive red vortex spun and expanded without end.
"The frontline detectors have gone off the charts. This is a newly formed B-Rank Rift."
Gasps filled the meeting room.
Captain Zhao's cup fell straight to the floor.
"B-Rank Rifts contain Martial King-level Exotic Beasts." Li Zhenguo's voice dropped low. "With the forces currently stationed on our defense line, we can't hold them back. If the Rift erupts, all three cities behind us are finished."
Before he could finish speaking, a tremendous roar sounded above the Base Camp.
Everyone turned toward the windows.
A gray warship hovered in midair, the Provincial Martial Arts Association's insignia painted on its hull.
Two figures leaped from the ship and landed in the open space at the center of the Base Camp.
They were two middle-aged men.
One tall and one short, both wearing matching dark blue uniforms.
The tall man had a cold expression, with a black mole on his chin.
The short man had a round face and a beaming smile. He looked amiable.
But the aura emanating from the two of them weighed down the entire Base Camp.
Martial Kings.
Both of them were Martial Kings.
Zhang Qian was the first to rush out and greet them, bowing as he led them into the Command Center.
As soon as the tall man entered, he slapped a document down on the table.
"Headquarters' orders. Effective immediately, the