Forbidden Zone!

On the projection screen, Chen Bojun scanned the newcomers once more and spoke calmly, "I believe you are all aware that the Kirin Immortal Palace is on the verge of manifesting. To ensure the stability of Feng City and maintain order between the super-ancient world and our reality, we are launching a comprehensive sweep across the entire province."

Someone caught the keyword.

The entire province!

"Thanks to the emergence of the Kirin Immortal Palace, whether through consciousness projection or physical translocation, you have all experienced the savagery and vastness of that world from different perspectives."

Chen Bojun continued, "From there, your souls ascended, and you entered the world of the extraordinary."

Gu Jianlin noticed that almost everyone wore a look of trepidation upon hearing this.

Except for Tang Ling, who sat in the corner with her head bowed, her face obscured.

What Gu Jianlin could now confirm was that almost all Ascenders had entered that other world before their awakening.

He wondered what the others had seen in that world.

As for him, he had been stuck in a tomb chamber the moment he arrived, and he hadn't left it since.

"This mission will be the closest you have ever come to re-entering the Immortal Palace. We are heading to the east coast of Feng City to conduct a large-scale sweep within the Forbidden Zone. Seven squads will be deployed, led by six captains and six vice-captains. Your targets are the survivors of the Blood Moon Massacre."

"After extensive investigation, we have locked onto an organization codenamed the Grave Diggers."

"This Forbidden Zone is also the site of the Blood Moon Massacre. Due to the incident back then, it has undergone a certain degree of mutation, and there are many unknown dangers. Beneath the seabed of this Forbidden Zone lies the Undersea Palace built by Xu Fu two thousand years ago, which is also the dimensional entrance to the Kirin Immortal Palace."

"This operation carries significant risk. A moment of carelessness could mean death. If you wish to withdraw, now is the time."

Gu Jianlin was taken aback. It seemed the Ether Association had a keen sense of smell; they had caught the scent of that Ancient God.

Very well. It appeared the Grave Diggers organization was located within this so-called Forbidden Zone.

Although he still didn't know what a Forbidden Zone was, it was the site of the Blood Moon Massacre!

Gu Jianlin wasn't particularly afraid. With two Mythic Armaments in his possession, he could always run if he couldn't win.

Not to mention, he could transform.

Coupled with the combat power of the Ether Association, he felt as if the Ancient God Blood was already beckoning to him.

Chen Bojun's words were clear: this mission was dangerous.

Clearly, whether this was a demonstration or a warning, no one withdrew at this stage.

Some were fearless, while others simply didn't believe they would die.

Others were just thick-skinned and failed to realize the danger.

However, upon hearing "Blood Moon Massacre," many turned to look at the black-haired youth in the corner.

Gu Jianlin remained expressionless, thinking to himself, What the hell does that have to do with me?

A moment later, everyone's phone chimed with a notification from the Deep Sky Network: a Death-in-Duty Confirmation Agreement.

Everyone signed without hesitation.

Gu Jianlin was no exception.

"Very good."

Chen Bojun watched this scene with satisfaction as a photograph appeared on the projection screen.

"This is the leader of the Grave Diggers, who was also one of the frontline surveyors for the Immortal Palace Project."

"Hasegawa Shinichi, Yingzhou national. Thirty-two years old, Samurai Path, Tier 3 Wandering Warrior. A survivor of the Blood Moon Massacre, he possesses highly distorted abilities. He has now founded the Grave Diggers organization and engages in criminal activities within the Forbidden Zone. His threat level is comparable to the Joker, though the possibility of him carrying a Mythic Armament is largely ruled out."

"Although his rank is not high, he has a deep background in archaeology, which is why he once served as a supervisor for the Kirin Immortal Palace Project. In the short time since he went rogue, he has committed seventeen murders and is suffering from severe mental instability."

"Your mission is to assist the captains in wiping out all members of the Grave Diggers within the Forbidden Zone."

"Especially Hasegawa Shinichi—if conditions permit, try to capture him alive."

Gu Jianlin stared at the photo on the screen.

It was a standard, stereotypical face: small eyes, a thin mustache, and messy hair.

Gu Jianlin memorized this face. This was his primary target for participating in the sweep.

A survivor of the Blood Moon Massacre.

An accomplice of the Joker.

Perhaps he knew more about his father.

"I am now appointing C-rank investigator Yan Ye as the team leader for this operation."

Chen Bojun said faintly, "Can you shoulder the success of this mission and the safety of all your team members?"

In the center of the seating area, Yan Ye slowly stood up, placed a hand over his chest, and saluted, "I am up to the task."

No one voiced an objection; it seemed that this second-ranked newcomer serving as captain was the consensus.

Gu Jianlin, however, noticed the white-haired girl in the corner seemingly shake her head.

Hasegawa Shinichi's portrait vanished.

Chen Bojun's face reappeared on the screen, saying with satisfaction, "Very good. I am now sending the operation flow to you. Hmm... you must be aware of one thing: you are heading to the Forbidden Zone, so you must keep a low profile. It is a place where all sorts of people congregate, and many wild Ascender organizations and criminal gangs are active there."

"There is one rogue organization you need to be wary of. They are composed of former members of the Association, and their leader is a Tier 4 Alchemist. This person absconded with ancient documents half a year ago and likely entered the depths of the Kirin Immortal Palace. There is a high probability they are currently hiding in the Forbidden Zone, maintaining contact with various wild Ascender organizations."

"I will send you the known intelligence; you need to stay vigilant."

"Once you find their trail, report to your superiors immediately. Do not act alone. Although the Alchemist path lacks combat capability, they easily recruit very powerful helpers. That is not something you can contend with."

Gu Jianlin froze upon hearing this.

A Tier 4 Alchemist, formerly of the Association.

Wasn't this exactly the old man he had encountered in the ancient tomb?

Sometimes.

Fate was truly a mysterious thing.

Top floor of the Deep Sky Technology Building.

Lu Zijin toyed with an archaic copper coin wrapped in a strand of hair. Her crimson lips parted slightly, "With this thing to divine fortune, there shouldn't be any accidents, right? That kid doesn't have the face of someone short-lived, nor is he the brainless idiot type."

"Zijin."

Chen Bojun raised an eyebrow, "What are you talking about?"

"Nothing."

Lu Zijin rested her chin on her hands, sitting listlessly in her office chair, and said faintly, "This operation will likely flush out all the filth hiding within the Association, won't it?"

"I hope so."

Chen Bojun stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the twelve captains and vice-captains opposite him, and said, "Then, I leave it to you all."

"Understood."

The twelve captains nodded slightly and turned to leave.

This sweep mission was not as simple as it appeared. Beyond the twelve captains and seventeen newcomers, the higher-ups had a great deal of work to do to ensure nothing went wrong.

As long as the operation wasn't designed by the Tribunal, the plans designated by the Ministers were usually quite reliable and well-structured.

Take this sweep as an example.

The newcomers were in the light.

The captains were in the shadows.

The higher-ups controlled the big picture.

As for combat power, it was more than sufficient.

Not to mention the seventeen newcomers.

With six captains and six vice-captains, the combat power was actually overflowing.

Once the mission commenced, the central system of the Deep Sky Technology Building entered a state of full alert.

Red light swept across the top floor, and immense computing power blanketed the entire city.

Lu Zicheng waited for the elevator, looking down at the time, "They should be departing soon."

"Yes, they have already boarded the bus, disguised as contraband traders, heading toward the Forbidden Zone."

Chen Qing looked down at the red dots on the tablet and said softly, "After we finish our disguises, we should organize our equipment and prepare to leave. Young Master, are you alright?"

Lu Zicheng hummed, looking out at the distance beyond the glass curtain wall, his eyes somewhat despondent.

Seeing his expression, Chen Qing comforted him softly, "Young Master, the reason you wanted to help him and bring him in, besides repaying a debt, is also to prove something, right? You want him to see the Forbidden Zone for himself, don't you?"

Lu Zicheng instinctively reached for his cigarette case and lighter, but found nothing. He gave a bitter smile, "I suppose so. My path is already a dead end. But he has talent and is smart enough. Since he wants to clear Professor Gu's name, he can never avoid the Forbidden Zone. One day he would have to see it, and I am merely a guide."

A hint of softness flashed in Chen Qing's eyes as she stood quietly by his side.

At this moment, a burly man in a long trench coat stood behind them.

"Yo, Captain Lu."

He kept his hands in his pockets, his expression flippant, and said with a sarcastic tone, "It's been a long time. You spent several years abroad; I thought I would never see you in Feng City again."

Hearing this voice, Chen Qing instinctively furrowed her brows.

Lu Zicheng turned around and said faintly, "Wang Bolin? Long time no see."

This burly man was currently the captain of the first-ranked squad, also of the Ancient Martial Arts path, a Tier 4 Mad King.

With a background in the Tribunal, he was a person of some standing in the Feng City jurisdiction.

"I hope Captain Lu will look after us during this mission."

Wang Bolin grinned, "Especially since we're going to the Forbidden Zone. I hope Captain Lu won't be soft-hearted toward those 'unclean' ones like you were a few years ago. After all, when you show mercy to the enemy, it's your teammates who suffer."

Lu Zicheng narrowed his eyes and said nothing.

Chen Qing's beautiful eyes turned cold, and she said icily, "Wang Bolin, do you want to die?"

Wang Bolin shrugged, "Just speaking the truth."

"Alright, Chen Qing, let's go."

Lu Zicheng didn't say anything more and stepped into the elevator.

Chen Qing shot a cold glance at the big man and followed him in.

As the elevator doors closed and descended, the meeting hall fell into a deathly silence.

Wang Bolin lit a cigarette, exhaled, and said, "I really didn't expect it. I thought he would hide abroad and never come back. This time he actually brought a newcomer, and the son of a Fallen one at that."

The sound of high heels clicking on the floor echoed.

Lin Wanqiu walked past him with her hands in her lab coat, saying coldly, "He is Minister Lu's brother, after all. Stop provoking him. If you anger Minister Lu, she won't care about your excuses."

Wang Bolin was momentarily speechless, then offered a sycophantic smile, "Right, Sister Wanqiu. Come to think of it, didn't you try to recruit that Fallen one's son earlier? How did he end up in Lu Zicheng's squad?"

Lin Wanqiu glanced at him sideways and said faintly, "Just an unappreciative brat."

With that, she turned and entered the armory.

The other captains lowered their heads to prepare their weapon cases, occasionally letting out contemptuous laughs.

"Zhang Shiheng, keep an eye on Lu Zicheng during this operation. Since it involves the Forbidden Zone, I don't trust him much."

Wang Bolin licked his lips and instructed, "I am the chief captain for this mission; nothing can go wrong."

Zhang Shiheng was the captain of the third squad, a middle-aged man with a cold face and a massive iron bow strapped to his back.

"Understood."

A white bus drove across the sea-crossing bridge, piercing through the misty fog.

For this operation, the entire seventeen-person team sat on the bus, heading toward the Forbidden Zone on the east coast.

Before boarding, everyone had received a supply crate issued by the Association.

However, per the instructions, they were only to open them upon reaching the designated location.

Although, in Gu Jianlin's view, the vast majority of the team members were not worth mentioning and hardly deserved the title of "elite," at least the quality they displayed on the surface wasn't too bad.

The newcomers were young, but clearly, no one treated this mission as a field trip; they were taking it seriously.

After all, this was a matter of life and death.

Gu Jianlin sat alone in the back row of the bus, looking down at the mission brief.

The artificial intelligence of the Deep Sky Network was indeed powerful; the version of the mission brief each person received was different, analyzed based on their actual situation to facilitate better understanding.

"The so-called Forbidden Zone is an area polluted by the super-ancient world. Hidden in the shadows of reality, the Forbidden Zone is a paradise for wild Ascenders and the Fallen, as well as a hotbed for crime."

"It is a place where all sorts of people congregate, filled with infinite danger. Due to the descent of the Kirin Immortal Palace, the polluted Forbidden Zones are constantly increasing. We have yet to discover the underlying principle or find a way to eradicate them."

Seeing this, although Gu Jianlin still didn't fully understand the Forbidden Zone, he had grasped the purpose of this mission.

Disguise his identity, infiltrate a crime-ridden area, and eliminate the target.

"What a Forbidden Zone is will be self-evident once we arrive."

Gu Jianlin pondered for a moment, "But the problem is..."

He felt this mission was highly unsafe.

The reason was that everyone was entering the Forbidden Zone under hidden identities.

According to the higher-ups of the Ether Association, they were likely aiming for a surprise attack.

The problem was that the five-person group from the ancient tomb was likely in the Forbidden Zone as well.

And the Sea Siren seemed to be a mole planted within the Ether Association.

This meant that this operation was highly likely to be leaked.

"Lin Xuecheng, codename Pharmacist, Alchemist path, Tier 4 Spirit Gatherer. Seventy-four years old, formerly employed by the Ether Association's drug research group, serving as a branch leader. Confirmed to be corrupted by an Ancient God, absconded with ancient documents half a year ago."

"Zhou Ting, codename Book Elder, Celestial Master path, Tier 3 Mind Master. Twenty-nine years old, formerly employed by the Ether Association, served as vice-captain of the fifth squad. Confirmed to be corrupted by an Ancient God, defected to follow the Pharmacist."

Gu Jianlin looked down at the photos of these two, a flash of realization in his eyes.

After so much scheming, he had finally caught them.

These two were in the Forbidden Zone of Feng City.

Gu Jianlin had sensed them before; they had consumed Ancient God Blood, and he didn't know to what extent they had evolved.

"And there's the Sea Siren."

He thought to himself, Although I don't know her identity, I'll assume she has already leaked the information.

Someone sat down beside him, holding a phone out toward him.

On the screen was a WeChat QR code.

Gu Jianlin paused and looked up.

At some point, Tang Ling had sat down next to him.

The girl kept her head slightly bowed, her black sun hat obscuring her delicate, frost-like features. A large black instrument case was slung across her shoulder, and a faint, cold fragrance wafted from her, possessing a texture like ice crystals.

Gu Jianlin saw that she had no intention of speaking, so he had no choice but to open WeChat and scan her QR code.

"You have added Thunder as a friend."

The profile picture was a slightly foolish-looking cat head.

After adding him, Tang Ling turned and walked away, sitting on the other side of the back seat while lowering her head to tap at her screen.

Ding-dong.

A new message appeared in Gu Jianlin's WeChat.

Tang Ling: "You aren't Tier 0, are you? If you were only Tier 0, you couldn't have killed Joker."

Gu Jianlin looked up, only to see her still staring down at her phone, showing no intention of communicating verbally.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

He replied.

Ding-dong.

Tang Ling: "Are you an Evolutionist?"

Gu Jianlin was struck with alarm.

Tang Ling raised her head to glance at him, then put her phone away.

Gu Jianlin couldn't fathom her intentions at all; she suspected he was an Evolutionist, yet she had no plan to continue probing or confirming it.

He became instinctively vigilant.

He remembered that this woman was ranked number one in the Feng City jurisdiction.

She was the emergency contingency plan for the operation at Fengcheng No. 2 High School.

Indifferent, aloof, cold, and efficient.

Isolated from the world, a lone wolf, and reticent.

This was the first impression he had profiled; the woman was quite the maverick.

The bus drove off the cross-sea bridge, suddenly slowing down to turn as a thick fog rushed toward them.

The sky dimmed abruptly, plunging into pitch-black darkness.

Yet it was daytime, only eleven in the morning; it was impossible for it to be dark.

Gu Jianlin looked up to see the firmament covered in dense, overcast clouds, with not a single ray of light leaking through.

"Look, what is that up ahead!"

Someone exclaimed.

Gu Jianlin looked up and saw a dilapidated, quiet cluster of buildings emerging under the shroud of the pitch-black clouds.

Feng City was a first-tier city known for its picturesque scenery of blue seas and skies, but this ruined urban cluster looked like an abandoned relic from the last century, thrust into the painting like a rusted, mottled dagger.

His phone chimed.

"Welcome to the Forbidden Zone, Black Cloud Stronghold."

This was the hiding place of the Grave Diggers organization.