Back on Track

"Ha ha..."

In the dimly lit room, the girl's soft breathing echoed. Her smooth, white body writhed like a snake on the soft bed. Her eyes were half-closed, her golden hair disheveled from the previous frenzied pleasure. In her dazed gaze, the flame of life began to die out. Suddenly, her body began to tremble violently. She flailed her arms and kicked her legs wildly, opening her mouth wide as if trying to utter her last sound—but a delicate, white hand timely covered her mouth, silencing her final cry in the darkness.

The girl's arms finally fell limply to her sides, sliding onto the bed, signifying the end of her life. Only then did Angela raise her head in satisfaction, gently licking the remaining blood from the corner of her mouth.

"As expected, virgin blood is the most delicious and juicy."

Angela stood up, not even glancing at the dead girl. She turned her gaze to the window, watching the blood and burning flames, and a cruel, cold smile appeared on her face.

"Indeed, this place suits me much better."

After Angela's return, Li Lin naturally handed over command of the Undead Legion to her again, which relieved Li Lin of a heavy burden. Angela's choice was also quite simple and clear—obviously, to make up for the losses caused by her absence, the little one decisively led the remaining Scourge Legion to launch a brutal invasion of Lalia.

Thus ended the last peace in Lalia.

Following the map provided by Li Lin, Angela launched a large-scale offensive against the western region of Lalia. Although the little one was somewhat dissatisfied with giving up the fertile plains to a backward country, Angela ultimately obediently accepted Li Lin's orders. She swiftly led her undead army around the Black Road, like a venomous snake pouncing straight into the heart of Lalia —if the Dark Elf wanted the territory they desired in the treaty, they would have to rely on their own efforts.

For the nobles of Lalia, the invasion of the undead army was only a matter of time. They knew they were cut off and had no way out. But not everyone was willing to face death. During Angela's march, she saw nobles who opened the city gates out of fear, abandoned all their responsibilities, indulged in the pleasures of women, and ultimately chose to die on a woman's belly. She also saw warriors who refused to accept defeat and struggled desperately. But no matter their attitudes or actions, Angela saw no meaning in them. Her mission would not change because of their changes—to lead all the undead and slaughter all the living rebels. That was her job.

The destruction of Lalia was even more complete than that of Kudel. They didn't even have a qualified leader. When Angela led her army to Lalia's capital, she was helplessly too late—the royal city had already been burned to the ground by the previous rebels, leaving nothing behind. This was a small regret for Angela.

With this, three of the Five-Nation Alliance were finally and completely destroyed.

The next challenge is the final war—the battle against the United Kingdom —but before that, Li Lin needs to resolve some troubles.

"We all know that the United Kingdom's strength is not that great."

Li Lin spread his hands, gazing at the girls standing in his study.

"However, we cannot be complacent. This battle is not as easy or simple as we imagine. Although we seem to possess the power to easily destroy the United Kingdom, I think you also understand that this is the last bastion of the God of Justice on earth. Other nations either lack his faith or have begun to be occupied by other gods, so the God of Justice will absolutely not give up this last territory."

"What other tricks does that stupid idiot have up his sleeve?"

Angela clearly didn't care about this.

"With your power, Master, surely you can kill him?"

"To be honest, that's true."

Li Lin spread his hands.

"The true form of the God of Justice resides in Upper Planes. He cannot come to the Prime Material Plane on his Prime Material Plane, as this would trigger its collapse, resulting in mutual destruction. Therefore, the only way for him to descend is through methods similar to those used in the City of the Federation, such as projection, avatars, and the descent of saints. While I can destroy them here and indirectly harm the God of Justice, destroying him? I think that would be a lengthy process and impossible. According to the plane's rules, Arcane Mage cannot ascend to Upper Planes, so even if I went, I wouldn't fare well. I would become extremely vulnerable there, almost as vulnerable as the God of Justice descending to earth."

"Then let me go."

Angela's eyes flashed with a red light that Li Lin knew all too well.

"I've wanted to pluck the wings of those bird-men and make fans for a long time."

That won't work either.

Li Lin shook his head, rejecting Angela's opinion.

"First, you don't know how to travel between planes, and the Upper Realm are very dangerous places. Second, as far as I know, the God of Justice resides on Mount Celestia, which is the stronghold of order and goodness. If you go there, the plane itself will suppress your power, and I don't think you want to fight like you're wearing handcuffs and shackles."

Hearing this, Angela pouted and gave up on arguing. Li Lin patted her head to comfort her before turning back to the others.

"I don't believe the God of Justice has unleashed his true power. In fact, we have seen many new tricks of his— the Divine Envoys of the Seven Sages, Godspawn, archangels... or other miscellaneous things. But these are not his true power. A source I obtained through a rather unreliable channel indicated to me that the God of Justice may indeed have intervened, or even been responsible for the destruction of the Magic Empire, and so far, we have not seen this power."

"Isn't it because of the Magic Controller?"

Nia asked, puzzled.

"Weren't the heroes of the Five-Nation Alliance the ones who caused the downfall of the Magic Empire precisely because they possessed the magical Power of Magic Control left behind by the God of Magic?"

That's only a small part of the reason.

Li Lin shook his head. After integrating most of the Power of Manipulation, he discovered the crux of the problem.

"Given the Five Heroes' magical control abilities, if they were simply challenging an Arcane Mage or Weapon Spirit's fighting force, they would likely be victorious. However, don't forget that the Magic Empire's front lines were spread out across the board, launching offensives everywhere. No matter how powerful the Five Heroes were, they were only five people; they couldn't possibly cover the entire battlefield simultaneously. Even if they won on the main front, we could still outflank them through other battlefields. But as you all know, the Magic Empire was actually suffering defeat after defeat, ultimately leading to its complete destruction. Looking back now, it seems unbelievable. I used to think it was simply due to the power of the Magic Controller, but now that I've gained Power of Magic Control, I've discovered that this power has limitations. They can't be in a distant location and influence the battles of mages in other places."

"But we still lost?"

"That's right, we still lost."

Li Lin shrugged.

"There must be something wrong with this, and when I heard this news from the Godspawn, I thought it wasn't entirely impossible... Although they've always been known for their chaos, this time it seems quite plausible."

No one spoke. Nia frowned, pondering the reason, while the other Seven Ring Spirit Envoys only wait—after all, in terms of experience and knowledge, none were more abundant Nia.

Finally, Nia blinked again, her expression serious and full of hesitation.

"So, if my estimation is correct, there's only one possibility left, but that's impossible."

"A novel I read on Earth said this: Once you eliminate all the impossible facts, what remains, however incredible, is the truth."

Li Lin clearly understood Nia's thoughts.

"I also believe that the God of Justice has most likely found 'that'."

Upon hearing this, everyone was curious, but Nia's expression darkened for the first time.

That means...

However, this is still only a possibility.

Li Lin smiled.

"We don't have any proof that he actually found it, so I'm going to go and find some now."

"Looking for evidence?"

"That's right."

Li Lin nodded.

"I will travel to the Astral Plane. Based on the current clues, if the God of Justice has indeed found something, then it can only be there."

"So..."

Nia opened her mouth, intending to say something, but didn't know how to begin.

"Angela has now pacified Lalia, and we have no obstacles behind us. Serei will help us deal with other nations, and as for the Sea-Encircled Country, I think they know what to choose. The previous battle has weakened the United Kingdom's fighting strength; at least for now, they are unable to send troops. This is a good opportunity, and I must seize this gap to go to the Astral Plane and see if I can find any clues... You should remain in your current form. At least, the Ringwraith City still need you, and you cannot go to the Astral Plane anyway. Although you possess souls, you are ultimately just weapons. In the Astral Plane, a place of the mind, things will become very troublesome."

Li Lin made a decision quickly, then looked at Angela.

"And you? Will you stay here leading those undead creatures around, or will you come with me to the Astral Plane? Of course, let me warn you beforehand, don't stray from me, or if you get lost, you'll never find your way back."

Angela made her choice without the slightest hesitation in response to Li Lin's question.

"Of course, I will accompany you, Master."

The little guy proudly raised his head and made a declaration.

"Very good."

Li Lin smiled slightly, then stood up, signifying that there was no room for negotiation regarding the orders below.

"You all need to continue your work, Anna. I need you to withdraw the assassination squad... at least for now, we don't need their help. However, I don't want you to be idle during this time. I want you to train them to a higher level, ideally to the level of assassin angels. Kalin, the patrol and security work is your responsibility. The population of Ringwraith City is increasing, and so are the rats. If there are any problems, go directly to Anna, and she will handle them. Yi Aier, I hope you can expedite the mass production of mobile fortresses. Before the final showdown with the United Kingdom, we need at least thirty mobile fortresses and aerial turrets. You can ask for any materials you like, as long as they are within our capabilities. Beika, you need to re-evaluate the conservation of Ringwraith City, including its ability to withstand spatial fluctuations, planar turbulence, and pure energy attacks. Miu'erkasi, I hope you can more than double the size of the Black Peak Knights. The previous battle was perfect, so I hope you can focus more on the current issues. Suoxiate and Nia, the main work of Ringwraith City is now in your hands. Is that alright?"

"Of course not, Li Lin."

As she answered, a hint of helplessness and a sigh flashed in Nia's eyes, but Li Lin did not notice this slight change in her expression.

But Angela narrowed her eyes, gazing at the girl before her with a meaningful look.

Although Li Lin did not notice anything unusual, Angela discovered the key to the problem.

"Sister Nia."

Not long after leaving the study, Nia heard Angela's voice behind her. She hesitated for a moment, then turned around.

"Miss Angela? What's the matter?"

"That's the question I should be asking."

Angela jogged up to Nia, puffed out her chest triumphantly, and looked at Nia.

"How far have things progressed between you and your master? A? B? C?"

"Huh? Bi? What's this? I don't quite understand what you mean, Miss Angela."

Hearing Angela's question, Nia raised her eyebrows in surprise, and in fact, she really didn't understand what the little one was talking about.

"How boring."

Angela, upon receiving this answer, simply pursed her lips.

"Could it be that during the time I was away, you and your master made absolutely no progress? Not even a hug or embrace?"

"Miss Angela, this..."

Hearing this, Nia's face turned slightly red. She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but didn't know how to begin.

"I..."

"Sister Nia, you have to take the initiative and grab a man, okay? If you keep hesitating, then there will be even more women around Master. Of course, I'm referring to those in bed."

"This is Li Lin's private matter, isn't it? I don't think I need to worry about it..."

"I think you really should be worried, Sister Nia."

Angela circled around Nia, a half-smile on her face.

"Since you like Master, what are you hesitating about? It's perfectly normal for men and women who like each other to do this kind of thing, isn't it? Sister Nia, I can assure you, Master will absolutely not refuse you. What are you still hesitating about? I originally thought that after I returned, I would be able to see your child with Master."

"Weapon Spirit cannot have children, Miss Angela."

Hearing this, Nia couldn't help but chuckle.

"Why don't you take action? Maybe there's still hope."

"I am Vampire Species, so naturally I cannot bear children."

Angela shrugged, looking bored.

"Besides, I don't think there's anything good about that brat. Never mind... in my current state, it's really not convincing for me to say these things. But... Sister Nia, you really shouldn't hesitate any longer. I suggest you go see Catherine. That princess has already progressed to a point where she's one step ahead of you. And you were one of the first to follow Master, how can you lose to her?"

"But I still..."

Hearing Angela's words, Nia blushed slightly. To be honest, after her conversation with Kaiselin that night, Nia had indeed become increasingly moved, hoping to confess her feelings to Li Lin. However, she lacked the courage, or rather, Nia was still hesitant. After all, she was cautious by nature and similar to Li Lin in personality, making it difficult for her to make a decisive decision. Just now, upon learning that Li Lin and Angela would be traveling to the Astral Plane, the unspoken feelings deep within Nia resurfaced, making her even more hesitant. Although even Nia herself didn't know what she was afraid of.

I still don't know...

"There's nothing we can do about it, after all, it's your first time, but..."

Although Nia seemed very hesitant, Angela did not give up. Her eyes darted around, and then she seemed to have come up with a good idea.

"Sister Nia, may I offer you some constructive advice?"

What are your opinions?

Hearing this, Nia bent down with a wry smile, letting Angela whisper in her ear, and then a hint of hesitation flashed in her eyes.

"This... isn't that a bit inappropriate?"

"Don't worry, I guarantee you'll take the bait, this trick never fails!"

Angela out and placed her hand on Nia's shoulder, her eyes inexplicably burning with considerable passion.

"Sister Nia, life is short, isn't it? Well, although it may seem long to you, you won't get anything if you just hesitate and waver! You're a woman, so show some womanly awareness! I can teach you the specifics step by step, there won't be any problems!"