Chapter 335: A Violent Seizure of Power
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 335: A Violent Seizure of Power
The once-bustling Ninglan New City was sparse today. The people remained behind closed doors out of fear of the coming war, yet the Ninglan city crests pinned to their entrances were a silent endorsement of the rebellion. They did not need a City Lord obsessed with the charms of Dream Demons, and they certainly did not need one who would treat the lives of his citizens as fodder to feed them for the sake of his own power.
Historically, whenever a new City Lord took office, the city would be festooned with lanterns and streamers as if for a grand festival. This time, however, it was eerily desolate.
At this pivotal moment of political upheaval, the invisible Luck above Ninglan New City churned and surged, while dark clouds shed a light, rhythmic rain.
Another energy tide from the Void was gathering strength. As a breach in the Ley Lines that served as a bulwark against the outside world, the city seemed to sense the approaching disaster. Centered around the Ninglan Protection Stele at the heart of the city, the Ley Line’s protective energy began to radiate outward.
Having long since adapted to living under such Ley Line energy, the people of Ninglan New City felt the long-absent surge of power washing over them. It was as if the bellicose instincts carved into their bones a thousand years ago had finally been reignited.
In the beginning, when Ninglan New City was first established, every pulse from the Ninglan Protection Stele signaled a preparation to fight to the last breath against mutated creatures.
Ninglan Qiuyu stood now as the core leader. The City Guard, already clad in Type II Beyonder Armor, stood ready. They were lined up in perfect formation, their collective aura heavy and intimidating.
Supporting Ninglan Qiuyu was another force: the Outsiders. Though these individuals lacked the disciplined presence of the trained City Guard, their personal strength was in no way inferior.
The most conspicuous among them were undoubtedly the students from the Holy Angel Academy, radiant with Holy Light and shimmering wings.
As a force capable of countering the bizarre methods of the Dream Demons, these Outsiders could not be ignored.
Ninglan Qiuyu’s gaze swept over the crowd. He knew he could wait no longer. He glanced momentarily toward the distant Ninglan Township Castle; a flicker of desire for power crossed his eyes, followed by a second of silent meditation. When he opened his eyes again, they held nothing but iron resolve.
Facing the assembly—the City Guard, the Outsiders, and the spontaneously formed Resistance Army—Ninglan Qiuyu drew a longsword weathered by time and pointed it toward his objective.
This sword had belonged to the only other City Lord in Ninglan’s history to seize power through violence. Until recently, it had been on display in the History Museum. Even after centuries, the inscriptions carved upon it remained a masterpiece of ancient Beyonder craftsmanship. Today, this blade would once again bear witness to the history it had helped forge.
"Brothers! Friends who have come from the Transcendent Academy! And the rebels who have united to support me! We gather here today for one purpose!"
"Our City Lord—my father—dedicated the first half of his life to Ninglan New City. But now, he is old. He is no longer a fit guardian of this city, nor is he the kind leader we once knew."
"Faced with this sudden disaster, the Dream Demons, and the Nightmares that have plagued us for so long, he has allowed himself to be entranted by the beautiful dreams they weave. He has forgotten the oath he swore when he took office! He has cast off his responsibility and abandoned his people! Therefore, I, Ninglan Qiuyu, as the legitimate heir of the Ninglan lineage, shall correct this error and ensure the survival of Ninglan New City! Even if I must face my own father, I will not hesitate, for I know that behind me stands..."
As the crowd listened to Ninglan Qiuyu’s passionate mobilization, the eyes of the City Guard soldiers gleamed with intensity; they were witnessing history. The rebels’ eyes flashed with a fanatical hunger for power. Whatever their individual motives, by standing here, they had staked their lives on Ninglan Qiuyu, believing he would lead them to change the fate of Ninglan New City.
Even the Transcendent Academy students, most of whom were mere youths barely out of the cradle, found their emotions stirred by Ninglan Qiuyu, a peer of their own age. Were they not also witnessing history?
At their core, they were hot-blooded youths who had only recently grasped Transcendent power. Having tasted the sweetness of strength—and being in a place where the Main World Great Weakening Spell did not reach—it was easy to lose oneself in the sudden rush of unchecked power.
Ninglan Qiuyu could hear the faint murmurs of doubt regarding his actions, but he did not waver.
"...And so, everyone, follow the direction of my blade! Wash away the Dream Demons in blood! Reclaim the Ninglan New City that belongs to us!"
The City Guard let out a thunderous roar. Without any unnecessary flourishes, they marched straight for Ninglan Township Castle.
* * *
The Underground District.
"They’re gone?"
I was surprised to learn that Tan Han and the others had already departed. Most of the Ground Patrol had left earlier, leaving only administrative staff behind, so I knew their departure was imminent. I just hadn't expected them to leave so quickly without saying a word.
Or did they just assume I would show up at the right moment to save the day?
I was already overwhelmed with the Fool's Dream situation in the Underground District. I was beginning to realize that even with strength, it was difficult to get things done within the constraints of an established Order.
"Yes, Scholar Xiao Han," the base official replied. "Though we aren't clear on the situation above, they took a large cache of Beyonder Armaments with them. Consider it our support. We hope the surface stabilizes soon."
"Oh? You say that so lightly?"
"I say it lightly because they managed to convince me. Besides, it wasn't just my decision; it was the consensus of the entire Beyonder Research Base leadership."
"Fine. I don't really care anyway," I said with a wave of my hand, preparing to leave. I didn't exactly have time to kill.
"Oh, one more thing, Scholar Xiao Han. Please try not to wander around too much lately. As you know, many of the Ground Patrol have left, and public security in the Underground District is bound to become an issue. Also... the reason your application for housing for those Fool's Dreams was approved so quickly was out of consideration for your safety."
"Thanks, anyway," I nodded.
"It’s nothing. It’s the least we could do. What you’ve brought us is far more valuable than a few houses. Oh, I forgot to mention..."
"What?"
"You understand the current state of the Underground District. You know how people feel about those Fool's Dreams. Many people here don't even have a roof over their heads, yet those little creatures were granted housing. That in itself draws a lot of resentment. Add to that the news of the Ground Patrol’s reduced numbers spreading through the district..."
"I understand... I’ll handle things my own way," I said grimly.
I understood exactly what the base director was implying. He didn't even need to say it personally, but the fact that he did spoke volumes. After all... in a way, I was a ticking time bomb in the Underground District, a landmine capable of blowing the whole place into chaos.
"Oh, Scholar Xiao Han, if I may ask... have you somehow acquired a method to interfere with reality?"
"Oh? It seems you're paying very close attention to me."
"Then... may I take that as a 'yes'?"
"You can think whatever you like. We’ve known each other for a while now; I’m sure you’ve done a full personality analysis and psychological profile on me. As long as you don't cross me, I’m actually quite easy to get along with."
"Indeed..." He flashed his trademark fake smile. I couldn't tell if he was silently disagreeing with my claim of being "easy to get along with" or if it was just a professional habit.
After a bit more small talk, I inadvertently triggered my "Conversation Killer" talent, giving me a perfect excuse to head back.
On the way, I looked up at the Ley Line running across the ceiling of the Underground District. It spanned the entire district, and lately, it had become visibly brighter. In the Underground District, this was a sign that the surface was about to face another beast tide.
The Beyonder Research Base had provided the blade of rebellion to Ninglan Qiuyu, the soon-to-be City Lord. Before long, the Beyonder Armaments intended for the City Defense Force would also be ready.
The pressure on the equipment manufacturing zone in the Underground District was immense right now. This model of cooperation had apparently been going on for ages.
As the Ley Line energy poured out from this breach, it didn't affect my daily life much, but it wasn't something I could ignore either.
Of course, the reason I cared so much about Ley Line energy was because of the Ley Line Shackles.
The Dean had once told me that the Ley Line Shackles are part of the Ley Line system, but they are a more abstract form evolved within the world, deeply intertwined with the World Consciousness.
Severing the Ley Line Shackles required paying a price far exceeding one's own value.
But since the Dean also said I had a chance to do it on my own, I was determined to find a way.
Unfortunately, I didn't know what form the Ley Line Shackles took, so even with Spirit Vision, I couldn't detect them.
There didn't seem to be any trace of Ley Line energy in my body either. The only thing remotely related was the student card I’d bound when I enrolled, which seemed to use the Ley Line for the connection. But that was just for accessing my physical data—an "acquired" attachment. From what I knew of the definition, the Ley Line Shackles were a connection everyone had from birth.
Perhaps... I should try to leave the range of this Ley Line radiation and see the world outside. I’d asked the Dean about this, and she hadn't dismissed the idea, so it was worth a shot.
"Sister Bai... Oh? Why are you waiting for me here?"
"What? Have you been so busy that you've forgotten about me?" Bai Yu asked with a smile as she walked toward me.
"No, how could I?"
"Good. I assume you're finished with your business? Is there anything you want to do?"
"Things I want to do... when you put it like that, there are so many, but when I think about it, there's nothing specific..."
I was thinking about the Ley Line Shackles, the Resurrection Spell theory that had been interrupted earlier, the battle likely raging in Ninglan New City right now, and even the desire to spend more time researching the mysteries of magic.
"Then take your time thinking."
"Hmm... then... Sister Bai, come with me to see the Ley Line."
The most spectacular sight in the Underground District was that single Ley Line. Although the area directly beneath it was restricted, it was still the most popular spot for the locals. Strange rituals had even begun to emerge, with people offering prayers to the Ley Line for blessings.
Even though there were massive facilities blocking the Ley Line to simulate day and night, there were dedicated observation areas for visitors.
It didn't take us long to get there. Standing beneath that massive branch of the Ley Line, we felt tiny. I could feel the intense wash of Ley Line energy—a strange sensation that felt like it was permeating my body, cleansing me from the inside out. It was truly miraculous. It was this very Ley Line that allowed Ninglan New City to withstand energy tide after energy tide from the Void.
"Xiao Han, you're staring so intently. Did you think of something again?"
"Hmm? Oh, no. I was just thinking about the Ley Line Shackles. That’s a problem you’ll have to face eventually too, Sister Bai."
"The Ley Line Shackles... based on what you've told me, I really should start planning ahead. So, has our genius Xiao Han seen anything?"
"No. It’s not like I can just look at this and figure it out."
"Is there actually a problem that can stump Xiao Han?"
"Of course. There are plenty of things in this world I don't know. Did you really think my Spirit Vision could see everything?"
"But you'll be able to one day, won't you?" As she spoke, Bai Yu instinctively reached out to pat my head. Her hand passed right through me, but she continued the motion as if she were actually touching me.
"I suppose... Spirit Vision... even at the Floating World Level, it's far from the end. In fact, I haven't even fully mastered the Floating World Level yet..."
"You haven't? Since it's Spirit Vision, it must be related to sight. Xiao Han, why don't you try Body Cultivation?"
"Body Cultivation?"
"Yes, Body Cultivation. Not just physical techniques, but true Body Cultivation. It’s about the cultivation of the physical form and the mastery of the body. This includes a type of Five Senses Cultivation. According to my mentor’s plan for my future, even after ascending to the Transcendent level, Body Cultivation still has a vast path ahead. After becoming a Transcendent, the cultivation related to the five senses is called Real Five Senses Cultivation..."
"Real Five Senses!" I immediately caught the keyword. I knew about the Real Five Senses! Teacher Ji Niang had mentioned it—Spirit Vision was like a weakened, "trial version" of True Vision that one could experience before reaching the Transcendent level.
"You know about it, Xiao Han?"
"Yes! Can you tell me more... wait?"
Just as I was excitedly about to ask Sister Bai for more information on the Real Five Senses and Body Cultivation, the Ley Line above our heads suddenly underwent a violent disturbance.
Several figures appeared high up near the ceiling, launching a fierce assault directly on the Ley Line. The ceiling shook violently, sending stones and debris raining down.
The fluctuations in the Ley Line energy became erratic and abnormal.
Someone was attacking the Ley Line!
"Those are... Dream Demons! How is that possible? There are Dream Demons in the Underground District?"