Head of State's office.
Once again, the nine Grand Elders fell silent. That group has been reclusive for years, yet they possess terrifying, world-shattering power. Otherwise, with Yanhuang's current strength and international standing, there’s no way we’d still have to send them vast tributes every year.
The main issue is, these people are classic freeloaders—they take the money and do nothing, all while acting high and mighty, like emperors above the law. So, it’s not just the Head of State who resents their existence; none of the nine Grand Elders have any fondness for them either.
Bang!
Suddenly, Elder Stone slammed his palm on the table and cursed loudly, "Damn it! If I knew where those turtle bastards' sect gate was, I’d drop a few nukes and blast them to kingdom come!"
Everyone looked at each other, secretly thinking: Old Stone’s temper hasn’t changed a bit, even after becoming a Grand Elder. But honestly, he was saying what they all felt. If they really knew where that sect gate was, they’d be tempted to order a nuclear strike and blow it sky-high. Unfortunately, those people come and go like ghosts. The military has sent countless agents over the years to locate their sect, all without the slightest success—and they've lost quite a few men in the process.
Elder Quinn sighed, "Those people are like mythical beasts that only take, never give. Every year we have to send them trillions worth of gold, silver, copper, iron, and all kinds of metals. If we used that money for public welfare and infrastructure, at least ten million citizens could benefit!"
"Heh, that bunch are just vampires!" Elder Nolan sneered.
The Head of State raised a hand, "Alright, everyone, let’s stop complaining and focus on coming up with a workable plan."
Elder Stone spoke up first again, "Head of State, I think we should show those people a little muscle!"
"How do we show it?" The Head of State’s eyes lit up, a cold gleam flickering within.
"Haha, since I was the one who proposed this plan, of course I wholeheartedly support it!" Seeing that both the Head of State and Elder Quinn agreed, Elder Stone was delighted—their backing meant the plan was already halfway done.
"I support it!" Elder Nolan said.
"I support it too!" Elder Sean added.
"I abstain!"
"I abstain!"
"I support it!"
"I support it!"
The nine Grand Elders voiced their opinions: in the end, seven supported the plan, two abstained, and none opposed. With the Head of State's vote, the plan passed.
The Head of State’s heavy voice rang out again: "Since the plan has passed, we must implement it as quickly as possible. Elder Stone, Elder Nolan, and Elder Sean will handle the martial contest; Elder Quinn and I will negotiate with those people. The rest of you should contact the Ten Great Families and Six Major Sects to have them contribute as well. But until those people arrive, this plan must remain secret!"
"I support this plan too!" Elder Quinn echoed.
"Haha, since I was the one who proposed this plan, of course I wholeheartedly support it!" Seeing that both the Head of State and Elder Quinn agreed, Elder Stone was delighted—their backing meant the plan was already halfway done.
"I support it!" Elder Nolan said.
"I support it too!" Elder Sean added.
"I abstain!"
"I abstain!"
"I support it!"
"I support it!"
The nine Grand Elders voiced their opinions: in the end, seven supported the plan, two abstained, and none opposed. With the Head of State's vote, the plan passed.
The Head of State’s heavy voice rang out again: "Since the plan has passed, we must implement it as quickly as possible. Elder Stone, Elder Nolan, and Elder Sean will handle the martial contest; Elder Quinn and I will negotiate with those people. The rest of you should contact the Ten Great Families and Six Major Sects to have them contribute as well. But until those people arrive, this plan must remain secret!"
...
Back in the real world, Ian Song no longer bothered collecting novels or watching movies for clues. He figured that with the system's unpredictable nature, no matter how much he read, he'd end up transmigrating into some completely unfamiliar world.
The last two times he transmigrated were perfect examples.
He decided to take this month to really relax. So after having lunch with Leon Long and Gavin Gan, he summoned his sword and took out the Silverglow Skiff to fly back to Riverstone City.
Riverstone City was only a little over 800 kilometers from Flame City. With the Silverglow Skiff, it took less than a minute to make the trip.
Before he transmigrated to the apocalypse world, he'd already met with Hannah Han. Still, she was overjoyed to see him return safely.
After a bit of intimate time, Hannah went back to work while Ian sprawled out on the office sofa, happily playing with his tablet.
But that leisurely mood didn't last long before Ian's phone rang.
When he saw the caller ID, Ian's expression shifted slightly. He picked up and politely said, "Hello, Old Han."
The 'Old Han' Ian mentioned was General Harold Han, the supreme commander of the War God Squad.
General Han's tone was serious: "Ian, assemble your team immediately. All of you must report to Flame City by eight tonight."
"Don't worry, General Han. We'll get it done!"
After hanging up, Ian called each of his seven teammates—Elaine Zhao, Gavin Zhao, Ray Zhao, Monica Mu, Tyler Ao, Vince Huixin, and Warren Wu—telling them to arrive in Flame City before eight.
Ian's flurry of calls caught Hannah Han's attention.
Putting down his phone, Ian apologized, "Hannah, I was planning to spend a few more days with you here in Riverstone City, but something urgent came up in Flame City."
"Just go already! I've got so much work to do, I don't have time to babysit you," Hannah huffed.
Ian walked over, suddenly leaned in, and kissed her soft lips.
At first, Hannah resisted a bit, but soon gave in and started to respond.
After a long, passionate kiss, a blush crept over Hannah's pretty cheeks. Staring into her slightly dazed eyes, Ian grinned mischievously. "Still mad?" he teased.
"Hmph!" Hannah snorted.
"Looks like you're still mad. Guess I'll have to kiss you again!" Ian kissed her one more time, even more dominantly.
Hannah: "Mmph, stop it."
That evening at 7:40 p.m., inside the presidential suite at the Golden Crown Grand Hotel in Flame City.
Ian Song pushed open the door. The seven teammates, who had been chatting, immediately stood up, their faces lighting up with joy as they greeted him.
After some quick small talk, Elaine Zhao asked, "Ian, did you call us together because there's a new mission?"
Ian shook his head. "I just got an order from Old Han to gather everyone. As for whether there's a mission, I honestly have no idea!"
Just then, Ian's phone rang again.