Chapter 1549 - 1546: Strategy Meeting

"Ah, I wasted so much of your time. I firmly believe that as long as people like you are fighting, our world will soon return to its original state... Although I can't be of any help, at least I can give you encouragement. Please do your best."

Mr. Xilin grasped the hands of the two and shook them up and down continuously.

"We will come back. At that time, please accompany me again."

Ye Qiu stretched out his right index finger and made a pulling lever motion. Seeing this, Xilin's face broke into a big smile, and he nodded vigorously.

After exchanging firm handshakes, they walked towards the plaza. Stepping into the space that wavered like a mirage, they exchanged a glance with Fang Wushang and simultaneously spoke:

"Depart, next wave!"

Their figures grew more distant, gradually obscuring Nishida, who was endlessly waving his hand.

"Boss's scout team wiped out—?"

Two weeks later, upon returning to the family meeting, what awaited them was shocking news.

Ye Qiu and Fang Wushang were currently in the upper levels of the guild headquarters' iron tower, the glass-walled meeting room they used earlier for talks with Long Yijian. In the center of the semicircular large table was the figure of Long Yijian, wearing a sage-like robe. Although family executives were seated on both sides, unlike before, Bai Zhuotian was no longer present.

Long Yijian clasped his emaciated hands before his face, with deep furrows between his brows, nodding slowly. Seeing him like this, Ye Qiu couldn't understand where his solid defensive strength came from.

"It happened yesterday. We suddenly discovered the wave started earlier, but soon the wormhole vanished, yet an entity similar to a boss magical beast was sighted. Hence, we formed a scout team to see what was going on. Not only our family but other families reportedly sent out scout teams."

Of course, Ye Qiu had also considered this possibility.........

The first wave's boss, a giant-type leader, nearly annihilated the elite of the army, which was the main cause of their current organizational weakening.

Then, in the second wave, the multi-arm leader, resembling a metallic Buddha statue, launched a fierce attack, causing many to flee the battlefield in fear, temporarily collapsing the battle line. Had the rescue team arrived any later, escape from total annihilation would have been difficult.

At that time, the one who independently supported the battle line was the man currently before Ye Qiu.

"...So we dispatched a team composed of five families, totaling twenty people."

Long Yijian continued in a voice lacking inflection. Since he was half-closing his eyes, his current emotions couldn't be discerned from his brass-colored pupils.

"The scouting was conducted under very cautious actions. We stationed ten people as rear duty at the entrance to the leader's room... The first ten who entered reached the center of the room, and at the moment the leader appeared, the entrance door shut. The subsequent scenario was reported by the ten rear guards."

"They said the door was closed for over five minutes, and at the time, neither unlocking skills nor direct strikes could open it. When the door finally opened—"

Long Yijian tightly pursed his lips. After closing his eyes for a moment, he continued:

"There was nothing left inside the room. The ten people and the leader's figures had all vanished. No signs of transfer or evacuation at the site. And they haven't returned... The life detectors installed on them show they've all——"

He didn't continue but shook his head side to side. Beside Ye Qiu, Fang Wushang first held his breath, then squeezed out a small voice from his mouth:

"Ten... people all... how could this happen..."

"An inescapable barrier!"

"Only that possibility remains. According to Fang Wushang's report, it seemed such was the case last time too, so I believe perhaps all leaders from now on will be like this."

"How could it be..."

Ye Qiu couldn't help but sigh. If emergency escape is not possible, the number of people dying from unexpected accidents will greatly increase.

"It's starting to resemble a real disaster... now"

"But we can't give up because of that..."

Long Yijian closed his eyes, speaking in a soft yet decisive voice:

"Apart from not being able to escape, this time the room is structurally like when the leader appears, cutting off retreat behind. In this way, the only remaining strategy is to dispatch a team within the favorable command range to attack. Originally, I was very reluctant to summon you new couple back. But I hope you can understand my dilemma."

Ye Qiu shrugged and replied:

"Let us help. However, I will prioritize Asuna's safety above all else. If we encounter dangerous situations, over the whole team, I will choose to protect her safety first."

Long Yijian's face showed a slight smile.

"When a person has someone they want to protect, they can always exhibit great power. I'm looking forward to your fight. We will start the strategy after three hours. Including you two, the total number of participants is thirty-two. Gather at the door to the boss's hidden room at 1 PM. Well then, dismissed."

"Three hours later—what should we do..."

After sitting on the iron long bench, Fang Wushang asked Ye Qiu this. Ye Qiu gazed silently at her figure. Wrapped in a white combat suit with blue patterns, her appealing limbs, slim and glossy black hair, round and radiant brown eyes—her appearance was as beautiful as a rare gem.

Realizing Ye Qiu had no intention to look away, a faint blush appeared on Fang Wushang's smooth white cheeks. She smiled shyly and said:

"You... what's wrong?"

Ye Qiu hesitantly responded to her:

"...Wushang..."

"What's the matter?"

"...Don't be angry, just listen to me. For today's leader attack... could you not participate and wait for me here?"

Fang Wushang first stared at Ye Qiu, then with some sadness, lowered her head and said:

"...Why are you saying this to me...?"

"Though Long Yijian said so, in an inescapable barrier, we fundamentally don't know what might happen. I'm scared... just the thought of... you possibly encountering an accident..."

"...You mean you want to go to such a dangerous place yourself and then want me to wait in a safe spot for you?"

Fang Wushang stood up and strode confidently to Ye Qiu. Anger burned in her eyes.

Fang Wushang understood why Ye Qiu would say such a thing, but she couldn't help speaking her mind.