Chapter 127

The night sky was fragmented by shifting scenes, dimly illuminated by an eerie green light and the neon glow of the city.

The parallel world had been damaged by debris from First World structures, leaving everything around desolate and crumbling. Fortunately, they were not yet threatened by the tornadoes brewing within the energy storms.

Only when the scenes in the sky flickered could they feel the powerful wind tearing through the barriers between worlds.

Retracting the anti-gravity fishing line to their waists and temporarily out of danger, everyone let out a collective sigh of relief.

"Finally safe!"

"That magnetic field energy is terrifying."

"It's hard to imagine how horrifying it would be if the magnetic field energies of all three worlds completely merged."

"It's simply a scourge!"

The group found a quiet spot, panting heavily as they sat on the ground.

"What do we do now? We can barely protect ourselves, let alone kill that monster, First World Tong Yang."

Tong Yang leaned his back against a wall. Fighting against the other "Forerunners" wasn't too difficult; besides Tong Yang, Tang Li and a few others could manage it. The real challenge lay with Tenth World Tong Yang, First World Ye Huai, and Armand.

The power of these three was on a completely different level from the rest.

"I wonder what's happening in the real world?"

Tang Li said, "The real world made preparations in advance, so we probably don't need to worry. Still, if this goes on long term, the real world might not be able to hold out."

"It's not important," Tong Yang said firmly. "The real world has the capability to handle it. We just need to survive and kill First World Tong Yang."

Tong Yang continued, "First World Tong Yang and the others might catch up at any moment. Let's first contact Mi Qi and the real world."

After the twelve gates of the slums opened, the poor flooded into the commoner districts. Mi Qi and Bai Sining were mixed in among them. Once they entered a commoner district, they could receive satellite signals and be contacted.

"Alright."

Additionally, the awakened androids, guided by Yang Miao, had joined Mi Qi and the others in the incursion into the commoner districts. While they couldn't fully contend with the United Government, they could hold them off for a while.

Tang Li and Tang Shuyan contacted Mi Qi and Mr. Du respectively.

Mi Qi and Bai Sining were hiding in a commoner district. Android armies dispatched by the United Government were trying to expel them. Fortunately, the slums covered a vast area and could cultivate considerable resources. Utilizing these resources for military purposes allowed them to temporarily resist the United Government. Coupled with the energy storms enveloping the affluent districts and the Mednard family causing trouble, both sides were deadlocked, delaying the United Government.

After Tang Shuyan finished his call with the real world, he returned to the group.

"Nick's special particles are covering the sky above the city with spatial distortions. Bureau 749 has established something like a glass dome. Falling building debris is shattered by artillery fire upon hitting the dome."

"The special particles simulate the night sky, so people in the real world have no idea what's happening."

Xu Junyue asked, "Isn't the sound of artillery quite loud? Someone should notice, right?"

"The glass dome has a certain soundproofing effect. It took Bureau 749 years to develop this technology. The room used to imprison Yan Qing from the parallel worlds employs the same technique. Besides, this is in China. Even if people hear some explosions, they'd just think it's thunder."

"In that case, we have even fewer concerns."

Tang Shuyan paused, looked at Tong Yang, and said, "However, I heard Ye Huai's condition has deteriorated severely. After returning to the real world, he showed signs of sudden death. The medical team is performing emergency resuscitation on him..."

His expression was grave, and he seemed hesitant to continue.

Tong Yang lowered his gaze, pursing his lips. "And then?"

Tang Shuyan said, "Ye Huai's body was already at its limit long ago. The hope of him surviving is very slim."

A flicker passed through Tong Yang's eyes. He pressed his fingertips into his palm and murmured, "I see."

"And he had long refused injections of the premium genetic serum."

Tong Yang's throat felt somewhat dry. He spoke with a hint of self-mockery, "It seems he's in a life-or-death moment, just like us."

Everyone sat in silence on the ground, unsure of what words to use to break it at this moment.

They had no time to dwell on Ye Huai's condition.

Just then, rustling sounds came from all around the building.

"Be careful."

Everyone immediately became alert, rising to their feet and looking around.

Figures loomed faintly within a thick black fog. Shoulder to shoulder, they formed a dark, oppressive mass like a giant serpent, encircling them with their bulky forms.

"Long time no see."

A young man walking at the front of the crowd gave them a harmless smile and said, "Remember me?"

A-World Chu Shiyu's eyes widened. "Tao Bai? What are you doing here?"

Seeing the young man's face clearly, Tong Yang frowned. It was indeed B-World Tao Bai, who had infiltrated their group at the Xili Mall. Like A-World Chu Shiyu, he was one of Wu Pingxue's subordinates.

However, after Wu Pingxue was expelled from the parallel worlds, only A-World Chu Shiyu and a few others remained by her side. B-World Tao Bai was not among them.

"If I'm not here, where should I be?" B-World Tao Bai said with an innocent look.

Then, someone walked out from behind B-World Tao Bai. She stared expressionlessly at Tong Yang and the others.

"Wen Qin?" Tong Yang frowned tightly. Why was she here?

"How did you know we were here?" A-World Chu Shiyu demanded. "You traitor! If it weren't for you, Dr. Wu would never have been driven out!"

A-World Chu Shiyu and Wu Pingxue had never mentioned the trigger for their expulsion from the parallel worlds. It seemed B-World Tao Bai was involved.

Wen Qin had originally been guarding the conference hall entrance with Tong Yang. Later, when Yang Miao went missing and was taken away, Wen Qin's whereabouts became unknown.

The situation was now very clear. Tong Yang's identity had been exposed.

"Who would have thought," B-World Tao Bai sighed, "that you've been hiding in the First World all along, even becoming a 'Forerunner,' a figure leading humanity forward."

The figures hidden in the black fog gradually became clearer. Their eyes were wide with anger, their faces expressionless as they stared ahead, weapons in hand. Their numbers were dense, pressing forward one after another, making it impossible to tell how many people were hidden in the fog.

"I was still considering how to capture you. The center of the energy storm is so dangerous. I didn't expect you to just show up on your own, like rabbits waiting by a tree stump."

Countless people surrounded them in a tiny space, eyeing their lives with predatory intent.

Tong Yang was utterly perplexed. Wen Qin had countless opportunities to leak his identity to the parallel worlds before today. Why wait until now, after the energy storms appeared?

She was from the Armand family, fully aware of the deal between Tong Yang and First World Tong Yang. Why would she come out to sabotage it?

Tong Yang observed Wen Qin's expression. It was very stiff, quite similar to the people around her who were being controlled by the magnetic field energy.

Was Wen Qin being controlled? To train perfect warriors, the parallel worlds used methods to eliminate the influence of magnetic field energy on candidates for the "Forerunner" selection. She shouldn't be susceptible to magnetic field energy manipulation.

Why?

"Wen Qin, why are you here?" Tong Yang asked tentatively.

Wen Qin just looked at her, offering no response.

Tong Yang's heart sank. Could it be that the energy storm had also affected the parallel world?

"No need for small talk, right? Once the time anchor is killed, everything will end. From what I know, the temporal dislocation will disappear tomorrow."

"Enough!" Xu Junyue suddenly cursed. "I was already annoyed, and now you're rushing to your death."

"If I can't beat those monsters, do you really think I can't handle you?"

"Really looking down on us, aren't they?"

It was unclear how many people lurked in the darkness, but they weren't afraid. Instead, they found an outlet for their pent-up resentment.

"Wait." Tang Li suddenly called for everyone to stop. She raised her phone and took a picture of them. "I'll call Armand over."

Xu Junyue: "???"

"Wait, you're calling him here to fight us alongside these people?"

Tang Li said, "We'll use him. There's no way he'd let us die at their hands. They'll be the snipe and the clam, and we'll be the fisherman who profits."

"Whoosh—"

Tang Li sent the message.

"You're not going to stop her?" Xu Junyue asked in surprise, looking at Tong Yang.

Tong Yang said, "We shouldn't waste our energy. We might even find a chance to return to the First World."

Tong Yang reminded them, "Wen Qin is strong. I'll handle her. The others... you deal with as you see fit."

"Tang Shuyan, may I ask, do you feel like telling our fortunes today?"

Tang Shuyan said, "Not interested."

"That's good."

After all, this guy only wanted to tell fortunes for those about to die.

B World Tao Bai sneered, "It seems you only have eyes for Wen Qin."

"Enough talk. If you can fight, don't just chatter."

"Then..."

"I'm terribly sorry, it seems we've come at a bad time."

A voice suddenly came from behind Tong Yang.

Everyone turned around and saw several members of the "Forerunners," led by Armand and First World Ye Huai.

"Miss Ah Li can only die by my hand."

"They are my prey. Are you trying to steal them?"

Tong Yang and Tang Li exchanged a glance and immediately retreated to the side, leaving a blank area in the middle.

It would be best if the "Forerunners" fought B World Tao Bai. Moreover, with First World Tong Yang not among them, they could seize the chance to return to the First World and surround First World Tong Yang.

B World Tao Bai said, "What are you trying to do? Don't forget the First World and the Main World have signed a pact. As long as the Shadow World's time anchor is killed, things will become much simpler."

"Is that so." First World Ye Huai's smile was mocking. "What's the use of a pact? Weren't you planning to annex the First World by controlling the child of the original android?"

B World Tao Bai narrowed his eyes. "I don't understand what you're saying."

"Perhaps you're not high-ranking enough to know about such things," First World Ye Huai said.

Tong Yang and the others were secretly shocked. So First World Ye Huai and these "Forerunners" all knew the parallel world's goal, yet not a single one had warned the United Government.

These guys were just like First World Tong Yang, thriving on chaos.

Before they could continue their exchange, Wen Qin was the first to pounce towards Tong Yang.

"I said, they are my prey!"

A "Forerunner" blocked the path in front of Tong Yang and the others, intercepting Wen Qin's attack.

"Since you refuse to see reason, don't blame me for not holding back! I'd like to see if the legendary 'Forerunners' can really take on a hundred enemies at once," B World Tao Bai scoffed.

"Take on a hundred? You underestimate us."

In the blink of an eye, all the parallel world humans from within the black mist surrounded them.

All the "Forerunners," including Armand and First World Ye Huai, were drawn into the fray.

Xu Junyue watched from behind, dumbfounded, and exclaimed, "Are they insane?"

Tang Shuyan said, "I never thought everyone here was so noble. Well, we'll be taking our leave first."

"Don't even think about it!"

The Forerunners, while grappling with the parallel world humans, also launched attacks at Tong Yang and the others.

"Miss Ah Li, you can't just leave me behind here."

First World Ye Huai said, "If you can leave, feel free to try."

Of course, Tong Yang and the others wouldn't obediently stay. These guys were complete lunatics, fighting the parallel world humans while also entangling them. Add to that the parallel world humans attacking them as well, and no one could break free, creating a chaotic three-way melee.

Anyone who wasn't an ally was fair game. Xu Junyue even accidentally slapped A World Chu Shiyu in the face.

"Oops! Sorry, my mistake," Xu Junyue said without a hint of sincerity.

A World Chu Shiyu covered her cheek and swore, "You did that on purpose, you bitch!"

Xu Junyue said, "Believe me, this time it really wasn't."

"Get lost!!!"

At that moment, Tang Shuyan suddenly remembered something and said, "Tong Yang, listen to me."

Tang Shuyan used his nunchaku to snap someone's neck and regrouped with Tong Yang, their shoulders pressed together.

"What is it?" Tong Yang asked.

"Besides the matter with Ye Huai, Mr. Du also said that Wu Pingxue has already entered the First World. Your previous suggestion is viable. We can temporarily seal the passage between the two worlds using Parallel World Yan Qing. However, the energy storm is uncontrollable and will require some time."

"If we can hold out until then and return to the First World, the other 'Forerunners' will be trapped in the parallel world."

Tong Yang's breath hitched. "About how long?"

"Ten hours."

Ten hours was too long.

Yet given the current situation, they had no better option.

Aside from trapping the "Forerunners" here alone, the only alternative was to kill them and then go after First World Tong Yang.

But the latter was almost impossible, especially surrounded by parallel world humans.

Hold out for ten hours, return to the First World, seal the passage, and surround First World Tong Yang.

This was currently the method with the highest chance of success in Tong Yang's judgment.

"I understand."!