Light Fortress
Chapter 1724 - 383: The Battle Between the Netherworld King and the Crown Bearer (Extra-long - !)
~4 minute read
·1,000 words
Previously on Light Fortress...
Gu Shen discovers that the Frost Iron Mountain Temple was a survival system created by the former Netherworld King for babies born under the Genetic Law. He questions his own origins and purpose, realizing his encounters might have been orchestrated. Chu Ling confesses her evolving feelings for Gu Shen, declaring she will defy fate to protect him, and that he has become her destiny. Gu Shen resolves to dismantle the Netherworld King's system and arrange for the care of the engineered children.
"I am pleased you still possess my contact details."
Above the night sky of Frost Iron Mountain, helicopters made their circuits, their rotors churning the rain, their powerful lights slicing through the oppressive darkness.
Cui Zhongcheng, holding an umbrella, stood at the base of the mountain.
"It has been quite some time, Mr. Xiao Cui," Gu Shen said with a smile.
He eschewed an umbrella; a Chi Huo lantern hovered above his shoulder, and the rain naturally parted ways around him.
Mu Wanqiu was similarly unaffected.
She studied the man in the suit before her with keen interest, as she only recalled a handful of names from the East Continent.
Cui Zhongcheng's name was precisely one of them.
This undisputed second-in-command of the Huazhi Group had a legendary rise from humble beginnings. Twenty years prior, no one would have predicted that Cui Zhongcheng from Qing River, emerging from obscurity, could ascend the ranks and ultimately become the steadfast custodian of the group, even amidst two generations of turmoil within Huazhi.
"You must be the renowned [Judge] from the North Continent?" Cui Zhongcheng inquired, adjusting his glasses with a slight smile.
"Indeed," Gu Shen replied calmly. "Regarding the information quarantine surrounding Frost Iron Mountain, I require Huazhi's cooperation."
"Consider it done," Cui Zhongcheng agreed. He gestured towards the towering, obsidian mountain. "I am curious about the situation within. May I have a look?"
...
...
When Gu Shen dispatched the email to Cui Zhongcheng, it was by sheer coincidence that Mr. Xiao Cui was conducting business near Qing River.
Consequently, in under an hour, Cui Zhongcheng had arrived at Frost Iron Mountain.
And thus, the preceding scene unfolded.
The steps leading up Frost Iron Mountain were lengthy, and Cui Zhongcheng finally put away his umbrella. Due to the hovering Chi Huo, the rain within a ten-meter radius was repelled and vaporized, shrouding the three of them in a gentle mist.
"Congratulations on successfully acquiring your own designation," Cui Zhongcheng remarked, a trace of sarcasm in his voice. "At this late hour, I assumed you had come to Qing River concerning the Wulaoshan matter."
"I am aware of their well-being," Gu Shen stated. "I must still express my gratitude for your diligent care."
Even though he had departed Qing River many years ago, Gu Shen had always maintained concern for the small courtyard nestled below Wulaoshan.
Cui Zhongcheng had consistently honored the promise made back then.
Each year, Huazhi provides the courtyard with financial support, along with appropriate culturally sensitive and humanitarian assistance.
The courtyard has been exceptionally well-maintained.
The youths who originated from this courtyard have matured under the Huazhi Group's attentive guardianship. Following Gu Shen's directives, these individuals remain entirely disconnected from the extraordinary world. They lead lives within an ordered and stable mundane existence, and barring any unforeseen events, their futures will be characterized by peace and tranquility.
"These efforts are not particularly significant," Cui Zhongcheng said with a faint smile. "I detected long ago that you would become an exceptional individual... No shrewd businessman focused on 'investment returns' would overlook the opportunity to invest in you."
Gu Shen playfully retorted, "Mr. Xiao Cui, likening yourself to a businessman, is that not somewhat improper?"
"There is no shame in being a businessman," Cui Zhongcheng responded evenly. "I am, by nature, the steward of Huazhi, tasked with delivering results annually. Investing in you represents the most successful 'business venture' I have undertaken over the years."
Gu Shen offered a knowing smile upon hearing this.
Cui Zhongcheng appeared disinclined to openly acknowledge his sentiment.
However, Cui Zhongcheng was undeniably a man of such character.
From their very first encounter, Gu Shen had perceived Mr. Xiao Cui's distinctive nature. During the Zhao Family's reign, amidst the downfall of Zhao Xilai, intense internal conflicts erupted within the group.
Zhao Qi attempted to leverage his status as the sole heir to secure "Huazhi's inheritance rights."
Yet, thanks to Cui Zhongcheng's staunch defense, Zhao Qi's scheme was thwarted.
Many years have elapsed, yet Cui Zhongcheng appears largely unchanged, seemingly untouched by the passage of time, presenting as an ideal human devoid of any emotional "imperfections."
Cui Zhongcheng might offer a smile, perhaps even shed a tear.
But within Gu Shen's perception, these emotional displays seemed merely superficial.
Mr. Xiao Cui had never truly exhibited genuine joy, sorrow, or anger.
A person not depleted by emotional fluctuations would, by definition, remain unaltered.
The trio proceeded into the Frost Iron Mountain Disaster Zone.
"I shall officially record the '[Frost Iron Mountain Disaster Zone]' in the Grand Judge's logbook," Gu Shen stated calmly. "There are indications of a Forbidden entity's actions within this disaster zone... but I am not at liberty to disclose their identity."
"A Forbidden entity?" Cui Zhongcheng's tone remained level as he replied blandly, "Rest assured, I harbor no interest in matters that do not concern me."
Regarding the Frost Iron Mountain incident, compiling the report proved uncomplicated.
Gu Shen now holds the esteemed position of Grand Judge for the East Province!
Given his authority, uncovering significant disaster zones or perilous occurrences is hardly surprising, and there's no need for him to elaborate to others on how the "Frost Iron Mountain" was located.
Summoning Cui Zhongcheng was merely a procedural step.
"A substantial number of Life Chambers are situated here."
Gu Shen escorted Cui Zhongcheng into the bronze hall and stated deliberately, "What I require Huazhi to accomplish now is... to relocate these chambers to the organization's subterranean facilities."
Rumble.
The imposing, hallowed great hall creaked open.
Cui Zhongcheng silently witnessed the absolutely awe-inspiring scene unfolding before him.
By this point, the Netherworld Fire that had resided within Frost Iron Mountain had already been neutralized by Gu Shen.
This particular wisp of Netherworld Fire was bestowed upon Mu Wanqiu by Gu Shen, who then unhesitatingly proceeded to completely absorb it.
